Arlo Hotels President Jimmy Suh is expanding the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs at his 7-property hotel chain at a time when hundreds of U.S. companies are scrubbing such language from their annual reports.

“It would be rather foolish for any hospitality company to deviate away from the DEI initiatives when our very existence is to serve people from all walks of life, and we (can) only do so if we practice what we preach,” Suh said. “My understanding of DEI has always been … it’s part of the natural formula for having a great hospitality company.”

The stance represents a contrarian approach in the current corporate climate. Recent analysis has shown many major firms distancing themselves from DEI terminology amid political pressure and shifting priorities following the 2024 election.

Yet following his promotion to company president (from chief commercial officer) in November 2024, Suh is working with the boutique hotel brand’s human resources team to further invest in its company culture and diversity practices.

“I certainly have no plans to deviate from our DEI-driven culture, which has served the company very well,” he said.

He said the policy helps retain talent in a competitive labor marketplace. Arlo’s retention rate is superior to industry figures, and its turnover rate is 25% to 30% less than that of the rest of the industry. 

Arlo’s private ownership is a “blessing in disguise,” he added, as it allows flexibility to make these strategic decisions. “We continue to evolve and invest more resources.”

Suh was keen to emphasize that this focus on DEI isn’t a 2025 play or a political statement, even if it is more salient because of the current political climate. 

Since opening its first two properties, Arlo SoHo and Arlo NoMad, in New York in 2016, Arlo Hotels has expanded its footprint across the East Coast and into the Midwest of the United States. Today, it has a portfolio of seven hotels: four in New York City and one each in Washington D.C., Miami, and Chicago.

Arlo’s brand of lifestyle boutique hotels is positioned to attract travelers looking for stylish yet functional, experience-led accommodation. But, Suh points out, it’s also designed to bridge the gap with the communities in the vibrant, urban neighborhoods where its properties are located.

Community events are a particular focus, like its popular RuPaul Drag Race viewing parties at Arlo Williamsburg. The company is an official sponsor of NYC Pride, and this year, as with previous years, will partner with local pride alliances and associations to host their events. The rooftop pool at Arlo Wynwood in Miami is also the setting for Stamped, an event series championing African Music and Culture. Arlo’s so-called Living Room Gallery events showcase local art, often from underrepresented artists, on rotation in a space adjacent to hotel lobbies.

Such initiatives have seen its social media following grow by almost a third in 2024. “We’ve also had a couple of babies named after Arlo in the last couple of years, so we’re doing something right,” he said.

In Its DNA

The company also shows no sign of slowing down on new training and learning programs, such as the recent roll-out of gender identity training, alongside an anti-racism and equity policy and sexual harassment policy. The last year has also seen the growth of its DEI committee to incorporate more voices from its hotels. 

For Suh, a three-decade industry veteran who came to Arlo Hotels after five years as chief commercial officer at The Standard Hotels and a similar time as President and Founder of the booking app One Night, Arlo’s approach to DEI sets the company apart.

“I’ve never been associated with a hotel brand that has upped its DEI culture to the degree that Arlo has. I’m now proud to be part of the force and evolution.”

“This has always been in our DNA,” he said.

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