Element Suzhou offers sustainable accommodation

The Element Suzhou Science and Technology Town in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, Starwood's first eco-friendly hotel in Asia Pacific, is designed for the "next generation".

The Chinese government is pressing ahead with its environment protection commitment and residents are increasingly aware of the importance of a sustainable and balanced way to live. The latest accomplishment from the US-based hotel group's "eco innovative lab" was created in the right moment and the right place.

Tourists visiting Suzhou for its classical gardens might not imagine the beauty of a science city. About 30 minutes' drive from the Shuofang International Airport in southern Jiangsu is the innovation hub of Jiangsu province, the Suzhou National High-tech Industrial Development Zone. The Element hotel is one of the modern white buildings, but it still stands out, with its "element" logo in simple lower-case letters, its friendly vibe and the hotel staff members in light green uniforms walking past the door with warm smiles.

Brian McGuinness, senior vice-president of Starwood's specialty select brands, said the Element is unique because the company will never allow guest experiences to be impacted by the hotel's eco-friendly initiatives.

The Element hotel in Suzhou, which opened in June, like the brand's other hotels, is green from the ground up and built using sustainable products and practices wherever possible. The brand's core sustainable design components include low-flow rainfall-style showerheads, energy-efficient LED lighting, electric-vehicle charging stations, filtered water, green materials such as low-VOC paint and recycled-content carpeting and guestroom designs that incorporate sustainable features.

"The target customers of Element hotels are the next generation of travelers looking for a great guest experience, something unique to the market, authenticity, but at the same time want to be good to the environment," McGuinness said.

The flagship Element hotel in Asia Pacific has 188 guestrooms and suites. The decor follows the minimalism aesthetic principle of "less is more". Less is more for each room features a fully equipped open kitchen. If guests don't feel like eating out, they can buy chopped vegetables and frozen food at the store on the first floor, which is open 24 hours, and cook in their room. A staff member said the store plans to offer more fresh and organic options for guests in the future.

Guests can also borrow bicycles at no charge to explore the neighborhood. The renowned Taihu Lake is about a 20-minute cycle from the hotel. A visit to one of the many local farms is also a suggested outing, enabling guests to bring back fresh fruits and vegetables, and enjoy their time with nature.

McGuinness said the part of Chinese culture that is passionate about parks, gardens and outdoor spaces makes the idea of an eco-friendly hotel well-received in the Chinese market.

Adding to its current portfolio of 18 Element hotels around the world, Starwood plans to open three more by 2019 in China, one in Chongli, Hebei province, one in Sanya, Hainan province and one in Tianjin.

"As we continue to expand our portfolio, we're constantly looking for innovative ways to redefine the traditional hotel experience," McGuinness said.

The Element hotel might not be the only answer for the calls of the next generation for a new lifestyle on the road, but it is definitely one of the answers.

fuchao@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 08/15/2015 page10)