Bringing new Life to a City Landmark, Aloft Detroit at The David Whitney

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Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announces the launch of its game-changing Aloft® brand in Detroit, following the completion of an adaptive re-use project that has transformed the historic David Whitney building. Located at One Park Avenue, Aloft Detroit at The David Whitney features 136 spacious, loft-like rooms, forward-thinking design and an energetic, social atmosphere – all at an affordable price point. The hotel is owned and developed by Whitey Partners, LLC, a joint venture between The Roxbury Group and VOS Hospitality, the lifestyle/boutique division of Trans Inns Management, Inc. Listed on the National Historic Register, the David Whitney building was built in 1915 to anchor the northern end of the Grand Circus Park shopping district. The adaptive re-use project restored the decorative exterior elements that were removed in 1959, as well as the four-story lobby with glass atrium, while thoroughly renovating all floors of the building. Aloft Detroit at The David Whitney is walking distance to Comerica Park, the Arts & Entertainment District and Detroit Opera House, and convenient to Ford Field, Fox Theatre, Joe Louis Arena, several casinos, and the headquarters of General Motors, Ford Motor Company and other Fortune 500 companies.

Amenities at Aloft Detroit at The David Whitney include the brand’s signature W XYZ® bar with live music performances by emerging artists, a 24-hour fitness center and 6,670 square feet of flexible meeting space. The hotel’s bright and airy guestrooms feature the ultra-comfortable signature Aloft bed, Bliss® Bath amenities, a 42-inch LCD television and a plug & play station for electronics.

The Aloft brand’s innovative and exclusive initiatives set it apart. Aloft Hotels, the tech-forward, innovation hub for millennial-minded travelers, recently announced the appointment of A.L.O. as the hotel brand’s first Botlr™ (robotic butler) at its Cupertino property. This forward thinking innovation makes Aloft the first major hotel brand to hire a robot for both front and back of house duties. Additionally, every Aloft Hotel around the world offers live, free access to local emerging artists as well as some of the hottest bands with Live at Aloft Hotels programming at the W XYZ bars.

Daniel Fountain / 07.03.2015

Editor, Hotel Designs

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Fun fact: I’m usually the person friends rely on to organise trips, schedules, and group plans.

Workhighlights: Successfully coordinating events from planning through to delivery and seeing everything come together on the day.

Fun fact: I’m a keen cyclist and will happily bore people with copious amounts of cycling chat. My top cycling experience (so far) would have to be riding in the spectacular mountains of Crete.

Work highlights: Charles joined Forum Events in 2022. With a background in publishing, editorial media and events, Charles brings a wealth of experience to his role as Senior Production Manager. Having being involved with SPACE from the outset, he is excited to see the brand grow and develop.

Fun fact: People tell Sienna she gives off Bridget Jones vibes, and she loves to bake, always making sure there are shortbreads floating around the office

Work highlights: Sienna joined Forum Events & Media Group while studying Communications and Media, starting in the sales team where she managed and helped launch the first the PA Life Leading Venues of London SHOWCASE, where she built relationships with luxury venues across the capital. Drawn to the stories behind these spaces, she naturally transitioned into the editorial team, creating social media and editorial content. Upon graduating in June 2026, she is excited to be joining as Assistant Editor for Hotel Designs and SPACE.

Fun fact: When not working, Jess can usually be found tending to her kitchen garden in the Sussex countryside or foraging for herbs in the nearby woods. A keen grower, she recently studied a RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles of Horticulture during her spare time.

Work highlights: Jess joined SPACE magazine in 2022 and has since progressed from Assistant Editor to Editor. During this time, she has worked across many aspects of the publication – from shaping editorial strategy and overseeing operations to contributing to art direction and representing the brand on stage at industry events including Surface Design Show and WOW!house.

Alongside her role at SPACE, Jess has built a creative career spanning the arts, culture, design and travel sectors. Prior to joining the magazine, she spent more than a decade in the commercial art industry, in artist liaison, gallery management, and curating collections for the hospitality sector across hotels and cruise ships. During this time, she also worked on freelance projects as a writer, photographer, and creative content producer.
 
Jess studied photojournalism at London College of Communication and the Danish School of Media and Journalism and holds a first-class BA (Hons) in Culture, Criticism and Curation from Central Saint Martins.

Fun fact: Katy has spent years perfecting all kinds of accents and loves a good impersonation!

Work highlights: Katy has been with Hotel Designs since the beginning, way back in 2015 when Forum Events & Media Group acquired the brand.

During this time, she has fostered many meaningful relationships with clients from across the hospitality spectrum, as well as playing a pivotal role in the launch of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs MEET UPs, client-led roundtables and panel talks, brand and website redesigns, HD Wellness Sets, DESIGN POD podcast, Hotel Designs LIVE panel talk series, Accessible Design Talks and more. Katy is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to help grow the Hotel Designs brand even further.
 
Most recently Katy has stepped in to the role of Publisher at SPACE magazine, the printed bi-monthly publication focused on hotel design, architecture, and development.

Together these platforms offer a comprehensive 360-degree service encompassing digital media, print publishing, and live events – providing unparalleled value to advertisers, partners, and readers alike.