Blue Ridge Grill Restaurant

who doesn't love fine dining at a reasonable price. well with the economy burning holes in citizens pockets, dining out has taken a back seat recently. but i can honestly say that if you save up every month for dining out you should spend that dollar at the Blue Ridge Grill in Brambleton. i have gone there 3 times in the past 2 months. once for a promotional dinner they offered, the second time was for a lunch with the sales team, and the third time was for valentines day. i am a big fan of lobster bisque, after having had tried it in disney world's epcot park in paris. i finally found my place to endulge on my favorite soup and not break the bank. they have a variety of cuisines from sandwiches to filet mignon. the staff was very nice and always served with enthusiasm. when you stay at the aloft dulles north we provide complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport but what some don't know is that we also provide complimentary shuttle service within a 5 mile radius. guess what? Blue Ridge Grill is within that 5 mile radius, so when you stay with us and you want fine dining at a reasonable price we can drop you off and pick you up. i know i am saving my pennies for march, the lobster bisque is calling my name.


irssy perez
sales coordinator

D.C. Nightlife comes to Dulles, Virginia

aloft national harbor to follow in our footsteps

Aloha aloft readers,

Please roll out the red carpet for the aloft National Harbor - set to open next month! After our successful opening, the aloft National Harbor will follow the path to be the 2nd aloft hotel to open in the Washington DC Metropolitan area. Let us welcome them and wish them good luck for their exciting opening and future endeavours.

Like our property, the aloft National Harbor will grace the scene with a fresh and invigorating spirit to the hotel market in the DC area. This new W aloft will be just minutes from the nation’s capital and overlook historic D.C. landmarks. Sited on picturesque views of the Potomac River, the W aloft is part of a hot new 300-acre community and mixed-use development. The hotel will also feature a hip new restaurant – Ashton Kutcher’s Ketchup – and a lobby bar reflecting the chic atmosphere unique to the W line of hotels. While following the standard "get up" of the aloft Dulles North, their property will be a fraction larger with a little less than 200 rooms spanning across 8 floors.

We are very happy to help and provide advice to the aloft National Harbor during their pre-opening phase; as they get into the last few weeks before opening, we can only share the excitement and curiosity of how our guests and fellow aloft talent will positively react to this great addition to the aloft family!

Do be sure to check this neighobring property out on March the 5th when it opens its doors.

Hospitably,

William Chang

Operations Manager

super pets is coming to town!!

i don't know about you but i love animals and anything that benefits my dogs some how i will attend or participate. with that being said super pets is coming back to the dulles expo center and i'm excited to get a chance to finally see what the talk of the town is when super pets comes to the dulles expo center. i have two dogs, an akita named kita and a yoodle named tootsie. i treat them as if they were my kids, so i want the best for their health and well being. super pets expo will have demonstrations, entertainment and things you can purchase all under one roof. bring your furry friend along for the fun for free, just make sure they are leashed. super pets expo is march 20-22, 2009 in the north hall building. friday from 4pm-9pm, saturday from 10am-7pm and sunday from 10am-5pm. the cost to get in will be $12 for adults and $6 for children between 4-12, under 4 get in free. if you stay with us on any of those days we can provide you with a free admission pass (while supplies last) at the aloha desk. i'm excited and ready to play, so i hope to see you there!


irssy perez
sales coordinator

Tee it up

Aloha aloft readers,

Thus far, our popular aloft Dulles North blog has shared many lifestyle and recreational activities that go hand-in-hand with our "aloft-y" and beautiful lodging facility; for example, wine, fun fairs, parties, holidays, and current technological breakthroughs. What we are missing, however, is mentioning and reccommending the beautiful game of golf and its generous offerings in the Loudoun County area.

Loudoun County is known for its scenic beauty. And nowhere is Loudoun's picturesque character more manifested than on our golf courses. Discover a links course designed by Gary Player, where pot bunkers with names like "the devil's foxhole" swallows players whole. Make the turn as you explore the layout of Greg Norman, overlooking the nearby Potomac River. Indeed, Loudoun offers courses to challenge any skill level. After all, Ben Hogan shot 59 here, along the banks of the historic Goose Creek. Do you recall a couple of months before the hotel opened, the executive commitee at aloft participated in the LCVA Gold Championship at Raspberry Hill's Gold Club? It is golf courses like these that make the aloft's home so appealing to guests. The county has everything and anything to offer: wine, food, fun fairs, and now... a good game of golf.

