Holiday in Hunt Country

Take a scenic drive to the historic town of Middleburg this holiday season and enjoy Christmas shopping in hunt country. Less than 30 minutes from Aloft Dulles North, this charming town boasts of antique shops, French perfumeries and a Christmas store that is open all year round. Enjoy a leisurely lunch by the fireplace at the Red Fox Inn or indulge in a delectable crabcake sandwich at the Stagecoach Cafe. Middleburg also has an unique thing in common with the Aloft ... the stores are pet friendly! An afternoon of browsing and window shopping on quaint Washington Street can magically whisk you back in time.

Middleburg also boasts of several wineries and wine tours are available seasonally. At Aloft Dulles, we partner with several of the local wineries to arrange a guided tour complete with limousine service and a picnic basket. When planning your next weekend destination, visit the beauty of hunt country and get acquainted with the historic town of Middleburg.

Mimi Bryce
Director of Sales

SHAKIRAMANIA!!!

SONY Presents SHAKIRAMANIA!

A listening party for Shakira's new album "She Wolf". Join us at the W xyz Bar and be the first to hear Shakira's new album, "She Wolf"

November 21, 2009 at 7:00PM

Admission is free and must be 21 or older.

Music, Videos, Food, Drinks and Fun!!!

See you @ the W xyz BAR!!!

irssy gearhart
Sales Assistant

Rajeev Subramanian- Aloft Friend and Neighbor featured in The Washington Post

This past weekend, our friend Rajeev from Verizon Business was featured on the front page of the Metro section in the Washington Post along with his business partner and housemate Kunal Shah.

The article boasts Loudoun County as a magnet for the young and wealthy. A recent Nielsen study showed that the county boasts the nation's highest concentration of residents 25 to 34 with salaries of $100,000 or more -- about 10 percent of the population vs. 2 percent nationally -- with Arlington County a close second. Nielsen estimates that 15 of the top 50 counties with a high concentration of young, high-income earners are Washington area communities. About 53 percent of Loudoun's young, affluent population, can afford to buy luxury cars or frequent upscale shopping malls such as Dulles Town Center and Tysons Galleria. The BMW dealership in Sterling has turned to marketing through social media such as Facebook and Twitter to attract younger clientele. The same crowd has turned Saturday afternoons at the county's many wineries into " 'Sex and the City' in the vineyards," as one onlooker described it, with young wine-tasters dressed to the nines lolling on blankets on the lawn. (I believe it was our friend Swati Patel from Verizon that made that comment.) Loudoun's singles work at the county's largest employers, such as America Online or Verizon Business.

We would like to thank our Verizon friends who were here at Aloft the night the story writer was here to interview people and gather information for this story. Aloft Dulles North Hotel is happy to have friends who are the young and affluent of Loudoun County!

To read this story, go to:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/06/AR2009110604170_2.html?sid=ST2009110604211


Jenn Ferrer
“Aloft’s Happy Hour Hostess with the Mostess”

Bollywood Bhangra Dance Party!!!

W xyz Lounge presents

Bollywood Bhangra Dance Party

Where: W xyz Bar at Aloft Dulles Airport North

When: November 20, 2009

Time: 9pm-2am

Cost: $7 (If your 21+, must provide ID)

Who: DJ Prashant, on the turntables

Dance Workshop begins at 9pm, Dance Party from 10pm-2am.

This is a ONE night event of a fantastic NEW dance session in the U.S. today! Come learn Bhangra moves and show your friends what you got.

irssy gearhart

Sales Assistant

Aloft Playlist Now on Pandora Internet Radio

When was the last time you fell in love with a new artist or song? Those of you who have visited our Wxyz Lounge may be very familiar with our Aloft signature playlist. This collection of hip, contemporary music is now available on Pandora Internet Radio. This radio station is free to the public and is the latest trend among music lovers everywhere. Many fans of the Wxyz have often asked where they can get a copy of the Aloft signature CD. Due to popular demand, the CDs are currently not available at some of the Aloft Hotels but the songs can still be enjoyed on Pandora.

