Aloft Lexington

The bright, colorful lobby at Aloft Lexington is a welcome surprise from the typical subdued color palette at other hotels. Pops of red, green, and yellow are sprinkled all over the space, from the pillows and carpeting to the TV broadcasting trippy kaleidoscopic images in the lounge. Adding to the playful vibe is a pool table in the corner, scattered board games and a full bar, certainly promising for a fun after-work evening. The bar also has live music and DJ nights throughout the week. The location just off of Interstate 95 highway solidifies this property as business-traveler friendly -- they make up about 80 percent of the clientele here. 

Aloft Lexington is located just off I-95 highway in the suburban town of Lexington. It's only accessible by car and isolated from dining and nightlife options. But downtown Lexington is about five minutes away by car and has several bars and restaurants. Downtown Boston takes a bit longer -- about 30 minutes away, depending on traffic conditions. Minuteman National Historic Park is in front of the hotel and good for a brief stroll. While it is close to the highway, the hotel actually sits at the end of a long and wooded driveway, far enough away from traffic noise. Parking at the hotel is free and easy. 

The deep charcoal walls along the hallways leading to the rooms are another bold choice for this property, giving off a sense of cool sophistication. Once inside, the layout is funky and utilitarian -- a brown wooden bench serves as the seating area, and the iron and ironing board are disguised in wooden cubbies built into the bed frame. Amenities include 42-inch flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, and coffeemakers.

Thoughtful design touches keep the property from seeming too IKEA-inspired, like master switches at the doors, oversized walk-in showers, personal lights on the headboard, and ample counter space in the bathrooms. The hip design does have its downsides -- someone forgot about installing drawers, so the only place to put clothing is on the narrow shelves in the entryway, and the pretty bowl-shaped sink is too shallow, so water easily splashes everywhere. 

The fitness center is sunny and small, and offers modern equipment, free weights, ear plugs, water, and yoga mats. It’s next to the indoor pool, modest in size but surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows, with massive padded lounge chairs, ample towels, and a large outdoor patio. The patio is next to the lobby and features a two-sided fireplace, for enjoyment inside and out.  

The on-site WXYZ Bar attracts locals as well as hotel guests, ensuring a diverse atmosphere for mingling. It offers specialty cocktails in a relatively large space, with comfy lounge chairs and sofas next to the bar seats. Breakfast is not included, but there is an a la carte menu with limited options and a snack bar called Re:Fuel that sells candy bars and coffee.

The business center is an informal space in the lobby, with both desktop computers and iPads available for use. The hotel also has free Wi-Fi and printing services.