aloft Construction Update

Happy Tuesday aloft readers! I just wanted to quickly send out an update as to the construction of our aloft Dulles North hotel. As you can see the exterior of the hotel is almost complete. On the back side of hotel they have begun to apply the efis. Pretty soon our hotel will actually look like an aloft hotel! Inside of our hotel we have begun the dry wall process on all five floors. Our splash pool has be dug out, and our re:mix lobby floors have been polished and protected. As of August 12th, 2008 we will even have a few show rooms which will include an actual king guest loft and an actual two queen bed guest loft. These show rooms will be outfitted with all the bells and whistles as if they were to be occupied by our many eager fans. Should you want to come by and visit, take a hard hat tour, and even see the actual guest lofts, please contact our Director of Revenue and Relationships - Becky Davis at rebecca.davis@aloftdulles.com or by calling the hotel directly at (703) 723-6969.

Stay tuned for more photo updates and videos...

Milan Patnaik
General Manager

Camping at Bull Run Regional Park

I wanted to "get away" this weekend, but with gas prices soaring through the roof - where to go? My heart was set on camping, but I didn't want to spend the 2 hours and the extra gas it takes me to drive from Centreville, VA. to the Shenandoah Mountains. I searched the internet for great camping parks around the Dulles area and found Bull Run Regional Park. I was a bit skeptical since this park is only 15 minutes away from our aloft Dulles North hotel and even better only two miles away from my house, but I still ventured anyway.

As I arrived to Bull Run Regional Park, I proceeded to register at the Campers Office. I paid $20 per night, which I thought was kind of steep since I only pay $15/night in the mountains. As the camp host read the "Rules of Camping" to me...he quickly noted that I would have to pay $0.50 per wood log if I wanted a campfire since there was no cutting down trees or picking up of downed wood. Well, I'm the kind of camper that likes a big fire so I had no choice but to pay $10.00 for twenty logs of wood. Normally I just find dead wooden logs on the ground and use them, but I wanted to make sure I followed all the rules.

So there I am, not even at the campsite and I am already $50 dollars in the hole. I arrived at site 83 which was conveniently located about a one minute walk to the restroom. And I must say the restrooms were in impeccable condition. This was a huge plus!

The rest of the weekend was filled with good times, good friends, and good music....not to mention I grilled an amazing steak dinner! Next time we'll have to do something about the dog barking in the middle of the night!

Bull Run Regional Park has many offerings. Hang Gliding Lessons, Hiking, Pond Exploration, Camping, Target Shooting, Swimming, Miniature Golf, and many large areas to have a flag football game or quick pick up game of soccer. If you are in the Dulles area and wish to do any of these social activities, but don't want to travel hours away, I would highly recommend this park.

Milan Patnaik
General Manager

Football Season Already?!

Football is one of those things that I just don’t get. As far as I’m concerned, football games are fun to go and tailgate at, but besides that, a bunch of grown men running directly into one another for three straight hours makes absolutely no sense to me! Although, with our hotel being less then 2 miles from the Redskins Training Park it was hard not to realize that last Sunday marked the first day of training for the upcoming NFL season. So with all of the hype on the news, internet and in the papers I decided to go check out the camp earlier this week. Mind you, I decided against going in my hometown’s Eagles jersey, but wow…what excitement and energy I felt from the second I drove into the park.

Again, with knowing next to nothing about the Washington Redskins, one player in particular stood out…Jason Taylor. Yes, it’s probably because I was a huge fan of him and his partner Edyta Sliwinska on 2008's "Dancing with the Stars”, but there were a couple other things that intrigued me even more. Having been recently drafted from the Miami Dolphins he was apparently running around in his Miami cleats since his Redskins ones hadn’t come in yet! To make matters worse since there was already a Redskins player that wears Taylor’s old Miami number 99, he is now proudly wearing the 55 jersey. Despite all of this, nothing seemed to be phasing Taylor...he was all smiles and willing to interact with the fans.

