Last Updated on August 26, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Aloft Hotels takes a different approach from a traditional full-service hotel. Now branded as Aloft by Marriott, it combines loft-inspired rooms, lively shared spaces, recognizable food-and-beverage concepts, and digital conveniences aimed at travelers who prefer a modern select-service stay. The exact experience can vary considerably from one Aloft property to another.
Quick Answer
Aloft by Marriott is a select-service hotel brand built around modern design, social spaces, and tech-friendly stays. Marriott reported 244 Aloft properties worldwide as of June 30, 2026. Signature concepts include Re:fuel, W XYZ, Re:charge, Marriott Bonvoy benefits, and the ARF pet program, but exact amenities and policies vary by hotel.
Key Takeaways
- Starwood launched the Aloft brand in 2005, and the first property opened at Montreal Airport in 2008.
- Marriott International acquired Starwood in September 2016, bringing Aloft into the Marriott portfolio and Marriott Bonvoy.
- Marriott reported 244 Aloft properties and 40,358 Aloft rooms worldwide as of June 30, 2026.
- W XYZ, Re:fuel, Re:charge and ARF are recognizable Aloft concepts, but facilities, hours, pet rules and fees can differ by property.
- Mobile Key, streaming options, housekeeping schedules, breakfast, parking and other practical details should be checked on the page for the specific Aloft hotel you plan to book.
History and Background of Aloft Hotels
Starwood Hotels & Resorts developed Aloft as a new select-service lifestyle brand and unveiled the Aloft name and concept in 2005. The idea was to bring some of the design energy associated with W Hotels into a more streamlined hotel format with loft-inspired rooms, technology and active social spaces.
The first Aloft property opened at Montreal Airport in June 2008. Other locations followed quickly in the United States and international markets, establishing Aloft as one of Starwood’s major select-service brands.
On September 23, 2016, Marriott International completed its acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. Aloft consequently became part of Marriott’s portfolio and later became fully integrated into Marriott Bonvoy.
What Amenities and Services Does Aloft Offer?
Marriott’s official Aloft brand page emphasizes loft-inspired guest rooms, social spaces, fast Wi-Fi, W XYZ bar, Re:fuel by Aloft and the ARF pet program. Re:charge fitness centers are also common at Aloft hotels.
These are brand signatures rather than a promise that every property has the same facilities, operating hours or service model. Local regulations, building design, ownership decisions and market conditions can change what a particular Aloft offers.
| Feature | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Rooms | Modern, loft-inspired styling, platform beds and contemporary bathrooms are core parts of the brand identity. Room size and exact equipment vary. |
| Wi-Fi & entertainment | Connectivity is an important Aloft feature, but TV size, casting and streaming support should be confirmed on the individual hotel’s room page. |
| Food & drinks | Re:fuel and W XYZ are signature Aloft concepts. Availability, menus and opening hours differ by property. |
| Fitness | Many locations offer a Re:charge fitness center, but equipment and opening hours can vary. |
| Digital services | Mobile check-in, Mobile Key and other app features depend on the participating property, reservation and account requirements. |
Note: Marriott describes Mobile Key as available at select properties. Before relying on your phone for room access, confirm that your specific Aloft hotel lists Mobile Key and make sure your reservation is attached to your Marriott Bonvoy account.
How Aloft Hotels Designs Rooms and Uses Technology
Aloft’s design identity is one of its clearest differences from a conventional select-service hotel. Marriott highlights high ceilings, platform beds, walk-in showers, colorful common areas and a strong emphasis on spaces where guests can work or socialize.
The brand has also experimented with new hotel technology over the years. In 2016, for example, Aloft tested voice-activated hotel rooms that allowed guests at two pilot properties to control lighting and temperature with Siri. That experiment helped build Aloft’s tech-forward reputation, but it should not be confused with a current chainwide feature.
Today, digital capabilities are better treated as property-specific. Mobile Key is available at participating Marriott hotels, while streaming, casting, USB charging, smart controls and other in-room technology depend on the individual property.
What Can Vary From One Aloft Hotel to Another?
Aloft maintains a recognizable brand style, but travelers should not assume that two Aloft hotels will have identical amenities. Before booking, check the individual property page for:
- Breakfast: whether breakfast is offered, its hours, and whether your room rate includes it.
- W XYZ and Re:fuel: availability, menus and opening hours.
- Pool: some Aloft hotels have a pool while others do not.
- Parking: availability and daily or valet fees can differ substantially.
- Housekeeping: schedules may be daily, every other day or otherwise property-specific.
- Mobile Key: confirm that the hotel participates before depending on keyless entry.
- Room entertainment: casting and streaming options are not identical across the brand.
- Pet policy: permitted animals, fees, weight limits and maximum pet counts vary by hotel.
Marriott’s hotel pages normally list current amenity, parking, pet, housekeeping and room information, making the individual property page more reliable than a brandwide assumption.
Marriott Bonvoy Benefits at Aloft
Aloft participates in Marriott Bonvoy. According to Marriott’s Aloft locations and Bonvoy page, members can earn 10 Marriott Bonvoy points per eligible US dollar spent and one Elite Night Credit for each eligible night at Aloft. Program rules, qualifying charges and rate eligibility still apply.
Bonvoy members can also redeem eligible points or awards at participating Aloft hotels and may receive benefits based on their membership tier. The Marriott Bonvoy app can be used to manage reservations and, at participating properties, access features such as Mobile Key.
Aloft Hotels’ Sustainability Practices
Aloft properties operate within Marriott International’s broader sustainability framework. Marriott’s Serve 360 program covers areas such as energy and water efficiency, waste reduction, responsible sourcing and sustainable hotel operations.
