Aloft Wichita: Your Unexpected Wichita Escape Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my Aloft Wichita adventure. "Your Unexpected Wichita Escape Awaits!"… yeah, let's see if that lives up to the hype. I'm a sucker for a good hotel, especially when I’m stranded in (insert city here, yeah, Wichita), and I’m always on the lookout for something, well, less beige. So let's see what Aloft's got.
First Impressions: The Glamour and the Glitches
So, the website. Slick! Modern! Promising escape. The reality? Well, the lobby did have that cool, almost spaceship-y vibe they promised. Clean lines, bright colors, the kind of place you awkwardly photograph yourself in front of. Check-in, though? Not so seamless. Apparently, my digital key decided to take a vacation. After fumbling for ages with my phone, a very patient (and apologetic) staff member sorted it out. Ah, technology! (and honestly, I’m still not sure if I, or the hotel’s wifi, was the issue).
Accessibility: Does it Work for Everyone?
Okay, this is crucial. I try to always check this for folks, and Aloft did pretty well on paper. Elevator? Check. Designated accessible rooms? Check (though obviously, I didn't personally experience them, so I can't vouch 100%). I saw no obvious barriers in the public areas, and that’s always a plus. Regarding the restaurant(s), I couldn't spot or find restaurant with actual accessible access. However, the real test is always… *how easy is it for guests to get around once they're *in* the joint?*”
Into the Room: Tech, Comfort, and… Mild Disappointment?
The room itself was…fine. Clean. Modern. Exactly what the pictures showed. And the free Wi-Fi? YES! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! Essential in this day and age, people. Oh, and speaking of rooms - I actually saw the "non-smoking" rooms sign! That's good! I'm not one who is picky, but I really appreciate a fresh room!
The amenities, though? Less overwhelming. Yeah, there was a coffee maker (thank god), a mini-fridge, and a decent TV. But the "extra long bed" wasn't as "extra" as I'd hoped, and while the "complimentary tea" was technically there, the selection was dire. (Seriously, where’s the Earl Grey? Is that too much to ask?).
Let's Talk About the Good Stuff: The Pool (with a View?!)
Okay, this is where things started to sparkle. The "pool with a view" was legit. Not some sad little rectangle in the corner. The pool area felt open, airy. The pool water was clear and the surroundings were clean. The thought of a spa/sauna with the pool would have made the experience much more complete!
Food Glorious (and Sometimes Questionable) Food
The breakfast buffet was a bit of a mixed bag. The "Asian breakfast" option wasn't quite what I expected (pretty sure those "Asian" eggs were just scrambled eggs, and the "Asian coffee" was just terrible coffee). The international cuisine restaurant wasn't an experience due to the pool. The "Western breakfast" was… well, it was there. Safe. Filling. But not exactly a culinary revelation. The coffee shop's coffee saved the morning, though. And the bar? Solid. Happy hour was indeed happy.
Cleanliness and Safety: COVID-19 (Ugh) and All That
Okay, let’s get real. Nobody enjoys the feeling of a petri dish. Aloft seemed to take this seriously, though. I saw hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff were definitely wearing masks. The “daily disinfection in common areas” seemed to actually happen. The "individually-wrapped food options" were a good touch, and the "safe dining setup" was good The rooms were definitely clean, which means the "rooms sanitized between stays" was in effect. I am sure the "Professional-grade sanitizing services" had their part to play as well! I didn't need the "doctor/nurse on call," first aid kit, or sterlizing equipment!
Now for the REALLY Good Stuff - That One Specific Experience (or, My Poolside Revelation)
Okay, so I sprawled out by the pool, right? The sun was doing its thing, reflecting off the water. The "poolside bar" was indeed nearby, and the bartender made a killer margarita. I started listening to the music in the sun, and I was actually enjoying myself. Okay, enjoying might be an understatement. I sat there, listening to the music, sipping my margarita, and realized…I was actually having a pretty damn good time. This wasn't just a hotel stay; it was a miniature vacation.
What About the Nitty-Gritty? (The Stuff That Matters)
- Internet Access: Solid Wi-Fi. Internet access – LAN? I have no clue.
- Dining: Okay, let’s recap: restaurants, coffee shop, bar, snack bar, poolside bar, Western cuisine, International cuisine, Asian cuisine (kinda), breakfast buffet. I'm not a huge fan of "buffet in restaurants" for the long waits.
- Services & Conveniences: Standard stuff. Cash withdrawal, Concierge (was helpful!), Daily housekeeping, Convenience store,… All good. The elevator was clutch for someone like me.
