Aloft Hotels Joins Gap Year Travel Movement

Aloft Hotels is better accommodating the fast-growing and multi-generational travel market embarking on year-long expeditions, known as Gap Year.

Gap Year has often been referred to as the time when high school graduates use their time to travel or explore opportunities before pursuing college or employment, but the trend has recently sprawled across generations, prompting people to take a break from school and jobs to travel cross-country or across the world.

Aloft Hotels, owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., is taking advantage of the influx of travelers by offering affordable hotel rooms in dynamic destinations. The brand is launching what they call a Global Gap Year Rate–40 percent off a second night’s stay–which is stackable (i.e. four-night stay receives two nights at 40 percent off). Any traveler who takes advantage of the program also receives a copy of Gap to Great: A Parent’s Guide to Gap Year, by Andrea Wien.

“We always say that Aloft Hotels doesn’t appeal to one demographic, it appeals to those of a similar psychographic—those early adopter, perpetually curious travelers who want something different,” said Paige Francis, vice president of global marketing, Aloft Hotels. “These travelers are the ones taking time off to find themselves or in some cases, lose themselves in local cultures and experiences. They love staying with us on these journeys, and fortunately, because of our impressive footprint, Gap Year travelers can find us just about everywhere.”

More than 100 Aloft hotels can be found in 18 countries around the world, including Mexico, Canada, China, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Costa Rica, United Kingdom, Germany and United Arab Emirates.

There are many more opening in the coming years, including two in Australia in 2017 and 2018; Dakar, Africa, in 2018; two in Shanghai in 2017 and 2018; Kathmandu, Nepal, in 2017; and New Delhi, in December.

A Gap Year Travel Campaign

To celebrate the new rate, Aloft is launching a social campaign that will follow the travels of author Andrea Wien, who is embarking on a cross-country tour starting at Aloft Portland Airport at Cascade Station and wrapping up at the newly opened Aloft Boston Seaport and Element Boston Seaport dual-branded hotel complex at the end of April.

Rendering of Re:mix Lounge at Aloft Boston Seaport

Wien will document her journey via Twitter, Instagram, and Periscope, using #AloftGapYear, sharing tips and stories along the way.