Thursday, September 24, 2009

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, http://www.aloftdulles.com/

irssy gearhart
Sales Assistant

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

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!

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

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

Friday, September 18, 2009

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!

Thursday, September 17, 2009

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

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Did You Know ?


Did you Know Aloft offers original gaming in its Web site, http://www.explorealofthotels.com/, featuring a range of interactive features never before developed by a hospitality brand. The site includes a guided insider’s tour of the hotel, maps and city guides for each location and engages visitors through a series of original, branded games that bring the Aloft experience to life.
The Aloft brand’s new online experience includes:
An Insider’s Virtual Tour: Explore the look and feel of each area of the hotel and its unique design features with the click of a mouse.
Destination Map and City Guides: Browse a map of Aloft’s global a-list locations and check out local hot spots, restaurants, cultural and off-the-beaten-path destinations, as well as staff picks and special city guide content provided by Travel + Leisure magazine.
Gaming and Trivia: Immerse yourself in the Aloft experience by spinning tunes as the Aloft DJ, trying your hand at bar tending, enjoying a game of online billiards or challenging yourself by playing travel trivia games on the site.
Aloft Radio: Preview a sampling of the hotel’s carefully curated and eclectic music with the special Aloft play list. visitors can enter “Aloft Explore, Amuse + Win” for the chance to win a grand prize of one million Starwood Preferred Guest Starpoints, enough for over 25 round trip airline tickets, more than 140 free nights at Aloft hotels or other surprise rewards. Playing “Click-to-Win” offers a chance at winning cool daily prizes, including the very latest tech and travel gadgets such as laptops, digital cameras, GPS systems, MP3 players, Aloft hotel getaways and more.
Technology has been a vital component of the Aloft brand since its debut in summer 2008. Every Aloft hotel features the brand’s signature self-serve aloha kiosk, a touch-screen power house located in the lobby that makes check-in and check-out intuitive and effortless, and complimentary, hotel-wide, high-speed wired and wireless Internet access. Once inside their room, guests enter a calm oasis that is combination high-tech office and entertainment center, thanks to the plug & play system, a one-stop connectivity solution for multiple electronic gadgetry such as PDAs, cell phones, MP3 players and laptops – all linked to a large, 42” flat-panel HDTV-ready television for optimal sound and viewing.

We at the aloft Dulles north encourage you to come and experience a new type of hotel we assure you that once you stay at aloft Dulles North you would not want to stay anywhere else.

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 Vazquez
Re:mix Manager

Monday, September 14, 2009

Constitution Day at Aloft Dulles Airport Hotel & Lounge

Constitution Day is probably one of the most important days forgotten by most Americans. It was this 17th day of September in 1787 the Constitutional Convention met to sign the document they had created.

We the people at the Aloft Dulles Airport hotel and lounge will celebrate just like it's the 4th of July! Come on out to the W xyz lounge inside the Aloft Dulles Airport Hotel to celebrate with us.

Thursday nights are Ladies Night, special priced drinks for ladies from 5pm-9pm, Diva DJ night - see DJ Irssy spin the latest in House, Hip-Hop and Top 40's, and since it is such a special day, the first 25 guests of the bar will receive a small token from Aloft!

Come out and celebrate early as we will have fine weather, the best cocktails around, outside patio, and sounds that will make you want to dance!

See you at 5pm sharp!!!

Milan Patnaik

General Manager

Saturday, September 12, 2009

"Dress to the Nines" Party at Aloft BWI


Aloft Dulles has a new "sister" at BWI and the Grand Opening Party was celebrated on 09-09-09 at an All Nines Party! As with our own BIG bash just 9 months ago when high profile guests from all over DC attended our A-list party, Aloft BWI celebrated its Grand Opening in style. The guests were all "dressed to the nines" as signature cocktails flowed throughout the evening. The enchanting "shadow dancer" danced the night away ... and the happening vibe of the Aloft was palpable with the first chill of the early autumn night.

Congratulations BWI on a successful Grand Opening! With Old Hallow's Eve just around the corner next month, we'll see which sassy "sister" throws the coolest Halloween party of the year. Sibling rivalry aside, we're so excited to welcome you to the family.

Warmest welcome and best wishes from Aloft Dulles North!

Mimi Bryce
Director of Sales

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Diary of a Weekend MOD - "Keeper of the House"

As luck would have it, it was my turn to be MOD, Manager-on-Duty at the Aloft this Labor Day weekend. When all the groaning and protesting did not seem to get me anywhere, I was finally resigned to accept my sad fate.

