"Aloha" from the SPG party celebrating the launch of Starwood's eighth hotel brand, aloft. Select SPG members got a sneak peak at what the aloft hotels will look like and were treated to a heart-pumping performance by Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child.

Pulling up to the prototype hotel housed in a warehouse in Hawthorne, New York, I was pleasantly surprised to be guided downstairs to what could have been a hot club in any major city in the world, a distinction few equal price-level hotels can claim. The décor was strictly modern without being alienating. Guests mingled, laughed and flirted in the open, airy lobby designed to do just that: promote social interaction. One guest professed her love of the lighting of the WXYZ bar in which, "Everyone looks good!"

When it came time for Michelle Williams to perform, the crowd was a little startled to be taken out of their reverie. But as the performance began, it was clear that Ms. Williams could get even the most eclectic crowd fired up.

Guests were treated to complimentary signature aloft drinks like wild blueberry highballs, cucumber collins and pineapple chipotle margaritas as well as a sampling of hors d'oeuvres. My only regret of the night was having left only having sampled the delicious watermelon martini!