Aloft Meadowlands Hotel Review: Stylish & Modern Stay Near American Dream Mall
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Aloft Meadowlands
Location: 460 Harmon Meadow Blvd., Secaucus, NJ 07094
Rating: ♡♡♡♡♡ 5 out of 5 hearts
Ladies, let me tell you about a hidden gem that had me absolutely swooning! My boyfriend and I stayed at Aloft Meadowlands, from January 9th to January 10th, for our first official hotel date night, and honey, this place exceeded every expectation I had for a 3-star hotel. I wish I had taken more photos, but I am looking to be back in the future so I’ll get it then.
Why We Chose Aloft Meadowlands
We picked this spot because it's perfectly positioned near American Dream Mall (hello, indoor snowboarding before date night!), but what really sold us was finding that sweet spot between upscale luxury and actually affordable rates. For a first hotel date night, we wanted somewhere special without the intimidating price tag.
The Booking Experience
Full transparency here, my man handled all the booking through Booking.com, and bless his heart, he accidentally booked the wrong dates. Now, I know some of you might be side-eyeing this, but hear me out: the man works overtime constantly and was planning this surprise for me. We all make mistakes when we're exhausted!
The booking site's customer service was... an experience. While Booking does have a change of reservation policy that's free and included, it took three different representatives before someone actually helped us change the reservation (apparently this simple change can't be done online, which is ridiculous in 2024). But once we got it sorted, everything went smoothly.
Arrival and First Impressions
The parking situation is a dream! Spacious, free, and plenty of spots available. We visited on a weekday during off-season, so that may vary during peak times.
Walking into the lobby, I was genuinely shocked. This is supposedly a 3-star hotel? It felt more like a 4-star property. The design is modern, clean, and sophisticated with just the right amount of trendy flair.
The Room
Now, this is where Aloft really shines. The open floor plan concept might not be for everyone, but it creates this incredibly spacious, airy feeling that makes the room feel twice its actual size.
The bathroom situation deserves its own paragraph because it's chef's kiss. The open-concept design with the sliding door to the toilet area is so cleverly done, you'd never even notice it's there until you need it. And can we talk about the mirror on the sliding door? Genius. Plus, there's this stunning floor-to-ceiling mirror on the opposite wall that just elevates the entire space.
The wallpaper choices are definitely bold and eclectic, very hipster-chic vibes. It's not going to be everyone's cup of tea, but it adds personality and makes the space feel curated rather than generic hotel boring.
Most importantly, the bed was incredibly comfortable. All the pillows were perfectly plush, and we both slept like babies. The TV setup was user-friendly too, logging into Netflix was seamless, and it automatically logs you out after checkout.
Dining and Local Scene
There's no complimentary breakfast, but honestly, with the restaurant options in the area, you won't miss it. We took an evening stroll to Outback Steakhouse for dinner, but you've got everything from Nrgzie (great for smoothies) to Chipotle, Cava, and Carnegie Diner & Cafe within easy reach.
If you're feeling adventurous, American Dream Mall has an entire food court and dining scene to explore, though you'll need to drive or grab an Uber since it's not walking distance.
The Verdict
This area feels safe and well-maintained, which is crucial for a romantic getaway. While many hotels in the vicinity offer shuttle services to American Dream Mall, definitely check with the front desk about their specific offerings.
I'll be honest, I don't have many photos from this stay because, well, let's just say we were pretty occupied with enjoying each other's company the moment we walked into that gorgeous room! But trust me when I say this place is photo-worthy.
This is the first and only 5-star review I've given in all the hotels I’ve stayed at thus far, and I don't hand those out lightly. Aloft Meadowlands delivers luxury vibes at a reasonable price point, making it perfect for couples who want to treat themselves without the guilt. We're definitely planning a return visit – and this time, I'm bringing my camera!
Bottom Line: If you're looking for a sophisticated, comfortable stay that feels more expensive than it is, Aloft Meadowlands should be at the top of your list. Just maybe book it correctly the first time, learn from our mistakes!
Till Next Time!
~Diana
