STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Accelerating growth in markets worldwide, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announced plans for a dual-branded hotel development in Columbus, Ohio, featuring its popular Aloft and Element brands. Owned by Indus Hotels, the 136-room Aloft Columbus and 123-room Element Columbus will be ideally located adjacent to The Ohio State University, just minutes from downtown Columbus. Marking the debut of both the Aloft and Element brands in Columbus, the hotels are slated to open in early 2017.
“Our fast-growing Aloft and Element brands are a perfect fit for the lively city of Columbus and will help meet the demand for high-caliber lodging generated by The Ohio State University and the city’s thriving business community,” said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President of Specialty Select Brands for Starwood. “An industry leader in the eco-space, Element promotes a life in balance with its emphasis on wellness and sustainability, while Aloft resonates with the next generation of travelers who appreciate its distinctive urban design, intuitive technologies and live music scene at the W XYZ Bar.”
“We are proud to collaborate with Starwood Hotels on this dual-branded Aloft and Element hotel development that will provide two fantastic, new options for visitors to Columbus,” said David Patel, President, Indus Hotels. “The two new hotels will enhance the lodging market in Columbus and appeal to savvy travelers and area professionals with their distinctive brand positioning and clean, modern design.”
Aloft Columbus will cater to the next generation of travelers with loft-like rooms, accessible technologies and a line-up of innovative programming. Amenities will include re:fuel by Aloft – a one-stop grab & go food and beverage area, and the W XYZ bar, which will feature local emerging artists as well as some of the hottest bands with Live at Aloft Hotels programming.
Element Columbus will offer a fresh perspective on extended stay lodging, with light-filled studios featuring a fluid design, fully equipped kitchens and spa-inspired bathrooms. Guests can stay on the move with Element’s complimentary bikes to borrow and enjoy the brand’s signature RISE breakfast and RELAX evening reception. Element is the first major hotel brand to mandate that all properties pursue the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for high-performance buildings.
Each hotel will each have its own entrance, lobby and reception area, but will share a porte-cochere and drive, large fitness center and indoor pool, 3,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, and a 300-space parking garage.
Located at 1445 Olentangy River Road, Aloft and Element Columbus will be less than a quarter mile from the campus of The Ohio State University and approximately one mile from the downtown Columbus business and commercial district and the Short North neighborhood where Starwood’s Le Méridien brand will debut in January 2015. Just minutes from Port Columbus International Airport (CMH) and Ohio State Medical Center, the hotels also offer proximity to Ohio Stadium, Nationwide Arena and Greater Columbus Convention Center.
Aloft and Element Columbus will join several other similar developments including Aloft and Element Lexington, Aloft and Element Boston Waterfront (2016), and Aloft and Element London Tobacco Dock (2017).
“We are experiencing a surge in demand for dual-branded Aloft and Element hotel developments in major metropolitan markets across North America and beyond,” said Allison Reid, Senior Vice President, North America Development for Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “Both brands are gaining significant momentum – Element is set to double its portfolio in the next two years, and Aloft is on track to reach the 100th milestone in 2015.”
About Aloft Hotels
With 100 hotels open now and coming soon in 14 countries around the world, Starwood’s Aloft brand delivers a fresh approach to the traditional staid hotel landscape. For the ‘always on’ next generation of traveler, the Aloft brand offers a tech-forward, vibrant experience and a modern style that is different by design. For more information, please visit www.alofthotels.com. Aloft, like all brands within Starwood's portfolio, is proud to offer the Starwood Preferred Guest(R) program, the industry’s richest loyalty program. To learn more, please visit spg.com.
About Element Hotels
Element® Hotels is made to order for guests in the know and on the go. Its bright design defies convention, bathing guest rooms and public spaces in natural light. Stylish and sustainable throughout, Element offers extended stay comfort with a conscience and lots of signature amenities from its healthy RISE breakfast and RELAX evening reception to saline swimming pools, spacious fitness centers, bikes to borrow and electric vehicle charging stations. Starwood’s latest brand innovation, Element made history in 2008 as the only major hotel brand to pursue LEED certification for high-performance buildings brand-wide. To date, there are Element hotels in 11 markets in North America with new domestic and international hotels in development. Visit www.ElementHotels.com or connect on Facebook.
About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with nearly 1,200 properties in 100 countries, and 181,400 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, Aloft®, and Element®. The Company boasts one of the industry’s leading loyalty programs, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG®), allowing members to earn and redeem points for room stays, room upgrades and flights, with no blackout dates. Starwood also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., a premier provider of world-class vacation experiences through villa-style resorts and privileged access to Starwood brands. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.
About Indus Hotels
Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Indus Hotels is an owner and third-party operator of hotels. Indus currently operates eight hotels, with approximately 1,200 rooms under management in the Midwestern US. Indus, which is poised for growth, is currently approved to operate hotels for Starwood and several other leading hospitality companies. For more information, please contact Alan L. Assaf at aassaf@indushotels.com or visit www.indushotels.com.