aloft Beijing: Exclusive Pre-Opening Photo Gallery

While in Beijing I was coincidentally staying in a Starwood hotel right next door to the soon to be opened aloft Beijing property. Thanks to the kindness of a few people working there, I was able to get inside the main floor and take a few photos of the lobby area. Several aloft properties have opened already and I'm still waiting for my first chance to stay in one and talk about the experience. I have been following the marketing of the new brand with interest ever since they launched their virtual hotel in Second Life two years before building the hotel in real life. As we head into a holiday weekend, I hope you enjoy this inside look at aloft Beijing, set to open on September 1st. I'll return on September 2nd with a full calendar of new posts, including a look at branded books, being microfamous, my upcoming speaking calendar and more ...