For more information on Loudoun's golf courses, please go to:

http://www.visitloudoun.org/things-to-do/thingstodo?categoryid=102&pagename=Golf%20Courses

Thank you and have a good week ahead!

William Chang
Operations Manager

aloft Dulles North Big Bash

Feb 12, 2009 was the official Big Bash Party at the aloft Dulles North Hotel. The staff anticipated a healthy attendance, however we received quite a pleasant suprise to realize that we underestimated the amount of people who would be celebrating with us! It was quite an evening to remember! Even before the party officially started at 6:30 pm, by 5:00 pm we already had people coming in to enjoy our W xyz lounge. By 6:30, the entire re:mix lobby of aloft was filled to the gills with people abuzz with excitement. About this time, there was rumor that some of our Redskins guests have arrived. They were not hard to spot, as they towered over our delighted guests! We had Pro-bowl player and offensive lineman Chris Samuels who was enjoying our W xyz bar bites. Also present were Running back Ladell Betts who played pool with fans, and Running back Rock Cartwright. An hour later, many long time fans of the Redskins realized that NHL Hall of Famer John Riggins was also enjoying the festivities with a cold beer by the fireplace.Our Dj's cranked up the music and our Shadow Dancer took the stage for a classy touch of flirty accent to the party. Around 8:00 pm our Maxim and FHM models arrived and had a blast mingling with the crowd and taking pictures. Both raved that it was the place to be, and very reminiscent of South Beach club and New York lounges. While the party was going on, we also had complimentary massages in re:charge our fitness center, provided by Natural Body Spa. In splash, our indoor heated pool with a spa-like feel hosted a speedboat race where a the highest scorer took home the speedboat. In tactic, our cozy, high tech meeting space held a Dance Dance Revoluntion Tournament where the winner went home with the complete Wii set. Throughout the event, raffle tickets were also sold to benefit the Special Olympics of Virginia. Prizes included tickets to Washington Capitals and Wizards games, various hotel stays, and 1 year membership to Golds Gym. In re:fuel, what would normally be our 24 hour grab and go gourmet pantry, turned into a buffet area that showcased our W xyz bites. Overall, our agenda was to make sure that the aloft concept was in full realization with all our guests and it seemed like, not only did they realize what a unique offering it was but that it was so well received. It seemed that everyone had a great time and the question of the night was, "When will we have another party like this?". The answer is, we will keep everyone posted. We have all the reasons to have the same Thursday party back in Dulles!

live life aloft,

Carla Carandang

Senior Sales Manager

Bidding Farewell to a Humanitarian!

My mother and I struggled for many years living from house to house and renting a place to stay for 18 of my years on this earth. Aside from becoming a citizen of the United States and having a stable job, my mother always dreamed of owning her own home. She found out about the opportunity Habitat for Humanity provides for low income families. She applied and qualified to receive a home after she volunteers many hours towards her home building someone elses house. To make a long story short my mother finally got her dream of owning her own home and she has never been so happy and blessed. Everyday she thanks Habitat for what they provided her by continuing to volunteer for habitat every weekend. I wanted to say thank you and my condolenses go out to Millard Fuller's (Founder of habitat for humanity) Family & Team, for the loss of such a great man. A man like him will forever be in the hearts of those families who he gave life to when they once had nothing, a man who made dreams come true and opportunities happen. THANK YOU!


Irssy Perez
Sales Coordinator

reflections on the big bash

Aloha beloved aloft readers,

I would like to take this time to reflect on the journey the aloft Dulles North has experienced thus far in its short but ever-so meaningful lifetime. The aloft has gone through many stages that can only be manifested in a tapestry of images and stories that we hope this blog has portrayed. On a deeper level, however, I would like to share the meaning of the aloft experience - an experience that breaks through the clutter of conformity to give you a breath of fresh air and control.