It is better to evaluate sustainability features at the property level rather than assume every Aloft has identical systems. Individual Marriott hotel pages may list certifications, carbon and water footprint information, recycling programs or building-specific efficiency measures when those details are available.
How Aloft Hotels Has Grown Worldwide
Aloft has expanded significantly since its 2008 debut. In Marriott International’s second-quarter 2026 lodging tables, the company reported 169 Aloft properties in the U.S. and Canada and 75 internationally, for a worldwide total of 244 properties.
As of June 30, 2026, Marriott reported 244 Aloft by Marriott properties with 40,358 rooms worldwide.
The same Marriott Q2 2026 report listed 10,082 Marriott properties overall. Marriott separately described its portfolio as operating in 148 countries and territories as of June 30, 2026.
Who Is Aloft Best For?
Aloft can be a strong fit for travelers who prefer contemporary design, informal shared spaces and a select-service experience instead of a traditional full-service luxury hotel. Its combination of work-friendly common areas, social spaces and Marriott Bonvoy participation can suit both short business trips and leisure stays.
It may be less suitable if you need a specific full-service feature such as a guaranteed on-site restaurant, extensive room service, a resort-style pool, club lounge or uniform pet policy. Those amenities should be checked hotel by hotel.
Products Worth Considering
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What to Check in Aloft Hotel Reviews
Guest experience can vary widely by location, so there is no single review pattern that accurately represents every Aloft hotel. Recent reviews for the exact property you are considering are more useful than general comments about the brand.
Pay particular attention to comments about room noise, mattress comfort, housekeeping, bar or lobby activity, breakfast value, parking, Wi-Fi reliability and front-desk service. If you are traveling with a pet, also look for recent feedback about the property’s current pet fee and how strictly weight or pet-count limits are enforced.
Pet-Friendly Stays: The ARF Program Explained
Aloft promotes its Animals R Fun, or ARF, program as part of the brand experience. Marriott’s Aloft brand page describes ARF amenities such as a dog bed, bowl, treats and toys for participating pet-friendly stays.
That does not mean every Aloft has the same pet policy. Individual hotels may charge a nightly or per-stay pet fee, impose weight limits, restrict the number or type of pets, or decline pets entirely. Always use the current policy displayed for the exact hotel you plan to book.
Pro Tip: Recheck the hotel’s pet-policy section shortly before booking, especially if your dog is large or you are traveling with more than one pet. Property-specific fees, weight limits and pet counts can change.
Products Worth Considering
Dog Water Bottle & Treat Container: Compare with the common dog water bottle, there is a 100g food container closely attach to the bowl of water bottle. It provides both clean water and fresh food when you go out with your pets
Dog Water Bottle & Treat Container: Compare with the common dog water bottle, there is a 100g food container closely attach to the bowl of water bottle. It provides both clean water and fresh food when you go out with your pets
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What’s Next for Aloft Hotels
Aloft remains part of Marriott’s Select tier and continues to operate within Marriott’s global development system. Marriott’s current openings portfolio continues to include future Aloft projects, indicating that the brand’s footprint is still evolving.
For travelers, the main trend to watch is not simply the number of new hotels but how individual properties adapt the Aloft formula. Newer locations may offer different room technology, sustainability features, dining setups and local design elements while retaining the brand’s emphasis on modern rooms and social spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aloft Hotels?
Aloft by Marriott is a select-service hotel brand known for modern, loft-inspired design, social spaces and tech-friendly positioning. Signature concepts include W XYZ, Re:fuel, Re:charge and the ARF pet program, although exact amenities vary by property.
Who owns Aloft Hotels?
Marriott International owns Aloft. Marriott gained the brand when it completed its acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide on September 23, 2016.
When did the first Aloft hotel open?
Starwood unveiled the Aloft brand in 2005. The first Aloft property opened at Montreal Airport in June 2008.
How many Aloft Hotels are there?
Marriott International reported 244 Aloft by Marriott properties and 40,358 rooms worldwide as of June 30, 2026. The total can change as hotels open, convert or leave the system.
Does Aloft Hotels allow pets?
Many Aloft hotels participate in the brand’s ARF pet program, but pet acceptance is not identical across the portfolio. Fees, permitted pet types, weight limits and maximum pet counts vary by hotel, and some properties do not allow pets.
What loyalty program does Aloft Hotels use?
Aloft participates in Marriott Bonvoy. Eligible stays can earn Marriott Bonvoy points and Elite Night Credits, and members can redeem eligible points or awards at participating Aloft properties under Marriott Bonvoy program rules.
Does every Aloft hotel have Mobile Key?
No. Marriott describes Mobile Key as available at select or participating properties. Check the individual Aloft hotel’s amenities and your Marriott Bonvoy app before relying on keyless room entry.
Is breakfast free at Aloft Hotels?
Free breakfast is not a universal Aloft brand benefit. Many properties offer breakfast through Re:fuel or another on-site setup, but the price, menu, opening hours and whether breakfast is included in your room rate depend on the hotel and rate you book.
Sources
- Aloft by Marriott Official Brand Page — brand positioning, room design, W XYZ, Re:fuel, ARF and Marriott Bonvoy.
- Marriott International Q2 2026 Results — Aloft property and room count plus Marriott’s worldwide portfolio figures as of June 30, 2026.
- Marriott International — Starwood Acquisition — confirms completion of Marriott’s acquisition of Starwood on September 23, 2016.
- Marriott Bonvoy Mobile Key Help — Mobile Key availability, requirements and property-participation limitations.
- Marriott Serve 360 — Marriott International’s sustainability and social-impact framework.
- Aloft Locations and Marriott Bonvoy — current Aloft booking network and Marriott Bonvoy earning information.
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