Originally Posted by paytonc

Choose the aloft only if it's in your price range, if you don't mind staying way out by the airport (ugh), or if you're super-curious about the new brand. However, keep your expectations in line: the two brands are intended to compete in very different market segments -- hence a stay on 1 July costs $299 at the W, $139 at aloft. For $139, can you really expect something to be all that special?

BTW, Smith Travel Research classifies Starwood brands into these hotel market segments:
* Luxury [Luxury Collection, St. Regis, W]
* Upper Upscale Chains [Le Meridien, Sheraton, Westin]
* Upscale Chains [aloft, element, Four Points]
Other "upscale chain" offerings include Courtyard, Hilton Garden Inn, Crowne Plaza, Hyatt Summerfield Suites, Radisson, Residence Inn, and Wyndham.

Starwood has no presence in the lower tiers:
* Midscale Chains with F & B (Food & Beverage) [e.g., Holiday Inn]
* Midscale Chains without F & B (Food & Beverage) [e.g., Hampton Inn]
* Economy Chains [e.g., Red Roof Inn]
* Independents