Aloft Sarasota opens its doors

Since Tuesday Aloft Sarasota has been booking guests to stay at the new downtown hotel. 

Located on Ringling Boulevard and Palm Avenue the hotel is part of the One Palm project. The property has a total of 139 hotel rooms and 138 apartments. More than 20 reservations have already been made for guests with stays starting as early as Friday, Feb. 5. 

The property which began construction in March 2014 opened its doors to the public Thursday, Feb. 4 just as scheduled. The centrally-located hotel hopes to take advantage of the nearby attractions for guests as well as to fill a void for downtown hotels. 

"A lot of hotels are on the fringe of downtown," said Jason Samson, general manager for Aloft Sarasota."This has been an underserved hotel market for quite some time."

Among the amenities the hotel offers guests is a 24-hour fitness center, meeting space for guests in town for business, the WXYZ bar and a courtyard venue space. The hotel pool located on the eighth floor takes advantage of the downtown location offering views of the Sarasota skyline. 

The interior of the hotel features artwork by faculty and students from the Ringling College of Art and Design. While the rotating artwork is on display it will be available to purchase as well as include a biography of the artist. 

"It's a good way for us to stay local and include the community," said Janet Hansen, director of sales and marketing. 

The hotel is anticipating adding more culinary selections to its amenities with a space available for a restaurant on the corner of Palm Avenue and Ringling Boulevard. The WXYZ bar is already open to guests and the public. 

"You can walk right in and be a part of it," said Jason Reader, the vice president of operations.