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!
Review Source: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.
Had some "festive" crazy old friends in town and we had in mind a lounge where we could actually "lounge"--XYZ was that and so much more. Â Not a huge bar/lounge by any means, but it's got a colorful "industrial chic" decor loaded with gobs stylish and COMFY furniture. Â We took full advantage and created our own living room. The digital fireplace was the perfect touch (especially on a blazing summer night) as were the bowls of almonds and wasabi treats. Â Our bartender "Purple" was as friendly as your favorite sister--the lovely one who is intent on your comfort and perfectly mixed drinks--come to think of it, every staff member was warm and friendly. Music was upbeat and loud enough to enjoy without drowning out the conversation with your entourage. Â More great lounging options on the outside patio too. Prices are reasonable given the upscale "accommodations". Â Much enjoyed--XYZ is not your average hotel bar. Â Thank you W/Aloft for a PERFECT evening.
Review Source:This had to be the MOST brightly lit lounge I've ever been too. I mean every single light was on in the place. I thought at first it was because it was early but I left around midnight, and it was still that way!
Aside from that, the drinks were pretty good. An amaretto sour was $12. Â A bit pricey, but it tasted good. Â It was a little hard to access the bar since people were sitting and eating there. Â I sure wouldn't want someone breathing down my neck while I'm eating. Â We had to wait about 10 minutes to place our drink orders because of that. Â Â
The music was on point. Â There was a live dj and he played a good mix. Â The pool table was occupied most of the night. Â But I thought it was cool that it was available for people to use if they really wanted to. Â The lounge also had computer access for people staying at the hotel. Â The bathrooms were clean. Â
All in all it was ok. Not sure I would run back.
did not get a chance to really experience any food or drinks here but just walked in to see what it was like and the bartenders were extremely friendly. we had plans to go somewhere else so had limited time but this is definitely a place where poeple make you feel home and it was really nice inside. i would definitley come back here.
Review Source:Here is my thing. Â I really want to give this place a higher star rating because the staff is so friendly and they really make me want to come back here.
My GF and I live in an apartment super close to this hotel so both of our parents on separate occasions have stayed in this hotel and really loved their experience. Â I can't review the hotel since I've only been in the room for like 15 minutes, but it seemed comfortable and nice.
The reason I cannot give this place a higher star rating is because both myself and my GF were quite disappointed by our mixed drinks. Â It could have been the particular drinks we ordered or the bartender, but we just didn't enjoy them.
I will come back and try this place again because it seems like a really chill place (they have pool, comfy couches, etc). Â I enjoyed getting drinks and socializing here. Â Next time, I try a different cocktail that will tickle my fancy.
I just hosted a fundraiser here for Housing Works and it went phenomenally! The staff, especially the events coordinator - Babene, were all so helpful, professional, and great to work with!
Now on to the lounge review: I've been here a few times, as I live in the neighborhood. When you want midtown flair, minus trekking downtown, then head on over to WXYZ lol.
Monday through Thursday are the best and probably the only nights I would come here, as the crowd sometimes shifts on the weekends. I'll let you read between the lines lol. They have your typical bar bites, an awesome signature cocktail list, and it's a place for locals to meet and chat about all the fabulous, interesting things going on in our lives. It's sleek and has an engaging decor.
I also like that the lounge area has large coffee books on the history of Harlem. Fun to page through while waiting for friends. Enjoy!
I was highly impressed by this hotel bar/lounge.
Decided to come here after Red Rooster was too packed to enjoy. So happy we didn't stay there since WXYZ bar was a pleasant experience.
The decor is modern, relaxed, yet colorful and vivacious.
Was happy to hear they had drink specials-on a Friday night WITH top shelf boos! Score! Cocktails were perfectly mixed and the bartender was so friendly and nice. The place was not crowded, which made it easy to snag a seat and chit chat.
I will def be back .
Harlem's a tough place to get a drink at 4pm on a weekday. I know this may lead you to ask a lot of questions, but ignoring them momentarily, you won't find a much more inviting place. They don't open until 5, but were more than happy to pour some early beers and wines for my group. Not only is the vibe welcoming and spacious, with numerous chairs and a pool table that doesn't require change to play, but the staff takes your name and provides separate checks without asking.