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, alarm clock, black out curtains, complimentary tea, desk, extra long bed, free bottled water. All the things I actually need.
- For the Kids: Didn't notice anything special. There were some "family/child friendly" signs!
- Getting Around: This will be dependent on your means. Car park [free of charge].
The Verdict: Should You Book?
Look, the Aloft Wichita isn't perfect. It's not a five-star experience. There are things that could've been better. But? It's a solid choice. Modern, clean, and with the right attitude, you can genuinely have a good time. And that's really what matters, isn't it?
But here's the kicker: It's got a certain "cool factor." That pool area? The friendly staff? The general vibe of "Hey, you're here to relax, so relax"? That's worth something.
And now, the super-duper offer (Because I know what you want!)
Book your stay at Aloft Wichita today, using code "WICHITAWOW," and receive:
- A complimentary upgrade (based on availability - no promises, but fingers crossed!).
- A voucher for a FREE cocktail at the bar (because, margaritas!).
- And my personal guarantee you'll have a better time than I did…or at least a similar time. Good luck!
Why you should book NOW:
- Because the pool! Seriously, I'm still dreaming about it.
- Because it's a good value for the money.
- Because, hey, you're in Wichita. You need this unexpectedly enjoyable escape.
- Because you deserve a freaking margarita.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR WICHITA ESCAPE! (Don’t forget the code!)
Escape to Paradise: Heronston Hotel & Spa Luxury Getaway (UK)
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. Because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-typed itinerary. This is… me trying to plan a trip to the Aloft Wichita. Pray for me.
Aloft Wichita: Operation Get-Away (And Maybe Not Totally Fail)
Day 1: Arrival and the Promise of Air Conditioning (Maybe Too Much Air Conditioning?)
(1:00 PM) Arrival at ICT (Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport): Okay, let's be real. Airports? Suck. Especially when you've got that "slightly-too-much-carry-on-for-a-weekend" bag dragging behind you. Found a parking spot – victory! Then I saw the price of gas and nearly had a heart attack. This whole "traveling" thing is already testing my budget.
(1:45 PM) Uber to Aloft: The Uber driver (a lovely lady named Carol who talked way too much about her dog) almost took me to the wrong Aloft. Apparently, Wichita has a sneaky little habit of having multiple hotels with similar names. Good job, me.
(2:30 PM) Check-in at Aloft: Hoping for a breezy process. It wasn't. The front desk person seemed… distracted. Like, "are you really here?" distracted. But eventually, I got my key. The lobby is… well, it's Aloft. Kinda sleek, kinda cold. And the AC? BRRR. I’m pretty sure I saw a tumbleweed blow through the lobby it was so arctic.
(3:00 PM) Room Reconnaissance: Okay, let's assess. The room's… alright. Clean-ish. The bed looks comfy, which is my number one priority. There's a massive window overlooking… the parking lot. Sigh. Perspective, people. Perspective. At least the AC is working. Still… brrr.
(3:30 PM) Unpacking & Mild Panic About Forgetting Something: Wait. Did I pack my earplugs? I DID! Excellent. Thank heavens. I always forget something and it's often the most essential things. This time it's my favorite lip balm. And what about deodorant?! Oh god, I probably smell.
(4:00 PM) Quick Shower to Shed the Airplane Grime: Gotta feel fresh, even if I’m just going to stare at the parking lot. Hotel showers. They're always a gamble. Is it going to scald me? Is it going to sputter and give me like, 7 seconds of water pressure? This one… surprisingly good! Tiny victory.
(5:00 PM) Attempt #1 at Finding Food. (Fail): Ugh. I'm starving. I saw a "restaurant" listed near the Aloft in the brochure. It does not look appealing. It is a "chain restaurant". I'm going to try to brave it, but if there's a single screaming child, I am out.
- (5:15 PM): Ran in. Ran out. (The kids were not screaming… they were just… staring at me.)
- (5:30 PM): Found myself at a local grocery store. Bought a sad-looking pre-made salad and some chips. Gourmet, I am not.
(6:00 PM): Back in the Room… Eating My Salad… and Cursing the Uninspired TV Lineup: This is the life, people. I'm living my best life. The salad is surprisingly edible, though.
(7:00 PM): The "Maybe I'll Just Read A Book" phase: My brain's a bit fried from travel and general life BS. I'm tempted to start a book, but also I’m tempted to just stare out the window until the sun goes down.