I look forward to attending more training sessions this year and maybe I’ll be lucky enough to get Jason Taylor’s autograph!

Becky Davis
Director of Sales & Marketing

Hotels in the Dulles Area

Could you have asked for a better day yesterday? It was about 88 degrees, no clouds in the sky, low humidity, the birds were chirping, flowers were blooming and even traffic seem to be little more tolerable! It was a perfect day to rip off the top of the Jeep and take a drive to visit the hotels in the Dulles, VA. area. Dulles is comprised of a few cities that actually surround the airport: Ashburn, Sterling, Herndon, South Riding and Chantilly. All in all there are over 30 hotels in the Dulles area. I am proud to say that PM Hospitality Strategies, Inc., manages 4 of these hotels: Embassy Suites Dulles North, the Homewood Suites Dulles North, the Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North (presently under construction) and the much anticipated, first Starwood branded hotel in the Dulles area - the aloft Dulles North. As I visited each hotel, a few things really stood out in my mind regarding how our aloft is so much more unique from other area hotels. As you walk in to the aloft, a calm water display greets you and automatically soothes and refreshes, and washes your stress away. The aloha desk is right in the center of re:mix lobby in the shape of a halo. Exposed ceilings, and the wonderful pinks, greens, blues, tans, and browns are splashed throughout the lobby giving you a sense of WOW! To the left you have touch & go kiosks that allow the traveler to take control over their own hotel experience, and check in or out of the aloft. You can even change your own room number or print out a boarding pass! A 24 hour re:charge fitness area twice the size of most. Indoor splash pool, and an "on trend" seating area between splash and re:mix that greets you with a double sided fire place.

Attention travelers from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)! Have a four hour layover? Come by and check out our W xyz bar - the latest, swanky bar in the Dulles area. You can even bring your ipod and will connect it to our music system and let you hear what you want to hear.

Have you seen the aloft video wall displayed on our lift? It is comprised of four 42" LCD HDTV's.

As I wrapped up the Dulles area hotel tour, a sense of calmness took me over. Although our hotel has about 3 more months of construction before we open, I was so extremely pleased that I am part of such a destination sensation. To be part of bringing such a unique experience to the Dulles area is so satisfying, we're going to make history!

Next week I will post some pictures as to what the aloft Dulles North hotel's current condition is. They have finished the entire exterior and roof feature "swoof" and just finished the installation of all windows.....stay tuned!

Milan Patnaik

General Manager

aloft Dulles North hotel "Memory Challenge"!

aloha aloft fans! Becky Davis our Director of Sales and Shelby Jerkins our Human Resources Talent Recruiter are here, in our aloft hotel pre-opening office, competing in a head to head challenge in a game of Memory. Memory you ask? Of course if you have been following our blog you have already discovered that we speak in our own aloft language. What most call the hotel lobby, we call re:mix, what some call a breakfast area, we call re:fuel. We pratically have our own aloft words for everything including the restrooms (WC for water-closet). Here Becky and Shelby are playing a Memory game to match regular hotel jargon to it's translated aloft lingo. If you take a close look Shelby (on the right) has a slightly larger pile then Becky (on the left). Stay tuned for more aloft weekly updates!


Milan Patnaik
General Manager

aloft's Fresh Approach: Talent with a TWist!

Hello aloft blog fans! I wanted to share with you the aloft's fresh new approach of hiring talent with the aloha attitude. As you can see in this picture, the General Managers of aloft hotels across the nation, gathered together at Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. headquarters in White Plains, New York to revamp the recruitment and hiring process. We took the typical human resource tools and and turned them upside down to help aloft deliver the new tWist in - TALENT!

But what exactly is the aloft's talent philosophy? "aloft talent naturally own opportunities to deliver, delight, and engage. They control their world. They take a fresh, energetic approach to everything in life...and they know how to juggle without dropping anything...Being personally engaged in the brand, they "get it" - with an innate ability to deliver comfort, warmth, simplicity and a welcoming retreat from the road. Best in class and discovered from unique sources, aloft talent are passionate, self starters."

