Finally Stayed at an Aloft and it "Worked"
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Washington, D.C.
Programs: Starwood Platinum, United Premier Executive
Posts: 281
Finally Stayed at an Aloft and it "Worked"
So I needed another stay for the summer free weekend promotion and the cheapest room was at Aloft Arundel Mills outside Baltimore. I've been wanting to try an Aloft, so it was a great opportunity.
I've wondered about the concept, but I think it "worked" in the sense that I think the concept makes sense. I like contemporary design, so I thought the room was pretty ingenious given the size. I liked the shower and the rest of the bathroom. The bed was very comfortable and the huge tv/free wifi was great. The lighting and colors were modern without being over-the-top.
I think the idea can extend beyond being a "trend." I don't like the location of the Arundel Mills hotel, but the place was busy (the Red Sox were playing Baltimore) and I could see staying at one on a business trip, which is most of my travel.
I've wondered about the concept, but I think it "worked" in the sense that I think the concept makes sense. I like contemporary design, so I thought the room was pretty ingenious given the size. I liked the shower and the rest of the bathroom. The bed was very comfortable and the huge tv/free wifi was great. The lighting and colors were modern without being over-the-top.
I think the idea can extend beyond being a "trend." I don't like the location of the Arundel Mills hotel, but the place was busy (the Red Sox were playing Baltimore) and I could see staying at one on a business trip, which is most of my travel.
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Washington, D.C.
Programs: Starwood Platinum, United Premier Executive
Posts: 281
#4
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 544
I agree that Aloft works for business travel and although I've only stayed in their king size bedded rooms, I wonder if it would work for the family with 2 little kids in tow. Modern, clean, simple. If by chance you are heading to Aloft Chicago O'hare any time in the future, be forewarned that it is $28 for parking.
I did stay at that particular element and I also liked the concept as it was much like an aloft but with a kitchen. There is breakfast provided in the morning with bagels, cereal and pastries. It worked well for the family. It was interesting to see the element and aloft built right next to each other there at Arundel Mills.
I did stay at that particular element and I also liked the concept as it was much like an aloft but with a kitchen. There is breakfast provided in the morning with bagels, cereal and pastries. It worked well for the family. It was interesting to see the element and aloft built right next to each other there at Arundel Mills.
#5
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Lexington, MA, is another dual location, but the hotels share only a parking lot (and maybe some food services, it seemed).
#6
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: Marriott Plat, SPG Plat, Priority Club Plat, Hyatt Diamond, Alaska MVP Gold 75K, National Executive
Posts: 50
I have stayed at two of the five Elements that are now open, Las Vegas and Houston. I must say that I really liked them both. Its very nice to go back to the hotel after work and have an environment that i can truly unwind in.
One major bonus with the Element is that they have a Wii in the lobby
One major bonus with the Element is that they have a Wii in the lobby
Last edited by chrismsummers; Aug 1, 2009 at 8:33 pm Reason: Correct the nunber of hotels
#7
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: BOS
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- Inadequate seating: there's noplace to sit and watch TV except in bed.
- Beds that aren't up to usual SPG standards (terrible foam pillows, and not enough of them)
- Limited closet/luggage space
The common areas of Aloft are quite nice but suit my leisure travel more -- I am much more likely to sit with friends and have a drink in the bar or swim when I'm on vacation.
I had really hoped that Aloft would be a good SPG alternative to hotels like HGI or Hyatt Place. Aloft is certainly more aesthetically appealing and has better common areas, but the rooms did not feel to me like they were in that class. It felt in many ways like corners were cut in the wrong places -- e.g., expensive bathroom fixtures but terrible bedding.
I hope SPG is refining the Aloft concept as they go along; it has the potential to be terrific but it's really only about 80% of the way there. (William, if you're reading this -- is there anyone at SPG to whom I should address more detailed constructive feedback?)
#8
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The only thing I didn't care for in the Alofts I've stayed at is the bed. Nice to look at but not very comfortable. IMHO. Everything else was pretty good.
#9
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
If you'd like to send some comments to those who do, I can't think of a better way to start than here:
Don't be Shy
Your opinions and ideas count to us. Let us know whats on your mind. Drop us an e-mail.
Tell Us > http://www.starwoodhotels.com/alofth...act/index.html
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
#10
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: BOS
Programs: Marriott LTG, HHonors Diamond, Nat'l Exec
Posts: 3,580
Thanks for the link.
#11
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Boston-Atlanta Metropolitan Axis
Posts: 208
I had my first stay in an aloft recently and I really liked it (although it was for one night, haven't tried to work out of one for a week or longer). The public area was very nice - had a trendy bar area like you would see at a W hotel albeit smaller and poorly attended. That's to be expected in the suburban areas where these hotels are going though.
I went in thinking of the comments others had made on this site comparing the rooms to university dormitories. I suppose I can see that a bit, there is something slightly industrial about them - I suppose that's what they were going for with the "loft" bit
For $89 a night I cannot complain at all about a baby W with free wifi and an in-room fridge. Did not use, but was surprised to see, a hairdryer and iron with full ironing board in the room. As others have mentioned, the bed was not in the same league as the Sheraton/Westin beds but was not uncomfortable. Did not like the analog alarm clock, I suppose someone wanted to add a retro touch but would have preferred something more usable. Also, I was briefly tempted to refill my 3 oz shampoo bottle from the dispenser in the shower!
I went in thinking of the comments others had made on this site comparing the rooms to university dormitories. I suppose I can see that a bit, there is something slightly industrial about them - I suppose that's what they were going for with the "loft" bit
For $89 a night I cannot complain at all about a baby W with free wifi and an in-room fridge. Did not use, but was surprised to see, a hairdryer and iron with full ironing board in the room. As others have mentioned, the bed was not in the same league as the Sheraton/Westin beds but was not uncomfortable. Did not like the analog alarm clock, I suppose someone wanted to add a retro touch but would have preferred something more usable. Also, I was briefly tempted to refill my 3 oz shampoo bottle from the dispenser in the shower!
#12
Join Date: Apr 2004
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