Harlem has long been one of New York City’s most iconic neighbourhoods, and now its latest revival includes the opening of its first new major hotel in more than 40 years, the Aloft Harlem. With properties already open across North America and Europe, the Aloft brand is the trendy boutique branch of the Starwood chain, with more than 20 hotels opening world-wide over the next few years, including several in China and India.

The Aloft Harlem opened October 2010 with 124 loft-style guest rooms on Frederick Douglass Boulevard, just steps away from the famous Apollo Theater and Columbia University.

The idea behind Aloft Harlem is to deliver all the modern and cosmopolitan charm of its surroundings, at an affordable price.  With rooms ranging in cost from $240 USD per night to $300 per night, the hotel is much less expensive than its neighbours in Midtown or Lower Manhattan.

The style is young, urban and hip, with rooms offering 42-inch flat screen LCD TVs, and the Starwood trademark “rest and relaxation beds”.  Bathrooms feature oversized showers, and are stocked with Bliss spa products. Aloft Harlem also offers plug & play connectivity stations in every room, and free hotel-wide WiFi service.

Guest can refuel at re:fuel, a 24-hour food and beverage pantry offering fresh sandwiches, salads, coffee and snacks.   For a night of music, the re:mix lounge provides the chance to meet and mingle, while the w xyzSM bar offers live performances by up and coming artists and DJs.

The real star attraction of Aloft Harlem however is the neighbourhood.  Harlem is a culturally rich and historic area, and Aloft’s address provides easy access for exploring the highlights of Harlem’s latest revival.

Visit the dozens of landmark churches, or brush up on the history of blues and jazz, or hop on the subway south to the explore the rest of the island of Manhattan.  The Aloft Hotel in Harlem offers comfort and style in a vital New York neighbourhood, all at an affordable price.