Aloft Hotel to open on Nicholasville Road in 2017

Aloft Hotel, part of a boutique line from Starwood Hotels, is building a 136-room hotel on Nicholasville Road where a Rafferty's and Circuit City used to be. It's scheduled to open in 2017.

Aloft was launched in 2008 as a more moderately priced brand that would appeal to younger customers who would someday graduate to the higher-priced W.

Aloft spokesman Chelsea Ensel said in an email that Aloft's amenities will include the Re:Mix Lounge, W XYZ Bar, Motion Fitness Center, and Re:Fuel, a self-serve gourmet eatery that includes mix-and-match meals and make-your-own cappuccinos.

Starwood research indicates that Aloft customers are more likely to book online and provide feedback via social media.

Starwood's brands also include Sheraton, Four Points, St. Regis and W Hotels. Aloft has hotels throughout the United States, Mexico, England and Canada as well as in Abu Dhabi and India.

In addition to the Aloft, a couple of other hotels are soon to open on other parts of Nicholasville Road.

Hilton Hotels and Resorts is building a 103-suite Home2 Suites Hotel behind the Trader Joe's store on Nicholasville Road. Home2 Suites is described by Hilton as "a hip extended-stay hotel experience" that promises "to always provide our guests with earth-conscious products and services."

The Home2 Suites is scheduled to open in June.

Closer to the University of Kentucky and downtown, the Greer Companies real estate development firm is building a Hampton Inn hotel at Nicholasville Road and Southland Drive. That hotel is scheduled in August.

This story was originally published April 29, 2015 at 3:53 PM with the headline "Aloft Hotel to open on Nicholasville Road in 2017 ."