I'll preface this review by acknowledging all the staffing shortages in the hospitality industry are a problem, but a recent2-night stay at the Aloft Leawood-Overland Park was disappointing, but easily fixable. I've also stayed at multiple Aloft hotels in various cities over the years and always had an excellent experience. I will add that every staff member I encountered on my most recent visit was very courteous, professional, and helpful, so no complaints there. I don't know if this particular Aloft was converted from another brand's property, but in any case, it's showing its age, which appears to result from a lack of everyday maintenance and cleaning. 1. The carpet runner extending from the front door to (almost) the elevator was littered with small pieces of paper, broken leaf pieces, and dirt that was tracked in or otherwise blown in from the outside, and was not vacuumed the entire time I was there. It made for a lackluster first impression that could have been corrected in 10 minutes a few times a day. 2. I can only speak for the floor where my room was located (Floor 5) the hallway carpet was very badly stained with what looked like spilled beverages. It was particularly soiled in front of the elevators. Also, some of the room number signage outside rooms were broken or had missing letters. In my room, the emergency signage card that you always find affixed to the inside hotel room doors also had been torn off, leaving unsightly glue residue, not to mention the emergency fire exit plan. 3. In my room, the shower floor drain was very slow to the point where water was puddling on the shower floor after only a few minutes. The drain cover was also rusty, causing the tile surrounding the drain to become discolored. These may sound like minor issues, but in a hotel where my room rate was more than $200, including taxes, I was just expecting better, particularly having stayed at Aloft hotels before. A message to the hotel's GM: The basis of maintaining the common area are being neglected, and easily fixed with a little attention to detail. First impressions are everything to create a memorable experience, and mine wasn't great at this property.

I've stayed in Aloft hotels before but since I live close to this one, and have rarely had the need to stay here as a result, I never had the chance to review it. However, due to an upcoming medical procedure (some will know what I mean) I needed a night without being disturbed and this hotel got the nod, prior to going to the hospital in the early morning. I love the concept. I stayed in a fine example in Reno that was new, and first class; well thought out, interesting, quirky design and very friendly staff. This example, sadly isn't as new, and it looks and feels tired as a result and is, quite desperately in need of a revamp in my view. It doesn't help that the service I received was also somewhat wanting. More details are required and here they are. It's an interesting layout. One enters on the ground floor, but the reception is on the first floor (using British designation of floors!) and it is here that the first metaphor for the hotel becomes apparent. Upon entry there are a range of leather-clad chairs/recliners etc. but one of the most prominent has a rip in the leather. Not sure how long it had been there of course but still. Also, in this autumn season, this are is replete with blown in debris and leaves from the surroundings. Minor, but sets the tone. One goes up to reception via stairs or elevator and the reception area is nice. It is large, with a range of furniture and tables and looks like a good place to work or relax. There is a pool table etc. and this is the positive of Aloft in that it is different from your typical hotel and well laid out. Now, admittedly, I was there early for check in but the reception associate was on the phone and kept us waiting for about 5 minutes whilst completing the call and that's perfectly fine, but our presence at the desk went unacknowledged the whole time when it is perfectly possible to simply cover the receiver and say: "I'll be right with you" or similar and that didn't happen. Also, once we were helped, it was efficiently done, but somewhat dour and unsmiling. Again, minor, but illustrative of the overall vibe I felt. The elevator to the room was also pretty dirty; stained carpeting, leaves and outside detritus in there too. The room itself was fine. Not as innovative as the more modern ones but fine. Upon entry, the shower and bathroom area is to the immediate right and works just fine but looks fairly formulaic compared to what I've seen before in Alofts, but it's all good. The bedroom area is on the other side of the wall to the bathroom and the large bed was very comfortable. I was off and out very early in the morning so I didn't have any more staff interactions so the check in experience might have been a one off thing. So, over all, I would stay here again for sure, but I confess to a level of disappointment compared to my previous Aloft experience and, far be it from me to make suggestions, but I think this property needs some investment and/or a change of management or more management attention. I accept that COVID has made things difficult, but I have stayed in other hotels of a similar ilk that don't experience these issues.

At first the design of the rooms seems strange, but it makes sense. I liked the shower control: up or down, i.e., simple. I overheard other guests complain that they didn't have hot water, but this wasn't the case for us. The chains used to draw the shades were noisy; perhaps they could replace these with a quieter solution. Other than that, the room was clean, quiet, and the bed comfortable, albeit not a king as advertised. I question the mounting of a towel rack right over the toilet. Why would I want to hang my towel there? Have they not heard of toilet plume? Also, unbeknownst to me, the fridge wasn't plugged in when I arrived, and I didn't realize it until a day later, after storing an open can of tuna therein. When I plugged it in, it acted as a freezer. The receptionist was kind enough to let me have another bottle of milk for free. The grab 'n' go food station is costly. The only meatless breakfast items were a sandwich and oatmeal. The nearby Panera and Outta the Blue Cafe are also costly. I was dying for an ordinary pancake; the closest one seemed to be an IHOP half a mile away, but the weather was cold and I didn't have a car. I'd recommend doing some light grocery shopping and hope the in-room fridge refrigerates, as opposed to freezes. I did a load of laundry, which turned out fine, but the machine and dryer only take quarters. They should update to credit cards. How many of us have eight or more quarters? Staff was helpful and courteous. I appreciated the free use of a PC and printer in the reception area.