Most hotel brands feel like they were built for the previous generation of travelers. Aloft Hotels took a different path. This Marriott-owned brand targets tech-savvy guests who want bold design, fast Wi-Fi, and real social energy — not just a quiet room and a buffet breakfast. It’s a formula that worked: the brand now runs over 240 locations across four continents.
Quick Answer
Aloft Hotels is a contemporary hotel brand owned by Marriott International. It launched as a concept in 2005, opened its first property in Montreal, Canada in 2008, and now operates more than 240 locations worldwide. Key highlights include mobile check-in, keyless room entry, a signature W XYZ bar, 24-hour gym and pantry, and a dog-friendly policy through the ARF program — all bookable through the Marriott Bonvoy platform.
Key Takeaways
- Marriott International owns Aloft Hotels, which launched its first property in Montreal, Canada in 2008 after starting as a concept in 2005.
- The brand targets younger and tech-forward travelers with mobile check-in, keyless room entry, and smart room controls via the Marriott Bonvoy app.
- Every Aloft location features the signature W XYZ bar, a 24-hour Re:charge gym, and a 24-hour Re:fuel by Aloft grab-and-go pantry.
- The Animals R Fun (ARF) program makes most Aloft locations dog-friendly, with a complimentary dog bed, bowls, and treats provided at check-in.
- More than 240 properties operate worldwide, with continued expansion powered by Marriott’s global network.
History and Background of Aloft Hotels
Starwood Hotels & Resorts created Aloft in the early 2000s after identifying a clear gap: younger travelers wanted something different from the standard hotel formula. The brand officially launched its concept in 2005, and the first property opened in Montreal, Canada in 2008. Combining affordable rates with high-end style was genuinely rare at the time.
Aloft quickly built a following among guests who prized modern aesthetics and technology over traditional luxury. In 2016, Marriott International acquired Starwood Hotels & Resorts, pulling Aloft into one of the world’s largest hospitality portfolios.
That acquisition gave Aloft far greater resources to expand globally and connected the brand to the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. Aloft has kept growing ever since, holding onto its original focus on connectivity and design-forward spaces.
What Amenities and Services Does Aloft Offer?
Technology sits at the core of the Aloft experience. Every room includes high-speed Wi-Fi and a smart TV for streaming your own content. You can skip the front desk entirely and use the Marriott Bonvoy app for mobile check-in and keyless room entry.
Note: Mobile check-in and keyless entry require the free Marriott Bonvoy app (iOS and Android) and a Marriott Bonvoy account — both free to set up before you arrive.
Beyond the rooms, the Re:charge gym runs 24 hours a day and includes modern equipment for workouts on any schedule. The Re:fuel by Aloft pantry offers grab-and-go snacks and drinks around the clock — ideal for early departures or late arrivals. The signature W XYZ bar serves craft cocktails and local beers and acts as the social center of each property.
Aloft sits in the upscale-select tier — it’s designed to feel stylish and modern without the price tag of a full-service luxury hotel.
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How Aloft Hotels Designs Rooms and Uses Technology
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Design | Modern and vibrant design with urban-inspired artwork |
| Technology | Smart room features, keyless entry, and free high-speed Wi-Fi |
| Guest Experience | Full digital experience from check-in through checkout |
| Sustainability | Eco-friendly practices designed to reduce environmental impact |
Aloft leans into open, functional design. You’ll find bright colors, contemporary furniture, and communal seating areas throughout every property — spaces built for working, relaxing, or connecting with other guests.
Keyless entry is a good example of how the brand thinks. Aloft adopted smartphone room unlocking early on, cutting out the front-desk wait and giving guests more control over their check-in. Many rooms also let you adjust lighting and temperature through your phone or voice commands.
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Aloft Hotels’ Sustainability Practices
Aloft Hotels actively works to lower its environmental footprint. Energy-efficient lighting and appliances reduce overall power draw across its properties. Low-flow fixtures in guest rooms and public bathrooms cut water use without affecting comfort.
Many locations run active recycling programs and use sustainably sourced food and drinks. Partnering with local suppliers keeps transportation emissions down and supports local economies. Travelers who care about the environmental impact of their accommodation choices tend to respond well to these commitments.
How Aloft Hotels Has Grown Worldwide
Aloft has expanded rapidly since its first property opened in 2008. You can now find locations across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East. Marriott’s global marketing reach and infrastructure drove much of that growth.
The brand targets busy metropolitan areas and major airports — the locations that matter most to frequent business and leisure travelers. Each property adapts to its local market while keeping Aloft’s core urban identity intact.
What Guests Say About Aloft Hotels
Guest reviews for Aloft Hotels consistently highlight the atmosphere and modern amenities. Travelers love lobbies that double as comfortable workspaces and lively social lounges. Friendly staff help round out the experience.
Tech conveniences earn high marks across the board. Business travelers in particular appreciate mobile check-in and keyless room entry. Reviews also frequently call out the comfortable signature beds and solid soundproofing — both of which make a real difference after a long travel day.
Pet-Friendly Stays: The ARF Program Explained
One of Aloft’s most talked-about perks for pet owners is its welcoming dog policy. Through the Animals R Fun (ARF) program, most Aloft locations allow you to bring your dog along for the trip at no extra hassle.
At check-in with a pet, the hotel typically provides a dog bed, bowls, and complimentary treats. This saves you from packing bulky supplies. Weight limits and pet fees vary by location, so confirming directly with your specific hotel before you book is the smart move.
Pro tip: Call your specific Aloft location before booking to confirm pet fees, weight limits, and availability — policies can differ significantly between properties.
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What’s Next for Aloft Hotels
Aloft Hotels holds a strong position within the Marriott portfolio. Its focus on design, technology, and sustainability matches what younger travelers expect from a hotel stay. Demand for social spaces and smart hotel technology continues to grow, and Aloft is built for exactly that.
The brand plans to keep expanding its global footprint and upgrading its amenities. According to Marriott International, the parent company operates more than 9,000 properties across more than 140 countries — a network that gives Aloft the infrastructure to scale fast without losing its identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aloft Hotels?
Aloft Hotels is a hotel chain owned by Marriott International. It’s known for modern design, vibrant social spaces, tech-forward amenities, and a vibe aimed at younger travelers and professionals who want more than a standard hotel stay.
Who owns Aloft Hotels?
Marriott International owns Aloft Hotels. Marriott acquired the brand as part of its purchase of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, which closed in September 2016. Aloft now sits alongside brands like W Hotels, Westin, and Sheraton inside the Marriott portfolio.
When did Aloft Hotels open its first property?
Aloft launched as a concept in 2005 under Starwood Hotels & Resorts. The first physical property opened in Montreal, Canada in 2008. The brand has since grown to more than 240 locations worldwide across four continents.
Does Aloft Hotels allow pets?
Most Aloft locations welcome dogs through the Animals R Fun (ARF) program. The hotel typically provides a dog bed, bowls, and complimentary treats at check-in. Pet fees and weight limits vary by property, so always confirm directly with your chosen location before booking.
What loyalty program does Aloft Hotels use?
Aloft Hotels participates in the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. Members earn and redeem points at Aloft properties alongside all other Marriott brands. The Marriott Bonvoy app also powers mobile check-in and keyless entry at every Aloft location.
References
- Aloft Hotels Official Site — Marriott International
- Marriott Bonvoy Loyalty Program — Marriott International