Can you imagine your aloft journey being led by talent sourced from an art or photography school? What about about from the an "on trend" retail store such as BCBG, Kenneth Cole, or Banana Republic? aloft talent can also be recruited from sources such as YouTube, Facebook, Sharper Image, fitness centers and even modeling/talent agenices or theater groups.

I don't know about you, but I would rather be engaged by aloft talent that were hired and recruited from these unique and interesting sources then the common and overly used "classifieds". As our General Managers and Starwood leaders progressed in our recruitment brainstorming. Other ideas were implemented including: interviewing in blocks of candidates, using text messages to send appointment reminders or locations, podcasts played on ipods to give candidates a tour of the aloft brand and hotel. Other ideas that were implemented were the use of behavioral questions "aloft style", also sending updates/offers to talent via YouTube. We also developed a very comprehensive and aggressive training program to empower all talent to deliver our promise which is the aloft brand.

Building a branded service culture is a journey. We want to attract and hire the right talent and immerse our team in aloft and vibe service culture training. We will manage talent programs that develop and reward and create an environment that promotes trust and training and encourages loyalty.

Do you want to infuse your personality and skills with our own talent team? Check out alofthotels.jobs for a full list of aloft talent positions. Remember, we are constantly attracting our talent by creating "a buzz" about the no-walls, no-limit opportunites at the aloft Dulles North hotel.

Milan Patnaik
General Manager
aloft Dulles-North
(703)723-6969
info@aloftdulles.com

Montreal Bound!

In my next life I'm going to own a private jet!

A few weeks ago, Milan and I had the opportunity to see the very first aloft in Montreal. Yes, I was excited to see an aloft in person since I'm selling the new brand, but traveling via a private jet was an added bonus!

We departed from Dulles International Airport early Saturday afternoon. Instead of standing in lines to check our bags and go through security, we were greeted at the door by our pilot who quickly took our bags and offered us coffee and water. We were up in the air in no time heading to Wilmington, DE to pick up the rest of our group. After a brief stop in DE we were back in the air for our quick flight to Montreal.

Prior to arriving at the aloft Montreal, I questioned whether or not the pictures that I had painted in my mind about the aloft brand would hold true. Within the first second of walking through the hotel's doors the pictures in my mind were replaced with even better ones! From the creative decor to the fresh scent of Vibrance, the aloft hotel came to life.

The aloft Montreal's General Manager, Stephane Jasmin took us for a complete tour of the property. Our first stop was the lobby (re:mix), which was quite larger and more open then I expected and the W xyz bar was a fun spot with a list of creative cocktails. Both the pool (splash) and fitness center (re:charge) were open and inviting. The loft-inspired guest rooms were truly unique, offering 9 foot ceilings and oversized windows that maximized the natural light. To see the 'full package' was a something I will never forget!

After the tour, Stephane continued with his generous hospitality and offered to take Milan and I out for a night on the town in Montreal. After a wonderful dinner, it was time to return to the aloft for a good night's rest.

aloft Dulles North Hotel congrats more open alofts!

Keeping Track of Aloft and Element, the Newest Members of the Starwood Family

With 2007 behind us and 2008 in front of us today, we realize that there's been a lot of hotel hype in the past year and it doesn't seem to end.
But nothing has compared to the hype surrounding the newest brands of Starwood Hotels--Aloft and Element.
In truth, the Aloft hype machine first started its engine back at the tail end of 2004 with their Aloft-a-Go-Go airstream trailer which we believe is still trucking and blogging around the country. While an Aloft Hotel did open in Second Life, we aren't counting virtual openings here. Instead, we are counting down the days to September 2008 when the first real-life Aloft should open in Lexington, MA.
This year we also learned more about the Element brand (A spin-off of Westin. Aloft is a spin-off of W Hotels.) Element will be green and eco-friendly in as many parts of its hotels as it can be, cater mostly to the business traveler and will pop up in secondary markets across the U.S. including Lexington, MA--next door to Aloft.
Aloft will expand aggressively in the U.S. but also across the world. World, are you ready for this? By the time the first hotel in nine months, we think you should be. We certainly are.
But just so everyone can keep track, after the jump we have the list of proposed Aloft and Element locations. Our Element locations are pretty solidified (Thanks, Stephanie!) but we had to cull the Aloft locations from our emails, news releases and the Aloft website. If you hear of another city getting one of these new Starwood babies, let us know.

