Honestly, most people heading to DC for the first time make the same mistake. They book a massive, marble-heavy hotel near the White House and end up feeling like they’re sleeping in a museum. It’s stiff. It’s expensive. It’s kinda boring.
If you want a different vibe, you’ve gotta look at the Arlo Washington DC.
This place isn't just another cookie-cutter Marriott. It’s actually built into the Harrison, which is the oldest surviving apartment building in the District, dating back to 1888. They basically took this Romanesque Revival landmark and smashed it together with a sleek, 12-story modern addition. The result is a weirdly cool mix of exposed brick vaults and high-tech minimalist glass.
The Location is Actually a Low-Key Flex
Most tourists overlook Judiciary Square. They shouldn't. You’re at 333 G St NW, which puts you exactly four blocks from Union Station and a quick stroll from the Capital One Arena.
If you're in town for a game or a concert, you can literally walk back to your room while everyone else is fighting for an Uber. Plus, the National Mall is only about a 12-minute walk away. You’re close enough to the monuments to feel the "DC energy," but far enough away that you aren't surrounded by guys in neon vests selling overpriced water.
What the Rooms are Really Like
Okay, let’s be real: Arlo hotels aren't known for being palatial. They’re "efficient." That’s code for smaller than your average suburban Hilton. But they’re smart.
The design is handled by Meyer Davis—the same people who did the 1 Hotel South Beach—so the aesthetic is on point. You’ve got:
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- Dark walnut flooring.
- Custom grid lighting.
- Black-and-white penny tiles in the bathrooms (a nod to the 1880s).
- Built-in window seats that are surprisingly comfortable for people-watching.
If you book a room in the historic wing, you get the vaulted ceilings and the original brick. It feels like a Brooklyn loft. If you’re in the new wing, it’s all about the floor-to-ceiling windows. Some of the suites even have wrap-around terraces.
One thing that kinda bugs people? The storage. It’s tight. If you’re a "pack four suitcases for a weekend" type of traveler, you’re going to struggle. But if you're a minimalist, you'll love the tech-ready setup and the fact that there are actual steamers in the rooms instead of those clunky irons that ruin your shirts.
Chef Pepe Moncayo and the Spanish Vibes
The food situation here is legit. You’ve got Arrels, which is run by Chef Pepe Moncayo (the guy behind the Michelin-starred Cranes).
It’s not just "tapas." It’s Catalan-inspired, open-fire cooking. Think charcoal-grilled meats and paella that actually tastes like it came from Barcelona. They also have a ground-floor bar that does a killer gin and tonic—the Spanish way, with all the botanicals.
Then there’s ART DC.
That’s the rooftop. It’s got a seasonal pool, which is a massive plus because DC in July is basically a swamp. The rooftop serves Japanese-style handrolls and yakitori, also curated by Moncayo. It’s a bit of a scene, especially on weekends, but the views across Judiciary Square toward the monuments are hard to beat.
The "Urban Fee" and Other Realities
Let’s talk money. DC is expensive. The Arlo usually starts around $170 to $200 a night during the low season, but it can skyrocket if there’s a major convention or an inauguration happening.
And yeah, there’s an Urban Fee. It’s about $35 per night.
Is it annoying? Totally. But it covers things like the rooftop pool access, the fitness center (which has Pelotons), in-room Alo Yoga classes, and a 15% discount on food and drinks (except at the Bodega).
Parking is another thing to watch out for. The hotel offers self-parking for around $50 a night with in-and-out privileges. However, there’s a garage across the street that some travelers have found for $25. If you don't need your car every five minutes, save the cash and park across the street.
Is it Right For You?
If you want a 500-square-foot room and a lobby where everyone is wearing a suit and tie, go to the Willard. You’ll be happier there.
But if you want to stay in a piece of DC history that doesn't feel old, the Arlo Washington DC is the move. It’s for the person who wants a high-quality shower, a bed that feels like a cloud, and a rooftop bar where they can actually get a decent cocktail after a day of walking the Mall.
Pro-Tips for Your Stay:
- Check the Calendar: If there’s a massive show at the Capital One Arena, the lobby will be packed. Plan your check-in accordingly.
- Room Choice: Ask for a corner room. The extra light from the windows makes the "efficient" footprint feel way bigger.
- The Bodega: Don’t sleep on the lobby cafe. It’s great for a quick breakfast before hitting the museums, and the coffee is actually good.
- Age Limit: You must be 21 to check in here. Don't show up with a 20-year-old friend and expect them to let it slide; they’re pretty strict about it.
To get the most out of your trip, check the local event schedule at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center nearby. If a major event is in town, you'll want to book your table at Arrels at least a week in advance, as it draws a heavy local crowd that isn't even staying at the hotel.