Starwood to Open First Element Hotel in Asia Pacific

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Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has recently signed an agreement with Suzhou Science and Technology Town Kexin Cultural Tourism Development Co., Ltd. to open a new-build Element® hotel in Suzhou Science and Technology Town (SSTT), an eco-city adjacent to the commercial and administrative center of the city’s high tech industrial development zone. Slated for completion in mid-2015, the hotel, Element Suzhou Science and Technology Town (Element Suzhou), marks the Element brand’s entry to Asia Pacific, as well as the presence of all of Starwood’s nine differentiated lifestyle brands in the region.

Located at the intersection of Jialingjiang and Wuyishan Roads, Element Suzhou will be situated in SSTT, an eco-city adjacent to the commercial and administrative center of the High-Tech District. Since 2003, over 150 state-level research institutes, R&D organizations, tech-based innovative companies, training organizations, and outsourcing and design companies have settled in SSTT.

In keeping with the tenets of the Element brand, Element Suzhou’s 190 stylish and sustainable guestrooms will feature the signature Heavenly® Bed, a fluid design of modular furniture, swiveling flat-screen televisions, large desks, and custom-designed closets. Bathrooms will be spa-inspired, with an invigorating rain shower and dual-flush toilet.

In addition, the hotel will offer approximately 10,764 square feet of versatile meeting space, a well-equipped business center, a 24-hour fitness center, and an indoor heated swimming pool. Other brand signatures will include Element’s healthy breakfast and relaxing evening reception with hot and cold appetizers as well as beer, wine, and soft drinks. All day dining will be available with three to four private dining rooms, and a grab-and-go pantry for quick healthy meals.

Starwood currently manages Four Points by Sheraton Suzhou and is on track to open six hotels by 2018.

Daniel Fountain / 16.08.2013

Editor, Hotel Designs

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Work highlights: Sienna joined Forum Events & Media Group while studying Communications and Media, starting in the sales team where she managed and helped launch the first the PA Life Leading Venues of London SHOWCASE, where she built relationships with luxury venues across the capital. Drawn to the stories behind these spaces, she naturally transitioned into the editorial team, creating social media and editorial content. Upon graduating in June 2026, she is excited to be joining as Assistant Editor for Hotel Designs and SPACE.

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Work highlights: Jess joined SPACE magazine in 2022 and has since progressed from Assistant Editor to Editor. During this time, she has worked across many aspects of the publication – from shaping editorial strategy and overseeing operations to contributing to art direction and representing the brand on stage at industry events including Surface Design Show and WOW!house.

Alongside her role at SPACE, Jess has built a creative career spanning the arts, culture, design and travel sectors. Prior to joining the magazine, she spent more than a decade in the commercial art industry, in artist liaison, gallery management, and curating collections for the hospitality sector across hotels and cruise ships. During this time, she also worked on freelance projects as a writer, photographer, and creative content producer.
 
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Work highlights: Katy has been with Hotel Designs since the beginning, way back in 2015 when Forum Events & Media Group acquired the brand.

During this time, she has fostered many meaningful relationships with clients from across the hospitality spectrum, as well as playing a pivotal role in the launch of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs MEET UPs, client-led roundtables and panel talks, brand and website redesigns, HD Wellness Sets, DESIGN POD podcast, Hotel Designs LIVE panel talk series, Accessible Design Talks and more. Katy is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to help grow the Hotel Designs brand even further.
 
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