The meaning of aloft is only felt when a guest uses the aspects of the aloft environment around him/her to influence and affect the current mood he/she is feeling. To try and capture this optimum feeling is very tender and intimate to one's needs because people feel different at different times. But at the aloft, we try and appeal to every guest that walks in to draw them in ways that will make them happy, no matter what mood they are in. We understand everyone is different, so we examine and constantly improve our hotel that is both quiet and inviting, social and relaxing, indoor and outdoor, and different yet similair to people's comfort levels. After being only in operation for 2 months, I see these blends of qualities that are engulfed in the the product-and-guest-service relationship that every hotel attempts to master. Everyday at the aloft, my team and I see the aloft product appealing to different guests in different ways - and it is very exciting to see people's only positive reactions to the brand and to our a+ talent team.

With the hotel's grand opening party happening tomorrow night, I closely reflect on the journey this building and our team have endured to get this establishment running and fully exposed. At the end of the day, my reflections can be best explained through the "experience" - that is, the personal and mutually exclusive experience every aloft fan feels. The aloft trip is different for every guest, and the guest is different on every trip back to the aloft, and that excitement and curiosity of seeing these different trips is the heart of my reflection. I am very honored and lucky to see these trips played out everyday in our hotel, whether that someone is mingling in the re:mix lobby, sipping at the wxyz bar, or swimming in splash. No matter where the guest is in the hotel, his/her trip is different and ever more so special the next time after this person returns.

Thank you all for reading and we hope to see you at the Big Bash tomorrow night. We have come this far, so it is time to celebrate! Live, life, aloft!

William Chang
Operations Manager

Big Bash - Grand Opening Party

attention all aloft fans! February 12th, 2009 from 6:30pm until midnight is the new aloft Dulles North hotel's and lounge BIG BASH Grand Opening party! We will have shadow dancers, speed boat races, Wii Dance Dance Revolution contest and more!

The most important aspect of this BIG BASH is the raffle we are doing to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics Virginia.

There will be a variety of give-aways and prizes for all, so please come and show your support for your favorite Dulles area hotel!

For more information about this event, please call us at 703 723 6969 and speak to one of our a+ aloft talent members. Don't forget to check out one of our 18 different weekday OR weekend packages online at http://www.aloftdulles.com/

Milan Patnaik

General Manager

Love Is In The Air

Valentine's Day is very near! I am writing about this occasion since I am sitting here brainstorming (can also be referred to as 'panicking') and have yet to get my loved one a gift! I am trying to be creative but easier said than done. I am sure many share my stress on this- how do you consolidate all your expressions of love for that one special person in one day and ON A BUDGET? It is no secret after all that we are not in the best economic situation. (I am hoping my significant other will not be reading this blog anytime soon before Saturday) I am currently working on a list of items that I can create on my own- such as a homemade booklet with massage coupons that he can use anytime. This would be more economical than getting a massage appointment from the expensive spa. Since my boyfriend doesn't cook, I can just create a menu for a whole week that I will be serving up around Valentine's Day. No need for buying cookbooks either with the dawn of the Food Network on TV and the Web! Another thing I know he dreads is doing laundry, maybe another homemade booklet of errand coupons including doing laundry and other errands that I know he detests doing. Im sure he will be appreciative of the gesture, and I will be grateful that it won't take a toll on my bank account! I think these economical ideas would make him happy, and that's what counts right?

Our beloved Olie, the PMHS mascot, also had some advice for Valentine's Day:


It’s that time of year again…red roses, chocolates, those cute little heart shaped candies that say ‘Be Mine’, for happy couples to exchange. That’s right it’s time for Valentine’s Day! This year, couples who are still experiencing the “red” from the holidays are wondering, “What to do about Valentine’s Day?”It’s no secret that we need to demonstrate our love on this most romantic of holidays. Just because the economy is in a slump doesn’t mean your Valentine’s Day has to be any less romantic. Here are my recession proof tips to enjoy your Valentine’s Day...and keep it real!
1. Indoor Picnic – Although it’s cold outside, keep things warm with an indoor picnic. Pack a basket with some of your mate’s favorite treats and toss a blanket on the floor and enjoy listening to tunes.
2. Stay in for dinner – pull out that special china you use when you have guests or only for the holidays and enjoy dinner for two.
3. Buy one rose (about $1 at any grocery, convenience store, or street vendor) and write your special someone a love letter. Leave love notes all over the house (bathroom, kitchen) or write one and put it in their car or handbag/briefcase.
4. Since Valentine’s Day is on a Saturday this year –lunch and a matinee movie won’t break the bank. Matinee too much??? Stop at the Red Box at Giant or visit your local video store (or Netflix) and pop some popcorn and enjoy a movie in – together.

