BETHESDA, Md. — Marriott International’s Element by Westin brand has debuted a new room concept that blends the convenience of a hotel with the flexibility and comfort of a home.
Element’s Studio-Commons rooms are designed for groups looking to spend time together in a more private setting, while still enjoying all the benefits of a hotel room. Anchored by four private guestrooms, travellers can cook, collaborate and relax together in shared kitchen and living-room areas.
The Studio-Commons layout debuted at the new Element in Scottsdale, Ariz. in June and has since launched in Boulder, Colo. Additional Studio Commons units are expected to be rolled out at upcoming hotel openings in the U.S. and the concept is slated to be featured at all new Element hotels signed after the first quarter of 2017.
“We all know humans are inherently wired for connection. As a brand that’s always been focused on helping travellers stay in their element, while fostering a sense of community, Element Hotels’ new communal-room concept enables travellers to come together and celebrate what’s most important to them — the relationships in their lives,” says Toni Stoeckl, global brand leader, Element Hotels, and vice-president, Distinctive Select Brands, Marriott International. “Whether you’re taking part in a group bike ride or cooking a meal with your group in our fully equipped in-room kitchen, we hope this will give all our guests the chance to slow down, reconnect with the ones who matter and remind themselves about what they value as important.”
Prior to this official roll-out, the Studio-Commons concept was piloted at Marriott’s first-ever pop-up innovation lab, which took place in downtown Los Angeles in 2017. The interactive model hotel experience allowed the brand to crowdsource real-time feedback from industry professionals, hotel guests, associates and the general public.
“Element Hotels is always looking for ways to continue to innovate in the longer-stay space, so this new design concept is an exciting next step for the brand,” says Aliya Khan, vice-president of Design, Global Design Strategies, Marriott International. “Through our research we learned Element’s guests value being able to replicate their home environment while travelling, so separating their sleep and work spaces were particularly important with this new offering.”
The Studio Commons communal spaces range from 600 to 650 sq. ft., while each of the four adjacent guestrooms range from 250 to 280 sq. ft. Studio Commons nightly rates at Element Boulder Superior start at US$800.
