Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced Sunday the entry of its innovative Aloft brand to the Saudi Arabian market with the opening of Aloft Riyadh. Designed for today's hyper-connected, tech-forward global traveller, Aloft continues to re-define the traditional hotel experience and strengthen its footprint in the Middle East, following the success of Aloft Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. Owned and developed by FAS Hotels, division of Fawal Al Hokair Group, Aloft Riyadh offers a vibrant social scene in the dynamic city of Riyadh. "With a portfolio of more than 100 hotels in dynamic destinations around the globe, Aloft continues to be one of the fastest growing hotel brands and is set to open 12 more properties in the Middle East by 2020," said Brian McGuiness, Global Brand Leader, Specialty Select Brands, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. "Saudi Arabia boasts a rapidly growing tech savvy culture, and Aloft resonates in this market with its innovative programming and approach to technology, which appeal to today's hyper-connected traveller." "We thank Fawaz Al Hokair Group for putting their trust in Starwood to open the first Aloft in Saudi Arabia," said Michael Wale, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East. "Aloft truly brings something new and unique to the hospitality sector in the Kingdom where there is a growing demand for modern, tech-forward hotels at an affordable price." Centrally located at the intersection of Riyadh's main Olaya Street and Makkah Road, the hotel is in close proximity from the key government ministries, the shopping and restaurants of the downtown core, the National Museum and the Diplomatic Quarter. Aloft Riyadh features 281 modern, loft-inspired guest rooms with the brand's signature offerings, such as an ultra-comfortable plush signature bed and custom amenities. The hotel offers a variety of food and beverage outlets including Dish, an all-day dining restaurant; Re:fuel, a 24-hour grab & go for light meals; the brand's signature w xyz lounge, the go-to hang out with a fun social vibe, serving handcrafted drinks and snacks and the trendy Crush rooftop pool café. Other features at the hotel include a well-equipped Re:charge gym and more than 220 M2 of meeting space across five Tactic rooms. With design-led innovation in the brand's DNA, Aloft Riyadh will feature SPG Keyless, the hospitality industry's first mobile, keyless entry system that allows guests to use their smart phone or Apple watch as a room key. Aimed at the mobile generation, guests of Aloft Riyadh will also be able to make requests from the hotel via the SPG Let's Chat text messaging service. The opening of Aloft Riyadh marks the launch of the brand in Saudi Arabia, to be followed by Aloft Dhahran at the end of 2016. Featuring 262 rooms, Aloft Dhahran is walking distance from the popular Mall of Dhahran and will feature all the brands signature elements and programming. — SG
