Can use a debit card as credit and pay cash for room?

Yes you can.

yes

Effective June 1st this aloft will be going cash-less and will not accept it.

Please know that a debit card can be used for check in but cash can only be used at check out. The authorization hold put on your debit card for Room, Tax, and Incidental deposits can take up to 10 business days after check out to be released back into your account by your bank. (The hotel does not hold the Authorization past your date of check out) This is important to know as even though you have paid cash. The card you put down at check in is your guarantee of payment. We do not accept cash upon check in for payment. You can only pay with cash at Check Out.

You sure can

We held our room with a credit card but paid in cash when we got there for the room. They did charge a $2.00 on our credit card for a protein bar my husband grabbed when he ran my son over to the airport. Watch out for these charges.