Hotel Review: Aloft Little Rock West
My most recent Aloft experience until now was with Aloft Louisville Downtown, one of the reasons for it being the ARF (Animals R Fun) program: Cats or dogs under 40 lbs can stay for free at Aloft properties. During my road trip, I had a chance to stop by Little Rock, Arkansas with my feline sidekick and needed a place to accommodate both of us. Aloft Little Rock West was located about 10 miles away from the center of Little Rock, giving me an opportunity to check out what a more suburban Aloft hotel stay would be like. While the property itself impressed me, the level of hospitality was significantly lacking.
Aloft Little Rock West is located at 716 Rahling Rd, Little Rock, AR 72223.
What Card(s) Should You Use to Book?
I earn tons of Marriott Bonvoy points by using my American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant. It is currently offering a sign-up bonus of 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy points when you spend $3,000 within your first 3 months of card membership. It earns 6X Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar when you book directly with Marriott, 3X points on restaurants and flights booked directly with airlines, and 2X on all other purchases. Paired with Marriott’s promotions and AMEX offers, it opens doors to endless points-earning opportunities. Some lucky AMEX cardholders have been targeted with offers that increase their Marriott stay earning rate to 10X, U.S. restaurant purchases to 10X, and U.S. gas purchases to 8X, until October 31, 2020. These earning rates are capped at $7,500 per category.
The Bonvoy Brilliant comes with great benefits that can substantially offset its annual fee. Photo credit: www.americanexpress.com
The Bonvoy Brilliant does come with a hefty $450 annual fee but offers tons of perks to significantly offset its costs. The card features the following benefits:
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status, the mid-tier status offered in Marriott’s member ecosystem
$300 Marriott Bonvoy statement credit that can be applied towards your room rate
$100 property credit when booked directly with Marriott and staying a minimum of two nights at Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis properties
1 free night certificate, redeemable for properties worth up to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night
Access to Priority Pass lounges
15 Elite night credits that can prove helpful for chasing Bonvoy status
Even if you don’t stay at Marriott properties often, this card is still a must-have in my opinion. It’s a true example of a keeper card that offers benefits that outweigh the annual fee.
If you’d like to apply for the American Express Bonvoy Brilliant Card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you! http://refer.amex.us/EDWARSwdXp?xl=cp01
I have another Marriott Bonvoy credit card: the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business Card. It is currently offering a sign-up bonus of 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy points when you spend $5,000 within your first 3 months of card membership. The card earns 6X Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar when you book directly with Marriott, 4X points on dining, U.S. shipping purchases, U.S. wireless telephone services, and at U.S. gas stations. All other purchases earn 2X points.
The Marriott Bonvoy Business Card is the only Marriott business card on the market. Photo credit: www.americanexpress.com
The Bonvoy Business Card’s annual fee is $125 and offers decent benefits to justify the cost:
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status, the low-tier status offered in Marriott’s member ecosystem
One free night certificate, redeemable for properties worth up to 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night
15 Elite Night Credits that will help you achieve a higher Bonvoy status
As you can see the card’s benefits are less substantial than the ones from the Bonvoy Brilliant Card, but it is a great long-term keeper card due to its annual free night certificate perk. Furthermore, it is absolutely necessary if you want to chase a higher Marriott Bonvoy status because it is the only Marriott business card that is on the market and will grant you an additional 15 Elite Night Credits. Lastly, even though it is a business credit card, it is very likely that you could get it approved. Check out my article on how to apply for a business credit card as a sole proprietor.
If you’d like to apply for the American Express Bonvoy Business Card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you! http://refer.amex.us/EDWARSi04o?xl=cp01
Lobby and Check-In Experience
When I first entered the hotel, I was quickly reminded that I was traveling during a pandemic with a sign mandating masks inside, as well as offering them for $2 each. I thought it was a good practice to allow poorly prepared guests versus outright turning them away as long as they were willing to purchase masks and wear them in public.
Disposable face masks were available for purchase upon entry.