by Juliana: HotelChatter

aloft Best In Budget Travel

Starwood's Element Brand Makes Global Debut

LEXINGTON, Mass. -- Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) opens the eco-friendly doors of ELEMENTsm Lexington in Lexington, MA today, July 1, 2008. ELEMENT is Starwood’s newest hotel concept and the first LEED-certified hotel chain in the country.
Located just off Route 128 at 727 Marrett Road, ELEMENT Lexington is making its national debut, offering guests an entirely new extended stay experience that combines smart design, nature-inspired, and eco-friendly touches. Modern amenities range from complimentary WiFi to an international pantry stocked with everything from Korean kimchi soup to artisanal meats and cheeses. Guests will leave Lexington’s newest hotel knowing what it truly means to wake up and thrive.

ELEMENT Lexington—the first hotel to open its doors to guests—will also serve as Starwood’s green trailblazer with the intent of migrating key learnings to its sister brands including Westin, Sheraton and Le Meridien Hotels. Since 1999, W Hotels served as an incubator for Starwood’s innovation in hotel style and design and Westin Hotels and Resorts forged a new path in hotel bedding when it launched the Heavenly Bed. ELEMENT Lexington will be used as the concept lab in which operators can explore the best ways to be eco-friendly while continuing to deliver an eco-chic guest experience.

Awaken to Smart Design - The ELEMENT brand’s unique smart design philosophy is evident from the moment guests arrive. After passing through a signature portal that provides a literal bridge to the ELEMENT interior haven, guests will be greeted with streams of natural light from a multi-storied window wall. The vitality of the lobby will be matched by the energy of the hotel’s outdoor fire pit and barbecue, where a regular nightly gathering will give guests an opportunity to interact, while sipping a glass of wine or draft microbrew beer.
The smart design and clever use of space in the hotel’s 123 guest rooms will be aimed at encouraging guest productivity while facilitating relaxation. Whether you choose a studio, 1-bedroom or 2-bedroom unit, ELEMENT hotel’s open, modular flow will blend together each part of the guestroom to create a residential feel. Guests will be able to customize their rooms to match their habits through multi-purpose, modular furniture, swiveling flat-screen LCD televisions, large desks with open shelving and custom-designed closets. In addition, each room offers a complete kitchen that features modern Energy-Star rated appliances and all the tools and utensils to prepare a gourmet meal. Guests will also rest soundly in the renowned Westin Heavenly Bed®, and recharge each morning in sleek, contemporary bathrooms with oversized spa showers.

A Vital Travel Hub - Located just 30 minutes outside of Boston, MA, Lexington offers visitors the opportunity to explore unique landmarks and tour historical attractions, including Louisa May Alcott’s childhood home, the National Heritage Museum, the Lexington Battle Green and the popular DeCordova Museum & Sculpture Park. The Burlington Mall and Natick Collection are just a few miles away and offer shoppers a variety of stores and restaurants to enjoy.
“Lexington is the perfect city for ELEMENT guests to thrive in due to its fast-growing business sector, heavily-trafficked sports venues, and proximity to Boston,” said Chris Hartzell, General Manager for ELEMENT Lexington. “Whether they’re working or relaxing, this refreshing haven will put guests in control of their experience, helping them feel at their best while on the road.”

Space to Live Your Life - A signature breakfast offering, fully equipped fitness center and uninterrupted indoor/outdoor public spaces will deliver a multi-functional, natural environment that provides guests with the space to work, relax or socialize. Intuitive staff will provide guests the personalized attention they need and the space they desire to live a complete and balanced life while at the hotel.

