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Vendor Complaint: Aloft Hotels

polichikpolichik member
2500 Comments
in Minnesota-Minneapolis and St. Paul
Hey Guys,

Just wanted to present a factual account of my experience with Aloft Hotels in Minneapolis on Washington Avenue. I have not been to this hotel personally, but I was hoping to reserve a block of rooms here, as it's almost directly across the street from my reception venue (Spill the Wine).

I have contacted them not one, not two, not three, but TEN times to request a room block for my September 5th wedding. I've sent e-mails (starting in September of 2009), I've submitted multiple RFPs, and I haven't received a response. The first time I sent an RFP, I e-mailed to follow up, and I received an automated response that said that a representative from Aloft would contact me within two business days. That was back in October.

I'm writing this post not to bash a hotel, but rather to try to save other brides time who might be considering booking Aloft. I'm sure that anyone who actually stays there would have a wonderful experience, but in my mind it's incredibly unprofessional to have this happen ten times.

I hope this helps somebody else and saves time!
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Re: Vendor Complaint: Aloft Hotels

  • Bimbi284Bimbi284 member
    Ninth Anniversary 1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Just curious, did you ever try calling?
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  • LittleSweetieLittleSweetie member
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_minnesota-minneapolis-st-paul_vendor-complaint-aloft-hotels?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:81Discussion:9ba78887-8156-4d69-af24-89b8597176ecPost:193f9fe8-972f-4d7f-a22f-143518a31ad7">Re: Vendor Complaint: Aloft Hotels</a>:
    [QUOTE]Just curious, did you ever try calling?
    Posted by Bimbi284[/QUOTE]

    Ditto.  That'd be the next logical thing to do rather than bash them on a message board.
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  • polichikpolichik member
    2500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Yes, I did try calling. I wasreferred to their website and told that somebody would respond to my e-mail.

    And, Littlesweetie, I abided by all of the rules about discussing vendors that you posted above. If this is "bashing," then I'm not sure how you feel it would be appropriate to discuss vendors. I stated the facts in the hope that it would save another bride time
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  • cswaldoncswaldon
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    "Bashing"? You've got to be kidding me.

    Thanks for the heads up, polichik! I hope you find a better hotel! I'm looking for hotels in DT Mpls, so if you find one, let me know!
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  • blazer1231blazer1231 member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    I agree, definitely not 'bashing'.   LittleSweetie.....what's up with your quick reaction?  Too much moderating?
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  • LittleSweetieLittleSweetie member
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Bashing is fine - you just can't attack a vendor's character or make insults, which you haven't.  Your post doesn't cross any lines at all.  Frankly, I'm glad there are negative reviews here instead of everything being puppies and rainbows.


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  • polichikpolichik member
    2500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    cs, I'm having our first block be with the Hotel Minneapolis Doubletree. My FILS stayed there when they came to visit, and they raved about it. Apparently there's free parking across the street, too! They're our primary block, but I wanted to offer another option to our guests.
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  • beka0404beka0404
    500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Agreed on Aloft - I have yet to receive a response to my RFP, and it's been eight months. I chose the Westin instead.

    Perhaps "grumbling" would have been more appropriate than "bashing"? :)
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  • archie08archie08 member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Im glad Im not the only one! I also tried to book rooms. I did have one response via email but never heard back after responding via email or by phone. On the record it sounds like you are responsible for 80% of the rooms so you need to make sure you have enough reserved/booked. It does look like a nice place though. Too bad they lost some of our service. :(
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  • leggwilliamsleggwilliams
    2500 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    Even if you hadn't tried calling, I find it super unprofessional that they hadn't answered any of your emails. If you're not going to check and respond to your customers through a certain medium of communitcation, then don't offer it.
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  • MN_JenMN_Jen
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    This is interesting - I had the exact opposite experience!

    I visited the Aloft Hotel and The Hotel Minneapolis in person one Saturday.  The manager of the Aloft gave me a complete tour and promised to give my contact information to the sales/activities director and that someone would contact me within a few days.  I received an email that Tuesday with their policies and prices for booking a block.

    When I visited The Hotel Minneapolis I was told that the sales person wasn't in the office and was given her card, thats all.  No big deal, I wasn't expecting the service I received from the Aloft.  I called the hotel on Monday and spoke with the sales director who took all my contact info and promised to email the complete package information.  That was three weeks ago. I've left two messages since then.

    We ended up deciding that it wasn't worth all the hassle of booking blocks of rooms.  We are suggesting the wedding party stay at the Aloft so we can do pictures there, and pointing our family towards The Hotel Minneapolis. But I'm not arranging anything - so my stress level has gone way down!
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  • polichikpolichik member
    2500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Jen, I'm so glad you had a good experience! I'm sure they're a fine hotel once you get there, but it's ridiculous to me that they're so unresponsive (I'm glad to know I'm not the only one.. I thought I was crazy!).

    It sucks, because I'd love to offer it as an option for my guests, but I'm going elsewhere on principle.
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