I like the Aloft brand. It’s straightforward, they have two room types, a cool social space aka a bar, and overall you know what you’re going to get. It’s just that simple. At this particular check in the receptionist mentioned that this was my 10th Aloft stay this year, which proves I like Alofts since I only have 22 stays at Starwood properties, I really must like them.
Like all the other Alofts I’ve stayed at this one was very similar. They had the WXYZ Bar, that serves food in the evenings, a pool table, large open lobby with fireplace and TV’s. Plus they had an indoor pool, gym and outdoor seating area plus the usual casual snack bar Re-Fuel. It was really like any other Aloft, so if you don’t like cookie cutter hotels this may not be your spot, but it did have a distinct Portland vibe. With Portlandia décor and stuff for lack of a better word. Plus like many other hotels in the chain, there are 100 worldwide, the bar was hopping in the evening. Somehow they attract a crowd, it’s just that hip. This crazy phenomenon happens at all of the Alofts I’ve stayed at. They have the more casual hipster W Hotel vibe.
As for the rooms, again really not much that sets it apart from other Alofts, same color scheme, same size and layout. I know I’m making this place sound boring and cookie cutter, but there’s comfort in that too. You know what you’re going to get and that in and of itself is always good.
At check in, I was also given a few benefits due to my status. Always cool. Free breakfast each day, a drink coupon and also one free coffee drink per day. They have a pretty extensive breakfast at reasonable prices. Offering cereals, pastries, fresh fruit parfaits, and also omelets and breakfast burritos. Plus they have tons of snacks and guilty pleasures like Hagan Daz, red vines and popcorn to name a few. My food coupon allowed me to get three of the five items per day juice, cereal, fresh fruit, pastry or yoghurt. I was always full after breakfast. Unfortunately in the past at this hotel the coupon was worth $10 so you could get hot food too, but not anymore. I also got this cool cookie at check in, notice it looks like the State.
Overall a pleasant stay again here, it’s sort of my mid-priced go to hotel in Portland. Also it’s in a decent airport location. There are tons of casual sit-down restaurants near but, plus lots of shopping so you won’t be bored. And without traffic it’s only 20 minutes to downtown too. Yes there are other Starwood hotels in town, but most of the others are twice the price on any given day and well over my budget.
where is rahul 