Aloft Manhattan Downtown Financial – District

As the stylish web-savvy logo above the entrance implies, Aloft embraces the aesthetic of the app-soaked digital world. It all but explodes in the lobby, which seems pulled from the famous SIMS game series, with candy-colored and cartoonish armchairs, sofas, footstools, signage, and graphic design. Also in the lobby is the “Re:fuel by Aloft” snack bar with vending machines and racks of classic munchies, cereal, and make-your-own cappuccinos—a plus for the business travelers and couples who make up the majority of the guests. The lounge is even louder, like an ‘80s teen sitcom, complete with Pac-Man-shaped sofa in the center and fuchsia felt pool table. At one end, the “W XYZ bar” pours drinks and at the other, glass doors open to a small outdoor patio. The only place it gets somewhat serious is in the business center, meeting room, and small gym.

By day, the Financial District buzzes as few other places, but by evening, and certainly weekends, it gets significantly more quiet. Located between City Hall and the Brooklyn Bridge, Aloft is within close walking distance of several major sights, and Fulton Street Subway station, which is a major hub. It offers easy access to virtually the entire city via the 2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, J, and Z, lines. Buses don’t run immediately past the hotel, but multiple lines pick up on Water and Pearl Streets, about a 10-minute walk away. And, of course, ubiquitous yellow cabs are ever-present. The subway connects to JFK Airport, but it can take more than an hour (then again, so can a cab during rush hour). Reaching LaGuardia Airport takes only slightly less time, but using public transit requires a subway/bus combo. 

• Six-minute walk to Brooklyn Bridge
• Seven-minute walk to South Street Seaport
• Eight-minute walk to Wall Street and Trinity Church
• Nine-minute walk to National September 11 Memorial & Museum
• 12-minute walk to Charging Bull statue and Bowling Green
• 18-minute walk to Battery Park and Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island ferry
• 19-minute walk to Little Italy and Chinatown
• 12 minutes to Washington Square Park via subway
• 19 minutes to Empire State Building via subway 
• 21 minutes to Central Park via subway 
• 22 minutes to Times Square via subway
• 23 minutes to Rockefeller Center via subway 

As with most hotels in New York, rooms can seem tight to first-timer visitors, and Aloft is no different. The 128 guest rooms are divided mostly according to bed type: queen, double queen, and king. Like the rest of the hotel, the design is young, fresh, and digitally inspired, and even curtains and pillows come with pixelated splashes of color while beds' headboards almost looks like a computer screen. Most of the tech bells and whistles are present, including 42-inch flat-screen LCD TVs, ergonomic desks with charging stations, and laptop safes, plus mini-fridges with free water, irons and ironing boards, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms follow suit size- and design-wise, with small walk-in showers, basin sinks, and Bliss-brand soap and shampoo in dispensers. Higher floors offer quieter rooms and better views of the Financial District. 

Although gussied up in digital and design bling, including “brand” names like “W XYZ bar” and “Re:fuel by Aloft,” the amenities of Aloft are mostly on par with hotels of its class. There's no full-service restaurant, but there's a breakfast area that offers the basics (though expect convenience over quality). The bar and lounge show a little more effort, with beer, wine, cocktails, and snacks, as well as a three-hour happy hour each evening. The pool table and attached outdoor patio is a plus. Re:charge gym is small and windowless, but it's bright and modern, and it comes with enough equipment to break a good sweat. There's also a small business center and meeting room on-site. No on-site parking is available, but a private lot is next door. Key cards have been ditched for the SPG app, and Wi-Fi is free throughout.