ELEMENT Hotels will also feature approximately 456 square feet of meeting space, an integrated technology center and library, as well as café seating, a workspace and a flexible lobby lounge space. For breakfast, guests will be able to choose among several options, including its signature hot breakfast sandwich, fresh fruit and cereal bar.

Great for the Earth. Great for Guests - ELEMENT hotel’s key green features are cleverly designed to be as appealing aesthetically as they are eco-friendly, so travelers never compromise on style and comfort. They include energy efficient stainless steel appliances and lighting, water-efficient faucets and fixtures and bins for paper, plastic and glass which make recycling easy. Filtered water in guest rooms and amenity dispensers in the showers reduce plastic bottle waste. In addition, ELEMENT hotels use low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) paints and carpets with up to 100% recycled content and anti-microbial carpet pads which improve indoor air quality for guests and staff. Guests driving hybrid cars are rewarded with priority parking. Even the ubiquitous “Do Not Disturb” sign gets a green makeover, replacing the traditional paper tag with the environmentally-friendly magnet.

No-Compromise, Eco-Chic Guest Experience - “We are committed to providing a no-compromise, eco-chic experience,” said Brian McGuinness, Global Brand Leader of aloft & ELEMENT hotels. “ELEMENT makes it easy to be environmentally responsible without having to sacrifice a great guest experience.”
Travel indulgences at ELEMENT include Westin’s Heavenly bed, spa-like bathrooms with oversize showers and rain showerheads which are water efficient, a state-of-the-art fitness center, fresh and healthy complimentary breakfast and organic pantry options, plus the latest in technology and neat extras like complimentary bikes for guests and staff and local area information on the TV’s.

Each ELEMENT hotel is infused with natural light, featuring a 16-foot window wall in the lobby and oversized windows in each guest room providing sightlines to the outdoors. Biophilic design—literally meaning the love of living systems—is the art of bringing the outside world in and natural colors and patterns are reflected in the ELEMENT rooms and public space design and furnishings.
Launched to the development community in 2006, ELEMENT hotels are inspired by the design and positioning of Westin Hotels and Resorts and will promote balance through smart and sustainable design.
Additional ELEMENT Hotels opening later this year include Summerlin, NV near Las Vegas; Irving, TX; and Arundel Mills, MD, a suburb of Baltimore; and Houston Vintage Park, Houston, TX. ELEMENT Lexington is taking reservations now. To reserve a room, please call 1-781-861-1751 . For more information, please visit http://www.elementhotels.com/.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. -- Hotels, 7/1/2008 9:15:00 AM

Loudoun County Must Sees

aloha! Since learning the local area and becoming involved in the community is very important to us here at the aloft dulles-north, Milan and I had the chance to experience the 'must sees' of Loudoun County on June 24th.

Our tour began at the Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets, where we were treated to complimentary Starbucks coffee and pastries. From the shopping center, we traveled a short distance to Balls Bluff Battlefield Regional Park, where upon first glance, one will see a regional park, but follow the interpreted trail and you will discover a Civil War Battle that was never meant to occur. Next stop was White's Ferry, the East Coast's only remaining freshwater ferry that transports automobiles across the Potomac River between Virginia and Maryland. With much anticipation we then traveled to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Displaying over 125 military and commercial aircraft and 130 major space artifacts, the tour of the museum was both informative and awe-inspiring. Following the museum we continued to Oatlands Plantation National Trust property where we had a guided tour of its Antebellum plantation, formal gardens, and 19th-century dependence buildings. Our exciting trip ended with the breathtaking view from the Bluemont Vineyards. The tasting room, patio and observation deck are located high on an eastern slope of the Blue Ridge Moutains and was the perfect setting for the end of a great tour!

A lot like aloft, Loudoun County is a place where energy flows, personalities mingle and opportunities abound. A place where anything can happen. From the inviting historic sites to the refreshing view of wine country, the easy breezy LCVA tour was playful and unexpected.