aloft talent call!

are you ready to join the a-list at aloft? are you ready to be the new tWist in talent?

On November 6th, 2008 at the Embassy Suites Dulles North hotel in Ashburn, VA - the aloft talent coaches will be holding it's first ever TALENT CALL! the aloft talent call is what most people call a job fair.

We will have 2 different areas inside the Embassy Suites hotel, one will be a hype room where we will have games, refreshments, fun activities, music, aroma and style all in the aloft vibe and fashion. This is where applications will flow and personalities will mingle. Two of our talent coaches will be interacting with potential talent to find out where their interest to place them in the job of their dreams.

The other area will be a more formal interview room where another talent coach will be narrowing down potential talent for the first aloft hotel in the Washington-Dulles area.

If you know any or you're an a+ candidate please check us out. We will be interviewing from 8am until 7pm. We are currently looking for talent coaches, aloft desk talent, re:fresh talent, re:pair talent, W xyz bar talent, an Assistant Chief Engineer, and a Human Resources/Accounting talent.

Send your resume to info@aloftdulles.com to reserve your spot now! For further information, please call 703 723 6969.

aloha!


Milan Patnaik
General Manager

15th Annual Fall Pumpkin Harvest

Aloha,

In spirit of Halloween arriving within the next week, and being consistent with team aloft's blogging trends of everything pumpkin, I have decided to write about another pumpkin event sweeping into Loudoun county this fall: the 15th annual fall pumpkin harvest. Taking place in Bluemont, this attraction is open everyday from now until Halloween day, the 31st of October.

The Great County Farms offers the largest "u-pick" pumpking patch in Northern Virginia and you can pick your pumpkin straight off the vine! Do a little "dino-flossing" with P-Rex their pumpkin munchin' dinosaur and cheer on the swine at the infamous Oinkintucky Derby Pig Races. After that, zip down the 60' Saddlehorn Slide, swing on the rope swings, and romp in the hay bales. Why not have a close encounter with the farm animals and do a little catch and release fishing with your very own pole? Better yet, visit their country store brimming with honey, fresh cider, baked goods, jams, corn stalks, Belgian mums, gourds, and apples. The Roosteraunte is open each weekend and Columbus Monday with kettle corn, BBQ, apple dumplings, freshly baked pies, and more.

This is a great opportunity for you to soak in the halloween spirit before the weekend festivities roll by. Have a great rest of the week and as always, live life aloft!

William Chang

Operations Manager

Admission Fee/Ticket Price: Mon-Fri $6/person, free/child under 2; Sat, Sun, and Columbus Day $8/person, free/child under 2. Bring a canned food item for Interfaith Relief and receive $1 off your admission.

Great Country Farms18780 Foggy Bottom RoadBluemont, VA 20135540-554-2073

You had me at BOO!

Halloween is so close I can taste the candy I plan on stealing from my 4 year old God-Daughter (just kidding, ok maybe one!). Halloween is the one time out of the entire year kids can use their imaginations and become something or someone else. I feel that parents should have fun too, so for all you parents out there who would love to enjoy halloween doing fun, crafty, spooky things with your children, try Leesburg Animal Park. Leesburg Animal Park is throwing it's annual Pumpkinville Event with new things for adults and children to do together. Activities range from a 200ft zip line for kids to all you can eat apples and fresh cider. There is an abundance of activities to choose from at a reasonable price. Hayrides, face painting, feeding animals, making scarecrows, live entertainment and so much more! This sounds like so much fun, I'm getting excited! This is only until November 4th, so act fast and enjoy halloween with activities the entire family can participate and have fun doing. Scare and save and HAPPY HAUNTINGS! BWWAAHAHAHAHA!


Irssy Perez
Sales Coordinator

LCVA Charity Auction and Golf Classic

On October 15th, 2008 the aloft Dulles North hotel participated in the Loudoun County Visitors Association as sponsor of a beverage cart and as volunteers for the “The Charity Auction & Golf Classic” which raised funds to conduct research, perform education and training, and provide scholarships to graduating seniors of Loudoun County to pursue further education in the fields of hospitality and tourism. The day promised something for everyone; the golf classic, a golf clinic, both a silent and live auction, and a fabulous barbeque dinner to cap off the day.

