Big news for green travelers in Europe: Starwood Hotels & Resorts has signed an agreement with Bari Gruppe GmbH & Co. KG to open a new-build Element hotel at Gateway Gardens, Frankfurt's new city district near the airport. Scheduled to open in 2014, Element Frankfurt Airport marks the European debut of the trailblazing eco-wise brand. The hotel will be located in a newly developed business district at the doorstep of Europe’s third busiest air travel hub, near the global headquarters of companies such as Lufthansa, Condor and DB Schenker.
Launched in 2008, Element is the only major hotel brand to mandate that all properties pursue LEED accreditation for high-performance buildings.
Roeland Vos, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa & Middle East, said that his team sees “great opportunities” to grow the Element brand in markets such as Germany, where he says there is a strong demand for “affordable and innovative” hotel brands. Marco Bari, Bari Gruppe GmbH & Co. KG added, “This is the beginning of what we anticipate will be a long-term relationship with Starwood as we introduce Element Hotels to Europe and establish it as the continent’s most eco- and guest-friendly extended-stay brand.”
In keeping with the tenets of the Element brand, Element Frankfurt Airport’s 133 studios and one-bedroom suites will have modular furniture, swiveling flat-screen televisions, large desks with open shelving and custom-designed closets. Bathrooms will be spa-inspired, with rain showers and dual-flush toilets. Rooms will also have full kitchens.
“In the years to come, we plan to expand Element throughout Europe with development partners, like Bari Gruppe, who are as committed as Starwood to innovation and sustainability in the hotel industry,” said Bart Carnahan, Senior Vice President Acquisitions & Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa & Middle East.
Element Frankfurt Airport will be Starwood’s fifth hotel in Frankfurt, joining Le Méridien Parkhotel Frankfurt, The Westin Grand Frankfurt, Sheraton Frankfurt Congress Hotel and the Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel & Conference Center.
