Though some might refer to the brand as “Motel 6s for hipsters and yuppies”, I’ve always viewed Aloft Hotels as one of the most efficient airport hotels on the market. Not only are Aloft Hotels typically practical, but they’re also modern, clean, and comfortable. I’ve stayed at well over a dozen Aloft properties at this point and I have yet to find a bad egg. When I realized that I would have to spend a night near DFW, I immediately booked a room at the Aloft Las Colinas.
Here’s what it’s like to stay at Aloft Hotels.
Aloft Hotels Review: The Aloft Las Colinas, Texas
Check-in at Aloft Las Colinas
I had requested SPG Keyless and even brought my old Galaxy S4 (one of the few compatible devices at the time) so I could one, earn 500 SPG points and two, look super cool using my phone as a key. I also had hoped to bypass the front desk. Unfortunately, my request was not answered until check-in. Depending on the property, you may be required to show picture ID before any key, physical or digital, can be issued.
By requiring an ID to release keys to guests, the purpose of SPG Keyless (now Marriott mobile check-in) is often defeated.
Aside from not being able to take part in SPG Keyless, the front desk agent who checked me in was very welcoming and attentive. After I was handed my key and briefed on hotel amenities, I made my way to my room.
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2 Queen Bed Room at Aloft Las Colinas
I don’t typically settle on a room located on the first floor for a few reasons. The first reason is the lack of privacy and even security. Second, they’re often among the loudest rooms at a hotel. Finally, you’re not going to be able to enjoy any views aside from the parking lot.
Unfortunately, the hotel was completely booked for the night, and because I had arrived fairly late in the day, I lost the opportunity to select a room on a higher floor. On the plus side, the first-floor ceilings were much higher than rooms on higher floors. These high ceilings made the room feel more comfortable compared to the standard 8 to 9-foot ceilings found on other guest floors.
The room I chose featured two queen beds. Though the Aloft bed doesn’t compare to those found at Westin and Marriott properties, it’s still consistently comfortable. The sheets were clean, and the pillows were a good mix between firm and soft. This is one reason I love Aloft hotels; they are always consistent in what’s offered.
Found within every guest bathroom at Aloft Hotels is a modern bowl sink, a (non-locking) sliding door that partitions the vanity from the shower area, Bliss amenities (now Drybar amenities), shoe cubbies, and a closet built into the main room partition. Not only is the room designed with the modern traveler in mind but they’re also kept clean. The floor, toilet, bedroom, closet, and vanity were all spotless upon arrival.
Constructed out of tile, enclosed with frosted glass, and furnished with a powerful showerhead, the shower was solid. Unfortunately, Aloft Hotels was among the first hotel brands to do away with mini-shampoo and body wash. Instead, they have dispensers built into the side of the shower. On the upside, these dispensers are filled with Bliss amenities (now Drybar).
Other in-room amenities included a 42-inch TV, numerous AC and USB outlets, a desk, a leather bench, unrestricted climate controls, and a retro alarm clock. I also set up a wake-up call the night before using the automated system. The system was surprisingly efficient and actually, ran ten minutes early.
Aloft rooms are always among some of the most consistent and comfortable airport hotel rooms around. They’re modern, clean, spacious, and efficient.
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Aloft Las Colinas Property
As one would expect with an entry-level airport hotel, nearly every Aloft Hotel features an identical layout. Depending on the location, some Aloft properties boast additional amenities. This particular Aloft property in Las Colinas, TX featured an outdoor pool quite fitting for hot Texas summers. Other than the outdoor pool, the property was your run-of-the-mill Aloft.
Aloft Hotels are typically built around their hip lobbies. The front desk is a circular “hub” in the center of the lobby. Stretching around the perimeter of the front desk is a bar, lounge, snack bar, breakfast bar, pool table, and small business center. As is the norm at most hotels, the fitness center and outdoor pool lay adjacent just past the main lobby.
Aloft Hotels do a fantastic job differentiating themselves from other airport or budget hotels. They don’t sacrifice a functional lobby but rather build each hotel around a gathering space in which guests can gather to kick-back or work.
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The Bottom Line
When you spend a fair amount of time at airport hotels, you come to appreciate consistency. Typically priced just higher than a Holiday Inn, Aloft Hotels are almost always worth the extra price. Boasting a modern atmosphere and comfortable guest rooms, Aloft Hotels have become my go-to when staying near major airports.
The Aloft Las Colinas was no exception to my consistent and enjoyable experience at Aloft Hotels. It was modern, clean, and comfortable, and the hotel staff was welcoming. Though the hotel lacks a shuttle, the drive from the hotel and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is roughly 15 minutes and will run you $20 if you choose an Uber.
What’s your take on Aloft Hotels? What’s your go-to airport hotel chain?
