Famed New York neighbourhood Harlem is set to get its first major hotel in over 40 years, with Starwood Hotels to open a boutique Aloft property in November.

Harlem – located in the borough of Manhattan – has been a major African-American residential, cultural, and business centre since the early 1920s. However, since the closure of the famed Theresa Hotel in 1967 the area has been bereft of a major tourism focal point.

While the neighbourhood remains a must-see for many visitors to the city – with the Apollo Theatre and St Martin’s Episcopal Church at Malcolm X Boulevard firmly established on the tourist trail - tourism industry insiders are confident the development will give the area a major boost.

“Instead of just going up to visit Harlem, you can stay in Harlem,” said George Fertitta, head of NYC & Company, the city’s tourism and marketing agency.

The Aloft is one of over 100 new hotels to open in New York City since 2007.

A number of other hotel projects planned for Harlem were abandoned or delayed by the recession.

Fertitta acknowledged the opening of Harlem’s first hotel in over 40 years has been a long time coming.

“The interest in Harlem from tourists on a global basis is extraordinary. It’s one of the top spots in New York City that people want to see.”

Aloft

Aloft Harlem is a bold new hotel featuring loft-inspired design in uptown NYC’s most happening neighbourhood.

Surrounded by urban energy, the property is also just steps from Columbia University, and the 125th Street subway station.