Hotel details

Quirky, but elegant, and comfortable!

tno Oct 13, 2009

Would recommend to a friend!

Our time with the Aloft staff began a bit roughly, though the hotel was described as bright and outlandishly decorated and ... thus easy to see from the road, it turned out that with no way to make out the bright neon lights of the exterior it is actually really hard to make out the otherwise understated building. Once we had tracked it down though, check-in was a breeze, the attendant taking extra expedience when we told her we were late for a wedding. The young lady that helped us at the front desk also got us directions to our destination. Now the lobby was not quite what you would have expected from your average hotel. The front desk was a small round affair that stood just to the side of the front door making finding help a breeze. Ahead of you was a sunken lounge area with several large plush couches and televisions on the walls, as well as a LED news ticker (an odd touch but surprisingly helpful). The hotel bar was located adjacent but open to this lounge area and provided stools at the bar, as well as a few tables arranged before the bar. A pool table stood to one side of the bar, and additional lounge seating adjoined it. Again, this wasn't the staid affair of most lobbies, this was a chic area more night club than lobby, without being loud or obnoxious. The layout certainly proved effortless as there was no interminable walk past dozens of fake antique vases and chaise to find the elevators. It should be noted though that with the different decor the lobby also had different services. The bar and the front desk were nicely accessible, but gone was any semblance of bellboy or visible security personnel. This, though, is an airport hotel, geared more towards the light luggaged business traveler, so it's no big cost for us or most of their clientele. The rooms were an exercise in efficient use of space and that post-post-modern decor. Essentially a square floor plan, the bathroom is separated from the bedroom by a tall wooden wardrobe/divider/headboard/light fixture. This no doubt kept construction costs down, as did providing exactly enough space to move around the room without feeling cramped by the furniture. As to the decor . . . well, this isn't the Ritz, but it's also not the Hampton Inn. Bright colors and fabric accents contrast brilliantly from the dark gray walls and dark blue carpet, and two large windows provide plenty of sunlight so that the room, though darkly colored, never feels dark. These accents include screened light fixtures, rainbow patterned curtains and a patterned couch, whose effectiveness is limited by the fact it sits directly below the TV. Based on its length it's likely more a second sleeping surface than it is something meant for sitting. The two desks are simple wooden affairs, very utilitarian and a bit sparse but effective. The room divider serves as the closet, night stand(s) and storage cubby, and is attractive and effective, if a bit hard to decipher (finding the iron was slightly less challenging than a Rubik's cube). The bathrooms were well appointed with a tall counter and fancy Kohler bowl style sink. The shower was a glass affair that was spacious and provided plenty of hot water from a strong jet, but little access to the towel rack. An empty minifridge is provided and complimentary coffees, waters, soaps, shampoos and the such were also appreciated. The bed was rather firm, something I prefer, and a joy to sleep in. The down comforter was just heavy enough to be warm while not stifling. The pillows, were lacking though. Two large firm decorative pillows complimented the otherwise white bedding, but the sleeping pillows themselves were little bigger than my head and looked absurd alone on the spacious King bed. No doubt a call to the front desk could have remedied this issue, but we were in no mood after making our way back from the wedding. Check out was a breeze and the price was certainly right. Location was good, though as I said, if you approach it during the day, you'...

The very Average....

FrequentTraveller Sep 25, 2009

very average hotel - nothing stands out or is attractive enough to pull customer again. The location too is not great. ...

Great place to stay!

Busygirl Aug 3, 2009

Would recommend to a friend!

Great location right off of Loundon County Parkway. Room was VERY clean and modern. Staff is extra friendly and helpful. Pool ... looked tiny, but didn't use it.