Aloft Hotel in the city of Detroit’s downtown area, has been fashioned out of the 100-year old David Whitney Building. It was designed by American architect Daniel Burnham and is regarded as a historic class-A skyscraper.
The lobby area has a huge dollop of wow factor with a spectacularly high four-storey gold-leafed atrium and clock all topped glass window roof. There’s lots of empty space around clutches of black cushioned seating and amid all this is a tiny half-moon reception desk that emits an ever-changing colourful light show of blue to red and green. It looks particularly good at night. This grandeur is topped off with golden-doored lifts and a marble floor that looks radiant as the atrium light shines down.
Gold lift doors
There is no doubt that the building – part residential part hotel – is a thing of beauty and the bonus is its easy-to-get-to location.
Who for
This Aloft hotel at the David Whitney building can wing it for any independent city slicker. Some frills are absent like a porter to carry your bags, or even a restaurant. But there are plenty of restaurants in Detroit so perhaps that’s no big deal. The accommodation would suit couples and families alike.
Accommodation
The entrance to this 136-room hotel is by far the most interesting part of the hotel. Having said that the contemporary-styled rooms and their light grey walls are brightened by a funky carpet and colourful accessories of vibrant reds, yellows and greens.
Aloft bedroom
It’s an appealingly functional vibe with clean lines, air conditioning, 42-inch TVs, and a whitewashed shower room that comes with a lovely range of of Bliss Spa toiletries. Best of all, the comfy beds are dressed in crisp linens and rooms are quiet.
Tip: Choose a room with a view over the baseball stadium for added interest. Or a corner suite for a city view.
Food and Drink
There is no restaurant as such but you can dine in the Grand Cirque restaurant within the building facility. Coffee is freely available at the re:fuel eatery where you breakfast. It is served in disposable cups or cartons and and can be taken away or eaten in the bar area.
The WXYZ bar is a comfortable space for cocktails and other tipples with plenty of space to mix and mingle. There’s always mellow music playing and a small “snack-attack” menu.
Facilities
There is a cool gym re:charge open 24/7 and a handy shop for nick nacks that you may have forgotten. Free Wifi is available. there is a 24-hour front desk, and private parking.
How much
Room rates start at around $174 a night.
What’s nearby
The Aloft is located close to the sports stadiums, several restaurants, the Detroit Opera House, Detroit Historical Museum, Fox Theatre, the Grand Circus Park historic area, Comerica Park and plenty of shopping. You can pick up the handy Q-line transport system nearby.
VERDICT: Aloft Detroit hotel at The David Whitney has is lovely piece of architecture with a great location and an easy vibe.
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