(Photo credit: www.expedia.com)

Since I had such a fabulous experience at the Aloft Bangkok, I thought it was time to try an Aloft hotel in my own country to see if it would meet my expectations as the hip, clean, affordable spot always in a fun location.

The Aloft pronounced “AhhLoft” is not only a loft style hotel, but they are suppose to keep you aloft in affordability as well as the best and hippest spots in town.

We stayed in a 285-square-foot space loft inspired King Room at the Aloft Brooklyn in New York, which was exactly the same style as the hotel we stayed in Bangkok, except this one was 1/10 of the size.

The room was clean, modern, and exactly what you would expect for what is considered a lower level W hotel. I was thrilled they were able to check me in at 6 AM to sleep for a few hours after my red eye flight. However, rooms start at $249, which I think is rather steep, especially for this part of New York – Brooklyn Heights. This area is still culturally relevant, and hasn’t been obliterated by the status quo. However, we didn’t necessarily feel safe outside the hotel.

The good thing about staying here is the hotel is convenient to most subways, about a block and a half. The bad thing is we had a very difficult time getting a taxi to get to my stepbrother’s wedding on time because the hotel would not hail us a taxi. I find this extremely odd since they could get us an expensive car service. Our other major dilemma was that every taxi cab experience we had was with a driver that had no knowledge of how to get anywhere in Brooklyn, so every time we had to tell them where to go or pull it up on our own phone maps.

Helpful room amenities include:

Photo credit: www.tnetnoc.com
  • Signature platform bed with plush bedding – very comfortable!
  • Oversized walk-in shower with Bliss® Spa amenities
  • Plug & play connectivity stations
  • Ergonomic workspaces

Other highlights of this hotel include a rooftop bar where you can mix, mingle and chill in style on the Brooklyn Terrace while gazing at stunning views of Brooklyn, the Statue of Liberty, Verrazano Bridge and the East River.

Brooklyn Terrace with 3,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor lounge space is the perfect spot for a drink before a Barclays Center event, a Metrotech after work cocktail or late night fun. Deejays and drink specials are trying to take this part of New York to a new level. As you walk in, you can even sidle up to the w xyz(SM) bar for some drinks too.

If drinking isn’t your thing, head for a workout at re:charge(SM) fitness center. Slip in at any hour thanks to easy keycard entry 24 hours a day to squeeze in those AM ab crunches or that PM power walk. Their full cardio collection includes: stationary bikes, treadmills, stairclimbers, and elliptical machines from Life Fitness. A stretching zone with mats gives yogis space to limber up or fire up your muscles with strength machines and free weights. Make your way out to the backyard for some fresh air or jump in to the adjoining pool for a quick splash.

Photo credit: www.aperfectsettingevents.com

As you walk in, re:fuel by Aloft is on the left where you can enjoy a quick self-serve snack. Catch up with friends, or catch the big game on the four-panel LCD TV screening wall in the chill lounge lobby. Bring your laptop and get some work done (or just surf) because the Wi-Fi is always free!

If you can handle culturally authentic old school Brooklyn, this Aloft is a short walk or cab from the Brooklyn waterfront promenade, Grimaldi’s famous pizza under the Brooklyn Bridge, and DUMBO.

You can also hop the subway to Coney Island and the Brooklyn Aquarium  If Aloft Brooklyn wants to compete with other affordable hotels nearby and Air B&B, I would think they would need to consider lowering their starting $249 a night room rate.

Try one of the many AlOFT hotels popping up in your next city adventure!

ALOFT DEALS:

Now through December 31, 2012, for every day you pay the regular rate, the next night is 40% off.

Save up to 25% when you book your Aloft Hotels stay 3 to 21 days in advance (varies by hotel) by December 31, 2012.

Also, stock up on Star Points by getting the free Starwood card and earn free hotel nights on numerous hotels.

2 Comments On "Aloft Brooklyn Hotel, a Vision of W Hotels"
  1. Perry A.|

    Pure luxury. I like!

  2. Paul|

    I’ve stayed at the aloft brooklyn hotel quite a few times, great hotel and staff. as I remember the new lobby should be completed, was under renovation when I was there.

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