Element Hotels by Westin

AT reader DahliaCactus tipped us off to the Starwood hotel group's new line of eco-hotels, Element. She says, Apparently they're offering green perks like recycling, but the best part is the layouts shown in the brochures. Big windows with living, sleeping, office and dining all in one compact space. A little digging revealed the units are about 400 sq. ft. Looks like good design from a HUGE company, but could be inspiration for studio dwellers.

We have to agree that the layouts are thoughtful and creative. In the one-bedroom floor plan shown above, we particularly like the way the desk looks across the sitting area. In the kitchen, appliances are Energy Star rated, and throughout the unit consumables like plastic silverware and mini-toiletries are replaced by metal utensils and bulk dispensers.

And check out the pink accents! We like that, but we have to wonder if (and if so, why) they are targeting female customers with the green-stay concept. There is currently only one location ready for stay, in Lexington, Mass., but 17 more are currently under construction nationwide. Read more here.

Thanks, DahliaCactus!

Comments (4)

With a little more closet space and an on-site storage room, I could easily live FT in a space like the one-bedroom.

I would be SO annoyed to see my bed while having dinner or entertaining. It's like leaving your underwear on display. And your bed would ALWAYS have to be impeccably neat or your space would look like a pig sty.

I'm confused. How is building 17 new hotels eco-conscious?

I work in Lexington, MA and have spent time in the new Element hotel from Starwood. There are studios, suites, and two bedrooms. The latter two have sleeping areas that are separate from the rest of the living space, which makes entertaining a bit more palatable for those who enjoy doing so in a less intimate environment.
Also of interest from a design perspective, is the Aloft brand of hotels. Also a new concept by Starwood, but inspired by their W line, as opposed to Element, which is inspired by Weston. The spaces are modern and tech savvy with a kicky retro color palate.
www.alofthotels.com