On a beautiful, crisp Saturday morning, I arrived at the Aloft with my overnight bag. Ruqia, our Aloha Desk Supervisor greeted me warmly as she went about her duties like any other work day. Alex, our Aloha Talent was filling in as our Go-Go Driver for the day. Fresh, hot coffee and an array of inviting breakfast items were already in full display at our Re:fuel. A guest was enjoying a cup of piping hot Cappucino while reading the newspaper. Our Re-fresh Talents were already going about their housekeeping duties as the morning began. I couldn't help but feel humbled by the cheerfulness of our dedicated Talents who seemed not to care that it was the last holiday weekend before summer was officially over. Their energy was, in fact, quite contagious! I took a tour of the property to ensure cleanliness and introduced myself to all the Aloha Talents while checking to make sure they were in proper uniform. Every one of them sparkled. After monitoring the lighting and the music levels, I checked to make sure the Re-fuel and the Wxyz were properly stocked. As I toured our Backyard, I saw a couple playing cards in our lovely Courtyard. I asked them if they were enjoying their stay and they told me that they were actually supposed to be in Aruba for the weekend! They explained that two days before their flight, they realized that their passports had expired. Instead of scrambling to get their passports renewed, they decided to relax at a beautiful, destination hotel and the Aloft fit the bill. Their profound remark gave great significance to why my staff and I were here. We are the "Keepers of the House", here to provide the highest caliber of hospitality to our valued guests.

As I went about the rest of my MOD duties, I felt a sense of pride to be a part of a team who is fully committed to our guests' complete satisfaction during their stay. This Labor Day, I want to thank each of my team members for their valuable contributions. Together, we are dedicated to make your Aloft experience simply one of a kind.

Live Aloft! Have an easy, breezy day.

Mimi Bryce
Director of Sales

Thursday, September 3, 2009

What does LABOR DAY mean to YOU?

I know what Labor Day means to me but I wanted to know what some articles are saying about the holiday. "Traditionally, Labor Day is celebrated by most Americans as the symbolic end of the summer. The holiday is often regarded as a day of rest and parades. Speeches or political demonstrations are more low-key than May 1 Labour Day celebrations in most countries, although events held by labor organizations often feature political themes and appearances by candidates for office, especially in election years. Forms of celebration include picnics, barbecues, fireworks displays, water sports, and public art events. Families with school-age children take it as the last chance to travel before the end of summer recess. Similarly, some teenagers and young adults view it as the last weekend for parties before returning to school. However, start dates for schools vary widely, beginning as early as July 24 in urban districts such as Atlanta, Miami, and Los Angeles. In addition, Labor Day marks the beginning of the NFL and college football seasons. The NCAA usually plays their first games the week before Labor Day, with the NFL traditionally playing their first game the Thursday following Labor Day."

Everyone views and treats Labor Day differently. Some people take the full opportunity to take a day off from a hectic workday, some choose to spend it as a long weekend with family & friends doing things they love and some see it as a mark to begin their fantasy football team..GO STEELERS. Enjoy the Labor Day weekend, I know I will...camping anyone?
irssy gearhart
Sales Assistant

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum

What's Up Aloft Readers!

The Udvar-Hazy Center has a free e-mail newsletter, entitled "What's Up" to inform visitors of upcoming special exhibitions and changes to the existing museum collection. You can sign up at the address below:
http://www.nasm.si.edu/events/enewsletter/

By signing up for What's Up, you will receive information about the museums events, programs, artifacts, people and exhibitions. You may choose to
stop receiving this information at any time, but if you are an air and space enthusiast like me, you continue to be informed for years to come!

The Udvar Hazy Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is located only 5 miles away from the Aloft Dulles Airport North Hotel and Lounge.
Jason Boger
Assistant Chief Engineer

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

What Our Guests are Saying


We have had some great feed backs from our guests and I wanted to share them everyone so you will know why the aloft Dulles north should be your hotel of choice in the Dulles area.

1. Exceptional value for the unique quality of the facility. The amenities were very good for us. We utilized park and ride.

2. I came for my Friends wedding and the hotel was very cool. The staff was very well informed on our arrival, the atmosphere was rad.
3. Very friendly, helpful and relaxed staff. Great rooms, nice lobby and bar area. Very hip and fun. A great experience all around.

4. Everything was great... the bartender Becky (I think), in the extremely cool lobby/bar/lounge/ was great and the manager Julian (probably miss-spelled) was also very accommodating and nice... we really loved our room and especially the atmosphere and decor... I had stayed at a hotel in Reston, VA the night before and the 10 yr old TV was unbearable... I mean what do you do in a hotel room? You watch TV... very pleased to have the large flat screen! I'll definitely be back to that location soon as I live right here in Ashburn. Keep up the good work..!

5. I enjoyed the fresh perspective and modern facilities of this hotel. The room decor was different, the bed was comfortable, the shower was spacious, and the flat screen TV was a perfect touch.

6. Environments is great. Friendly people.

7. We loved the price, furnishings and especially the pet policy.

8 .Clean, comfortable, friendless, price.

9. The facility was beautiful and the staff was very alert, responsive, energetic and helpful.

10. loved the staff they really added personality to the hotel especially Priscilla and Chris their attitude and smile made it a stay at home experience and the rooms very comfortable will definitely stay with aloft again.

11 .PERFECT!!

12. Very up scale and chic.

These are actual comments from our guests who rate us 10 out 10.
Still have doubts? Come stay with us and experience why we are the talk of the town.

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 Vazquez
Re:mix Manager

Aloft Dulles Airport Hotel and Lounge

Aloft Dulles Airport Hotel and Lounge
Why stay anywhere else?

Dulles Day "Plane Pull" Donations