When you’re in Ahmedabad for a quick business stop, what do you do when you want to be alone but not necessarily lonely? Check into Aloft, newly launched by Starwood Hotels & Resorts. Located on SG Road, it’s on the western edge of Ahmedabad — close enough to attend a business meeting with minimum commute from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, yet away from the bustle of the city’s heart.

The food at the restaurant Dot.yum, though not offering much of traditional Gujarati food, embraces a wide range of world cuisine for jet-setters. The grab-and-go counter Re:Fuel is stocked with fruits, juices, soft drinks, crisps, nutrition and candy bars — just what you might need when on the go early morning.

There is also a little fitness centre — Re:charge, which has stationary bikes, treadmill and basic fitness equipment.

But the best part of Aloft is that it allows man’s best friend in. Sounds bizarre? Well, Aloft has a dog-friendly policy and offers dogs under 40 pounds an Aloft-branded bed and bowl, and special treats and toys. Woof!

When in Ahmedabad, here are nine things to tick on your must-do list:

1) Stock up on quick bites at Induben Khakhrawala & Co: Khakhras, gathiyas, pickles and the whole range of crunchy Gujarati namkeen — just load up. They make for good gifts too.

2) Lunch at Swati Snacks: The mainstay here is Gujarati home-recipes and some Marathi dishes. The must-try is panki, which is a thin crepe-like pancake made of moong dal, besan and yogurt, tempered with spices and plated up in layers of banana leaf. The panki is a treat for all.

3) Visit Sabarmati Ashram: The museum, the little house where Gandhiji stayed, the tiny room where Vinoba Bhave lived — this is the place where a significant part of Indian history was played out.

4) Check out Vishalla: A tiny Gujarati village is recreated with with charpoys to rest, a little store to pick up spices and condiments from and a restaurant serving traditional food. Also check out Veechar, the museum of utensils and cooking vessels.

5) Learn about textiles: For that a visit to Calico Museum of Textiles, maintained by the Sarabhai Foundation, is next on your list. From Mughal-era court textiles to embroideries and tie-dye, it’s legends woven in weft and warp.

6) Street food binge: Dabeli, the Ahmedabadi equivalent of pav bhaji, and Kutchhi beer: lassi in beer bottles (it’s a dry state remember), are a killer combo.

7) Shop stop: You can check out stores like Bhujodi and Gurjari, but the real action is in the night market at Law Garden, where street stalls sell a fantastic collection of clothes and accessories.

8) Dine at Agashiye: Housed in a Gujarati haveli, this terrace restaurant is famous for its thalis.

9) Catch a show at Sunset Drive-In Cinema: If you’ve seen a drive-in cinema only in movies or in Archie comics, this one is the real McCoy. You drive to a field, park your car alongside others and catch the movie on a giant screen, from inside your car!