Eco Chic Retreat Arrives at crossroads of USA

Starwood’s green trailblazer opens Its first New York City property in the heart of Times Square

Starwood has announced the opening of Element New York Times Square West, the first Element hotel to open in New York City.

Element New York Times Square West, say Starwood, will be one of the city’s greenest properties and an eco haven located in the center of fast-paced Times Square. The opening of Element New York Times Square West further illustrates the brand’s steady strategic growth across the US, as well as Starwood’s strong growth in the New York City market.

Element, Starwood’s green trailblazer, is the first major hotel brand to mandate that all its properties pursue Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

Element’s, eco-chic environment is designed to offer bright public spaces, smart design, and modern touches.

Every Element property is also a high-performance building where sustainable practices reduce waste and conserve resources.

Since the first Element hotel opened in 2008 in Lexington, Massachusetts, the brand has continued to trek across the country. Additional properties have opened in Las Vegas, Baltimore, Denver, Dallas, Houston, Omaha and Ewing, NJ.

"We are thrilled to bring the Element brand to Times Square, our first New York City property," said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President, Specialty Select Brands for Starwood. "Our guests will be able to recharge and be at their best during their stay in New York City, while enjoying easy access to the businesses and attractions in the heart of Manhattan."

Element New York Times Square West will feature 411 guest rooms and seven suites, two meeting rooms, a lobby atrium and rooftop terrace with stunning views of The Empire State Building, Hudson River and Midtown Manhattan.

The property will have a wealth of amenities to keep guests active, healthy and balanced when on the road including complimentary wellness programs and healthy food options. Rise, Element’s daily complimentary breakfast buffet, includes low-fat breakfast wraps and fruit smoothies, while Motion, the fully-equipped, state-of-the-art, 24-hour fitness center, allows guests to practice fitness on-the-go.

From now through March 31, 2011, guests who book Element New York Times Square West will earn 50 Starwood Preferred Guest points for every plastic bottle brought in for recycling and a $20 credit to Element’s Restore gourmet food pantry.

Element hotels not only comply with the mandates of high-performance buildings, but ensure that even the smallest details are earth-friendly. Guest rooms and public spaces feature carpets, furniture and floors made from recycled content. Wall art is mounted on bases made from recycled tires. Low-VOC paints improve indoor air quality. Energy Star-rated appliances, and recycling bins in each room, make it easy for guests to incorporate green living into their daily routines.

Even the ubiquitous "Do Not Disturb" sign has been replaced with Element’s now-famous environmentally-friendly magnet.

Valere Tjolle

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Valere Tjolle is editor of the Sustainable Tourism Report Suite: FINAL WEEK OF EXTRA SPECIAL OFFER at: www.travelmole.com/stories/1145184.php