Arizona Biltmore (Waldorf Astoria Resort)
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa At Gainey Ranch
Aloft Phoenix Airport
For my final night in Phoenix I booked the Aloft Phoenix Airport. There were several other properties I had been interested in, but in the end the $59 rate at the Aloft was too good to pass up, and I needed the stay credit to reach 50 nights with Starwood this year.
I arrived at the hotel late in the evening, and had to laugh at the burnt-out signage, given that the “Aloft” lettering was out, and instead it just displayed “W Hotels Hotel.” I tend to prefer Alofts to most W Hotels, so this would have been quite the downgrade! 😉
Hotel signage
The lobby and check-in area were empty, and my reservation was processed quickly. I was offered a Platinum amenity of either 250 Starpoints or breakfast, and assigned a room on the sixth floor.
Aloft branding
Check-in desk
Key card and inserts
The elevator and hallway were nearly identical to those at the Aloft San Francisco, and everything felt very clean and new.
Elevator
Hallway
Entrance to room
I secretly love Aloft hotels. While basic, they tend to be clean, efficient, and consistent. As much as I appreciate unique properties, at some point it’s nice to check in to a new hotel and know exactly what you’re getting.
Entryway
Closet and bathroom
Bathroom
Closet
The Aloft also features the same Bliss bath amenities as the W (though a more limited selection), which is a nice touch.
Bliss amenities
Toilet
The shower was fantastic, with full dispensers that worked perfectly.
Shower
Shower dispensers
The room had plenty of outlets, and the Wi-Fi was fast throughout the property.
Room
King bed
Desk
Although I was only staying one night, the hotel does offer 250 Starpoints for making a “green choice” on multi-night stays.
Green choice placard
After getting situated I went back downstairs to get caught up on work, and hoped to grab a bite from the bar.
Lobby seating
Oddly, the bar hours were posted as being from “2PM-Close”, and while the in-room literature stated a midnight closing time, they had clearly stopped serving food and drinks by 10PM. I guess that’s what happens at hotels in Phoenix in summer.
WXYZ Bar
The Aloft is a few blocks from the Phoenix Airport, and was surprisingly quiet. The exterior of the property was nicely maintained, and parking was free and plentiful.
View from room
Airport in the distance
Hotel entry and shuttle
Hotel exterior
The pool was basic, but immaculate, and hotel employees were great at restocking towels and keeping things tidy
Pool
Outdoor seating
The gym was clean, with a decent selection of new equipment.
Gym
Gym
Gym
The lobby had a pool table along with several seating areas, and the entire space was clean and well-lit.
Pool table
Lobby seating
Breakfast was set up near the check in desk, with a cafeteria-style menu. There were an assortment of made-to-order hot items, along with fruit, pastries, yogurt, and so forth. The Platinum amenity is a voucher for $10 towards breakfast for up to two people.
Breakfast hours
Breakfast area
Drinks, yogurt, salads, and wraps
Baked goods
Cereals and chips
I selected a handful of items and presented them to the woman at the front desk along with my voucher. She did some quick mental math and waved me along with a smile.
I have also stayed at this hotel and I need to try to convey to everyone that during the daytime the rooms are ridiculously light even if you close the blinds and try to sleep. This hotel needs to install some light blocking shades in every room for people sleeping during the day or else you will be forced to wake up at dawn. The sun beats into these rooms like you would not believe and especially being in Phoenix the Aloft should do something bout this asap.
@joediver - You expressed the same comment I was planning to write. This is the first aloft room I have seen with a second chair.
My primary criticism of Aloft is the hotel room has no seating for a second person except the bed. I always felt there was room for one more chair.
@ Lucky--Did I miss it? Have you announced which TR won the contest to be next? (for those of us in suspense...) And isn't it soon time for a "living in Seattle" update? ;-)
@ beachfan -- Hmm, to be honest I'm not sure, though I will say that I thought the bed was fairly comfortable.
Thanks for the review.
Did the bed have a box spring? It looks like a platform bed.
My problem with this property is that, after flying all day from New York and checking in at 4 p.m. on an 85 degree day last year, the air conditioning in my room had not been turned on. Thankfully for you, that wasn't the case on a 100 degree plus day.
WOW, I think that's the first Aloft I've seen with an actual chair to relax in. Normally they only have that seat under the TV (useless) and a desk chair.
I think that hotel was the first, and only, Aloft I have ever stayed in. I had no actual complaints, but my first impression when I got into the lobby was to check the signage to make sure I hadn't walked into a hostel. The lobby has a very hostel kind of feel to it.
I am such an aloft convert as well! i stayed at the aloft brussels and the room looked identical to your photos above and it was such a pleasant stay without the "unwanted surprises" that have become customary these days at hotels. plus the prices are excellent!