Pandora says they have a single mission: To play only music you'll love. To understand just how they do this, and why they think they do it really, really well, they would like you to know about the Music Genome Project®. Since their launch back in 2000, it's apparently the most comprehensive analysis of music ever undertaken. Their team of fifty musician-analysts has been listening to music, one song at a time, studying and collecting literally hundreds of musical details on every song. It takes 20-30 minutes per song to capture all of the little details that give each recording its magical sound - melody, harmony, instrumentation, rhythm, vocals, lyrics ... and more - close to 400 attributes! Pandora apparently continues this work every day to keep up with the incredible flow of great new music coming from studios, stadiums, garages around the country ... and now, from the trendy hotel brand "Aloft".

With Pandora you can explore this vast trove of music to your heart's content and Aloft is excited that the our playlist has been selected for this exclusive radio station. So just sit back and enjoy a listening experience full of current and soon-to-be favorite songs from our signature collection. The Music Genome Project was founded by musicians and music-lovers who believe in the value of music and those who create it. We at Aloft also hope you enjoy the experience!

Mimi Bryce

Director of Sales

Toys for Tots

Aloft Dulles Airport North is a proud sponsor for Toys for Tots. The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. The Foundation has supported Toys for Tots since 1991. We are collecting toys at our property starting October 29th, 2009 until December 19th, 2009. Please open your heart during the holiday seasons and think about the smile you can put on a childs face with just one toy. If you prefer to contribute money in lieu of a toy, we ask that a check be made out to “Toys for Tots Foundation.” Loudoun and Western Fairfax county local campaign collected over 25,000 toys and served 9,100 children within the local area in 2008. Let's put more smiles on childrens faces this year.

irssy gearhart

Sales Assistant

Air & SCARE!!

Air & Scare - Saturday, October 24, 2009

With more than 20 activity stations and candy stations, Air & Scare has something for everyone in the family. For the youngest visitors, there will be story times, face painting and hands-on activities. Older kids will enjoy simulator rides and seeing the Lockheed Martin SR-71 “Blackbird” that plays a key role in the current Transformers film.
Here is a sneak-peek at what is in storefor you at the fifth annual Air & Scare:

Trick-or-Treating Arrive in costume for safe indoor trick-or-treating. Free candy will be distributed at treat stations throughout the building.

Costume Parade Participate in a Costume Parade at 2:30 p.m.

Trick-or-Truth Information Stations Learn the secrets behind the artifacts at Trick-or-Truth information stations. Was there really an Area 51? Is it true there is an alien ship in the Museum’s collection? Why would someone fly a plane with a lion in the backseat? Learn the answers to these and many more haunting questions.

Discovery Stations Take part in spooky science experiments at Halloween-themed Discovery Stations.

Spook-tivity Stations Participate in creepy crafts and hands-on activities.

Out of Orbit Puppet Shows Enjoy a space age adventure with Beale Street Puppets’ Musical Milky-Way Marionettes! Shows will be offered at 3:30 PM, 4:30 PM and 6:30 PM. Duration: 35 minutes.

Teen and Tween Zone Check out the Teen and Tween Zone, featuring simulation games, robotics demonstrations, and temporary tattoos.

Tot Zone The youngest visitors will enjoy the Tot Zone, where they can play dress up at the Costume Corner and participate in story time.

Star Wars Characters Take a photo with your favorite Star Wars characters.

Face Painting Stop by the face painting station to add some flair to your costume.

Door Prizes Complete a survey for a chance to win one of many exciting door prizes. Glow bracelets will be given to participants as a thank you gift.

