Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announced that its eco-wise Element brand will soon arrive in Gainesville, Florida. Element Gainesville – University will open in March 2017 in a convenient location near the University of Florida campus. Operated and developed by H.I. Development Inc., the newly constructed Element hotel will offer a fresh, new option for travelers with 123 stylish, sustainable rooms and a light-filled atmosphere designed to fuel a life in balance and on the move. It will be the fourth new Element hotel slated to debut in Florida in the next three years.

"Our eco-wise Element brand is a great fit for the vibrant city of Gainesville and will provide visitors with a smart, sustainable extended stay hotel right near the University of Florida and leading attractions," said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President of Specialty Select Brands for Starwood. "At Element, guests enjoy a bright, energizing environment that's conducive to both work and play, as well as innovative brand-led programming."

Located at the intersection of Southwest Archer Rd. and Southwest 16th Ave., the hotel will be just across the street from the University of Florida's Shands Hospital and less than one mile from the University of Florida's main campus. Nearby attractions include Florida Museum of Natural History, Kanapaha Botanical Gardens and Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, home of the Florida Gators football team.

Element Gainesville - University will boast light-filled studios as well as one bedroom suites featuring a fluid design of modular furniture, swiveling flat-screen televisions, large desks with open shelving and custom-designed closets. Rooms will also offer fully equipped kitchens and the signature Heavenly® Bed, and spa-inspired bathrooms will feature an invigorating rain shower and dual-flush toilet. Other brand signatures will include a state-of-the-art, 24-hour fitness center, outdoor pool, and 900 square-foot meeting room with modular furnishings, a flexible layout and state-of-the-art technology that can be customized to meet any business or social needs. Guests can stay on the move with Element's complimentary bikes to borrow and enjoy fun and free extras including complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, the signature RISE breakfast, RELAX evening reception, and salon bar carts stocked with premium wines and beers, soft drinks and snacks, available after hours.

"Element is gaining momentum across Florida and throughout North America due to the brand's successful positioning and emphasis on clean, sustainable living," said Allison Reid, Senior Vice President of North America Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. "Equipped with everything guests need for a life in balance, Element Gainesville - University will offer an entirely fresh perspective on the extended stay experience."

Element is the first major hotel brand to mandate that all properties pursue the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for high-performance buildings. It's recognized as an industry leader in the eco-space, and offers travelers a fresh, reimagined interpretation of the extended stay hotel experience.

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels &

Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 1,300 properties in some 100 countries and approximately 188,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences under the renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®,Tribute Portfolio™, Four Points® by Sheraton, Aloft®, and Element®, along with an expanded partnership withDesign Hotels™. The company also boasts one of the industry’s leading loyalty programs, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG®). Visit www.starwoodhotels.com for more information and stay connected @starwoodbuzz on Twitterand Instagram and facebook.com/Starwood.