Aloft Abu Dhabi to welcome guests from October 27th

Launching ahead of schedule in time to support the 2009 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Grand Prix and designed to meet the needs of today's self-sufficient travellers, this new-build hotel will offer 408 loft-like rooms, a variety of vibrant and atmospheric social spaces and intuitive and accessible technology options.

Aloft Abu Dhabi is conveniently linked directly to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, next to the Capital Centre district. It brings a brand new lifestyle concept in hotels to the capital for the next generation of business travellers by offering a high-design concept at an affordable price.

Stephan Vanden Auweele, Aloft Abu Dhabi's General Manager explains, "Aloft is the world's fastest growing hotel brand. It is shaking up the industry by ignoring certain aspects of hotels which have become clichéd and old-fashioned in the minds of today's savvy travellers."

A vision of W Hotels, Aloft offers atmospheric public spaces designed to draw guests from their hotel rooms to socialize and make acquaintances.

Guests can read the paper, work on their laptops, play a game of pool, grab a drink with friends at the w xyz bar or enjoy a meal at Dine, the hotel's main restaurant with live-cooked international-style cuisine. Feel the buzz of our open kitchen and boost your energy at Dine.

Re:fuel by Aloft is a one-stop, 24-hour grab & go food and beverage area, offering sweet, savory and healthy food, snacks and beverages. Or visit relax@12, an indoor/outdoor lounge where guests can find oriental bites, yummy tapas and a sassy sushi selection. The re:charge fitness centre and splash, the outdoor pool, give guests options to de-stress and re-energize. Maï Café, the ultimate chill-out spot on the fifth floor, offers exciting international flavours, oversized beach chairs and unique custom cocktails, complimented by our eclectic mix of laid-back tunes and sunny grooves.

"We are thrilled to introduce Aloft to Abu Dhabi in time for the 2009 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Grand Prix, as it will bring a combination of sophistication and playfulness to this vibrant community," said Stephan. "Our innovative, fresh perspective on hotels will provide a welcome alternative for travellers while also becoming an integral part of Abu Dhabi."

All guest rooms feature ultra-comfy signature beds, roomy, walk-in showers, and custom amenities by Bliss® Spa. Aloft also offers a variety of intuitive, self-service technologies to help guests stay connected in every space, in every hotel, all the time. Each guest loft serves as both a high-tech office and an entertainment center, featuring complimentary high-speed 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 plasma HDTV-ready television for optimal sound and viewing.

At the touch-n-go kiosk in the hotel lobby, guests have an option of an effortless self-service check in. The touch-screen technology allows guests to choose their exact room and floor using a room-mapping feature, obtain room keys and confirm room rates. All public spaces in the hotel are fully wireless, allowing guests hotel-wide complimentary Internet access to pop open their laptops and jump online.

The Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre is the Gulf's largest and the world's most modern exhibition centre. Staging over 100 live events annually, ADNEC welcomes around 1.8 million visitors through its doors every year - a large proportion of which are from overseas.

"Whether guests are traveling on business or pleasure Aloft has something for everyone. From our dynamic bar, to free Wi-Fi and fully-equipped fitness center, Aloft gives guests urban flair, convenience and a vibrant social atmosphere and is a perfect match for Abu Dhabi," said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President of Specialty Select Brands for Starwood.