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We spent a few days visiting family in New Jersey this weekend. One of the nights, we stayed at the Aloft Secaucus Meadowlands. The hotel is close to my mother-in-law and was one of the few that were not sold out and had points redemptions available.
Anthony’s Take: The Aloft Secaucus Meadowlands feels modern and offers an inviting lobby with pool tables, a market, a bar, and lots of seating. My room was comfortable and I loved the cute wallpaper. Aloft is an offshoot of W Hotels and you see that in some of the hotel’s elements like the WXYZ® Bar. The hotel is modern (built in 2020) and is well located if you need to be in the area.
Booking
The room was booked on points. I booked into Guest Room, 1 King for 39,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points. Cash rates were over $300 per night. If you’re looking to redeem only Marriott Bonvoy® points here, redemptions cost between 22,000 and 39,000 points per night for a standard room.
Transportation to/from the Hotel
We rented a car and were driving from my mother-in-law’s home. When we left we headed back to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). It took around 16 minutes to drive the 12.2 miles.
Location
The hotel is located just a quick walk from several restaurants and stores.
Check-in
The hotel called me during the day to make sure I was coming as they said the hotel was sold out. There are two desks for checking in (only one was staffed while I was there). I arrived around 11:45 PM and got my keys. I had done a mobile check-in, but always like to have physical key cards in case the app doesn’t work. The hotel was sold out, so there were no upgrades available (an upgrade would be a higher floor as there are no suites). He offered me a choice of breakfast or 500 points as a welcome amenity. I took the points. He also asked if I would like a late checkout. I didn’t need it, but was happy he asked.
The lobby has multiple seating areas throughout and is made to feel like a large living room (maybe a common room in a college dorm).
A large table is close to the front entrance.
The bar was not open in the limited time we spent in the hotel.
The elevator lobbies are in good repair and bright thanks to big windows that take up almost the entire exterior wall.
The hallways are fairly blah and the carpet was a bit stained.
Guest Room, 1 King (217)
There are 171 rooms at the hotel.
Upon entering the room, there is an open closet space to the left with a few hangers. A garment steamer was hanging here.
A safe was found at the base of this closet space.
Across from this area was a space for a suitcase. This led into the bathroom.
A glassed-in shower was closest. It worked well and had good water pressure.
Drybar brand toiletries were mounted to the wall in large pumps.
The toilet was next to the shower. It had a separate door.
A large vanity with a single sink was near the toilet.
Drybar brand soap and body lotion were on the vanity.
I loved the wallpaper throughout the bathroom.
A full-length mirror is to the right of the entrance to the room.
A banquette with a small table were nearby.
The king-sized bed was across from this area. There were plenty of outlets here.
A TV was mounted to the wall across from the bed.
A coffee maker, coffee, bottled water, condiments, and an ice bucket were below the TV.
An empty refrigerator was also here.
Even the shades had some cool details (very Matrix-like).
Public Areas & Amenities
The hotel has an indoor pool, fitness center, bar, market, pool table, computer and printer, video games, laundry, and lots of seating throughout the lobby.
The fitness center is small, but functional.
A computer and printer were available for guest use in the lobby.
Several video games were near the computer, but they were not powered on.
The Re:Fuel market is close to the check-in desks and offers a range of food, beverages, and snacks.
A coin-operated washer and dryer are also accessible to guests.
Overall Impression: The Aloft brand is growing on me. This stay was fine and I liked some of the design touches in my room and throughout the hotel.
Anthony’s Credit Card Pick: When I’m staying at a Marriott hotel, I want to maximize my points earned. My card of choice is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. With it, I earn six Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar spent at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program. It also includes up to $300 statement credits per calendar year (up to $25 per month ) for dining in restaurants worldwide. Plus, a free night award that I can redeem at any Marriott hotel with a redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points. Rates & fees. Terms apply.
(Fitness Center, Pool, and Laundry Image Credits: Marriott.)
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