RANCHO CUCAMONGO, Calif., July 18, 2008 - Travelers to Rancho Cucamonga, California, are in for a special treat as the very first aloft hotel in the United States officially opened its doors in this Southern California city. The opening of the aloft Ontario-Rancho Cucamonga was commemorated by a ribbon-cutting ceremony during a grand opening celebration at the property attended by company representatives and local officials. Participants included Mayor Donald J. Kurth; Ted Knighton, president, Hotel Operations, Interstate Hotels & Resorts; Paul Novak, managing director, The John Buck Company; and senior brand executives from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT).
"Aloft is a new concept in 'lifestyle' hotels, targeted to meet the specific needs and desires of today's savvy, design-conscious consumers who understand that great style can be both accessible and affordable," said Ted Knighton. "Starwood has gone to great lengths to create a new product that provides high design at an affordable price point, accessible technology, style and a social atmosphere. We are confident that aloft is a perfect complement to the Rancho Cucamonga hotel marketplace and believe it quickly will become a leader in its segment."
The 136-room aloft Ontario-Rancho Cucamonga will be located at the northwest corner of 4th Avenue and Haven. aloft is the hotel component of a $60 million master-planned, mixed-use development called HavenPark, which is owned by L.A-based Hileman Co.
A vision of W Hotels, the aloft brand is shaking up the lodging industry with urban-influenced design, accessible technology, style and a social atmosphere. aloft offers a total sensory experience, with guest lofts featuring loft-like nine-foot ceilings and oversized windows that create a bright, airy environment. The centerpiece of the loft room is an ultra-comfortable signature bed, and large, stylish bathrooms complement the guest experience with oversized walk-in showers and amenities created by Bliss® Spa. 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.
aloft stays true to the W brand's heritage, offering sassy, savvy public spaces. 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 outdoor pool, give travelers options to de-stress and re-energize; while re:fuelSM 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.
About aloft hotels
Guests can book directly through www.alofthotels.com which features the best rate guarantee and by calling 1-877-go aloft. Guests can also book via local travel agents. Rates for aloft hotels are market-driven, averaging $150/night. All aloft guests have the option to join and earn Starpoints in Starwood's award-winning, industry leading Starwood Preferred Guest® program.
Chris Daly/ Vice President/ Daly Gray Public Relations/ ph: 703-435-6293
