FRANKFURT, GERMANY—Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has signed an agreement with Bari Gruppe GmbH & Co. KG to open a new-build Element hotel at Gateway Gardens, Frankfurt`s new city district near the airport. Scheduled to open in 2014, Element Frankfurt Airport marks the European debut of the eco-wise brand. The hotel will be located in a newly developed business district at the doorstep of Europe’s third busiest air travel hub, near the global headquarters of companies such as Lufthansa, Condor and DB Schenker.
Launched in 2008, Element has made history as the only major hotel brand to mandate that all properties pursue LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for high-performance buildings.
“We are proud to partner with Bari Gruppe as we debut the first Element hotel in Europe,” said Roeland Vos, president, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa & Middle East. “We see great opportunities to grow the Element brand in markets such as Germany, where there is a strong demand for affordable and innovative hotel brands. The signing of Element Frankfurt Airport underlines Starwood’s continued commitment to expanding our portfolio globally and particularly in Europe.”
“This is the beginning of what we anticipate will be a long-term relationship with Starwood as we introduce Element Hotels to Europe and establish it as the continent’s most eco- and guest-friendly extended-stay brand,” added Marco Bari, Bari Gruppe GmbH & Co. KG.
Dual-flush Toilet in Bathroom
In keeping with the tenets of the Element brand, Element Frankfurt Airport’s 133 light-filled studios and one-bedroom suites will be stylish, sustainable and designed for comfort. Each will feature a fluid design of modular furniture, swiveling flat-screen televisions, large desks with open shelving and custom-designed closets. Bathrooms will be spa-inspired, with an invigorating rain shower and dual-flush toilet. Rooms will also feature fully equipped kitchens and the signature Heavenly Bed.
Other brand signatures will include a state-of-the-art, 24-hour fitness center—and a meeting room with modular furnishings, a flexible layout and state-of-the-art technology that can be customized to meet any business or social needs. In addition, Element Frankfurt Airport will offer a signature restaurant and espresso bar.
“In the years to come, we plan to expand Element throughout Europe with development partners, like Bari Gruppe, who are as committed as Starwood to innovation and sustainability in the hotel industry,” said Bart Carnahan, senior vice president Acquisitions & Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa & Middle East.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts currently operates 25 hotels and resorts throughout Germany under five of its brands. Element Frankfurt Airport will be Starwood’s fifth hotel in Frankfurt, joining Le Méridien Parkhotel Frankfurt, The Westin Grand Frankfurt, Sheraton Frankfurt Congress Hotel and the Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel & Conference Center.
Go to Element Hotels.
