2008
80
$18,000,000
$85,000
$35,000,000
No
Element by Westin, a visionary hotel brand under Marriott International, redefines extended-stay hospitality through eco-friendly design, comfort, and innovation. Designed for today’s modern travelers who value wellness, sustainability, and productivity, Element by Westin hotels deliver a refreshing experience that blends home-like convenience with upscale amenities. The brand’s distinctive concept focuses on smart design, open spaces, and eco-conscious operations, setting it apart from traditional hotel chains.
With a growing presence across major U.S. cities and travel destinations, Element by Westin caters to business and leisure travelers seeking longer stays without compromising on luxury. The franchise continues to gain recognition for its environmentally responsible design—featuring natural light, energy-efficient systems, and healthy lifestyle amenities such as fully equipped kitchens, fitness studios, and balanced breakfast offerings. For investors seeking a strong hospitality brand with global credibility, the Element by Westin franchise offers a powerful opportunity within the sustainable lodging segment.
Investing in an Element by Westin franchise provides access to one of the most trusted names in hospitality—Marriott International. The brand is strategically positioned in the high-growth extended-stay and eco-luxury markets, making it a compelling investment for both seasoned and new hotel developers.
Key advantages include:
Global Brand Recognition: Backed by Marriott International, one of the world’s largest hotel companies with over 8,000 properties worldwide.
Sustainable Differentiation: Designed for eco-conscious travelers, giving owners a competitive edge in the growing sustainable travel sector.
Robust Loyalty Program: Access to Marriott Bonvoy, one of the world’s most powerful loyalty programs with millions of active members.
High Occupancy Rates: Extended-stay guests often book longer durations, ensuring stable revenue and consistent occupancy levels.
Operational Excellence: Benefit from Marriott’s management systems, technology platforms, and proven operational standards that maximize profitability.
Element by Westin was founded in 2008 as an innovative offshoot of Westin Hotels & Resorts, a globally respected hospitality brand owned by Marriott International. Created to meet the growing demand for extended-stay accommodations with a focus on sustainability and wellness, Element was designed for modern travelers who value comfort, balance, and eco-friendly living.
The first Element property opened in Lexington, Massachusetts, setting a new benchmark in the extended-stay hotel category with its emphasis on natural light, modern design, and environmental responsibility. From energy-efficient operations to eco-conscious architecture and recycled materials, Element by Westin became the first major hotel brand to achieve LEED® certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards across many of its properties.
Over the years, the brand has expanded rapidly, backed by the strong infrastructure and reputation of Marriott International, one of the world’s largest hotel companies. Today, Element by Westin operates more than 80 hotels globally, with a strong presence throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Element’s design and service philosophy are built around four core pillars:
Sustainability: Environmentally responsible design, from water-saving systems to energy-efficient lighting.
Wellness: Focused on guest health, featuring fitness studios, fresh air systems, and nutritious breakfast options.
Comfort: Spacious studios and suites with full kitchens and modern amenities for long-term stays.
Community: Open social spaces and modern meeting areas that foster collaboration and relaxation.
As part of Marriott’s premium extended-stay segment, Element by Westin competes with brands like Residence Inn and Hyatt House but differentiates itself through its strong sustainability narrative and holistic guest experience. Marriott International’s global network, advanced technology, and world-class loyalty program (Marriott Bonvoy) further enhance the brand’s visibility and profitability.
In the U.S. market, Element by Westin continues to expand into major metropolitan areas and high-demand business travel destinations such as New York City, Austin, Denver, Miami, and Los Angeles. Its appeal among both business and leisure travelers has positioned it as one of the most forward-thinking hotel franchises in the industry.
Through its continued focus on environmental innovation, premium guest experiences, and brand reliability, Element by Westin remains a top choice for hotel investors seeking a sustainable and profitable franchise backed by a trusted global powerhouse—Marriott International.
Marriott International ensures that Element by Westin franchisees receive comprehensive support through every phase of development and operations.
Pre-Opening Support:
Assistance with site selection, feasibility analysis, and hotel design planning.
Access to approved architectural and interior design firms specialized in Element’s modern, sustainable style.
Project management support during construction and pre-launch stages.
Operational Training:
Comprehensive onboarding program for general managers, department heads, and staff.
Training on Marriott’s property management systems, brand service standards, and guest experience protocols.
On-site opening support from Marriott’s operations team.
Marketing & Ongoing Support:
Inclusion in Marriott’s global marketing campaigns and digital booking ecosystem.
Access to the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty network for guest acquisition and retention.
Continuous operational guidance, performance benchmarking, and quality assurance audits.
Ongoing product innovation and brand updates to maintain competitiveness in the hospitality market.
This robust support ecosystem enables franchise owners to deliver a world-class guest experience while maintaining consistent profitability.
The Element by Westin franchise is best suited for entrepreneurs and investors who are passionate about hospitality, sustainability, and long-term business growth. As part of the Marriott International family, owning an Element franchise requires not only financial capability but also a strong operational mindset aligned with the brand’s vision of wellness and eco-conscious living.
