Arlo SoHo

Arlo SoHo sits on Hudson Street on the western edge of SoHo, in the area known as Hudson Square, and it makes a convenient base for exploring SoHo, Tribeca and the West Village on foot. The hotel opened about ten years ago and has become a popular mid-range choice for travellers who want a stylish, sociable place to sleep without paying luxury prices.

Rooms are compact and cleverly designed in the modern New York way, making the most of limited floor space. The range includes King, Queen and Twin rooms, Bunk rooms that suit friends travelling together or families with older children, and suites for anyone who wants more space.

Much of the appeal is in the shared spaces. The Courtyard is a pleasant spot for drinks in warmer months, and the rooftop bar, ART SoHo, serves cocktails with views across downtown. Foxtail and Lindens provide places to eat and drink, and the SoHo Bodega in the lobby sells snacks, coffee and essentials. The atmosphere is relaxed and youthful, with a steady mix of guests, locals and people working on laptops.

The hotel suits solo travellers, couples and friends who will spend most of the day out and want somewhere characterful to come back to. Rates are moderate for Manhattan, though they rise at weekends and in peak seasons, and booking directly on the hotel's website often brings offers. Light sleepers should note that the rooftop and courtyard can be lively in summer evenings. Space is limited in the smaller rooms, so pack light if you can, and use the shared spaces for working or relaxing rather than staying in your room.

The address is 231 Hudson Street, at the corner of Canal Street. The Canal Street station on the 1 line is a couple of minutes' walk away, with the A, C and E at Canal Street a little further east. SoHo's shops and galleries start a few blocks east, Tribeca's restaurants are just south, and the Hudson River Park waterfront is a short walk west. The Holland Tunnel entrance is close by, which makes airport transfers by car straightforward.