Near Leesburg, Va., you’ll find Raspberry Falls Golf and Hunt Club, a spectacular course with all the marks of what makes for an exceptional round of golf. As we encountered the rambling streams, bunkers, stone walls and spectacular rolling terrain, we had felt like we had traveled across the Atlantic to play golf in the British Isles, yet we were in Virginia’s horse country with vistas of the Catoctin Mountains in the background.

Carla and I greeted all of the golfers as they pulled up to the main clubhouse as Irssy and William help them register for the event. We should have known that the first golfer to arrive would be our very own President – Mr. Greg Miller! It was such a fun and unique experience especially since all four of us had never driven a golf cart before. As they day unfolded we drove around all 18-holes and took pictures of the golfers, as well as being the official monitors for the “hole in one” game. This 13th hole was impossible to shoot a hole in one, but for the winner a brand new BMW awaited. Unfortunately, no one was able to claim the prize.

All in all, the aloft talent team known as “camp aloft” had a great time learning about the wondrous sights in Leesburg, the game of golf, and helping the most worthy LCVA with this charity event – next year we are actually going to play!

Milan Patnaik
General Manager

One with Nature

First and foremost I want to wish Milan Patnaik, our Senior Talent Leader a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Milan, you're an awesome person and a joy to work with. I learn everyday and I see my potential because you bring that out in me. For those who don't know, Milan loves camping, so for his birthday he invited friends and family to join him in camping at the Shenandoah Valley Regional Park this entire weekend. I must say that I haven't roughed it in a very long time, but it will be an awesome experience to get away from the usual routine of traffic and city life. I am bringing my two four legged darlings with me, so they can experience camping. My boyfriend Brian loves camping as much as Milan and has been wanting to go to the other trips Milan had made but never got a chance to do so until now. I am excited and looking forward to meeting and bonding with new friends, old friends and nature's wonders. I want to try a hiking trail and hopefully get to see some scenery that will take my breath away. aloft Dulles North is at a reasonable distance from the Shenandoah Valley for anyone who wants to get away from everyday routine and wants to enjoy nature's peace. It's almost time for me to go camping, so to you I say, S'mores anyone?!

A hotel story

Dear aloft readers,

In the midst of all that you have been reading about our aloft, I would like to change direction by telling you about a hotel story of mine that many of you would like find interesting and lighthearted. For those of you readers who work in the hotel industry, you may find this tale somewhat typical and well... common place.

During the summer of 2006 during my internship in the Swissotel Chicago, I had the pleasure of working a celebrity guest event during his weekend visit to the windy city. I was working in the banquets and F&B department that week, and the sous chef approached me with an order of 6000 cocktail shrimps (yes, 6000). It seemed to me that this celebrity - unknown to me then - had a party in our presidential suite, and I guess these people had a big craving for shellfish. To my shock, I knew that 6000 deep fried shrimps was a tall order that can only be executed with great efficiency and planning. Needless to say, my job consisted of dipping these shrimps into oil using the standard breading procedure: dip in egg, then dip in flour, then dip in breadcrums, then dip in oil and let simmer. Although I did not dip all 6000 shrimps, I accounted for a huge portion of the team's points by spending half a day at the fryer. After the popcorn shrimp was prepared after a full day, we brought the platter of the shrimp up to the party. At this point in time, remember, I still did not know who this mystery celebrity was. The party planners and the pre-planning commitee preparing the room also added to my inquisitiveness about this man.

The next morning after the party concluded, I went up to the presidential suite after this guest had checked out to survey the damage. I walked in and the presidential suite was completely trashed. Alcohol stains on the floor, broken glasses on the carpet, stains on the wall, bits of food on the toilet sink, silly string and party hats on the balcony, and various items of scandalous clothing on the furniture. I wasn't really concerned about the damage, but was wondering if people ate the shrimp I prepared. My question was answered when I noticed the silver platter on the table completely empty, knowing that people enjoyed the shrimp. Leaving happily, I went down to the front desk to enquire about this celebrity actually was.

So guess who the celebrity was...? I'm sorry to say that his/her name will remain anonomous...

He was in Chicago returning home to the South Side of the city and enjoying the weekend at the same time. And that ladies and gentlemen, is an understatement judging by the debachoury displayed in the room.

Like the events that unfolded in downtown Chicago, I hope we will have equally memorable hotel stories to savour at the aloft Dulles North.

Live life aloft,

William Chang
Operations Manager

Boo!