1. Business Background & Experience
Ideal franchisees typically have experience in one or more of the following areas:
Hotel ownership or real estate development.
Multi-unit or multi-brand franchise operations.
Hospitality management, investment groups, or property management companies.
Strong local market knowledge and community connections for business development.
While previous hotel experience is preferred, Marriott also provides extensive training for qualified investors from other industries who demonstrate strong management and leadership abilities.
2. Passion & Brand Alignment
Element by Westin franchisees should share the brand’s philosophy of “Sustainability, Wellness, and Comfort.” They should believe in providing a high-quality guest experience that prioritizes environmental responsibility and wellness-focused amenities. Franchisees should be committed to maintaining Marriott’s strict brand standards and delivering excellence in every guest interaction.
3. Financial Capability
As Element by Westin is positioned in the premium extended-stay segment, franchisees must possess significant financial resources and stability. Recommended financial qualifications include:
Minimum Liquid Capital: $5 million
Net Worth Requirement: $10 million+
Ability to secure financing for property development and ongoing operations.
This level of investment typically suits institutional investors, real estate developers, or established hospitality groups looking to expand their portfolio under a world-renowned brand.
4. Management Skills & Team Leadership
Successful Element franchisees excel in recruiting and leading top-tier hospitality teams. They must have the capability to oversee operations, implement Marriott’s systems, and maintain consistent guest satisfaction. An understanding of key hospitality metrics—occupancy rates, RevPAR (Revenue per Available Room), and guest loyalty—is crucial for long-term success.
5. Location Preference
Ideal franchise territories include:
Urban business hubs such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Dallas.
Airport and transit corridors with high traveler volume.
Tourist and leisure destinations like Miami, Orlando, and Denver.
Suburban or secondary markets showing strong growth in business travel and long-term accommodation demand.
6. Long-Term Vision
Element franchisees should view ownership as a long-term investment. Marriott’s extended-stay business model offers strong returns through steady occupancy and brand loyalty, making it a strategic addition to a diversified portfolio. Franchisees are encouraged to grow beyond one unit and develop multiple Element locations or expand within other Marriott brands.
The following chart provides a comprehensive financial overview for potential Element by Westin franchise investors in the United States. These figures are based on industry data and typical Marriott franchise requirements, though actual costs may vary by market, property size, and construction conditions.
| Category | Estimated Cost (USD) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $85,000 | One-time fee paid to Marriott International for brand licensing rights and access to proprietary systems. |
| Total Investment Range | $18,000,000 – $35,000,000 | Inclusive of land acquisition, construction, furnishings, design, and operational setup. |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | $5,000,000 | Required liquidity to cover development, pre-opening expenses, and initial operations. |
| Net Worth Requirement | $10,000,000+ | Financial strength necessary for project funding and multi-unit expansion potential. |
| Royalty Fee | 5% of Gross Room Revenue | Ongoing fee paid to Marriott for brand use, technology systems, and operational support. |
| Marketing & Reservation Fee | 3% of Gross Room Revenue | Contributes to Marriott’s global marketing, digital platforms, and the Bonvoy loyalty program. |
| Working Capital | $500,000 – $1,000,000 | Covers payroll, utilities, supplies, and early operational expenses post-opening. |
| Construction & Interior Design | $12,000,000 – $25,000,000 | Includes architecture, eco-friendly design features, furniture, and sustainability integrations. |
| Technology & Systems Setup | $250,000 – $500,000 | Covers Marriott’s PMS, booking systems, POS, and cybersecurity infrastructure. |
| Pre-Opening Training & Staff Recruitment | $100,000 – $250,000 | Management and staff training, hiring, and brand certification programs. |
| Insurance, Licenses & Permits | $100,000 – $300,000 | Legal, safety, and operational compliance expenses for hotel launch. |
| Ongoing Fees | Variable | Includes maintenance, audit fees, and loyalty program participation. |
| Average Room Count | 100 – 200 Rooms | Typical property size for mid-to-large urban markets. |
| Projected ROI (Return on Investment) | 10% – 14% Annually | Based on occupancy rates, RevPAR, and operational efficiency. |
| Break-Even Point | 4 – 6 Years | Average period to recover total investment and reach profitability. |
| Revenue Streams | Room bookings, extended-stay rentals, meeting spaces, food & beverage sales, brand partnerships | Multiple revenue channels enhance long-term stability and scalability. |
Key Financial Highlights:
Element by Westin is positioned in the upper midscale extended-stay category, balancing strong profitability with sustainable operations.
Franchise owners benefit from Marriott’s global marketing reach, advanced reservation systems, and loyalty network (Marriott Bonvoy), driving consistent occupancy and repeat guests.
With sustainability as a core value, the brand often qualifies for green building incentives, tax benefits, and energy-efficiency credits, further enhancing ROI potential.
