Marriott International announced it has signed an agreement with TRC (Aust) Pty Ltd to debut its Element Hotels brand in Melbourne, Australia. Slated to open in 2019, the new-build hotel will form part of Botanicca Corporate Park, a commercial and retail development located in one of Melbourne's most sought after residential and commercial locations, Richmond.

Element Hotels is enjoying great growth momentum across the globe with its emphasis on wellness and sustainability. It is the first major hotel brand to mandate that all properties pursue sustainable certifications, offering travelers a reimagined interpretation of an extended stay experience with natural light, modern design and healthy options, meaning time away from home doesn't mean time away from life.

“We are delighted to launch the Element Hotels brand in Australia, following the brand's unprecedented growth worldwide,” said Sean Hunt, Area Vice President, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Marriott International. “Sustainability is a growing concern for an increasing number of travellers globally, and Element Melbourne Richmond is ideal for guests looking for an eco-friendly alternative, with its clean, residential-style suites that make guests feel at home, whether they're staying a short while or for a longer period. It's an especially excellent choice for guests seeking wellness conscious programming for a more balanced life whilst on the road.”

Brought to life by renowned architects and interior designers Rothelowman, Element Melbourne Richmond has been thoughtfully designed to reflect the brand's eco sensibilities. The hotel features a glass façade that provides an abundance of natural light, whilst responsive window shades prevent glare, provide natural ventilation and reduce the need for air conditioning. The abundant Australian flora surrounding the hotel, such as eucalyptus and Kangaroo Paws, helped set the natural color palette and materials which anchor the well-designed, thoughtfully simplistic interiors.

“We have been looking for the right location and partner to bring Element to Australia for some time, and as a progressive and vibrant international city, Melbourne presents the perfect opportunity for the brand's debut in Australia,” said Richard Crawford Senior Director, Development for Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific. “The city continues to enjoy strong visitor numbers and the brand's differentiated positioning around wellness and sustainability will be attractive for both leisure and business travellers alike.”

Located at 558 Swan Street, Element Melbourne Richmond will form part of Botanicca Corporate Park, a campus-style office park featuring modern commercial space and a variety of retail and lifestyle amenities, including restaurants, cafes and a fitness center. Set in the heart of Richmond, one of Melbourne's oldest and liveliest suburbs, Element Melbourne Richmond is in walking distance to the many food and beverage experiences, shops and events this suburb has to offer, and is within easy access to Melbourne's Central Business District, which is just three kilometers away.

“We're delighted to work with Marriott International as the development will transform Richmond into a sleek and stylish destination for travellers visiting Melbourne and will help meet the current demand for high-caliber extended stay accommodation in the city,” said Dato' Leong, TRC (Aust) Pty Ltd.

All Element Hotels are built green from the ground up using sustainable products and practices where possible. The brand's core sustainable design components across all properties include low flow rainfall and showerheads, no-PVC flooring, energy efficient LED lighting, electric-vehicle charging stations, filtered water, green materials such as low-VOC paints, and recycled-content carpeting and guestroom designs incorporating sustainable features.

The new-build hotel will feature 168 light-filled guestrooms where guests can unwind and recharge. For those looking to stay longer, a select number of rooms will feature energy-efficient kitchenettes. Guests staying at Element Melbourne Richmond can fuel their day with a healthy RISE breakfast, unwind with the RELAX evening receptions and purchase everything they need to prepare delicious meals in-room at a 24/7 grab-and-go gourmet food pantry. The hotel will also have a bike share program allowing guests to explore the nearby sights. For those looking to stay close to the property, a gym and outdoor yoga deck help guests stay fit and healthy whilst on the road.

For business travelers, Element Melbourne Richmond will offer 250 square meters of flexible conference and meeting space, which can be customised to meet any business or social need. Fast and complimentary WiFi is available throughout the hotel.

Element Melbourne Richmond joins Marriott International's robust portfolio in the Pacific, with 25 hotels in operation including The Westin Melbourne, Sheraton Melbourne Hotel and Melbourne Marriott Hotel. The hotel marks 22 properties under development, including W Melbourne, Aloft Melbourne South Yarra, The Westin Brisbane, The Westin Perth and W Brisbane.

ENDS

About Element Hotels

Element® Hotels, part of Marriott International, Inc., is made to order for guests in the know and on the go. Its bright design defies convention, bathing guest rooms and public spaces in natural light. Stylish and sustainable throughout, Element offers extended stay comfort with a conscience and lots of signature amenities from its healthy RISE breakfast and RELAX evening reception to saline swimming pools, spacious fitness centers, Bikes-to-Borrow Program and electric vehicle charging stations. Element made history in 2008 as the only major hotel brand to pursue LEED certification for high-performance buildings brand-wide. Element is proud to participate in the industry's award-winning loyalty program, Starwood Preferred Guest®. Members can now link accounts with Marriott Rewards®, which includes The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® at members.marriott.com for instant elite status matching and unlimited points transfer. Visit www.ElementHotels.com or connect on Facebook and Instagram.

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 6,000 properties in 30 leading hotel brands spanning 122 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts. The company also operates award-winning loyalty programs: Marriott Rewards®, which includes The Ritz-Carlton Rewards®, and Starwood Preferred Guest®. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. Connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.