In the corner right by the check-in desk was Re:fuel, Aloft’s mini-convenience store. Unfortunately, the dim lighting and lack of activity made the store seem rather uninviting.
In stark contrast to the colorful Aloft sign and branding, the Re:fuel hotel store seemed rather bleak.
The check-in process was relatively lengthier than I expected. For some reason, it took the desk representative more than 15 minutes to place me in a room. While the rep was working on the check-in process, I relaxed in the lobby.
The pool table is one of Aloft’s signature amenities, offering a modern, recreational vibe to its brand.
The lobby was more spacious than that of Aloft Louisville Downtown, with plenty of different entertainment and seating options to accommodate various groups.
I loved the velvet and neon combo, but the light-up sign could’ve been bolder to match the rest of the vibrant lobby environment.
The bar was closed as per usual restrictions, but four big TVs remained on to entertain any guests in the lobby.
The capacious floor plan made the lobby feel airy and light.
The business station was tiny and included just one iMac, located around the corner from the bar. I’ve never seen an Apple device stationed at Marriott properties before, but I wish they had at least two computers given the size of the hotel.
I’ve never seen an iMac at Marriott properties before, but it matches the sleekness promoted at Aloft.
After I completed my check-in, I went up to the room and of course, the keycard did not work. When I went back downstairs to grab a new working key, the rep instead relocated me to a different room altogether. I wasn’t sure if it was due to poor logistics or her relative inexperience, but the entire check-in process took close to 30 minutes.
Bedroom Review
I booked a two queen bedroom, one of the basic lodging options available to save a few dollars. The overall floor plan was certainly smaller than the one in Louisville, but it had more character and artsy elements in the room, better highlighting Aloft’s fun and edgy traits. The corner couch had a velvet top and the throw pillows contained collages of pop art, reminding me of ‘60s artist Roy Lichtenstein’s work.
I enjoyed the flashes of vibrant colors and contrasting material combinations across the room.
In the center of the room were two queen beds that occupied almost the entire space. The beds were comfortable, but I can imagine the small gap between the two could be slightly problematic if both were being used to accommodate larger parties.
Unfortunately, there was only one tiny night stand available between the two beds.
The bedside table was tiny and shared between the two beds. Although I enjoyed the aesthetics of the lamp, the table itself was very small even for a single person, and more importantly, it didn’t come with outlets or USB ports. Aloft hotels advertise themselves as technologically accommodating, but the lack of charging ports in a newly branded and built property was unreasonable and had me scratching my head.
The bedside table lacked usable outlets or USB ports, very uncharacteristic of Aloft’s modern-centric branding.
In the corner of the room was a small lightbulb with a circuit diagram decal. The color contrast and lighting design element were cool, but frankly I wish there was another bedside table situated underneath.
The decal and lighting were impressive design elements, but it would’ve been more functional to have another table, stand, or even a shelf to accompany them.
Across from the beds, there were a small fridge and complimentary water bottles available for guests. The SmartFridge contained a thermostat to set the temperature inside, which while nice to have, doesn’t offer much value since it only allowed a narrow deviation in temperature differences.
The fridge contained a clear door so I could see what beverages are inside at anytime.
A 42-inch TV was wall mounted on the corner of the room. The position was questionable since there was room on the center of the wall where guests on both beds can enjoy the optimum viewing angle. The current position lent itself so I would develop a crick in my neck if I watched from the far side bed.
Having the TV in the middle of the room would’ve been better for the two-bed configuration.
On the other side of the room was a luggage stand that also served as a small drawer. Since the room lacked an actual closet other than a small clothing rack, it was a great idea to save space while staying stylish and functional.
Combining a luggage stand and small drawer was a great way to maximize space and be efficient.
On the way to the bathroom was a vintage Marshall speaker, ready to serve both pre-games before a night out and pre-bed relaxation. The frame where the speaker was situated also doubled as a clothing rack, enough to hang a few shirts and jackets.
I couldn’t get the picture of the clothing rack, but it was just enough for two guests.
Bathroom Review
The bathroom was compact and clean, with a layout that was more efficient than the one in Louisville.
