Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide has announced the opening of the first of its Aloft brand hotels in the Middle East, the Aloft Abu Dhabi.

The new hotel is linked directly to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC), a development consisting of premium office towers, luxury hotels and residences, restaurants, shopping and a marina. Featuring 408 loft-like rooms, the hotel's facilities include the re:mix communal lobby area and w xyz bar; the re:charge fitness center, providing Life Fitness free weights, cardio and strength equipment; and an outdoor, rooftop splash pool. The pool deck is home to the Mai Cafe lounge and the relax@12 rooftop bar.

Dining choices include re:fuel by Aloft, a 24/7, self-serve option offering sweet, savoury and healthy food, snacks and beverages, and Dine, a restaurant offering international cuisine. After opening its first hotel in June 2008 in Canada, Aloft now operates nearly 40 hotels in three countries - the United States, China and Canada - with the United Arab Emirates marking its fourth. Openings in Belgium, India and Thailand are scheduled for 2010, with a second Middle East hotel planned for Riyadh in 2011.