Yeah, I think they're on target for an early opening. They could be done by late Spring if they wanted to. They may be trying to wait out the downturn, though. Limited service hotels are overbuilt nationwide, and they're fighting each other tooth and nail for what business there is.
The aloft won't necessarily have this problem, but similarity among brands tends to seriously muddy the water. The differences between a fairfield inn, a hampton inn, a holiday Inn expresss, a comfort suites, staybridge suites, a springhill suites, or a clarion inn are almost impossible to tell -- from inside or outside. Aside from your loyalty card, the difference is almost nil.
When I need a stopover place, I seriously consider one factor...is the indoor pool freezing cold or swimmable? If it is, awesome, kids can swim themselves to sleep (after a good scrubbing
) The Hampton Inn OKC Bricktown has a really nice pool setup for kids. Breakfast, who cares? Comflort Sleep mattress? They are all crappy.