Over the past few months I’ve taken a number of trips – Washington DC, South Carolina and Philadelphia – and I made sure to visit the construction sites of the aloft projects being built in all of those locations. I know, I know, who actually finds an interest in visiting construction sites of hotels?

I do!

So first off was the Aloft National Harbor – I’ve written a lot about the National Harbor development, and it’s just so interesting to me to see the creation of almost a mini-town rise up from nothing but empty ground (I know, I probably just put myself on the environmentalists hate list – sorry!).

The aloft in National Harbor isn’t due to open until next year, but there still was considerable work done on the exterior and you could clearly see the aloft swish. I really like this development because while it fits in very well with the National Harbor design, it also still has the aloft signature elements such as the swish and window decorations.

 
aloft National Harbor

 
Rendering of the aloft National Harbor

aloft National Harbor from the waterfront

Next was the aloft North Charleston. This aloft can be watched 24/7 via a construction cam that is located near the construction trailer – but there is nothing like actually being there in person, and it was interesting to view for the first time the actual aloft prototype. The building outside may be a little boring – mainly a white finish, but the inside will definitely make up for it. After viewing it in person, I wish Starwood did something with the colors – maybe put in some darker colors along with the white, but hey – all that matters is what’s on the inside, so I cant complain much about that.

This aloft is scheduled to open on September 4th, and is well on its way as you can see from these pictures. Unfortunately we arrived there just as it was getting dark so the pictures are not as clear as I had wanted.

Finally is the aloft Philadelphia Airport that’s being built on Starwood’s property at the Philadelphia Airport. This property is very interesting because its a decent parcel of land that is owned by Starwood Hotels, and currently is occupied the Sheraton Suites, and Four Points by Sheraton, and then the aloft that is currently being constructed. Starwood owns and operates the hotels on this land, and I don’t see Starwood divesting themselves of this property anytime soon as part of their move to being mainly a brand owner over the past few years. Additionally there is a fourth piece of land that can still be developed – perhaps an Element?

These pictures were taken with my cell phone, so that’s why the quality is not exactly up to par.

 
aloft Philadelphia exterior

 
aloft Philadelphia entrance canopy

 
aloft Philadelphia entrance sign

There are two other aloft’s scheduled to open that I frequently drive past – but construction has not started on them yet. The one located on Route 1 in Woodbridge, NJ and also the one located in Mount Laurel, NJ which ironically is directly across the street from the new Westin Mount Laurel.

It’s a very exciting time for Starwood and aloft. It’s taken a little longer than we all have hoped to open the first locations, but they are well on their way to launching a very exciting new hotel brand!

andrew@alconic-inc.com