### Arlo Hotels Expands DEI Initiatives Amid Corporate Retreat
**Arlo Hotels** President **Jimmy Suh** is strengthening the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, even as many U.S. corporations are scaling back such efforts in response to political and economic pressures.
“It would be foolish for any hospitality company to move away from DEI initiatives when our core mission is to serve people from all backgrounds,” Suh said. “For me, DEI has always been an essential part of building a great hospitality company.”
At a time when many businesses are distancing themselves from DEI terminology, Suh’s commitment stands out. Following his promotion to president in November 2024, he has been working closely with the company’s human resources team to enhance Arlo’s workplace culture and diversity efforts.
“I have no intention of changing our DEI-driven culture, which has been a key factor in our success,” he said.
### A Competitive Advantage in Hospitality
Suh believes Arlo’s DEI policies give the company an edge in attracting and retaining talent. The hotel chain boasts a significantly lower turnover rate—25% to 30% below the industry average—helping it maintain a strong workforce in a competitive labor market.
Arlo’s private ownership structure also allows it to make strategic decisions without external shareholder pressures. “Being privately owned is a blessing in disguise,” Suh said. “It gives us the flexibility to continue evolving and investing in our people.”
While DEI has become a politically charged topic, Suh insists that Arlo’s commitment is not a reaction to current events but rather a long-standing part of the company’s identity.
### Expanding the Arlo Brand
Since launching in 2016 with two New York properties—Arlo SoHo and Arlo NoMad—the boutique hotel brand has expanded across the East Coast and Midwest. Today, Arlo operates seven hotels: four in New York City and one each in Washington, D.C., Miami, and Chicago.
Arlo’s lifestyle-focused properties cater to travelers seeking stylish, experience-driven accommodations while also fostering connections with the surrounding communities.
The company actively engages with local culture through events such as **RuPaul’s Drag Race** viewing parties at Arlo Williamsburg and sponsorship of **NYC Pride**. In Miami, Arlo Wynwood hosts **Stamped**, a rooftop event series celebrating African music and culture. Additionally, Arlo’s **Living Room Gallery** program showcases artwork from underrepresented artists in spaces adjacent to hotel lobbies.
These initiatives have contributed to a nearly 30% increase in Arlo’s social media following in 2024. “We’ve even had a couple of babies named Arlo in recent years,” Suh noted. “That tells me we’re doing something right.”
### DEI at the Core of Arlo’s Culture
Arlo continues to expand its DEI training programs, recently introducing gender identity training alongside its anti-racism and equity policies. The company has also grown its DEI committee to include more voices from across its properties.
Suh, a hospitality industry veteran with previous leadership roles at The Standard Hotels and booking app One Night, sees Arlo’s DEI commitment as a defining feature of the brand.
“I’ve never worked with a hotel company that has embraced DEI to this extent,” he said. “I’m proud to be part of this evolution.”
“This isn’t just a trend for us—it’s in our DNA.”
Source: skift.com