TORONTO — Executives from Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Atlific Hotels, Zzen Group along with Vaughan mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua broke a sweat on stationary bikes last night. The kinetic energy they created powered a digital ribbon-cutting ceremony, which marked the grand opening of the Element Vaughan Southwest.
“It really is a thrill to represent a green hotel that does the right thing, each and every day. From our in-room water filters, to our saltwater pool, we continue to take a green approach,” said John Caneco, GM, who presides over the first Element in Canada.
The 152-room extended-stay property features an open-flow design with natural sunlight, dual-flush toilets and energy-efficient lights that automatically shut off when a guest leaves the room. It also features a bikes-to-borrow program, a complimentary “Rise” breakfast program with healthy options such as egg-white wraps and a “Relax” evening reception program.
As one of Starwood’s lifestyle-oriented brands, Element is best described as “green, without compromise,” says Paige Francis, VP, Global Brand Management, Specialty Select Brands for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, who added that Element properties are mandated to pursue LEED certification.
“We are catering to that healthy, active traveller who doesn’t want to change their routines on the road just because they are travelling,” adds Francis. “They don’t want to make compromises with how they eat or how their fitness routine goes, so we designed a hotel experience that could let people continue their routines.” Plus, guests can use “pedal power” to charge their devices in the fitness room.
Next up, the Element Vancouver Metrotown is slated to open in 2014, and the Element Calgary Airport South is set to open in 2016.
