Aloft by Marriott Greenville Downtown

It’s loud here, with a big party scene and very noisy rooftop bars and clubs, so don’t expect a quiet stay. I also felt unsafe around the hotel. Daytime was fine, but there were many homeless people, and twice I was followed and harassed. I know that isn’t the hotel’s fault. What is their responsibility is locking guests completely outside after midnight. This was especially hard because I was traveling with my senior dog, who needs to go out during the night. After taking her out in an area where I already felt unsafe, I’d be locked out and left between two sliding doors until someone let me in. As a woman, I was terrified each time, worried someone could trap me there with no way out. Once I called the desk four times before anyone answered. The next morning I asked if anything could change, and got an odd explanation about airline pilots leaving keys and concerns that homeless people might steal them. They say they’re protecting guests from the area, yet lock guests outside at night. I wouldn’t stay at this Aloft again, though I might try other Aloft locations.

The city was noisier than I expected on the ninth floor, but the location, value, staff, and amenities were all good. My only real complaint is the room setup. All four of us in my family shared one room and its two beds, and a frosted glass window sits between the sleeping area and shower. With the shower light on, the bedroom gets almost fully lit. It makes no sense. I know that may not bother everyone, so I wouldn’t count it against the hotel, but if I could rate it out of ten, I’d give it a nine because of that.

I travel a lot for work, and this team stood out for how much they cared. They kept checking during my stay to see if I needed anything. My one suggestion is brighter bathroom lighting. It’s hard to get ready with the lights so dim.

For a one-night stop during a road trip, it was okay, though I didn’t think it was worth the price. Our room was fine, but the hallway smelled smoky and we could sometimes hear people through the walls. The hotel allows pets but has no relief area, just the street outside, which seemed strange. Parking was extra and only available in the garage’s uncovered section.