Downtown Durham, NC is currently in the midst of a renaissance. Construction is everywhere. From new streetscapes to food truck meetups, the “Bull City” is buzzing with activity. New dining, entertainment and lodging choices abound. The excitement is palpable. A big part of that excitement is a new hotel named Aloft http://www.aloftdurhamdowntown.com/ It is adjacent to the American Tobacco campus/Durham ballpark.

It’s a unique boutique concept hotel owned by the Starwood Group {Sheraton, W Hotels are two of their major brands}.It’s basically connected to the much acclaimed DPAC venue. It’s proximity to that venue was the reason for my overnight stay there recently. I was in Durham to see the premier of The Sound Of Music http://atomic-temporary-51558291.wpcomstaging.com/2015/12/02/sobesavvy-com-recaps-opening-night-dpac-soundofmusic-onlyatdpac-suntrustbroadway-thesoundofmusictour/and didn’t want to drive back to Raleigh after the show let out. So I checked into Aloft that afternoon a few hrs before showtime.

Their lobby already had a gorgeous Christmas tree up. Their public spaces are meant to be fun and functional. High speed WiFi is throughout the property including all guestrooms. Aloft hotels have a unique name for each amenity. “Splash” is the pool. “Recharge” is the gym and “Refuel” is their lobby snack bar area. My room was spacious and did I mention very stylish. High ceilings gave the space a very open feeling {like an actual loft} and being environmentally conscious, Aloft hotels eschews individual shampoo/conditioner bottles for bulk containers attached to the shower wall. This is a part of their” Make A Green Choice (MAGC) program. According to their website..”Starwood’s guest-facing sustainability program in which our guests can choose to help reduce our environmental footprint. Any guest at a participating Starwood property can Make A Green Choice by foregoing full housekeeping for up to three days in a row (excluding their check-out day). For each night a guest opts into MAGC, they receive 250-500 Starpoints or a $5″.

So style and conservation are not mutually exclusive ! I had a few drinks at the WXYZ Bar. They have a great cocktail and bites menu. I also managed to sink a few balls on their cool pool table. Live local bands also play there sometimes. The lobby ended up being a hangout and play area. I loved it ! So if ever in downtown Durham and looking for a very nice spot to hang your stylish hat for a night or two, Aloft is your home away from home.