Feature Film See Where The Wild Things Are: The IMAX Experience,based upon Maurice Sendak's classic book. (2009, 101 minutes, Rated PG) Showtimes: 9:30 AM, 5:45 PM, and 8:30 PM Purchase Tickets in advance.
Also Showing in the Airbus IMAX Theater:To Fly! and Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag. View showtimes Purchase tickets in advance

FREE Cartoon showings! Watch an episode from the Transformers animated series (Season 1, Episode 10, “War of the Dinobots”) in the Airbus IMAX Theater. Free tickets will be distributed on a first come first serve basis at the lower level IMAX Theater lobby on the day of the event only. All other showings are normal paid showings. Showtime: 3:30 - Ticket Distribution Time: 2:00 Showtime: 5:00 - Ticket Distribution Time: 4:00 Showtime: 7:45 - Ticket Distribution Time: 7:00

And much more!

irssy gearhart

Sales Assistant

Complimentary Tasting at the aloft Dulles North !

Thinking of what to do tomorrow night? We got the solution for you, come to the aloft dulles north and join us for complimentary liquor tasting,(Finlandia Tangerine- Gentlemen Jack & Herradura Blanco) from 6PM-7Pm or while supplies last. and like thats not enogh we have Ladies night from 5pm to 9pm all ladies 50% off (Rail, Draft Beer & Wine).

For more details about this event or other events call us at 703 723 6969 or become a follower of our blog.For room reservations you can visit us online at www.alofthotels.com/dullesnorth.See you Soon!Julian VazquezRe:mix Manager

Destination Dulles

www.dullesairporthotelrooms.com


Dulles, Virginia is an affluent and upscale area of Northern Virginia considered a part of the Washington DC Metropolitan Area. With Washington, DC just 25 miles away and Washington Dulles International Airport just 3 miles away, you can look to the Dulles area as your gateway to numerous historic sites, museums, businesses (Dulles has a robust technology corridor), recreational facilities, and other leisure attractions.

Some of the more famous and sought after attractions in the area include the many local wineries, Ashburn Ice House, the Udvar-Hazy Smithsonian/Air and Space Museum, the Washington Redskins training center, the Leesburg Corner Outlet Mall, and the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts. Also nearby is The Loudoun County Wine Trail and recreational activities such as tennis, biking, white water rafting, hiking and jogging are spread out throughout the entire area. Dulles is also home to more than 30 golf courses. The Dulles, Virginia area has played a pivotal role in our nation's history and this history is accessible by visiting the Civil War Battlefields in the immediate area as well as the monuments and museums of Washington, DC.

Look to Destination Dulles for access to the best Washington DC area accommodations in the Dulles area — including the Embassy Suites Dulles North, Homewood Suites Dulles North, Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North, and the Aloft Dulles Airport North. Business and leisure travelers, as well as those visiting with the entire family will appreciate not only our location but also the variety of services and amenities our full-service, select-service, and extended stay hotels have to offer.

Milan Patnaik
General Manager

Celebrating Autumn

Autumn in Washington D.C. resonates of breathtaking fall foliage and pumpkin patches. With Halloween just around the corner, children everywhere can barely contain their excitement in anticipation of scary jack-o-lanterns and trick-or-treats. One of my favorite family traditions over the years has been to enjoy an afternoon tea by the fireplace at this time of year. On a chilly fall afternoon, bake some currant scones and serve them with your favorite marmalade and strawberry jam. Add a few finger sandwiches and serve them with your favorite tea. A spot of fragrant Earl Grey tea or rich Darjeeling may be just the remedy for a chilly fall afternoon.

As the hectic holiday season approaches, re-energize after a hectic shopping spree by treating yourself to an afternoon tea. Pamper yourself a little and indulge in a mini pastry or two. Before you know it, you'll feel refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of your holiday shopping list! For the busy holiday shoppers staying with us at the Aloft, we provide a variety of teas in your guest rooms to ensure a hot refreshment after a hectic day. Come down to the Wxyz and relax by our double-sided fireplace. Add a glass of champagne to your tea time ... enjoy the beat of the music and join October for a celebration. Fall has arrived!

Mimi Bryce
Director of Sales

Are you ready for BITE?

