Element Hotels are geared to the eco-conscious traveler. A guest room at the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport North location. Photos courtesy of Element Hotels.

Nov. 18, 2013

Element Hotels aim to be the accomodations of choice for the environmentally conscious set on the go, including those North Texas bound. Starwood’s upscale green hotel brand, inspired by Westin Hotels and Resorts, has 25 locations operating or soon to open in the U.S. and around the world. Two are in Texas -- Houston and the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport North in Irving. 

According to Brian McGuinness, senior vice president of Specialty Select Brands for Starwood, the Element brand was founded on an innovative, balanced-living approach to hospitality.  

“Not only do features like our pedal-powered charging stations add an element of fun to a workout, but they also encourage our guests to think creatively about sourcing the energy we all depend on to fuel our daily lives.” 

A pool at Houston Element.

Marketing to the longer, extended-stay guest who appreciates amenities like free Wi-Fi, light-filled public spaces, 24-hour complimentary gyms and free breakfast and evening receptions, Element’s parent company Starwood wants its guests to feel engaged by – and have fun with – Element’s “green” features too. 

It seems to be working and, in fact, Element’s eco-friendly services and attributes are drawing an increasing number of guests.

Pedal-powered charging stations in Element's fitness centers allow guests to power-up personal devices during a stationary bike workout. Fitness center at DFW Element. 

“A growing numbers of consumers are choosing brands that reflect their personal choices and sustainability remains a hot button,” says Jamie Donovan, media relations representative for Element.  

“Element offers a unique combination of attributes that help fuel both work and personal life in a way that is very compelling to business and leisure guests,” says Donovan. “It’s designed to incubate new ‘green’ ideas and focuses on eco-wise, cutting-edge design alternatives for business and family travelers in underserved, secondary markets outside major urban areas.” 

Kitchen at Houston Element.

Donovan said she expects the hotel industry to follow Element’s lead, because consumers are demanding it. She added that Starwood has found the right formula, balancing guests’ needs with smart, sustainable choices.  

“Element is designed to be a flexible brand – it’s designed to be nimble and is willing to evolve,” she says.

Feedback to the Element experience has been phenomenal too and Donovan says repeat business is high and guest satisfaction index scores rival those of Starwood’s luxury brands.

“Element is consistently rated among the top 10 hotels in every Element market by TripAdvisor. Commitment to a guest experience that balances their comforts with our green sensibilities has been integral to Element’s success.” 

Donovan says Element is planning strategic growth throughout the world and is looking at new opportunities in the U.S. and abroad every day. 

Pantry at DFW Element.

“Element will continue to focus on eco-wise, cutting-edge design alternatives for extended stay business and family travelers in underserved, secondary markets outside major urban areas.” 

The 'Green' in Element Hotels:

• The use of eco-friendly materials, when possible, including low-VOC paint. Floors feature carpets with up to 100 percent recycled content and recycled carpet cushions.

• The use of silverware and glassware to reduce waste generated by plastic utensils and paper cups. Bath amenities are in a dispenser system rather than multiple mini-bottles.

• Guest rooms include recycling bins for paper, plastic and glass.

• Guest rooms and public spaces incorporate natural daylight.  

• Complimentary breakfast offers healthy options, including fruit smoothies.          

•  The brand recently launched Pedal Powered Charging Stations in its fitness centers brand-wide, allowing guests to power-up personal devices during a stationary bike workout.

Right, Patio at DFW Element.

• Element Hotels has recently announced that all of its hotels are now 100 percent powered by renewable energy.  

• Guests staying in the Dallas Element hotel will also find energy-efficient kitchens (fridge, cooktop, microwave and dishwasher), in-room filtered tap water, low-flow faucets and fixtures, dual flush toilets, recycled tire flooring and mountings for art and electric car charging stations. 

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