Originally Posted by
UA-NYC
With Starwood, Aloft is the "kid sibling" (lower priced / limited service but same vibe) to W, and Element is the kid sibling of Westin.
Is the same relationship RI:FFI and SHS:TPS (as in better version:budget version of same concept)?
While Starwood bills Aloft and Element as "kid siblings" of W and Westin, I find those to be generally disappointing and very bare bone.
On the other hand, I've had some really good experiences with newer Marriott's SHS, CY, RI. There's brand standard in terms of what each hotel room provides, but in terms of niceness, the only thing that's consistent is that newer properties are nicer than old converts, regardless of the actual brands.