Aloft Miami Doral

The open-concept floor plan at Aloft Doral means that check-in, the breakfast area, and bar are all merged into one giant communal space, so everyone can be in on the party. Polished concrete floors, high ceilings, and exposed ductwork add an urban vibe to the feeling of space. In addition to original works of art by local artists, the common area has a pool table, ventless fireplace, and comfortable seating. One wall features a screen where films are sometimes shown. It's a space that invites lingering, and music and lighting here change throughout the day, flipping into a club atmosphere when the DJs and musicians play before, during, and after the bar's daily happy hours. Overall, this is a loud and thumping scene, which is either a welcome diversion or a noisy distraction, depending on the guest. 

The Aloft Miami Doral is about a half-hour drive away from downtown Miami, so long as it's not rush hour. The hotel is closer to Miami International Airport -- about 22 minutes by car -- and offers a free shuttle, a bonus for travelers in search of a spot to stay on the way in or out of town. The nearby Dolphin and International Malls (both about seven minutes away by car) offer loads of shopping and eating options. Doral is known for its golf courses, and the Jim McClean course is only a seven-minute drive away. The Sky Zone trampoline park is just a 12-minute drive. There are bus stops nearby, and the city of Doral has its own trolley. Otherwise, the beaches and nightlife of Miami are all about 40 minutes away by car, so this option is best for travelers looking to stay in Doral specifically.  

Clean lined furniture and an urban color palette define the guest rooms at Aloft Miami Doral. Rooms are on the small side in terms of square footage -- the highest upgrade has only 770 square feet -- but the layout and use of built-in furnishings keep it from feeling cramped. Blond-wood modular furniture is paired with slate-gray floors and walls, and bold pops of turquoise or royal purple in throw pillows and artwork add a bit of liveliness. Comfortable platform beds have headboards with lighting and attached shelves that function as bedside tables. These face directly across from the 42-inch flat-screen TVs. Small desks with Eames-inspired chairs are set under windows, though the view is simply of the hotel grounds and its parking lot. The closets, safes, and mini-fridges are in the bathrooms, which have clean white walls and gray-tile floors with glass showers -- but no tubs, even in the upgraded rooms. Vessel sinks are surrounded by Bliss spa toiletries, and hairdryers are available as well. Rooms have their own temperature controls. and Wi-Fi is free. Be aware that guests on the lower floors have reported that lobby sounds can be heard late into the night.

The Aloft Doral has a great many perks, starting with its sunny, outdoor pool that's surrounded by deck chairs and podlike cabanas for a modicum of privacy as well as shade. Another sunny spot is the gym with floor-to-ceiling windows along with free weights, exercise machines, and flat-screen TVs. Since the hotel isn't in a big nightlife area, they create their own with an active roster of live bands and DJs that perform in the lobby bar. In the mornings, a daily breakfast buffet is served for a fee, and free coffee is on hand in the lobby.

The hotel's business center offers public computers, and the on-site meeting room is equipped with a large plasma TV. Basic Wi-Fi is free and reliable, but for business travelers it's possible to upgrade its speed for an additional fee per night. Other helpful features include free parking as well as free shuttle service to and from the airport.