Can you believe it is almost the end of 2008? I was doing my grocery shopping and was reminded of how far we are into the end of the year by the overwhelming display of candies for trick-and-treaters along the grocery aisles. Halloween is almost here yet again! I remember how much fun I had getting into the spirit (or ghost) of the holiday event, I can't wait to do it all once more. About the same time last year, I visited my first pumpkin patch. Since I live in Maryland, I went to Butler's Orchard with some friends. It so happened the weekend, there was a fair going on so we were able to enjoy the festivities- in our case, it was more about the food! After we stuffed our bellies with funnel cakes and caramel apples, I experienced my first hay ride. A tractor pulled a trailer of hay and happy faces to the pumpkin patch. What I did not realize was that apparently it is not as simple as it looks. It seemed like it was miles and miles of pumpkins on display waiting to be chosen. Since pumpkins come in all shapes and sizes, the selection process was not the easiest! I wanted to pick every type since I got inspired to create a variety of jack-o-lanters, so I left with four!
I did not carve all four but my roommates at the time took on three. Everyone in the house was moved to stay in that Saturday night. We ended up gathering around the table for pizza, wine, carving tools, masive pumpkins and a string of funny stories. It ended up being a great time! It was so much fun that this year I plan on hosting another pumpkin carving night in. I just discovered that there is a Pumpkin Patch near aloft as well called Ticonderoga Farms which is ten miles away from our hotel. As a matter of fact there is a Pumpkim Festival going on until November 8th. It is a great opportunity to enjoy the simpler pleasures in life and enjoy some time with friends. I hope to see you at the festival, happy carving!
Carla Carandang
Senior Sales Manager

Healthy, Organic & Fresh

Today I went to the Pre-Grand Opening of "Fresh City", which is the newest edition of restaurants to open in the Herndon area. It made me feel like I was getting a taste of what re:fuel will be like when we open aloft Dulles North, healthy, organic & fresh. Their menu varies from sandwiches, salads, soups, burritos, and stir fry to beer, wine, coffee, tea and smoothies. Everything was made fresh and most of the food and drinks were organic and healthy. The entire time I was there the managers and staff handed out samples of smoothies, sweets and a new type of energy to service with a smile. Once again I couldn't help but think of our Grand Opening and how excited I will be to share the aloft experience with those who have yet to ride the aloft vibe. The portions were more then I thought I was going to get because we all know that organic, healthy, and fresh usually mean...money, expensive and not affordable in this economy. But to my surprise it was affordable and I walked out feeling light as a feather even though I ate so much. I am excited and elated to finally get to see your faces when you walk through aloft Dulles North. The sassy, savvy, and spacious allure will take hold of you so tight you will feel spoiled.


Irssy Perez
Sales Coordinator

Light The Night!

Can you believe Light The Night is in just one day? the talent team of the aloft Dulles North has done such a wonderful job with fundraising, and I am so proud to be part of such a worthy cause. I am looking forward to seeing everyone at Ida Lee Park! We are supposed to have beautiful weather, so let's keep hoping that stays true!

I wanted to make sure everyone had the details they needed to have an enjoyable time at the event. All are welcome. Here you will find an event timeline, and information on parking. If you have any questions about this, please don't hesitate to ask. Our contact phone number is 703 723 6969.

Where To Go/Parking:
Light The Night Loudoun County is held in the large open area of the park close to the main entrance off of North King Street. When you turn into Ida Lee from North King, you will immediately see where all the action is!

Parking will be in the grass--please enter Ida Lee Park through the main entrance, which is off of North King Street. The parking will be in the field to the right. We will have signage and volunteers to direct you.

Night of the Walk Details:
~5:30--Remembrance Ceremony held at Ida Lee Park. The Remembrance Ceremony is a special time before the walk begins to honor those we have lost to blood cancers. This ceremony will take place at the gazebo in the field at the front part of Ida Lee Park.
~5:30--Registration begins. If you came to Bank Day (or your team captain came) and you have already received your wristbands, you can bypass the Registration tent and head straight to the balloon tent and/or tee shirt tents. If you did not come to Bank Day, you must check in at Registration to receive your wristband. The wristband will get you your balloon and food and, if applicable, your participant tee shirt.
~5:30-6:30--Have fun getting ready for the walk! There will be kids' games, a face painter, and a live band for entertainment!
~6:30--Program begins.
~7:00--Let's walk and Light The Night!
~After the walk--stick around to hear the total raised, and enjoy some food and entertainment!

