Starwood Hotels & Resorts Debuts Its Trailblazing Eco-Conscious Element® Brand in Asia Pacific

SUZHOU, China, Jun 12, 2015 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. HOT, -0.92% today announced the debut of its eco-conscious Element® brand in Asia Pacific with the opening of Element Suzhou Science and Technology Town in Suzhou, China. Owned by Suzhou Science and Technology Town Kexin Cultural Tourism Development Co., LTD., the new Element hotel is set to offer healthy, active travelers a smart and sustainable stay, designed to fuel a balanced life while on the road.

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"As Starwood's eco-innovation lab, the Element® brand has redefined the category with its light-filled atmosphere, eco-minded design and commitment to innovation." said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President of Specialty Select Brands for Starwood. "On track to triple its global portfolio by the end of 2017, Element is experiencing tremendous growth momentum and the brand's debut in Asia Pacific is set to pave the way for more growth opportunities in the region."

"We are thrilled to introduce Starwood's first Element hotel in Asia Pacific, in China, one of the fastest growing and most dynamic travel markets in the world," said Stephen Ho, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific. "Recent studies have shown that consumers are becoming increasingly interested in environmentally-friendly practices and products, as well as sustainable living. We are confident that the stylish and sustainable Element® brand ethos that modern design flows from nature will resonate with travelers and meet that demand."

Element Suzhou Science and Technology Town features 188 rooms and suites. Guests can work, play, or relax in the spacious, smart and modern guestrooms, all of which offer oversized windows for natural light. Each room comes with a well-equipped energy-efficient kitchen; and amenities such as the plush signature Heavenly® Beds, spa-inspired baths and separate invigorating rain showers and all natural bath amenities. With light-filled public areas and a calming atmosphere, Element hotels employ a natural color palette, giving each hotel an organic openness that matches the architecture and weightless feeling of the space.

As Starwood's eco-innovation lab, each room also features a work space and high-tech office and entertainment equipment, with complimentary internet access and a one-stop connectivity solution that allows guests to hook up portable electronics to their in-room TV. SPG Keyless Check-In – the hospitality industry's first mobile, keyless entry system that allows guests to use their smartphone as a key is also available at Element Suzhou Science and Technology Town. The hotel also offers 1,200 square meters of flexible meeting space with modular fast & free WiFi throughout.

Recognizing that whole living is more of a lifestyle than a trend, Element Hotels have re-imagined extended stay by setting a new standard for life on the road. Guest can refuel for the day ahead at Salon, an all-day dining restaurant, or enjoy a variety of traditional local, Huaiyang and authentic Cantonese cuisine at the well-designed private rooms. At the Relax evening reception, guests can wind down over a selection of savory wine, food and beverage pairings. The 24/7 self-serve pantry Restore offers healthy options and unique delights for every taste. Enjoy a bite with friends or colleagues in the whole living area or tap into your culinary skills by whipping up a meal in the fully-equipped kitchen in your guest room.

Staying on the move is easy with the hotel's state-of-the-art 24-hour fitness center, an indoor saline swimming pool as well as complimentary bikes for rent, which encourages guest to explore the nearby sights, while staying healthy and active.

Known as the Venice of the East and for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Classical Gardens, Suzhou is a major city in the southeast of Jiangsu Province, half an hour by speed train from Shanghai. Element Suzhou Science and Technology Town is conveniently located in the Science and Technology Town, an eco-city in the heart of Suzhou National New & Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone (SND). The hotel is only 30 minutes' drive from Sunan Shuofang International Airport (WUX), and within easy reach to tourist sites such as Jiangsu Dayangshan National Forest Park, Suzhou Taihu Lake National Wetland Park, Suzhou Amusement Land, Zhenhu Embroidery Street and White Stream Ecological Park.

Fueled by strong demand worldwide, Element signed 19 deals in 2014 and is on track to triple its portfolio by 2017, with key China openings such as Element Chongli in Zhangjiakou and Element Sanya Haitang Bay in Sanya in the pipeline.

Grand opening offer

Element Suzhou Science and Technology Town offers a special opening package starting from RMB 558 net for a one-night stay in a Standard Room, including daily breakfast for one person. SPG members will receive double Starpoints® as part of the package. In addition, SPG members will enjoy a 20% discount on all food and beverage consumption at Salon.

For more information, please visit www.elementhotels.com/suzhoustt

About Element Hotels

Element Hotels is made to order for guests in the know and on the go. Its bright design defies convention, bathing guest rooms and public spaces in natural light. Stylish and sustainable throughout, Element offers extended stay comfort with a conscience and lots of signature amenities from its healthy RISE breakfast and RELAX evening reception to saline swimming pools, spacious fitness centers, bikes to borrow and electric vehicle charging stations. Starwood's latest brand innovation, Element made history in 2008 as the only major hotel brand to pursue LEED certification for high-performance buildings brand-wide. To date, there are 17 Element Hotels worldwide, with 16 in North America and one in Europe with new domestic and international hotels in development. Visit www.ElementHotels.com or connect on Facebook.

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 1,200 properties in some 100 countries and over 180,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, Aloft®, Element®, and the recently introduced Tribute Portfolio™. The Company boasts one of the industry's leading loyalty programs, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG®), allowing members to earn and redeem points for room stays, room upgrades and flights, with no blackout dates. Starwood recently announced plans to spin off its Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc. business, a premier provider of world-class vacation experiences through villa-style resorts and privileged access to Starwood brands, into a sta ndalone public company by the end of 2015. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

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SOURCE: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.Media:Starwood Hotels & Resorts Asia PacificDaryl Pan, +65 63354879daryl.pan@starwoodhotels.comorGlobal Communications, Element HotelsAshley Chapman, +1 212.380.4015ashley.chapman@starwoodhotels.com

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Source: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Debuts Its Trailblazing Eco-Conscious Element® Brand in Asia Pacific