Starwood Hotels & Resorts unveiled details for Element, its new extended-stay brand by Westin at the 2006 Lodging Conference in Phoenix, AZ. Nature will play an integral role in the new brand, with a multi-story window wall in lobbies, water features in public spaces and an outdoor courtyard and patio with a fire pit and barbeque. Properties will also feature spacious kitchens with stainless steel appliances in rooms, Westin's Heavenly Beds and state-of-the-art fitness centers. All Element hotels will be smoke-free. Starwood plans to open 500 hotels worldwide with the first property slated to open in Lexington, MA, in early 2008. Additional target locations include urban centers, airports, corporate business parks and resorts.