So you say “Hey Ollie, I’m single! What’s there for me to do?” Well I’m glad you asked! I have a… “Single in the City Recession Proof Valentine’s Day Plan”
1. Remember when Valentines were sent in grade school? Then, it wasn’t for committed love but just a way to tell friends you care. Your never too old to tell friends, parents and siblings that you still care for them.
2. Hit the nail salon for a manicure and pedicure (package about $35). Men don’t frown it’s not just for the ladies anymore! I flew into a salon last week and met a postal worker getting a pedicure. He said after a long day on his feet it made him feel so much better – he only wished he started 10 years ago!
3. Have dinner in or enjoy take‐out from your favorite place. There’s no rule that says you can’t enjoy a dinner for one with your fine china and candles. So pull out that china and light the candle and enjoy dinner.
4. Spend time with family or friends. Get together for a “Single and Loving It” game night.
Ask family and friends to bring games over to your place or to bring a dish. Play the night
away!

Your Romance Advisor,
Ollie

Don't forget to check aloft Dulles North's Special Valentine's Package on our website. aloft Dulles North can be the perfect getaway for you and your special one. We wish you a Valentine's Day filled with great memories shared with all your loved ones- your significant other, family and friends!

carla carandang

senior sales manager

CAUTION: Facebook

Everyday I read the CNN website to catch up on US News and this time I felt like I read something that hit me personally and at work (since we have an aloft Dulles North Group on facebook). Who doesn't have a facebook these days or any networking site of the sort. The following report is what I read: "Without his input, Bryan Rutberg's Facebook status update -- the way friends track each other -- suddenly changed on January 21 to this frightening alert:Facebook says less than 1 percent of its 150 million users are hit by impersonators."Bryan NEEDS HELP URGENTLY!!!" His online friends saw the message and came to his aid. Some posted concerned messages on his public profile -- "What's happening????? What do you need?" one wrote. Another friend, Beny Rubinstein, got a direct message saying Rutberg had been robbed at gunpoint in London and needed money to get back to the United States. So, trying to be a good friend, Rubinstein wired $1,143 to London in two installments, according to police in Bellevue, Washington. Meanwhile, Rutberg was safe at home in Seattle. Rubinstein told CNN he misses the money, but it's perhaps more upsetting to feel tricked by someone who impersonated his friend on Facebook, a social-networking site where millions of friends converse freely online." Facebook says it is taking measures to reduce impersonations. The popular site also offers these preventative tips for those who want to take the security of their online profile into their own hands:
• Be suspicious of anyone -- even friends -- who ask for money over the Internet. Verify their circumstances independently, either by calling them directly, or checking with mutual friends.
• Choose a strong password and use unique credentials for each of your Web accounts. Facebook says hackers tap into one site and then try to reuse passwords on others.
• Use an up-to-date browser that features an anti-phishing blacklist.
• Use and run anti-virus software on your computer.
• Reset your Facebook password if you suspect your account has been compromised.
• Have more than one contact e-mail address. This will help if one of them is hacked.



Irssy Perez
Sales Coordinator

Congrats to the Steelers Victory!

did you watch the Superbowl on Sunday? wow! what a game! the first quarter was pretty interesting when an Pittsburgh defensive lineman is able to intercept the ball and run 99 yards for a touchdown! although the Cardinals did catch up for most of the second half, the Steelers were able to produce an amazing touchdown pass late in the 4th quarter. if you didn't know - the 99 yard interception/touchdown was the longest play in NFL Superbowl history as well as the Pittsburgh Steelers now being the only franchise to have 6 Superbowl victories....looks like the Dallas Cowboys need to win next year to tie it up again?!?!

from the aloft Dulles North talent team to the new 2009 Superbowl Champions the Pittsburgh Steelers - CONGRATS on a fine victory!

Milan Patnaik
General Manager