Saturday, October 31st
W xyz Lounge presents
BITE

Dress Code: Dress to Impress Costume Style
Alcohol: stick your fangs into "The Great Pumpkin-Tini" & $2 Sam Adams Octoberfest Draft
Music Style: '80's music, hip Hop, Rock and Top 40. Mashups.
Audience: 21+ Time: 5:00pm-2:00am
Be there for the SCARE of your life!!

irssy gearhart
Sales Assistant

Desiree Jennings-Washington Redskins Ambassador Flu Shot Reaction

In August, Desiree Jennings received a flu shot from a grocery store in Reston, Virginia in hopes to earn points for her work health plan which in turn gives perks for each level of "wellness" that is attained. Ten days after she received the shot she began to experience flu-like symptoms which may have led to a neurological movement disorder known as dystonia. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), she may have developed severe and possibly life-threatening side effects from this flu shot.

Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder where sustained muscle contractions cause body jerks, and abnormal or repetitive movements. It requires the learning of a new way of living, and re-learning even the most basic routines. It's also rare and not completely understood.

Desiree now has difficulty in speaking,walking, eating and is afflicted by serious seizures and convulsions.

In past months, Desiree being a Loudoun County and Ashburn resident, helped us greatly by promoting and marketing our new Aloft Hotel and W xyz lounge and we will continue to support Desiree in her time of need. She is a very brave and strong individual who continues to be a leader and a role-model.

Milan Patnaik
General Manager

Race For The Cure

I was in my Chemistry class in high school when the phone rang. Mr. Longenecker picked up the phone and had this concerned look on his face. He hung up the phone and said "Irssy, please go to the principals office to meet with the principal and the councilor". I was surprised because I never get called to the principals office for anything, my palms were sweating and my stomach started to hurt, I couldn't think of anything bad I had done to get in trouble. Mr. Garrett (principal) and Mr. Castner (councilor) were sitting when I arrived and as I entered his office to my left was my mother crying. She reached out to me and gave me the biggest and tightest hug I have ever received and all she kept saying was "Lili se fue, Lili se fue" which means Lili is gone, Lili is gone. My aunt Lili was fighting breast cancer for 3 years, she was on remission last I spoke to her. My aunt died in the hospital surrounded by our family. I sat down and broke down in tears and the only thing I could say was "Thank you Mr.Garrett & Mr. Castner, for having the entire school pray every morning for my Aunt" (I went to a catholic school). Every chance I get to participate in any cancer event I either participate or volunteer. I haven't had a chance to do either in 3 years because of sadness and constant reminder of my aunt. This year after watching the NFL games and seeing all the support from the players, the coaches, the owners and fans, I felt like it was time. I will be registering for the 2010 3-day breast cancer walk in Washington DC with my husband, friends & family. If you would like to participate, the following information will give you insight and information on where to go to register.

"The Washington, DC Breast Cancer 3-Day will send us all off with a moving Opening Ceremony at the new Washington Nationals Baseball Stadium. This important time will give a chance for us all to reflect on our friends and family who battle every day against this terrible disease. As we walk through some of the most moving parts of our nation’s Capitol, our hearts and minds will be strong while seeing the Washington Monument, Union Station and historic Georgetown.
The day will conclude in Maryland with a short 6-mile bus ride into our beautiful campsite.
As the sun shines down in the morning sky, we’ll begin our second day’s journey through beautiful wooded trails in a gorgeous section of Maryland. We will pass by stores and restaurants, bustling streets and calm, serene parks. A little bit of everything Maryland has to offer will be waiting for us on this day as we wind our way back to camp for a nice sunset and the sound of the calm fall air.
Following another short 6 mile bus trip to a drop-off location, the final day holds many spectacular views from the road. We’ll be sure and catch our fill of urban living in Dupont Circle and wave hello to the amazing animal collection at the Smithsonian National Zoo. All of this and more awaits us and more as we head towards the National Mall for a closing ceremony in front of one of the most revered monuments in DC, the Lincoln Memorial.
Online registration for the 2009 Washington, DC Breast Cancer 3-Day is closed. Call 800.996.3DAY to register".

Register for 2010.

