You want advise/opinion from an Expert Traveller who stayed with us recently?! Well her name was Jill Starley-Grainger and she wrote a review about her stay with our specific Aloft. She was very discrete because I did not know she was even in our area, all in all she posted her review on HIGH LIFE website and had this to say:
"Forget what you think you know about airport and motorway hotels. Aloft is set to change that, at least in the US, where the concept is being rolled out nationwide.
With hip décor and lively atmosphere, Alofts feel more like misplaced city hotels. The theory is that it’s not just stuffed shirts who need to stay near airports or suburban business parks, so why should these types of hotels always be so dull? The concept is already a huge success.
Targeting budget- and style-conscious young professionals, they’re now being rolled out all over the US. Aloft Dulles is just off an exit ramp, but forget business bland or roach motel. With its lively lounge filled with 20- to 30-somethings and trendy décor throughout, the vibe is more urban nightclub than motorway pit-stop. Staff look like they’ve stepped out of a Gap ad – as do many of the chattering customers in the lounge, although a few older business types were attempting a little laptop work while sipping cocktails.
Rooms are stylish in a minimalist way – with a maximalist TV screen – but you’re likely to want to join a game of pool in the lounge rather than having an early night on the comfy beds or spending hours on the free Wifi.
Location
Aloft hotels are appearing all over the US, and we tried the one near Washington Dulles International Airport. Just off the motorway, Aloft Dulles is 15 minutes from the airport, 30 minutes from DC and Baltimore, and in the middle of the Dulles Technology Corridor, home to the offices of AOL, Verizon, Airbus and more.
Sleep
Aloft Dulles’ 136 rooms are all identical, with two queen beds, nine-foot ceilings and huge windows.
As you open the door, you’re effectively stepping into the bathroom and wardrobe area, which runs the width of the room. It’s separated from the bedroom not by a door, but by a long wall. The lack of a door for the toilet and glass-panelled shower could be awkward if you’re sharing with a work colleague. Bathroom products are by New York’s trendy Bliss Spa, and shower has a real kick.
The beds are very comfortable, and kids will love the enormous TVs, while grown-ups will appreciate the free WiFi. Décor is mostly white with bright-blue and lime-green stripes, and hints of purple and hot pink. Children and pets are welcome.
Eat
Apart from light snacks in the bar, the only dining option is the Re:fuel shop near reception. Here you can pick up a few take-away items, such as cereals, granola bars and sandwiches. Eat them in the lounge or at the desk in your room. There’s no mini-bar, but instead an in-room refrigerator for your use.
Drink
The Re:mix lounge is filled with thumping music in the evenings (that you miraculously can’t hear in the rooms), mood-lighting, a pool table and lots of laughing groups of people or relaxed singles and couples chilling with a beer, cocktail or bar snacks.
Service
The young staff are all friendly, efficient and smiley – and very Abercrombie and Fitch.
Play
Small fitness centre, 15m heated indoor pool, self-service car wash.
Who goes?
Although near a major international airport, the clientele is primarily American. Young techies visiting the nearby offices stay here regularly, which might make it sound geeky, but on our visit, the lounge was filled with casually stylish men and women in their 20s to 40s.
Tip
Pick up some milk from a shop if you want it for your coffee. All they have in the room is powdered creamer.
Unexpected pleasure
The pretty, small pool is rarely used, so chances are, you’ll have it all to yourself like we did.
Could do better
It would be good not to have to go out for breakfast, and maybe even for dinner, but Re:fuel’s choices are quite limited.
Costs
Doubles from $149 (£100), excluding taxes. Breakfast from $3 for a yogurt to $4.50 for a breakfast sandwich, excluding taxes, from Re:fuel shop. WiFi is free throughout.
Verdict
You wouldn’t stay here a week, but on a short trip to the area, it’s a cheaper option than similar-quality DC or Baltimore accommodations, and the atmosphere is livelier than most city-centre hotels. Plonk it in
New York or
London, and you’d pay three times the price. For easy style on a budget, Aloft is hard to beat.
Also consider
If you’d rather be in a city, the Hyatt Baltimore (
baltimore.hyatt.com) has great harbour-view rooms and delicious breakfasts, but it does cost a bit more.
Aloft Dulles Airport North, 22390 Flagstaff Plaza, Ashburn, Virginia 20148, (703) 723-6969,
alofthotels.com/dullesnorth
Get there with car hire from Dollar Thrifty Europe, 0800 252 897,
dollar.co.uk; from £163.50 per week (fully inclusive) from Washington Dulles Airport."
For more information on the region, visit
capitalregionusa.org
irssy perez
Sales Assistant
I LOOOOOVE Dogs!! This is a great excuse to have your furry little friend at work with you, putting a smile on your face on command. Aloft Dulles Airport North is a pet friendly hotel with amenities for the pooch to enjoy while you stay here with us. Ask for the ARF (animals R Fun) Program next time you stay with us, so your pet will feel like he is living the lap of luxury with amenities such as, R & R bed, bowl, dog tag, treats, toys, doggy poop bag and last but not least being with YOU on trips. If you need help convincing your boss to participate in Take Your Dog to Work Day, here are a few things that may help.
Q. It's my girlfriends birthday next month, where can I throw her the hottest party this side of Dulles?
Aloha Aloft Fans,
Brand new sensation at the Dulles Town Center Mall and it involves interacting and what better than, FOOD!
