Element by Westin

Element by Westin
Name	Element by Westin
Type	Hotel brand
Founder	Marriott International
Introduced	2008
Owner	Marriott International
Country	United States
Markets	Global

Element by Westin is a global hotel brand owned by Marriott International focused on extended-stay lodging and lifestyle hospitality. Launched in 2008, the brand targets travelers seeking longer-term accommodations with an emphasis on sustainability, wellness, and residential-style design. Element competes within the hospitality sector alongside brands such as Hyatt House, Hilton Garden Inn, and Aloft Hotels, and operates in markets across North America, Europe, and Asia.

History

Element by Westin was introduced by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide in 2008 as part of Starwood’s brand expansion, contemporaneous with initiatives by Marriott International and Hilton Worldwide to capture the extended-stay segment. Following the 2016 acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide by Marriott International, Element became part of Marriott’s portfolio alongside legacy brands such as The Ritz-Carlton, Sheraton, and Westin Hotels & Resorts. Early growth included openings in gateway cities similar to projects by Hyatt Hotels Corporation and conversion projects akin to programs by InterContinental Hotels Group. The brand’s development strategy has echoed patterns used by AccorHotels and Choice Hotels International for lifestyle extensions. Expansion accelerated through franchising agreements and partnerships with regional developers in markets influenced by urbanization trends seen in New York City, Los Angeles, Toronto, London, Dubai, and Singapore.

Design and features

Element’s design aesthetic draws on principles popularized by lifestyle and boutique operators such as Ian Schrager’s original concepts for Edition Hotels and contemporary design trends associated with Design Hotels. Guest suites feature residential layouts with kitchens, workspaces, and living areas, echoing configurations used by Residence Inn and Staybridge Suites. Materials and finishes often reference sustainable building practices championed by advocates like William McDonough and certifications promoted by US Green Building Council. Public spaces emphasize flexible work and social zones in the manner of urban centers such as Times Square and Canary Wharf, and incorporate ergonomic elements similar to product lines by Herman Miller. Technology integrations reflect standards set by companies like Microsoft and Apple Inc. for connectivity, while in-room entertainment parallels offerings from Netflix-enabled hospitality partnerships.

Programs and amenities

Element offers amenities tailored to extended-stay guests, including full kitchens, on-site fitness centers, and complimentary breakfast programs modeled after services by brands such as Homewood Suites and Embassy Suites. The brand’s wellness programming parallels initiatives by Wellness Tourism Association members and often includes partnerships with fitness companies like Peloton or yoga providers in the spirit of collaboration seen between Mandarin Oriental and boutique wellness operators. Business travelers benefit from meeting spaces and co-working areas similar to facilities at WeWork and event services comparable to those offered by Marriott Marquis properties. Loyalty integration enables members of Marriott Bonvoy to earn and redeem points, as with Ritz-Carlton Rewards and promotional campaigns formerly run by Starwood Preferred Guest.

Locations and properties

Element properties are located in urban, suburban, and airport-adjacent settings, mirroring strategies used by chains such as Courtyard by Marriott, Hilton Garden Inn, and Fairfield Inn & Suites. Notable markets with Element properties include metropolitan areas like New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Boston, Seattle, Dallas, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Vancouver, Toronto, London, Paris, Berlin, Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore, and Sydney. Many hotels have been developed through franchising deals with real estate firms similar to those contracted by Host Hotels & Resorts and Hilton Grand Vacations. Some properties occupy mixed-use developments alongside retail and office components comparable to projects in Hudson Yards and Battery Park City.

Sustainability and wellness initiatives

Sustainability initiatives at Element align with corporate programs led by Marriott International and industry standards advocated by organizations such as the International Tourism Partnership and Green Key Global. Property-level measures include energy-efficient HVAC systems, low-flow plumbing fixtures, and recycling programs, consistent with practices promoted by LEED and the US Green Building Council. The brand emphasizes healthy food options, locally sourced ingredients, and plant-forward menus reflecting culinary trends championed by chefs like Alice Waters and movements such as Slow Food. Wellness features draw on standards from organizations like the Global Wellness Institute and incorporate sleep-focused amenities that reference research by sleep advocates such as Dr. Matthew Walker.

Reception and awards

Element has received recognition within hospitality rankings and sustainability awards paralleling accolades earned by brands featured in lists compiled by Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, Forbes Travel Guide, and industry bodies like the American Hotel & Lodging Association. Individual properties have earned local green certifications and community awards akin to honors granted by municipal tourism boards and sustainability programs in cities such as Portland, Vancouver, and Copenhagen. Coverage in trade publications like Skift, Hospitality Net, Hotel Management, and Business Traveller has highlighted Element’s positioning in the extended-stay market and its contributions to lifestyle lodging trends.

Category:Marriott International brands Category:Hotel chains