W XYZ Bar

I loved the Space here! You definitely pay an extra $3/4 for the ambiance and it is well worth it! Karim is fantastic and can make you any type of drink you want based on your personality and feelings...I love a good bartender. Even the Manager Babene is friendly and makes her way through the crowds to make sure everyone is having a good time. It's important to keep in mind that the lounge is also in the Hotel Lobby so it can't be completely dark nor too loud -people have to check Guests in. There's a pool table in the lounge for FREE and the seating is colorful and comfortable. I'll definitely be back soon!

Am I missing something? I showed up on a Friday night at about 9:30 for a few quick drinks and there were maybe 6 other people there, and all of the lights and TVs were still on. I left about an hour or so later and the lights were still on, and I don't remember having heard a DJ...just background music.

We hung out in the bar area, but it felt more like a really nice airport lounge than a hotel bar/lounge. It was just too empty and bright, which could have been due to the time we showed up. There was a "private" bridal party setting up in the area by the pool table so maybe that's why I didn't get the full experience of the entire space...

But I gave it four stars because the place was clean and modern, the bartender was super attentive, the drinks were strong, and we sat peacefully at the bar and enjoyed our drinks and food without any creepers standing over us. The drinks were pricey, but nothing is unexpected in Manhattan.

I would probably come back in the spring when it's later to see how the crowd and ambiance turn out, and hope that the lights go down a bit this time...

The last time I tried to come here it was absolutely dead. I don't mean quiet, it was a ghost town. And I came on a Saturday night around 11 so its hard for me to believe I was too early or too late for the party or that I came on the wrong day. The bar did look nice from the outside, colorful and spacious, but I don't go out with the intention of drinking alone.

I want to like this place because there are so few places in Harlem that I can trust for a fun night out, but I was disappointed when I came here. Apparently people have had fun here in the past, but until I see a positive review that has happened within the past few months I won't consider going back. Aloft needs to step their game up.