Aloft Hotel Westerville
When you happen to be parents to 7/8ths of a Baseball team, alone time for a few hours, let alone a whole evening is about as rare as a purple Unicorn that knows the difference between conventional and synthetic motor oil. So when Charisse & I found out that on a random Friday we would in fact have the whole night to ourselves, sitting in the house wasn't an option!
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Over the last few months I observed a building being constructed on the corner of Heatherdown & State Street with my first thoughts that it would be another "town square" styled block of apartments, but once completed it was revealed that it would be an Aloft Hotel. Mildly familiar with the name from prior web searches on travel websites but never on a personal level, I was longing for a chance to check one out and just as luck has it, this would be my chance!
First Impressions
Fast forward to Friday & we checked into Aloft in the evening after work. As soon as we pulled into the parking lot, we knew we arrived at the right place. With a modernized exterior and a "selfie" friendly sign (social media ready), the exterior had immediate curb appeal. Upon entering we were greeted by the staff that quickly checked us in and gave us a full rundown of the Hotel that was informative and not drawn out (some hotels will keep you at the front desk so long that by the time they finish, it's time to check-OUT!)
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The first floor is home to the Lobby, a "chill" area with a nice size elevated table perfect for getting some work done, relaxed seating and a game section with a free pool table, several board games, cards, poker chips and 2 Tic Tac Toe games that reminded me of something out of Brookstone I would purchase had it not been for the price tag.
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Across the room is the WXYZ Lounge, which is the perfect place to wind down not only for guests of the hotel, but also locals as well! There is a huge flat screen TV underneath a stock and news "Ticker" that runs 24 hours (I felt productive as I drank and watched the performance of my Cedar Fair stock roll by). Several couches and chairs abound with a fireplace that instantly relaxes the vibe in a room that's anchored by the WXYZ bar.
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The Friday we attended just happened to be the same weekend as the Arnold Classic (as in "Get to thee choppa" Arrr-nulld), so the Lounge was extremely active but the 2 bartenders kept everything running surprisingly efficiently and were courteous, addressing everyone by name.
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Another differentiating factor where Aloft differs from other establishments is WXYZ offers live music several times a week in addition to other special events like "Wine Down Wednesday" where you can sample flights of wine for $10.
Food Options
Aloft food options include a full menu at WXYZ which includes several well loved "simple dishes" done with a dash of style such as Street Taco's available with Shredded Pork or Fish (Charisse chose the latter and loved them) ask for extra drizzle sauce, I'm not sure if that's what its called, I mean I know that's not what its called but whatever it is, get extra! Quesadilla's, White Cheddar Mac & Cheese and my personal favorite, CBR Fries, which were seasoned fries in a cup smothered with Queso, Bacon & Chicken then drizzled with ranch. I was sold on these when I saw Queso, but once I saw the other toppings, yea no reason to look any further.
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For those late night cravings or the times you just need a snack, there is a full pantry available 24 hours a day.
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Breakfast was unique as you will find absent any kind of pancake or waffle makers, cereal or any number of other dissatisfying options most chains pass off as a "Continental breakfast". Instead Aloft offers "Re-Fuel" cups, available in 5 different options, Charisse ordered a "Classic Southern", which was Cheese Grits topped off wit a Poached Egg. I myself went for the "Classic" which includes everything in the kitchen topped off with a poached egg as well. The cups are a nice size and more importantly filling! I would be seriously lying if I said that upon first inspection I didn't think that the cup was too small and the fact that it wasn't free had the cheapskate in me wondering how close Waffle House was (I'm being honest here). But halfway thru my cup was I not only surprised at how good it was, I was also full, so yea, i'm glad I kept my keys in my pocket and didn't leave! Definitely well worth the $7.