Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announced plans to introduce its trailblazing Element brand to Basalt, Colorado. Set to open in August 2015, Element Basalt Aspen Valley is ideally situated near two of the nation's most prestigious ski and mountain towns: Aspen and Snowmass Village. Owned by a joint venture between Silverwest Hotel Partners and Mariner Real Estate Management, the newly constructed Element hotel will offer a fresh, new option for travelers with 113 stylish, sustainable rooms and a light-filled atmosphere designed to fuel a life in balance and on the move. It will join Element Denver as the brand's second property in Colorado.

Less than 30 minutes to both Aspen and Snowmass Village, Element Basalt Aspen Valley will be located within the new Willis Town Center, the only sustainable mixed-use community in the Roaring Fork Valley. Guests will be within walking distance of the community's shops, restaurants, residences, offices and Whole Foods Market. Situated at the gateway of the White River National Forest, the hotel will offer easy access to the area's outdoor recreation including numerous hiking and biking trails, fly-fishing in the waters of the Roaring Fork and Frying Pan Rivers and a choice of premium golf courses.

"Element is an ideal fit for the Aspen area and will offer travelers smart, sustainable lodging in Basalt with close proximity to world-class ski resorts, outdoor recreation and more," 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."

Element Basalt Aspen Valley 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, pool and outdoor hot tub, and 626 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 on track to double its portfolio in the next two years due to its highly successful positioning and emphasis on clean, sustainable living," said Allison Reid, Senior Vice President of North America Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. "Element Basalt Aspen Valley will offer an entirely fresh perspective on the extended stay experience in an area celebrated for its phenomenal skiing and year-round outdoor recreation."

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.