Aloft Detroit at The David Whitney

This busy hotel near many of Detroit's top attractions mixes the historic with the starkly new in a way that genuinely works. Housed in the historic Neo-Renaissance-style David Whitney building, the hotel has a rectangular lobby that's part of a spectacular, four-story atrium. White-marble floors abut cream-colored brick pillars that rise to join graceful arches with gold-leaf accents. A huge clock on the third floor sits below the atrium's skylights. Comfortable sofas in various shades of gray are clustered together. The circular registration desk, illuminated in bright-neon colors, takes center stage. The hotel draws travelers from across the spectrum, including couples, business travelers, and families, for its kid-friendly amenities.

Aloft Detroit at the David Whitney is located in one of downtown Detroit’s most popular areas. It’s adjacent to Grand Circus Park and Comerica Park, which is a five-minute walk away. Ford Field, on the far side of Comerica Park, is a 10-minute walk from the hotel, and the Fox Theater is a five-minute walk. Several restaurants are within a five-minute walk of the hotel as well. For those that would prefer a lift, the Detroit People Mover has a station inside the hotel. It runs a loop throughout downtown, connecting easily to Detroit's sights. Cobo Center is about a 15-minute trip on public transportation. Detroit Metropolitan Airport is about a 15-minute drive, depending on traffic.

The Aloft Detroit's 136 rooms are decorated in urban shades of blue, gray, and brown, with bright-red highlights. Jaunty stripes in the carpets, benches, and bolster pillows give a graphic punch. Platform beds done up in white linens face large windows -- some have interior views of the hotel's atrium, while others provide great views of the city. Small recessed shelves, which hold the safes and coffeemakers, provide precious little storage space, along with the tiny closets. The rooms' smallish bathrooms have slate-gray tile floors and come equipped with walk-in showers and wall-mounted toiletries. Standard Rooms are spacious, and have either one king or two queen beds and work desks. Larger rooms and suites have separate living rooms. Standard amenities include 42-inch flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, and free bottled water. The rooms are generally quiet, but some past guests have complained about the ambient noise from the attached People Mover station (it runs until midnight).

The hotel has the features that have become hallmarks of the Aloft brand, right down to the expensive valet parking (nearby public lots have lower rates). The hotel's hip WXYZ Detroit Bar features live music in a trendy setting that includes a billiards table and stainless- steel bar stools. It also has outdoor seating around a gas fire pit. While there's no full restaurant, there is an on-site market selling snacks, drinks, and light fare  24/7. For business travelers, the Aloft provides more than 6,000 square feet of meeting space, and the lobby's business center operates 24/7. Wi-Fi is free throughout. The fitness center is bland but remarkably large, with a good array of cardio- and weight-training equipment. Concierge services include valet dry cleaning and laundry, and pets not only stay free but get treats, bowls, and beds upon request.