The hotel fulfilled my request for extra towels.
The bath toiletries were by Bliss, an NYC-based brand. This appears standard for Aloft properties, which I appreciate because Bliss products are milder than other commercial brands.
Bliss products are milder and cruelty-free, perfect for the younger modern traveler targeted by Aloft.
The shower was a walk-in type, which I prefer over full-sized tubs. The only complaint I had with the shower was that it lacked a caddy or any sort of shelf where I could place my personal toiletries.
The shower was nice but lacked shelves or a caddy, forcing me to place my personal toiletry items on the floor.
The hotel’s logic was likely that, since there are communal dispensers, there’s no need to have a caddy or shelf.
Communal Bliss shampoo + conditioner and body wash were available for guests.
The toilet was in its own private water closet, which I always prefer over the traditional open layout. However, it used a sliding door much like the Louisville property, leaving a gap that detracted from the privacy. On the other hand, I liked the characteristic wallpaper, exactly what I’d expect from Aloft’s fun and eclectic design personality.
I understand the use of sliding doors in bathrooms to save space, but be aware you may be sacrificing privacy where it is most needed.
Gym Review
Because of Coronavirus, the gym was temporarily closed, but the outdoor seating area was open where the pool was located. At night, the hanging string lights were lit and made the area look serene and beautiful.
Different seating options were available for the outdoor area.
The pool was small with a few cabanas available for use. One thing that bothered me was that there was no lifeguard or hotel staff regulating how many people can be in the pool at once. When I checked in at night, I saw at least a dozen guests in the pool. It was only concerning because we are still in the midst of a pandemic.
I wish the hotel staff regulated how many people could be in the pool at once in order to protect both personnel and guests.
Because the gym was temporarily closed, the front desk was giving out a running path/trail map upon check-in. The path basically encompasses the property and seemed like a nice alternative solution for those who want to go for a walk or run during their stay.
The trail map was available for those who want to go for a walk or run by the bordering forest.
Hiccups During My Stay
My stay at Aloft Little Rock West was not as smooth as that of other accommodations. As stated previously, there was a lengthy delay during check-in, exacerbated by a nonworking key for my originally assigned room. The entire process of assigning and then reassigning my room took about 30 minutes longer than it should have. When I arrived at my new room and closed the door behind me, the contactless lock cover fell off. I was able to snap it back on with ease, but it’s odd to see things literally falling apart in a fairly new hotel.
The lock cover falling off represented either poor craftsmanship during the hotel’s construction, or neglectful maintenance after multiple stays.
In the morning, I went down to the lobby to see if they offered the same breakfast options as the Louisville Aloft. Because of Coronavirus, every hotel is offering a different policy or approach, and upon inquiry, the representative appeared confused and did not give me a straight answer. After consulting with her supervisor, I was told I could take any two beverages from the snack shop. It was better than nothing but seemed odd they only allowed complimentary drinks and not food items.
A few minutes upon checkout, I received an email receipt from the hotel only to find out I was charged a pet fee. I confirmed prior to my stay that there would be no surcharge for my cat and again during check-in. I called the hotel immediately and the manager apologized for the confusion, promptly reversing the charge.
The pet fee was later reversed after speaking to the property manager.
Overall, most problems I encountered were administrative issues aside from the loose contactless door lock. I hope these hiccups are simply growing pains of a new establishment and will be rectified as the property welcomes more guests.
Summary
In general, my experience at Aloft Little Rock West was a positive one. As an Aloft property, the lobby and room were modern and edgy, thanks to borrowing arty and minimalistic elements from Moxy and W. The room was aesthetically pleasing but missed a few critical convenience items, such as bedside outlets or USB ports. On top of that, I was faced with both technical and administrative issues upon checking in and out. That being said, the hotel was built fairly recently and we are still going through a pandemic crisis, so I hope the overall stay experience corrects itself as the hotel establishes itself in the area. I recommend Aloft Little Rock West for anyone looking to stay in the Little Rock area with pets.
