The FINANCIAL — Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. on November 2 announced the debut of its fast-growing Aloft brand in Raleigh. The brand’s fifth hotel to open in North Carolina, Aloft Raleigh boasts a prime location across the street from the Memorial Belltower at North Carolina State University. Owned by a joint venture between The Bernstein Companies and Bell View Founders, Aloft Raleigh offers 135 spacious, loft-like rooms, innovative technologies and a vibrant social atmosphere.
“We are proud to bring Aloft Hotels to Raleigh as part of the Hillsborough Street rejuvenation and expect it will be a hit with travelers with its distinct design aesthetic, tech-forward mindset and live music scene at W XYZ bar,” said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President, Specialty Select Brands for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. “The popular Aloft brand recently crossed the 100th hotel milestone, propelled by its phenomenal success in key markets worldwide.”
Featuring bold design and a modern flair, Aloft Raleigh features a gracious arrival lobby with an art gallery wall and grand glass staircase to a second floor lobby, an outdoor terrace on the second floor boasting sweeping views of the NCSU campus and downtown Raleigh, and a dramatic 55 foot sculpture created by renowned Raleigh artist Thomas Sayre, according to Starwood.
“Aloft Raleigh brings together public art with cutting-edge design to provide visitors with an inspiring entrance to the NC State campus,” said Davin Driskill, Vice President, Hotel Division of The Bernstein Companies. “The new Aloft also marks an important step forward in the redevelopment of Hillsborough Street and gives travelers an affordable and stylish new option in a terrific location.”
Amenities at Aloft Raleigh include an outdoor Splash pool, a 24-hour gym, 1,600 square feet of flexible meeting space, re:fuel at Aloft – a one-stop gourmet grab & go food and beverage area, and the brand’s signature W XYZ bar where guests can enjoy a refreshing cocktail and catch the latest up-and-coming music acts as part of the brand’s signature Live At Aloft Hotels music series. In addition, the hotel development includes two of Raleigh’s favorite restaurants: Gonza Tacos Y Tequila and Jubala Village Coffee, both located on the street level of the development, and a parking deck behind the hotel.
Walking distance to a variety of clubs, restaurants, and the North Carolina State Capitol building, Aloft Raleigh is close to the Raleigh Convention Center, the BTI Performing Arts Center Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and Research Triangle Park – a leading high-tech and biotech hub.
The Aloft brand’s innovative and exclusive initiatives set it apart from the competition. Aloft Hotels recently announced the launch of SPG Keyless—an evolution of Aloft’s Smart Check-in— the hospitality industry’s first mobile, keyless entry system allowing guests to use their smart phone as a key. The technology is rolling out to all Aloft, Element and W Hotels Worldwide by year’s end. This forward-thinking initiative is part of the brand’s innovative DNA.
Aloft remains the fastest growing brand in the history of hospitality with 100+ hotels in 16 countries now open, and the company’s second largest pipeline. Fueled by accelerating demand in dynamic markets worldwide, Aloft continues to enter new markets including Munich and Stuttgart, Germany as well as expand its portfolio in Greater China to ten hotels by year’s end.
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