Starwood Hotels & Resorts has debuted its new eco-conscious hotel brand in Asia with the opening of Element Suzhou Science & Technology Town.

The Element brand aims to offer healthy, active travellers a smart, sustainable stay designed to fuel a balanced life on the road.

Half an hour by speed train from Shanghai, the new hotel is conveniently located in the Science & Technology Town in the heart of the Suzhou National New & Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone, a key business and industry location that draws many business travellers.

“As Starwood’s eco-innovation lab, the Element brand has redefined the catagory with its light-filled atmosphere, eco-minded design and committment to innovation,” said Starwood’s senior vice president of speciality select brands, Brian McGuinness. “On track to triple its global portfolio by the end of 2017, Element is experiencing tremendous growth momentum and the brand’s debut in Asia-Pacific is set to pave the way for more growth opportunities in the region.”

“We are thrilled to introduce Starwood’s first Element hotel in Asia-Pacific, in China, one of the fastest growing and most dynamic travel markets in the world,” said Starwood’s Asia-Pacific president, Stephen Ho. “Recent studies have shown that consumers are becoming increasingly interested in environmentally-friendly practices and products, as well as sustainable living. We are confident that the stylish and sustainable Element brand ethos that modern design flows from nature will resonate with travellers and meet that demand.”

Element Suzhou Science & Technology Town features 188 rooms and suites. Guests can work, play or relax in the spacious, smart and modern guest rooms, all of which offer oversized windows for plenty of natural light. Each rooms comes with a well-equipped energy-efficient kitchen; and amenities such as the plush signature Heavenly Beds, spa-inspired baths and separate invigorating rain showers, and all-natural bath amenities. With light-filled public areas and a calming atmosphere, Element hotels employ a natural colour palette, giving each hotel an organic openness that matches the architecture and weightless feeling of the space.

Each room also features a workspace and high-tech office, state-of-the-art entertainment equipment, and complimentary internet access with a one-stop connectivity solution that allows guests to hook up portable electronics to their in-room TV. Guests will also be able to make use of the SPG Keyless Check-In feature.

The hotel also offers a wide range of meeting spaces over a total of 1,200sqm, all of which features state-of-the-art audiovisual technology and complimentary WiFi.

Off the clock, guests can enjoy the hotel’s other amenities, which include Salon, an all-day dining restaurant; Relax, an evening reception where visitors can wind down over a selection of wine and food; and the fully-equipped 24-hour fitness centre, an indoor saline swimming pool, and complimentary bikes for rent.

For business travellers on-the-go, the hotel also offers Restore, a 24/7 self-serve pantry where guests can grab healthy options on their way to meetings. www.elementhotels.com