The Austin the Aloft and Element hotel is highly recommended as a location to stay when competing in the Austin marathon half marathon and 10 K.
This hotel is perfectly situated at the finish line at the corner of Congress and 7th Street. Staying in the Aloft section of the hotel gives you a perfect view of Congress for not only the start but also the finish.
LTD questioned many of the patrons during the stay and no one but the hotel staff that understood the differences between the two hotels.
Remember to make your travel both healthy and meaningful at the same time! We choose to remember the Gold Star Families in Austin!
LTD stayed in the Element hotel and therefore we will start with a review of that. The Element hotel is based on the Westin franchise. It is a scaled down version of a Westin hotel room but with the added benefits of a near full size kitchen in the room and a large workspace. It is perfect for those who spend prolong time in one city for work travel. The element rooms are larger than the Aloft rooms. They include the Westin Heavenly bed. The bathroom is significantly larger than in the Aloft. The closet space is also significantly larger.
The Element also offers a complementary breakfast and evening reception. The evening reception includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer and nonalcoholic drinks. Bottled water is also provided in the rooms.
There are two bikes that are available to use on a first come first serve basis. These bikes, while located within the element lobby, are available for the entire hotel including the element and a loft guests.
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| The Element uses the Westin Heavenly Bed |
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| Element couch and work space |
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| The Element has a full kitchen |
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| The Element has small vanities, but a large bathroom |
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| Pharmacopia products are used in the Element Hotel |
The Element also offers a complementary breakfast and evening reception. The evening reception includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer and nonalcoholic drinks. Bottled water is also provided in the rooms.
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| Element Breakfast Area |
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| Element Lobby Area |
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| Element Lobby Area |
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| Business Center for Element Guests |
There are two bikes that are available to use on a first come first serve basis. These bikes, while located within the element lobby, are available for the entire hotel including the element and a loft guests.
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The fitness room is also shared with both hotel Guests and is located Adjacent to the Aloft check in area.
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| The Fitness room is shared between Aloft and Element Guests |
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| The Fitness room is shared between Aloft and Element Guests |
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| Washer and Dryers are available for both Aloft and Element guests |
The Aloft rooms are located on the Congress Avenue side of the hotel and for a wonderful view of all of the Austin marathon festivities.
The rooms are significantly smaller with minimal amenities available compared to the Westin.
The traveler type that stays at the Aloft is different than the element. The element targets business travelers will be staying for a prolonged period of time, but the Aloft targets customers who likely will not be spending a great deal of time in their hotel room. The Aloft bathrooms are smaller and the closet is smaller but all of the basic amenities are available. The classic W bed is available in the Aloft side of the hotel. The Aloft has a lobby area that is a full-service restaurant and bar with games such as first all available. The chairs and couches in this area are much more plush then in the element, but again are connected to a full-service restaurant and bar.
It was not very welcoming to just go and sit to read or work. There is no complementary breakfast or reception available for a loft gas and all food and drinks are available for purchase only.
With a price of around $200 per night, you cannot go wrong with staying at either the Aloft or Element hotels in downtown Austin when attending the Austin Marathon. You need to determine which side of the hotel meets your individual needs.
Don't forget a Cow Bell to root on your Runners!!!
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| View from Aloft room of Congress and 7th Street where the Marathon Finish line is located |
The rooms are significantly smaller with minimal amenities available compared to the Westin.
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| Corner premium King Aloft room uses the W bed |
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| Corner premium King Aloft room |
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| Aloft work desk in corner premium king room |
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| While small the Aloft Bathrooms have a walk in shower |
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| Safes are in the Aloft and Element rooms |
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| While small, the Aloft bathrooms have a walk in shower |
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| Aloft Closets are small |
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| Bliss products are part of the Aloft bathrooms |
The traveler type that stays at the Aloft is different than the element. The element targets business travelers will be staying for a prolonged period of time, but the Aloft targets customers who likely will not be spending a great deal of time in their hotel room. The Aloft bathrooms are smaller and the closet is smaller but all of the basic amenities are available. The classic W bed is available in the Aloft side of the hotel. The Aloft has a lobby area that is a full-service restaurant and bar with games such as first all available. The chairs and couches in this area are much more plush then in the element, but again are connected to a full-service restaurant and bar.
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| The Aloft Lobby is part of the Caroline Restaurant |
It was not very welcoming to just go and sit to read or work. There is no complementary breakfast or reception available for a loft gas and all food and drinks are available for purchase only.
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| Aloft offers food for purchase and a full service restaurant only (which are available to Element Guests also) |
With a price of around $200 per night, you cannot go wrong with staying at either the Aloft or Element hotels in downtown Austin when attending the Austin Marathon. You need to determine which side of the hotel meets your individual needs.
To Check other reviews of the Austin Element Hotel, rates and book at TripAdvisor Click Here!!
Don't forget a Cow Bell to root on your Runners!!!
Make Meaningful and Healthy Travel Happen!
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