Starwood Hotels announces free in-room Internet for Platinum guests

Starwood Hotels announced today that Platinum members (those who stay 25 times or 50 nights in a year) will now get comped in-room Internet access.

Details are here

It’s a great move to reward their most loyal guests, but I wonder if comping only the Platinum level is the right move. Gold members (10 stays or 25 nights a year) would still have to pay at a Sheraton, for instance, whereas they could go to the cheaper Four Points where gratis Internet is included anyway. It also rewards only the tier that is most likely to have a corporate bankroll footing the Internet bill anyway….

Comments?

The Starwood aLoft launch party

aLoft Launch Party

By: Dave Grossman, Hotel Magician

I was quite fortunate to be invited to the red carpet (literally) launch party for the new aLoft brand (from parent company Starwood Hotels). Michelle Williams performed, we toured two sample guest rooms, the bar, and common areas (in a warehouse converted to look like a hotel).

It was a class act all the way and aLoft looks like it will be a great new brand of hotels. It’s like a W in style but it’s not full service – meaning there aren’t restaurants on site and you’ll, in general, have less staff about to dote on you. But that also means lower prices than the W and that’s good news all around. Expect a price point along the lines of Four Points.

I really liked the room concepts. Stylish yet simple and I’m definitely a fan. I would only suggest a way to swivel the wall mounted flat panel TVs, though. They will have Bliss bath products in the rooms similar to those at W Hotels and I think, in general, if you are a fan of the W you will be a fan of aLoft. Bottled water and Wifi is also free at aLoft.

I was able to get a bunch of pictures in, but, somehow never got any of the rooms! Shame on me! Meanwhile, here are some assorted pictures to get you started.

WXYZ Bar

You can buy products like Bliss Amenity Kits here

Part of the Pantry snack area at aLoft

Michelle Williams performs at aLoft launch

Pool table

I really don’t know how I managed to not get a picture of the room prototypes. Too busy talking to people! If you have a photo of the rooms, please post in the comments… See more pictures taken by Starwood and get more information at aLoft

The following aLoft hotels are now bookable at HotelMagician.com:

aLoft Montreal Airport (Montreal, Quebec, Canada)

aLoft Beijing (China)