Element Hotel Debuts in Texas

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. has opened its first “eco-chic” Element hotel in Texas, with the new Element Vintage Park in northwest Houston.  This is the first Element to open in the U.S. in 2009, and the third overall. Starwood plans to open another 20 Element hotels in North America in the next couple of years, as well as an Abu Dhabi property slated for 2011.

In addition to focusing on longer-stay guests, Element brand’s green features are cleverly designed to be as aesthetically appealing as they are eco-friendly. The hotels are equipped with energy-efficient, stainless steel appliances and lighting, amenity dispensers in the showers to reduce waste and water-efficient faucets and fixtures. Guests can continue daily routines such as recycling papers and plastics, as well as using green materials, while those driving hybrid cars are rewarded with priority parking.  Even the ubiquitous “Do Not Disturb” sign has been replaced with an environmentally friendly magnet.

element-extended

Element hotels offer Starwood's Westin Heavenly Bed and Heavenly shower

The Element brand’s unique design philosophy is evident the moment guests arrive at the new Vintage Park hotel. After passing through a signature portal that provides a literal bridge to the Element interior, guests will be greeted with streams of natural light from a multi-storied window wall. The vitality of the lobby will be matched by the energy of the hotel’s outdoor fire pit and barbecue, where a weekly evening reception allows guests to interact while enjoying a selection of savory food. 


“Every aspect of Element Houston Vintage Park is designed to help guests recharge and be at their best while they are traveling,” said Brian McGuinness, vice president of Element Hotels. “Our guests will be able to experience a whole new perspective on longer-stay travel while enjoying vibrant northwest Houston and easy access to the area’s leading technology firms, shopping, dining and recreation.”

The smart design and clever use of space in the hotel’s guest rooms rejuvenates and energizes guests for work or play. Guests are able to customize their rooms to meet their needs with the multi-purpose, modular furniture, swiveling flat-screen televisions, large desks with open shelving and custom-designed closets. Rooms also offer a fully equipped kitchen that features modern, ENERGY STAR-rated appliances and all the utensils necessary to prepare a gourmet meal. Guests will rest soundly in the signature Heavenly Bed, and wake up and recharge each morning in a spa-inspired Heavenly shower.

Element Houston Vintage Park will be working toward LEED certification in its first year of operation, as part of the Element brand’s historic effort to require all its hotels to pursue this certification.

Visit www.starwoodhotels.com.