The brand is set to open ten new hotels in the coming year, with half of its 2010 pipeline consisting of international properties. With nearly 40 hotels open since its June 2008 debut, the Aloft brand became the talk of the hospitality industry by going global while in launch mode, opening China's Aloft Beijing Haidian and Aloft Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates in the brand's first 15 months.

Simon Turner, President of Global Development, described the brand as "an important source of fuel for for Starwood's strategic, global expansion," pointing to openings in Beijing and Abu Dhabi in the first 15 months since its launch.

"The brand, which has an existing presence in four countries, is at a pivotal point in its growth cycle and is poised to continue to break new ground in 2010 as it debuts in India and Europe, while further establishing its presence in the U.S. and China." said Turner.

This year, three Aloft hotels will open in India. The Aloft brand plans properties for Chennai, India's fifth-largest city and its second-largest exporter of software and infotech; Bangalore, the "Silicon Valley" of India; and Coimbatore, one of India's fastest-growing cities and a powerhouse in textiles and engineering.

Europe's first Aloft hotel will open its doors in Brussels, near the heart of the Belgian capital and European Union hub, in September 2010. And stateside, the Aloft brand will open two New York City properties - one in the Big Apple's Brooklyn and the other in the heart of Harlem.

www.alofthotels.com