Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has opened the first international hotel in its eco-friendly Element portfolio. Built green from the ground up, the Element Vaughan Southwest debuts an all-suite, 152-room extended stay enclave in Vaughan, Ontario.

“Vaughan is one of the country’s fastest growing cities with a strong emphasis on sustaining the environment, which made it a natural choice for Element’s first foray into Canada,” says Brian McGuinness, senior vice president of specialty select brands for Starwood. “Whether staying for a few days or a few weeks, Element Vaughan Southwest offers business and leisure travelers a unique setting to thrive, conveniently located next to numerous businesses and attractions.”

Element is the first major hotel brand to mandate that all properties pursue the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED certification for high-performance buildings. Common areas are flooded with natural light from 16-foot windows, while a patio with self-serve grills, outdoor seating, and loungers serves as an open-air extension of the lobby.

Light-filled suites are smoke-free and offer recycling bins, environmentally-friendly “do not disturb” door magnets, recycled tire flooring, and mountings for art and soy-based fabrics. The spa-inspired bathrooms feature a rain-shower, a dual-flush toilet, and low-flow faucets and fixtures, while fully equipped en-suite kitchens boast filtered water and energy efficient appliances. Complimentary amenities for pets are also available in specially appointed suites.

Element Vaughan Southwest also includes an indoor all-natural saltwater pool and complimentary Bikes-to-Borrow program. Outfitted with modular furnishings and a flexible layout, the hotel also offers 3,500 square feet of meeting space.
