Aloft Silicon Valley

Aloft Silicon Valley, a Michelin Key Selected property in Newark, California, offers a modern and vibrant stay for travelers in the heart of the tech hub. While opinions vary across different review platforms, a general consensus points to a stylish environment with commendable staff, though some aspects of maintenance and dining receive mixed feedback.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall sentiment for Aloft Silicon Valley is largely positive, particularly concerning its staff and modern aesthetic. Agoda.com shows an impressive overall rating of 8.1, with a perfect score of 10.0 for food and dining. However, ratings on Marriott.com average 3.6 out of 5 based on over 500 reviews, with scores like 4.0 for cleanliness, 4.1 for location, and 3.8 for service and staff. KAYAK's AI-generated summary highlights a 9.0 out of 10 for both service and room quality. Guests often appreciate the friendly atmosphere and the hotel's contemporary design.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise several aspects of Aloft Silicon Valley:

• Service & Staff: The staff receives high marks for their friendliness, helpfulness, and warm demeanor, often described as going "above and beyond" to ensure a comfortable stay.
• Design & Vibe: The hotel boasts a modern, loft-style design with fresh, contemporary interiors and a vibrant, energetic atmosphere.
• Amenities: Notable amenities include both indoor and outdoor pools, a 24-hour fitness center, complimentary Wi-Fi, and the W XYZ bar. Some rooms also feature convenient kitchenettes. The hotel is also pet-friendly.
• Location: Its location in Newark is strategic for business travelers, providing easy access to major tech companies, Palo Alto, Mountain View, Stanford University, and Facebook HQ. It is also conveniently equidistant to the three Bay Area international airports.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Aloft Silicon Valley are generally described as spacious and thoughtfully designed. They feature modern amenities such as luxury bedding, complimentary Wi-Fi, and ergonomic workspaces. Many rooms include a mini-kitchen equipped with a fridge, sink, microwave, and coffee maker, along with free coffee and bottled water. The flatscreen TVs can pivot for viewing from either the couch or the comfortable king-size beds. Bathrooms are often noted as impressive, with some offering both a bathtub and a standing shower. However, some guests have reported issues such as sticky spots on carpets, non-working TVs, and rooms feeling "kinda dark inside" if not on a higher level. Cleanliness ratings for rooms have varied.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel's dining options receive high praise from some guests. Agoda.com reviews give a perfect 10.0 score for food and dining. The on-site restaurant, PLUS, serves light, contemporary fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A continental breakfast is available, and the re:fuel gourmet pantry offers self-serve drinks and snacks. The W XYZ bar is a popular spot for light appetizers, wine, beer, and specialty cocktails. It's important to note that breakfast is typically not complimentary and incurs an additional charge, which some guests feel impacts the overall value.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at Aloft Silicon Valley is a consistent highlight, with many guests commending their friendliness, helpfulness, and warm, welcoming demeanor. They are often described as going "above and beyond" to ensure guest satisfaction. Agoda.com rates staff performance at 8.1 out of 10. However, some isolated negative experiences have been reported, including instances where guests felt staff were "obnoxious" or were forced to leave the lobby.

6. Location & Accessibility

Aloft Silicon Valley is situated in Newark, California, offering a convenient location for those with business in the tech industry. It's just a short drive to major tech companies, Palo Alto, Mountain View, Stanford University, and Facebook HQ. The hotel is also equidistant to the three Bay Area international airports, and an airport shuttle to Oakland International Airport (OAK) is available. Its proximity to the freeway provides easy access, and there are stores nearby. On-site parking is available for a daily fee of $10 plus taxes, and the hotel also features 22 Tesla Supercharging stations. While convenient for driving, it is generally not considered a walkable area.

7. Value & Pricing

The hotel is often positioned as offering "affordable luxury" and "exceptional value for money," with an average room price around $178, which is slightly higher than the average in Newark, CA. KAYAK indicates prices can range from $89 to $199, with typical weeknight rates around $114 and weekend rates around $119. Travelers looking for the best deals might find lower prices during the low season, particularly in February and March. Despite the positive mentions of value, some guests on Marriott.com rate value for money at 3.6 out of 5, with the additional cost of breakfast sometimes cited as a factor impacting perceived value.

8. Common Complaints

While largely positive, recurrent criticisms include:

• Cleanliness and Maintenance: Some guests have noted issues with cleanliness, such as sticky stains on carpets and unpleasant odors. Maintenance problems have also been reported, including malfunctioning TVs, broken electrical outlets, and a need for renovation in the gym. Issues with pool cleanliness have also been mentioned.
• Inconsistent Service: Although staff are generally highly praised, a few reviews describe negative interactions, such as unhelpful situations or breakfast orders being missed.
• Room Lighting: Some guests have found certain rooms to be "kinda dark inside" without natural light, suggesting a preference for higher floors.
• Breakfast Cost: The additional charge for breakfast is a recurring point of contention, impacting the perceived overall value for some guests.

Sources

1. agoda.com
2. marriott.com
3. marriott.com
4. kayak.com
5. bobbuskirk.com
6. michelin.com
7. booking.com
8. agoda.com
9. expedia.com