Yesterday I blogged about my “night at the Freddie Awards“. As part of my rushed booking I needed a place to stay close to the airport with free parking and a good price. I had a car, but a free shuttle to the airport is always nice and my fellow blogger PM&M was with me and he had an early flight and I did not want to get up to take him so this place, Aloft Dulles Airport North, fit the bill.
Speaking of the bill, it was very reasonable. $55 a night or 2,000 points and $35 per night. That really worked and as an SPG Gold I got 125 points back as a gift and will earn 70 paying for it on my SPG card plus with Delta CrossoverRewards 35 Skymiles as well. What is not to like?
This was my first visit to an Aloft. They are a “trendy” hotel (or at least try to pull that off). It is hard to differentiate a brand and this place does feel different. First impression is “Sam’s Club” meets IKEA. Get the picture? If not you can see their pitch in the video below:
[youtube width=”300″ height=”250″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6N7On8rVFJU
We got there early. It was noon. However, the front desk person was amazing, kind and very accommodating to our early arrival (PM&M needed to work and check in). I was impressed.
My room was a king room and was just fine. The AC worked. The room was clean. The desk had ready power ports. The chair worked. WiFi was free and good speed.
The bathroom was clean and lots of clean towels and the standard amenities were there and had an “open feel”. The only thing I did not like was the shampoo was all in one including conditioner and it was not the greatest. A minor issue. The bed was comfortable. I like a soft bed and this one was soft-ish and I slept well.
There is an a-la-cart breakfast area that feels like Delta’s in-flight menu. I skipped it, but it can work for most. I also did not check out the bar or the free drink coupon I was given (thanks) as after the Freddie’s I was ready for sleep!
This hotel is no Westin, but for the price and what you get is it a no-brainer choice. I would stay here again without hesitation as a value stay and a good night’s rest. – René
PS – Don’t forget to enter SWAG Saturday for some nice goodies as well as a shot at a $25 AMEX gift card with my ReTweet contest going on today as well!
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I had an almost identical experience with Aloft Milwaukee back in January, right down to last-minute arrangements due to a convention. I lacked SPG status or card, Delta was not yet paired with them and the price was a bit higher. I did get a “green” bonus points for skipping fresh linens on two nights, and a 500-point bonus for spending $25+ at the hotel bar. The front desk, the breakfast options, even the room was essentially identical to what you reported.
You chose cash+point vs $55????? That did not make any sense at all!
@AI – I have well over one millions of points(across the board). I choose points whenever I can. You should too. Points only go down in value. People need to understand this!
I agree with Al – your redemption really surprised me. That is putting spg points right under 1 cent (because of the additional points earned for the spend). Spg points will never dip to that low of value.
i love the ALOFT hotels. clean/neat /tidy zen like and in jax we can park for a week while we are away for very little$$$
wow, this looks exactly like the aloft in san jose, costa rica
Thanks for the review. I have only been in the Hilton Garden Inn next door. Will consider this one now too based on rate.