This is for YOU, Tia Leonor Guzman!!

irssy gearhart

Sales Assistant

Dulles Day Plane Pull

What IS the actual Plane Pull?
A benefit for Special Olympics Virginia, the pull is a fun team competition to see which group can pull a 164,000+ pound Airbus the fastest. Teams are made up of 25 members, who all line up adjacent to a huge rope attached to the aircraft. The starter signals when to start and starts the stopwatch. After the team pulls the aircraft 12 feet, the stopwatch stops and the elapsed time is recorded as the team score 2009 Team Fundraising Leader Board. PMHS Dulles Hotels, the ownership and management company of Aloft Dulles was proud to participate in this year's event. Although the weather did not cooperate last year, this year's event was held on a beautiful fall day with temperatures in the mild 70's and plenty of sunshine.

Stay tuned for updated team totals... and thanks to everyone who was out Pulling for Special Olympics Athletes!

Plane Pull Team	Currently Raised	Goal	Years Participating
CISCO Systems	$22,360	$15,000	5th
Merrill Lynch	$6,945	$7,500	1st
GPI Plane Yankers	$2,915	$7,500	3rd
Paul VI High School Men's Lacrosse	$2,000	$2,000	2nd
Northwest Federal Credit Union Foundation	$1,850	$2,000	4th
NTSB - Pulling for Safety	$1,645	$2,000	10th
Loudoun Cnty Sheriff's Office SERT	$1,620	$2,000	4th
Pentagon Police	$1,575	$2,000	1st
Silver Backs	$1,480	$3,000	1st
Gordon Biersch	$1,399	$5,000	3rd
Fire Breathing Rubber Duckies	$1,395	$1,500	2nd
MWAA Sgt. Sullivan Memorial Team	$1,380		1st
Time Warner Cable	$1,158.65	$1,500	4th
Verizon Business	$1,155	$5,000	6th
ARC Plane Pull Crew	$1,095	$2,000	1st
Loudoun County Deputies	$1,020	$2,500	5th
Loudoun County Public Schools	$975	$2,000	1st
Gutterman Services	$835	$2,500	1st
Metron Aviation	$700	$2,000	5th
Computing Technologies	$650	$2,000	1st
PMHS Dulles Hotels	$605	$2,000	2nd
The X-Men	$150	$5,000	2nd
ITT Space Systems Division	$145	$3,950	1st
Mimi Bryce Director of Sales

The Dark Abyss Of Screams!

In my hometown of Lancaster, PA halloween was definetly the best time of the year. Since I was in elementary school, a group of us would always go to Jasons Woods or Field of Screams during the ghoulist month. I have never been so scared in my life but it was the best times to laugh at each other after we snapped photos of us running away from terror. Now that I live in northern viginia, I want to start new traditions for halloween (even though I will still make a trip to PA and continue that tradition). Aside from those scary spots I found a few NEW spots that are not far from the Aloft Dulles that offer that same effect. I will definetly be going to the Halloween Haunt in Kings Dominion with a group of friends and family to trip over as I run for my life. If you want to be scared in a non-amusement park atmosphere that are more kid friendly or still just as scary for adults in the Virginia area, rest assured there are plenty of kiddie haunts and adult screams to go around. Happy Haunting! I will see you on the other side.

irssy gearhart
Sales Assistant

A-Spooktacular Halloween Venue

Need a place to spend halloween eve & halloween? Want to have the DC atmosphere during halloween without having to drive far? Come to the W xyz Bar/Lounge with your friends, costumes are not mandatory but if your in the halloween spirit please do. Make it a group affair, gather all your friends and dress up in costumes and meet up at the Aloft to start NEW halloween traditions.

Where:W xyz Bar at the Aloft Dulles Airport North
When: October 30 & 31 of 2009
Time: 5pm-?

If your needing a place to crash, book your reservations under the Go-Go Getaway Package offers page on our website, www.aloftdulles.com

irssy gearhart
Sales Assistant

A-List Events at Aloft via Text Message - Don't Miss Out!

Text "Wxyz" to phone number "22095" to receive two text messages:

1) A link to "steal a style" video.

2) An offer for $5 off a $25 purchase at the W xyz bar located inside the Aloft Dulles Airport hotel and lounge.

