Last week Starwood Hotels & Resorts celebrated the opening of the new Aloft Hotel in the downtown business district of New Orleans. Several of the brand's managers and executives were on hand for the ribbon cutting, including New Orleans’ Mayor Mitch Landrieu who gave a speech and formal Champagne toast. Guests at the hotel’s grand opening enjoyed music from local band Luxley, and artist demonstrations from Mike Destructive. A raffle was also held during the event to raise money for the Louisiana SPCA.

The hotel, Aloft’s first property in New Orleans, features 188 loft-like rooms, an outdoor splash pool, a 24-hour fitness center and 3,500 square feet of meeting rooms. The hotel is also technologically equipped, as guests are able to check in and open their doors through their smartphone, and the entire property offers free Wi-Fi. Guests also have the option of dining in the hotel’s W XYZ bar which features live music, signature cocktails and small bites or they can venture outdoors to the area’s many restaurants, bars and clubs.