What could be better? Well, just wait until the check comes. Drinks are frighteningly expensive. Hotel bars are notorious for expensive drinks, but $10 for a Guiness draft would be considered highway robbery in a high-end strip club.
This review is for the service and the actual space. I was here for a speaker panel hosted by Fast Company on revitalizing the arts in Harlem. The event had open bar which included a red, white, and a tequila cocktail. Being a set list of choices, I can't review the menu, however, I can say that the red (pinot noir) and the tequila cocktail were both tasty. The bartenders were very friendly, attentive and sweet. The space itself is a little small but it's laid out very nicely. There are comfortable couches and ottomans by the bar. I believe the hors d'oeuvres served were from the hotel's kitchen and they were pretty scrumptious.
The complimentary wasabi peanuts at the bar are DELICIOUS. I was first attracted by their lime green color. At first I thought they were some sort of candy but to my delight, I felt the zing of the wasabi go straight thru my nose. Man, I was so tempted to eat all of them. I think I almost did.
Based on my experience here, I bet the rest of their drink menu is great! I'd definitely recommend this place.
We went here for a friend's birthday. It was the ending to a fun-filled night even though we had received some super crappy service from a different establishment. We entered and were a  bit disappointed that it was so damn bright! That is the only reason this place lost a star. We commented several times that "This place would be awesome if they would dim the lights!" It doesnt have to be super dark but I dont need to see every pore on everyone's face.
Anyways, the door was opened and held for us to enter. One point in their favor. We entered and there was great old school R&B music playing so we immediately wanted to dance. Another plus. A waitress greeted us as soon as we started up the stairs. Another HUGE plus! Shortly after she returned with menus AND told us about the drink specials! SCORE!! Im a hospitality professional so I appreciate good service from the bottom of my soul. This place had exceptional service. We ended up sitting at the bar and chatting with a very knowledgeable (and patient) bartendress. She offered several tastings to my friend who had NO idea what wine she wanted to drink and happy poured her tequila after all else failed. She was even nice enough to alert us that one of the liquors we ordered was NOT on the list of specials for the night. The crowd was diverse and not loud or boisterous. It was definitely a grown up vibe. There was a point when the DJ decided to play music just for himself (some hiphop/rap foolery) but after we expressed a distaste to the bartendress it slowly changed to something a bit more mature. During the transition we watched their bounty of lovely TVs. We danced and drank and had a nice time in a mature atmosphere. We even got in a quick game of pool. The staff was funny, helpful, knowledgeable, and attentive but not cloying. We were even offered cupcakes at the end of the night!!!
A great time was had!
This place is exquisite, in a class by itself. Beautiful furniture, awesome bar, pool table, and nice and cool. The drinks are delicious and once you've had one, try and stay off the sofas because you will be tempted to fall asleep, they are so comfortable. Try the Wasabi nuts. The are hot, but a little spice in life is needed from time to time.
Review Source:This  is a few months old but better late than never. My friends surprised me with a birthday toast (back in January). It was my 1st time experiencing WXYZ and I just remember the drinks being tasty and the customer service being on point! A few months later, I had family visiting from out of town & they stayed at aLoft. Again, excellent service and the bar was buzzing. They have lots of TV's so it's great to hang out to watch sports. It's also a cute date spot with their pool table in the back. All in all, love the bar and definitely plan to return.
Review Source:I really can't get over how lovely my evening spent at the W Aloft's XYZ bar was. We lounged on massive cushioned furniture, sipping a delicious mojito (add muddled watermelon, very light on the sugar please), chatting with friendly staff and patrons, then played a relaxed game of pool to top off the night. When I first toured this space while it was under construction, I couldn't imagine how the bar, very much a part of the open lobby layout, would be anything but a rest stop for hotel guests on their way to their rooms. In actuality, the relaxed but clean and classy vibe permeates the whole space, and continues out onto the awesome patio area out front. It's a great spot to ferry a date to at the end of the night, or before hopping on the train or catching a movie across the street. It's a great spot to go to with friends and feel a bit like you are living in the Real World Vegas house, even if just for an hour or two. Overall, I couldn't think of a reason to not give 5 stars. Even the expensive drinks were delicious enough to warrant the cost, and they have different drink specials daily to help with the sting to your wallet. Overall, the WXYZ bar is a fantastic addition to my Harlem!
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