W Hotels Offers A New (Inexpensive) Alternative To Courtyard Marriotts

For many business and leisure travelers, Courtyard Marriott hotels have become known for offering excellent quality, clean and affordable accommodations in low-rise hotels that are typically found in suburban areas.

Meanwhile, in major cities, W Hotels have become known as ultra-trendy, high-end "boutique" hotels that offer ultra-modern decor, but for a price. What if these two concepts were combined? Well, they have been -- very successfully!

The folks at W Hotels are now attempting to compete head-on with Courtyard Marriott with the introduction of "aloft" Hotels. These new properties combine the affordability of a Courtyard Marriott with the boutique feel, ultra-modern decor and trendy atmosphere of the W Hotels. aloft Hotels, however, are found primarily in suburban locations.

There are currently 21 alof Hotels open throughout the U.S., including the one I visited in Plano, Texas. By the end of 2009, more than 70 aloft Hotels will be open. Compared to W Hotels, these are scaled-down and much more affordable accommodations designed to tap into all five of a guests senses. For example, the hotels have a signature scent which you'll smell in all public areas. There are also specialized music playlists that can be heard, while your eyes and sense of touch will experience the custom-designed, multi-textured furniture and decor.

aloft Hotels are all about attitude and will appeal to young business professionals and anyone who is stylish and trendy. The chain truly represents a new type of boutique lifestyle hotel. In addition to offering very affordable guest rooms (starting at $89.00 per night in Plano, Texas, for example), free WiFi Internet access is offered throughout each hotel.

If you're traveling with kids, there's the unique "Camp aloft" program, which features special kid-oriented bedding, games and activities within the guest room. If you're traveling with your dog, the "Arf" program offered at the aloft Hotels welcomes your canine friends and provides a bog bed, treats and other amenities - all at no extra charge.

Other great services and amenities you'll find at aloft Hotels include optional, totally automated check-in kiosks (if you don't want to deal with the friendly front desk staff), as well as a trendy lobby bar, lobby games (including a pool table), a "grab and go" snack shop (offering breakfast, sandwiches, coffee, etc.), a nicely equipped workout facility and a swimming pool.

Within the guest rooms, you'll find ultra-modern, somewhat minimalist decor in a well-lit room that contains a 42-inch LCD TV, Bliss spa amenities, an oversize shower, and plenty of electrical outlets to plug in all of your favorite gadgets.

The concept behind the aloft Hotels is in a word brilliant! I'm currently spending the week exploring Plano, Texas, and in future entries will include full details about other great hotels, plus descriptions of fun things to see and do in this area - for business travelers and vacationers alike. However, no matter where you're traveling, if you're looking for a totally new experience when it comes to affordable hotel accommodations, check out one of the new aloft Hotels properties. 

The aloft Hotel in Plano, Texas, for example, features a total of 136 guest rooms, including 87 rooms equipped with one king-size bed and 49 guest rooms with two queen-size beds. This hotel is located just 20 minutes from downtown Dallas (about 30 minutes from the Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport). If you're headed to Dallas, but want to stay outside of the city, seriously consider the Plano, Texas area.

For more information about aloft Hotels, call (877) GO-ALOFT or visit www.alofthotels.com on the web.

W Hotels Participate In (RED) Program To Help Eliminate AIDS In Africa

Starting December 1, 2008, W Hotels across America will join companies like Apple, American Express, Converse, Dell, Hallmark, Starbucks and Gap, and begin supporting a unique charitable cause known as "(RED)'. 

This organization invites companies to offer a special product or promotion to their customers, and then donate a percentage of their profits to (RED), which is dedicated to help eliminate AIDS in Africa.

As a traveler, if you stay at any W Hotel between December 1, 2008 and December 31, 2009, and mention Promo Code: WYB when making your reservation (866-924-8719 / or online), you become part of (RED)'s worldwide effort to raise awareness and money for the Global Fund.

Participating in this W Hotel promotion won't cost you anything extra to book a room, but as a hotel guest, you'll automatically receive a six month membership to (RED)Wire - a new digital magazine and online music service that delivers exclusive music from top artists like John Legend, Death Cab For Cutie, Elvis Costello and Sheryl Crow. Normally, there's a $5.00 per month fee for membership, of which $2.50 is donated to the (RED) cause. To learn more about (RED)Wire, visit www.joinredwire.com.

Your membership package when you visit a W Hotel will also include a limited edition USB drive that features DELL inspired artwork from African artist Joseph Amedokpo.

Upon check-in at a W Hotel (when you participate in this program), you'll also receive two complementary drinks, plus the guest room accommodations you reserve when making your reservation.  

So, next time you're looking for a fun and trendy hotel, consider staying at a W Hotel and participating in this program so your business also winds up helping a very worthwhile cause. For more information about (RED), visit www.joinred.com. 

According to the (RED) organization, "Every time you buy a (RED) product or service, at no extra cost to you, the company who makes that product will give up to fifty (50) percent of its profit to buy and distribute antiretroviral medicine to our brothers and sisters dying of AIDS in Africa....Every dollar goes straight to Africa. Straight to the people who need it...(RED) is an answer to an emergency. An answer that is working. Over 2.5 million people have been impacted in just two years....Your (RED) purchases have helped provide lifesaving antiretroviral treatment for nearly 80,000 people in Rwanda, Swaziland, Ghana and Lesotho."

In today's tough economy, many hotels are offering promotions that reward travelers. Free gas cards, extra frequent flier miles or free meals are among these incentives. It's very refreshing, however, to see a major hotel chain, like W Hotels, take an active role working with a worthwhile charitable cause, plus reward its guests for each of their visits.