HotelChatter

Check-In: Check-in was fairly easy. The front desk is actually a circular reception area right near the re:fuel market. Staffers were genuinely excited to be welcoming their first guests. And the promised "Aloha" from Aloft was everywhere.

This was nice to hear when we first walked in. But since the reception area is right next to the elevator, any time we were coming and going a staffer always greeted us with "Aloha!" or "Welcome Back!" While we appreciate the friendliness, we would also like to be able to walk in and out of the hotel without any sort of fuss.

Room Reaction: Upon opening the door, which made a loud noise as the bottom scraped along the rug, we were practically in the bathroom. Aloft rooms are set up strangely. Once you enter, the bathroom is to your left, the closet is to your front and the bed is on the wall directly behind it.

Across from the bed, a giant 42-inch TV is mounted on the wall, a desk is to the right overlooking the window, another table is to the left and a long bench is underneath the TV. There are no dressers or chunky armoires.

The bed is also set up strangely. It is Murphy-bed inspired, meaning it looks as if it can fold right back up into the wall. The nightstands are two little platforms on each side. The headboard is a plushy cork material and there is a faux cow hide bordering the entire contraption at the top. It's pretty garish.

The light switches were also difficult to locate and there is not enough light in the bedroom area aside from the desk lamp and the lights over the bed.

Amenity Madness: As a way to conserve waste, Aloft has toiletry dispensers in the shower, much like those ones you find in a gym or spa shower. This is fine, except it's only shampoo and shower gel. No conditioner.

Additionally, while the hotel sells travel-sized Bliss products downstairs in its market, there is only body lotion and facial cleanser in the bathroom. No bars of soap either although there was a soap dish. A mini-fridge was under the sink but it was empty.

The TV was the highlight of our room as it offered both movie and popular TV shows on demand. There was some sort of Plug and Play contraption too but it seemed complicated. You can plug your computer or iPod into this and it hooks it up to the TV. Which is kinda cool but we probably just prefer an iPod docking station instead. As for the retro alarm clock, it was set to the wrong hour.

A very big amenity? "Clean" on the fourth floor which is a pay-for washer and dryer for guests. (Key card required.)

Internet Connect: Our prayers have been answered--the place has free wireless internet. You just have to agree to some terms and then you are good to surf.

W XYZ and More: Aloft is very proud of its W XYZ bar and lounge area where you can get a drink and play scrabble. The other public spaces are equally cool like re: fuel (a 24/7 pantry where guests can stock up on snacks); the re: charge gym, and the splash outdoor pool. We especially liked the electronic kiosks that greet you at the front and allow you to print your boarding passes. Ditto for the scrolling ticker on the wall that tells you what's inside Aloft.

The Area: Ontario is a seemingly random place to open Aloft. It's halfway between Los Angeles and Palm Springs in the ever-so-desirable-sounding Inland Empire. Nearby to the Aloft is the Ontario Mills outlet center, which has some decent stores, the Ontario Airport and a ton of office complexes. Not very exciting but there is a Starbucks about a block away.

Bottom Line: While we were tickled by the public spaces (there's a pool table!) and the youthful vibe, the rooms were a huge disappointment.

The air-conditioner was extremely loud and the sheets were scratchy, making a night here totally uncomfortable.

This is a good place to spend only one night if you are ever stranded at Ontario Airport or if you actually live in Rancho Cucamonga and want a cool bar/lounge to hang out in.

GO HERE FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM INSIDE ALOFT