Aloft continues global expansion

Starwood Hotels’ design-led Aloft brand continues its global expansion and is expected to bring its total number of properties to 70 around the world in 2013. Aloft recently announced its first conversion project, Aloft San Francisco Airport; once a Clarion, it will undergo significant renovation before opening as an Aloft in the fall. A new adaptive-reuse project, Aloft Detroit Downtown, is slated to open July 2014; it will transform part of Detroit’s majestic David Whitney Building into a singular Aloft property. Aloft’s first adaptive-reuse project, Aloft Dallas Downtown, won acclaim and awards after its 2009 debut, including a special “Green”award from Preservation Dallas. Nearly every corner of the globe will see new Aloft hotels opening in 2012-2013. China: Aloft’s portfolio will grow with the opening of Aloft Zhengzhou Zhengdong New District, Aloft Yancheng, Aloft Dalian. India: The brand’s Indian presence will expand with new properties including Aloft Ahmedabad, Aloft Bengaluru Cessna Business Park, and Aloft Chandigarh Zirakpur. Malaysia: Aloft will debut in Malaysia when Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral opens its doors. Latin America: Aloft San Jose, the brand’s first hotel in Costa Rica, opened in February. And Aloft Panama will debut in Panama City next year as Aloft’s first Panama property. North America: U.S. properties set to open in 2012-2013 include Aloft Cupertino (CA); Aloft Miami-Brickell (FL); Aloft Doral (FL); Aloft Orlando (FL); Aloft Asheville (NC); Aloft Cleveland (OH); Aloft Oklahoma City (OK); and Aloft Tulsa (OK). Canada will see openings for Aloft Calgary University (AB) and Aloft Vaughan Mills (ON). In 2011, the brand’s stylish new properties included Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 (Thailand), Aloft Bogota Airport (Colombia), Aloft London Excel (UK), and Aloft New York Brooklyn. (http://www.alofthotels.com)