
Arlo Midtown
Best for travelers who want a lively, modern Midtown base near Times Square, with rooftop drinks and 24/7 fitness included via the Urban Fee.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Arlo Midtown is a newer, social-focused 4-star hotel in Manhattan’s Garment District with compact modern rooms, a seasonal rooftop bar and a 24/7 fitness studio. JW Marriott Essex House New York is a larger, upscale Central Park South landmark from Marriott’s luxury portfolio — read this if you’re choosing between a younger, buzzy Midtown stay and a classic, park-front upscale hotel.
Updated · about 1.1 miles (≈1.8 km) apart

Best for travelers who want a lively, modern Midtown base near Times Square, with rooftop drinks and 24/7 fitness included via the Urban Fee.

Best for visitors who want a classic, upscale Central Park South address with full-service concierge, larger meeting capacity and on-site spa services.
When Arlo Midtown wins: pick Arlo if you prioritize a younger, social atmosphere, a seasonal rooftop bar, included in-room Wi‑Fi via a nightly Urban Fee and easy walking access to Penn Station, Times Square and Javits Center.
When JW Marriott Essex House New York wins: choose Essex House for a Central Park South location, larger rooms and meeting facilities, an on-site spa program and the cachet of Marriott’s upscale brand for business or more traditional luxury stays.
Bottom line: Arlo Midtown is a modern, event- and social-focused Midtown option for city-first itineraries; JW Marriott Essex House New York is the better choice for a classic Central Park address and full-service upscale comforts.
| Category | Arlo Midtown | JW Marriott Essex House New York |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Younger, social-minded Midtown hotel with rooftop programming | Large, upscale Central Park South hotel with traditional luxury service |
| Location | 351 West 38th Street — Garment District / near Times Square, Penn Station and Javits Center | 160 Central Park S — directly on Central Park South and steps from Columbus Circle |
| Size (rooms) | 489 rooms | 528 rooms |
| Age / style | Newer (built/renovated 2021), modern design | Historic Art Deco Central Park South hotel (landmark-style) — Not published |
| Pools | No | Not published |
| Restaurants & bars | Altair (New American), The Bar Room at Altair, Café at Altair, seasonal ART Midtown rooftop | Bourbon Steak New York (steakhouse), room service (limited hours), bar/lounge |
| Spa / wellness | No standalone spa; 24-hour fitness and wellness studio plus wellness partnerships | Spa services on site (massages, body treatments, facials) |
| Meetings & events | Multiple small-to-mid event spaces (total ~3,026 sq ft) and rooftop for private events | 14 meeting rooms and about 1,480 sq ft of conference space |
| Accessibility & family policy | Family friendly; check-in minimum age 21; pets allowed (fee) | All-ages property; wheelchair-accessible public areas and meeting spaces |
| Wi‑Fi & fees | In-room high-speed Wi‑Fi included via mandatory Urban Fee ($37+tax/night) | Complimentary wireless internet access noted in highlights; in-room wired/wireless internet may incur a fee |
Arlo Midtown sits on West 38th Street in the Garment District, within easy walking distance of Times Square, Penn Station and the Javits Center.
Choose Arlo for proximity to transit hubs, theaters and convention venues.
JW Marriott Essex House New York sits on Central Park South, steps from the park and minutes from Columbus Circle and Midtown attractions.
Pick Essex House for a Central Park‑front stay and easy access to Upper‑Midtown cultural sites.
Arlo Midtown offers compact, modern rooms and suites designed for city stays with a focus on efficient layouts.
Arlo’s rooms are newer and space‑efficient — good if you value modern amenities and location over large room footprints.
JW Marriott Essex House New York has a wide range of guest rooms and multiple park-view room and suite options.
Essex House is the choice if you want larger, traditionally appointed rooms and park views.
Arlo Midtown centers meals around Altair (New American) plus casual café and a seasonal rooftop bar.
Arlo is better for casual, contemporary dining and a seasonal rooftop scene.
JW Marriott Essex House New York offers a signature steakhouse (Bourbon Steak New York), bar/lounge seating and limited-hours room service.
Essex House fits travelers looking for a formal steakhouse and traditional full-service hotel dining.
Arlo Midtown does not have a swimming pool; its rooftop and fitness programming are the primary signature features.
Arlo’s rooftop and fitness offerings replace a pool for guests who want social spaces and active options.
JW Marriott Essex House New York’s standout feature is its Central Park South location and on-site spa services.
Essex House delivers park access and spa options rather than rooftop social programming.
Arlo Midtown focuses on fitness and rooftop social programming more than formal spa offerings.
Choose Arlo if you want round-the-clock workouts and a casual rooftop nightlife vibe.
JW Marriott Essex House New York offers on-site spa services plus an indoor bar/lounge for evenings.
Essex House is better for travelers who want a traditional hotel spa and quieter, classic evening options.

Arlo Midtown — closer walk to Javits Center, Penn Station and convention venues with flexible on-site meeting spaces and a buzzy rooftop option.

JW Marriott Essex House New York — direct Central Park South location and park-view room options make it the pick for park access.

Arlo Midtown — Altair, The Bar Room and the seasonal ART Midtown rooftop create a social dining/drinks program.

JW Marriott Essex House New York — full-service concierge, banquet/meeting rooms and on-site spa services suit traditional luxury stays.
Arlo Midtown is closer to Times Square (about a 6–10 minute walk).
Arlo Midtown does not have a pool. The JW Marriott Essex House New York pool situation is not published in the supplier listing.
JW Marriott Essex House New York is directly on Central Park South and offers park‑view rooms; Arlo Midtown requires transit or a longer walk to reach the park.
Both hotels accept guests of all ages, but Arlo Midtown requires the person checking in to be 21 or older. JW Marriott Essex House New York is not adults-only.
Explore how Arlo Midtown stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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