(8:00 PM): The "I Should Have Planned Dinner Better" Panic (and Room Service Investigation): I am so not getting dressed again. Room service, here I come! Let's see what this place has to offer… (It involves a burger. Predictable, but I accept).
(9:00 PM): Room Service. Burger. Regret. And the Comfort of Hotel Bedding: The burger was…fine. The fries were limp. The joy? I'm in my stretchy pants. The bed? Heaven.
(10:00 PM): Sleep (Hopefully) Before the Earplugs Fall Out: Goodnight, Wichita. Pray for me. (And pray for better culinary choices tomorrow.)
Day 2: Exploring Wichita (And Maybe Discovering I'm Not a "City Person")
(7:00 AM): Wake Up, Mild Panic About the Day After Sleeping With Earplugs (I may or may not have forgotten to turn off the alarm): Ugh. Another day. Struggling with the snooze button and my general existential dread about being on vacation. Must. Get. Up.
(8:00 AM) Breakfast (Attempt #2): Buffet this time. Hotel buffets are a mixed bag. Let's cross our fingers for something edible. (Answer: Vaguely edible. The coffee is shockingly decent, though. Small wins!)
(9:00 AM): The Wichita Art Museum – or, "Pretending to Be Cultured": Okay, let's be honest. Art museums are a mixed bag. Sometimes you "get it," sometimes you stare blankly. I'm betting on staring blankly, but at least I'll try.
- (9:30 AM): I wandered around aimlessly for a while. Found a few pieces I liked. Took a ton of pictures (because, Instagram, duh.) The building is honestly more impressive than the art itself.
(11:00 AM): Old Cowtown Museum: "Living History" vs. "Mildly Overwhelming": Okay, this place is cool. Like, really cool. Lots of cowboys. Lots of old buildings. And lots of people who are really into it. I felt a little like a tourist stuck in the middle of a history book. Still, worthwhile.
- (11:30 AM): The "Accidental Tourist" Moment: I ended up in a demonstration of how not to be shot at. It was actually more fascinating than I anticipated.
(1:00 PM): Lunch Attempt #3 (Need Food, Must Find Food!): I found a local diner. It smelled amazing. This is the sort of place you dreamed of.
(2:00 PM): The Exploration of Exploration (And Some Very, Very Odd Things): I went hunting for an ice cream place that locals had talked about.
(3:00 PM): The Exploration of Exploration (Continued):
- Finally found an ice cream shop, but it wasn’t the one I meant to find. (The one I meant to find I'd have to walk for a few miles.)
- The ice cream was too much.
- I sat down on a bench on the park.
- I watched a few people go by.
- I felt… nothing (or maybe I felt everything).
(6:00 PM): Dinner (Attempt #4 – The "I'm Going to Be Brave" Edition): A restaurant that looked a little more promising. I took a deep breath. Ordered something with… vegetables! Miracle!
(7:30 PM): Back in the Room: TV/Internet Rabbit Hole: The evening is yawning wide. Netflix awaits. I am a slave to the algorithm.
(9:00 PM): Packing (A Little, Mostly Procrastinating): The dreaded packing process. Why is it so hard to fold a damn t-shirt?
(10:00 PM): "Pre-Sleep" Snack & Mild Panic About Getting Home: I am beginning to miss my own bed. Also, did I remember to pay all the bills back home? Probably not. Sigh.
Day 3: Departure – Goodbye, Wichita (And Hello, Real Life)
- (7:00 AM): Wake Up, Slightly Less Panicked: Maybe the trip wasn’t a total disaster?
- (8:00 AM): Breakfast (Last Chance Buffet): Sigh. The coffee is still alright, though.
- (9:00 AM): Last-Minute Room Check & Mild Panic About Forgetting Something (Again): Wallet? Keys? Phone? (Checks every pocket approximately eight times).
- (9:30 AM): Check Out! Whew. Smooth sailing.
- **(10:00 AM
Aloft Wichita: Your Unexpected Wichita Escape Awaits! ... Or Does It? Let's Find Out!
Okay, Okay, So What *IS* Aloft Wichita, Really? Like, Beyond the Brochure?
Alright, picture this: You're in Wichita. Wichita! And you're thinking, "Hmm, where to crash that won't feel like a prison cell." Aloft usually pops up on the radar. It's supposed to be "trendy," "modern," blah blah blah. Basically, a hotel aiming to be something *other* than beige. They promise a fun vibe. But does it deliver?
