Starwood and it’s aloft brand are bringing the new twist in travel to Asia Pacific as it grows its footprint in the strongest growth region worldwide.aloft has so far announced hotels in Beijing, the capital city of China; in Sydney, Australia’s economic powerhouse; and has just announced its first hotel in Southeast Asia - aloft Bangkok - Sukhumvit 11.

Developed by Khamin Development Co., Ltd, the 308-room aloft Bangkok will offer visitors a refreshing alternative to current lodging options when it opens in 2010. aloft Bangkok will be part of a 31-story mixed-use development designed by Inter Akitech. The hotel’s facilities will include over 180 square-meters of meeting space, a spa, a full service restaurant and bar w xyz, re:charge fitness center and splash indoor swimming pool. The hotel will be centrally located on Sukhumvit Road and will provide travelers easy access to the commercial and entertainment districts of Bangkok.

aloft Beijing will be part of an integrated mixed-use complex including offices, residential building and the recently signed Four Points by Sheraton Beijing, Haidian. Creating a refreshing oasis for travelers, the 200-room aloft Beijing will be located in Haidian district, a major information technology hub in Beijing with proximity to the Haidian government district, major universities and research institutes. The hotel’s facilities will include 360 square-meters of meeting space, re:charge fitness center, splash indoor swimming pool and three restaurants.

The first aloft hotel in Australia, aloft Sydney Airport will be conveniently located within 1 mile of the Sydney International Airport in Sydney, Australia’s economic powerhouse and world renowned tourist destination. aloft Sydney Airport will include 161 guestrooms, approximately 60 to 80 square-meters of meeting space, a self-service food and beverage pantry, re:fuel by aloft, offering sweet, savory and healthy food, snacks and beverages to grab & go, 24-hours a day.

“Bangkok is one of Asia’s most important economic and lifestyle centers, with its many modern cafes, markets and entertainment options,” said Ross Klein, President, Starwood Luxury Brands Group and aloft hotels. “Our mission with aloft is to offer a stylish lodging alternative to travelers around the world. With the addition of aloft Bangkok, now there’s a fun new way to play and stay in the ‘Venice of the East.’”

“aloft has the distinction of being the most successful global brand launch in the industry with over 50 contracts signed in the first year of its introduction,” commented Miguel Ko, President of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Asia Pacific. “We have worked closely with key developers and guests across Asia Pacific to customize our prototype and signature features specifically for this market, to create an efficient product that guests will love. We are excited to be introducing aloft to Asia Pacific and are looking forward to introducing more aloft hotels to other cities in the near future.”

As a Vision of W Hotels, aloft is shaking up the lodging industry with urban-influenced design, accessible technology, style and a social atmosphere. aloft, formally launched in Asia Pacific at the Hotel Investment Conference (HICAP) in Hong Kong in late 2006 and the Hotel Investment Conference South Asia in Mumbai in early April 2007, offers a total sensory experience, with guest lofts featuring loft-like nine-foot ceilings and oversized windows to create a bright, airy environment. The centerpiece of the loft room is the ultra-comfortable signature bed, and large stylish bathrooms complement the guest experience with oversized walk-in showers and amenities created by bliss spa(R). Each guest loft is also a combination high-tech office and entertainment center, featuring wireless internet access and plug & play, a one-stop connectivity solution for multiple electronic gadgetry such as PDAs, cell phones, mp3 players and laptops - all linked to a large flat panel HDTV ready television for optimal sound and viewing.

Designed in conjunction with world renowned David Rockwell and the Rockwell group, aloft stays true to W’s heritage, offering atmospheric public spaces designed to draw guests from their rooms to socialize and make friends. Guests can read the paper, work on their laptops via hotel-wide wireless internet access, play a game of pool or grab a drink with friends at the re:mix communal lobby area and bar w xyz. The re:charge fitness center and splash, the indoor or outdoor pool, give travelers options to de-stress and re-energize; while re:fuel by aloft, a one-stop food and beverage area, offers sweet, savory and healthy food, snacks and beverages to grab & go, 24-hours a day.
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