Aloft Hotels, the “Style at a Steal” brand by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced it has opened its 60th hotel globally with the opening of Aloft Asheville Downtown in Asheville, North Carolina.

Owned and operated by McKibbon Hotel Group, Inc., Aloft Asheville Downtown will offer 115 stylish guest rooms and over 1,800 square feet of unique outdoor meeting space on its Air Level pool deck and The Ledge observation deck, as well as 649 square feet of indoor meeting space in an unbeatable downtown location.

“We are delighted to debut Aloft in Asheville, a celebrated arts destination,” said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President of Specialty Select Brands for Starwood. “Aloft has cultivated a loyal following of Gen-Y-minded guests who appreciate the brand’s urban design aesthetic and buzzing social scene.”

Aloft Asheville Downtown is walking distance to numerous restaurants, breweries, shops and galleries. Just minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway and Biltmore House and Gardens, the hotel is within walking distance of Pack Square Park, Diana Wortham Theatre and the renowned Orange Peel music venue. Aloft Asheville Downtown features artwork in public spaces and guest rooms that is produced entirely by local artists, and is the only hotel in downtown with convenient covered parking.

“We believe that Starwood’s Aloft brand will be a great addition to Asheville, and the location and amenities that this hotel has to offer can’t be beat,” explained John McKibbon, Chairman of McKibbon Hotel Group. “We’ve worked hard to incorporate many local details into the hotel, from the artwork to bar and menu items, and we expect the hotel to become a popular destination for both travelers and locals.”

Pioneering initiatives in pop culture, design, and technology have positioned Aloft as a must-have brand for the next generation of travelers. Aloft hotels has reported consistently high guest satisfaction scores since launch, reflecting the success of its modern, and vibrant design at an affordable price point. The Aloft social guest experience, with the buzzing re:mix™ lounge and happening w xyz™ bar, has earned select hotels within the portfolio designations on TripAdvisor’s 2011 “Top 10 Trendiest Hotels in the US” and “Top 10 Trendiest Hotels in the World” rankings lists.