Pass this message to everyone you know!

Live Life Aloft!

What Can the New SPG iPhone App Do For You?

Aloft and iPhone fans, this is huge! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to google the name of the hotel I’m staying at, then memorize the street address, and then type it out into the Maps app with my fat fingers. I have probably a 20% success rate on the first try. This new SPG app should quickly eradicate this annoyance!

Starwood has entered the world of iPhone applications with the first version of its SPG app. Members can now access their SPG account on the go! You can check your current Starpoints balance as well as details pertaining to your upcoming stays.

Access to SPG account, including Starpoints balance, recent activity, stays needed to reach the next level and more.
• View upcoming stay information including map to hotel from your current location and call hotel directly from your iPhone.
• Search, book and view hotel information and photos for 890+ hotels globally across nine brands.
• Access customer support around the globe.
• Browse TheLobby.com blogs to stay updated on the latest travel trends and insider information.

Milan Patnaik

General Manager

A "Star"-studded Night at IL Fornaio

Sara McFarlane of IL Fornaio at the Reston Town Center featured yet another one of her infamous dinner tastings, "Abruzzo Regionale" on a starry evening on September 15th. Suellen Bolles of Starwood Hotels & Resorts (pictured on the left) who represents the Aloft and Element brands flew in that evening to join Mimi Bryce, Director of Sales from the Aloft Dulles and many other "stars" from our industry.

It was an evening of exquisite culinary expedition which magically whisked the guests to Abruzzo, Italy with each delectable course meticulously paired with a regional wine from Abruzzo.

The Aloft is excited to partner with our friends at the Reston Town Center to build much excitement this fall as we approach Oktoberfest! Join us this fall at the Wxyz as we celebrate the autumn foliage with our select brews and signature cocktails. Relax by our double-sided fireplace in our candle-lit Courtyard and enjoy the fall breeze ... while the music plays and nightfall brings the first signs of fall. October is having a party ... and you're invited! See you all at the Wxyz. The fun is about to begin!

Shenandoah Caverns

When I lived in Pennsylvania I used to go to Penn Cave. Recently I just found out that Virginia has their own version here in Shenandoah Caverns.

"Discover an underground world of wonder with personally guided tours! Shenandoah Caverns reveals its wonders along a one-mile tour circuit where a comfortable 56-degree temperature is maintained year-round. Plus, we offer the only cavern system with elevator service as well as the added convenience of level walkways and no stairs. So don't hesitate to plan your trip for explorers of every age and physical ability -- everyone can enjoy the underground wonders at Shenandoah Caverns.

Shenandoah Caverns has thrilled visitors from around the world since it opened in 1922. Groups, families and people from all walks of life come to discover a world of breathtaking natural wonders, incredible geology and extraordinary crystalline formations waiting to be admired and photographed.

You'll see the famous "Breakfast Bacon" limestone formations, so unusual they appeared in National Geographic magazine. You'll be delighted by soaring rooms like Long View Hall. And you'll be amazed at the variety of unique, intricate and unexpected formations like Capitol Dome, Diamond Cascade and Rainbow Lake.

Combination Ticket includes all four great attractions!
Adults $22
Senior Citizens $20
Children 6-14 $10
Children 5-Under Free
AAA and Group discounts are available.

Tour Schedules
Our Caverns Tours are personally guided tours. Hear the story - feel the excitement - let the adventure begin! Tours of the Cave typically run every hour and are about one hour long. Wear a light jacket and comfortable shoes.

All four attractions are open daily-- closed only on Dec. 25.
June 16 through Labor Day: Tours begin at 9:00 a.m. Last Tour may be 5:15 or 6:00 p.m.
Day after Labor Day through October 31: Tours begin at 9:00 a.m. Last tour may be 4:15 p.m.
November 1 through April 14: Tours begin at 9:00 a.m. Last tour may be 3:15 or 4:00 p.m.
April 15 through June 15: Tours begin at 9:00 a.m. Last tour may be 5:15 p.m.

irssy gearhart

Sales Assistant