It seems that every hotel company is launching its own wellness brand. With a limited footprint, I’m not sure what these hotel chains offer to customers and if customers even care. As a spinoff of the Westin brand, Element Hotels only has slightly more than 50 properties worldwide.
With more than 50 extended stay hotels across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa, Element Hotels is designed for today’s healthy, active traveler who wants to maintain a balanced lifestyle while on the road. Element has redefined the longer stay experience with an outdoor-inspired design philosophy that is clean, modern, and bright. With a sustainable, nature-inspired aesthetic, all hotels feature spacious and airy studios and one-bedroom suites which are outfitted with fully equipped in-room kitchens, spa-inspired bathrooms, and signature Heavenly® Beds
Now that I’ve stayed at an Element Hotel, I can say that I like the hotel theming, but I’m not sure about the brand.
Element Valley Forge
110 Goddard Blvd.
King of Prussia, PA 19406
I had my choice of the Element by Westin or a Sheraton – the two shared the same parking lot. I picked the Element because I wanted to see what the brand had to offer, and I was looking forward to sleeping on a Westin Heavenly Bed.
The lobby was sparse, with two podiums to check in guests. The desks were always staffed, so I didn’t feel right taking pictures of the employees. Next to the check-in area was the grab-and-go grocery, which included a self-serve beer dispenser.
The lobby was spacious, with plenty of natural light. This would be a comfortable meeting space instead of hanging out in your room.
This was also where the morning breakfast was served.
The hotel also offered a simple, yet sufficient business center, albeit not very private. Probably more suited to print a boarding pass for your upcoming flight than somewhere to do serious work.
I was only staying for 2 nights and wasn’t planning to stay in my room for long. I was given the room that I booked, a king-room on the 5th floor. As a Marriott Bonvoy Gold member, I didn’t expect an upgrade.
Since I grew up in the northeast, I didn’t expect much of a view in December. I wasn’t disappointed.
As this was my first visit to the Element by Westin brand and King of Prussia, PA isn’t a showplace location, I was impressed with the room. There was a king-size Westin Heavenly Bed.
The workplace was basic, but the chair was comfortable, and the desk was a suitable height, with enough plugs for a laptop and accessories to charge.
Since Element by Westin is marketed as an extended stay brand, there was a sink, dishwasher and microwave, along with the standard coffeemaker.
I can’t say it’s the same as Candlewood Suites, but it should be suitable for a week or so.
The closet had plenty of lighting, a luggage stand, an ironing board, an iron, drawers and a safe.
The bathroom had a Westin vibe, more than the usual extended stay hotel.
Final Thoughts
The question is if I’d stay at an Element by Westin hotel again.
Definitely yes!
I’m a fan of the minimalistic design aesthetic in hotels like AC Hotels and even at some Moxy properties. I’m happy as long as there’s a place in the room to work.
Would I consider Element an extended-stay hotel? I’m not so sure. If I were staying for several weeks, I’d prefer a full-size fridge and a stovetop to cook some meals in my room more than just what a microwave could provide.
However, the Element by Westin met my needs for a long weekend and I’d stay there again.
Want to comment on this post? Great! Read this first to help ensure it gets approved.
Want to sponsor a post, write something for Your Mileage May Vary, or put ads on our site? Click here for more info.
Like this post? Please share it! We have plenty more just like it and would love it if you decided to hang around and sign up to get emailed notifications of when we post.
Whether you’ve read our articles before or this is the first time you’re stopping by, we’re really glad you’re here and hope you come back to visit again!
This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary
Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.