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please let me know! Everyone is more than welcome to come out for this event.

Milan Patnaik

General Manager

The Neighborhood Luxury Retreat

I always knew Virginia is a haven of unique retreats. What I did not realize was that Lovettsville, VA is the home of The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm. This escape features a mouth watering menu of organic cuisines. During a tour hosted by LCVA, I had the luxury of getting acquainted with the owner Beverly Morton Billand, a delightful and inspiring woman who started this landmark in 1998. The Restaurant was an idea that naturally came from the actual Patowmack Farm that Beverly started in 1986. The different aspect of this farm was that it was a sustainable farm, ensuring that they did not use chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. It was then very natural for them to conceptualize a restaurant that championed "from farm to table" philosophy.

The Restaurant itself is enclosed in glass, allowing the guests to take in the magnificent view of Loudon Valleys as they enjoy their meal. Actually, to say magnificent is an understatement! I was there during the day and can only imagine how it would be in the evening with a lit up night sky. The dining experience is packaged with such sensory delights, they even decided that each table will only get one reservation per evening so that no one is ever rushed through the meal and everyone can take in the view and taste in a relaxed atmosphere. As Beverly spoke about the history of her business and how it came to life, I realized that this was a woman who was living her dream. Her belief in the value of healthy eating made her menu even more authentic and appealing. As soon as I got home, I had to share this unique restaurant with my boyfriend Erik. Although I am guilty myself for indulging in not-so-healthy fast food and easy microwave dinners more than I would like to admit, he makes fun of me for always getting on his case for his eating habits. A dinner in Patowmack Farm is definitely happening so we can get more inspired to healthier dining. Another great thing is that the restaurant is only half an hour away from aloft Dulles North hotel! I think my dinner plans for Friday after work just got penciled in. I cannot wait to see what the farm will have to offer and will make sure to bring a camera for the night sky view. Hope to see you there!
Carla Carandang
Senior Sales Manager

Quaker alert!

Aloha,

Like all aloft guests, I always like to reach outside of my comfort zone in order to experience attractions I would never previously had thought about. That is why I am going back in time this weekend to visit the 65th annual Waterford Homes Tour & Crafts exhibition in Waterford, VA, which was started in 1773 by the Quakers. Now, this may not be the most typical event that an eligible bachelor like myself may patronize, but taking the initiative to explore different areas around Loudoun county has allowed me to play the role as an "aloft(y)" wanderlust seeking character who has a thirst for knowledge. Except this time, I won't be satisfying my thirst at the WXYZ bar, but at Virginia's oldest juried crafts fair held in the National Historic Landmark Village of Waterford. And I am sure I will have a blast...

This weekend, I will spend a good portion of Saturday at the fair touring the historic homes, the 160 juried heritage craftspeople with hands-on demonstrations, activities for children, traditional music and dance, Colonial-era militia encampments, marching fife and drum corps, and Civil War re-enactors with skirmishes all weekend. The event will be yet another eye-opening contrast to the buzz and vibe of the aloft hotel, and it will definitely be a refreshing pleasent surprise.

For our future aloft guests out there, be sure to visit Loudoun County next year to experience the 66th annual Waterford Homes Tours & Crafts Exhibition, and be transported back in time!

Enjoy the weekend, readers...

William Chang
Operations Manager

aloft exterior almost done!

aloha aloft readers!

The new aloft Dulles North hotel is coming together quite nicely. I remember when the hotel was just metal beams and concrete, and now it has taken the shape of the newest destination sensation in the Washington-Dulles area!

As you can see from this picture most of the exterior of the building is complete. On the right side where you see yellow dens-glass, this is where the metallic panels will be applied. On the bottom right, you will see some wooden plywood planks. This will be replaced with a nice, rich hardwood - coming all the way from India! As these items will be added in the next two weeks and we can't wait for the whole aloft look come alive.

Some other recent updates: landscaping of grounds has started, splash area has been poured and tiled, glass in the backyard has been installed, all guest lofts are now in the painting process, and re:mix exposed ceiling has been finished.

As a reminder we have two show rooms for your pleasure, so if you are in the Washington-Dulles area, please stop by and have any of our a+ talent members show you around.

The aloft Dulles North hotel is now accepting reservations. Please click here to reserve your guest loft for the 2009 Presidential Inauguration!

Stay tuned for more aloft updates!

Milan Patnaik

General Manager