Honestly, it’s like they *try* to be cool. Big open spaces, bright colors, a bar. The whole shebang. But sometimes, the vibe feels a *little* forced, you know? Like they're trying *too* hard. But hey, better than a drab motel, right?
Is The Pool Actually Worth a Dip? (Crucial Question, People!)
Okay, pool time. Listen, I needed *desperately* to unwind on my last trip. I was stressed. Like, "crying in the rental car" stressed. The website showed a nice, inviting pool. So, I went. And... it was smaller than I expected. Like, "lap? Forget about it" small.
The water was clean, I'll give them that. And the poolside furniture was okay (they had those brightly colored lounge chairs!), but it just... wasn't the oasis I was hoping for. It's passable if you just want a quick splash to cool off. Just don't expect a resort-level experience. Don't be like me, dreaming of paradise. Lower your expectations. Seriously.
The Rooms: Are They Actually Stylish, or Just ... Empty?
The rooms... well. They're *designed.* Designed to be modern. Think clean lines, pops of color, maybe a funky chair. And the good news? They're usually pretty clean. And the beds? Generally comfy, which is a MAJOR win. I actually got a good night's sleep, which is saying something, considering I was anticipating a presentation tomorrow that was gonna get me fired.
But here’s the thing: They're a little… sterile. Like, maybe I’m just a messy person, but sometimes a room just feels… empty, ya know? And the lighting could be better (more like, "actual" lighting, not just those funky accent lights). Seriously, I spent five minutes trying to find a light switch in the middle of the night! You'd think they'd think that one through.
This "W XYZ® bar": Does It Actually Serve Drinks? Or Just... Vapors?
Ooooh, the W XYZ® bar. That's the place, right? Where you're *supposed* to be all hip and cool and mingle with... well, whoever else is staying at Aloft (mostly business travellers or families, let's be honest). I was going through a rough patch when I went there. I needed a drink. Like, *really* needed a drink.
Here's the thing: The bar *is* there, and yes, they *do* serve drinks. They’ve got a decent selection of beers and some creative cocktails. But, the atmosphere is a bit… hit or miss. Sometimes it’s buzzing, a little lively. Other times, it's kinda dead. And ordering a drink? Could take a while, depending on how many people are trying to escape, too. I was ready to just drink the damn tonic water straight. The bar staff? They seem nice enough, though. And that's better than rude!
Should I Expect Free Breakfast? 'Cause I'm Cheap.
Alright, let's talk about the most crucial thing of all: food. And the answer: No, no free breakfast. Aloft, generally, doesn't do that. Unless you're a *very* important person, but let’s face it, you and I are probably not *that* important.
They have a little grab-and-go situation. Like, pre-packaged pastries, yogurt parfaits (which are sometimes okay), and coffee. It's...convenient, I suppose. But if you like a proper breakfast, you'll probably need to find somewhere else. Honestly? I'd recommend finding a local coffee shop or diner. Better food, and more Wichita vibes. Just my two cents.
Parking: Is It a Nightmare, or Just a Slight Inconvenience? (Wichita Edition)
Oh, parking. It's one of those things that can make or break a hotel experience. And in Wichita, you'd think it wouldn't be a big deal, right? Well, Aloft has parking. It's mostly fine. It’s not free, which is a bit of a bummer. But it's *usually* available.
On my last trip, though... Okay, full disclosure: I arrived late, like, *really* late. Drove for 12 hours, got lost, and was *hangry.* And the parking lot was packed. I had to circle a few times. It felt a bit stressful. So, get there a little early if you can. Unless you are me, in which case, *good luck.*
The Location: Is It Actually Convenient, or Am I Doomed to Endless Driving?
Location, location, location! That's what they always say. Aloft Wichita is, generally, in a decent spot. It's not in the *middle* of everything, but it's close enough to a lot of things. Close to the airport. Close to some restaurants (some good ones, some not-so-good ones).
The problem? Wichita's a driving city. You're gonna need a car, at least somewhat. But the upside? You can usually get around pretty easily. Traffic isn't terrible. Unless it's rush hour. Then... well, just pack some patience. It's Wichita. It's not Manhattan. But it *is* a place where you might have to wait at a red light for, like, a full minute.
Would You Actually Stay Again? The Big Question!
Okay, the million-dollar question. Would *I* stay at Aloft Wichita again? Honestly? ... Maybe. It depends. If I'm looking for something clean, relatively stylish, and convenient, and I'm okay with the vibe being a *little* forced, sure.
