STAMFORD, Conn., Aug. 13, 2015 — Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced three more Element hotels set to open in Greater China in the next four years, following the recent opening of the Element brand’s Asia Pacific flagship Element Suzhou Science and Technology Town in Suzhou, China. With the increasing trend of guests seeking eco-conscious alternatives and a growing importance of sustainable development led by the Chinese government’s commitment to environmental protection, Element is well-positioned to meet growing demand with its sustainable programming and nature-inspired room offerings, designed to fuel a life of balance while on the road.
“Element is experiencing tremendous growth momentum, fueled by strong demand from consumers who are increasingly interested in environmentally-friendly practices and sustainable living,” said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President, Specialty Select Brands for Starwood. “As we continue to expand our portfolio, we’re constantly looking for innovative ways to redefine the traditional hotel experience.”
Going Global: Element Expands Across Greater China
Element Hotels set to open in Greater China by 2019 include: Smart and Sustainable Living: Element Finds a Home in the Eco-City of Suzhou
- Element Chongli (2017) — Situated in Zhangjiakou, co-host city of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, in Chongli County, Hebei Province, the hotel has an ideal setting in Sitaizui Village, a vibrant ski area surrounded by mountains. The 150-room hotel is a 30-minute drive from Chongli County Center and just 90 minutes from Zhangjiakou Ningyuan Airport (ZQZ).
- Element Sanya Haitang Bay (2018) — Surrounded by mountains with breathtaking beach views, Element Sanya Haitang Bay will be located in the Haitang Bay District in the southern part of Hainan Island, known as the Hawaii of the East. The 204-room hotel is a 40-minute drive from Sanya’s city center and just 50 minutes from Sanya Phoenix International Airport (SYX).
- Element Tianjin Beichen (2019) — The 200 room hotel will overlook the Northern Canal of the Hai River, with sites such as the Tianjin Eye, a 120-meter Ferris wheel, and the 336-meter Tianjin Tower, and a skyscraper with an observation deck. Located just 30 minutes away from Tianjin’s city center, the hotel is less than 45 minutes from Tianjin Binhai International Airport (TSN) and the city’s major train stations.
Element Suzhou Science and Technology Town is located in the heart of Suzhou National New & Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone (SND) in Suzhou, known as the Venice of the East and for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Classical Gardens. Prior to opening its doors in June 2015, Element Suzhou Science and Technology Town was voted the “Most Anticipated Green Hotel of China” at the 10th China Hotel Starlight Awards 2015. Other accolades include the Asia Pacific Property Awards for 5-Star Best Hotel Architecture and, as the highest scoring winner in its category, the hotel will also represent Asia Pacific to compete against other winning projects from around the world at the year-end prestigious International Property Awards.
Element hotels, Starwood’s eco innovation lab, are built green from the ground up using sustainable products and practices wherever possible. The brand’s core sustainable design components across include low flow rainfall and showerheads, 100% no PVC flooring, energy efficient LED lighting, electric-vehicle charging stations, filtered water, green materials such as low-VOC paints and recycled-content carpeting and guestroom designs that incorporate sustainable features.
