While family travel continues to strengthen bonds, it can be tricky to find the perfect accommodations to house large groups and extended families. According to a new study by Element by Westin, a Marriott International brand, over 1 in 5 (21%) Americans are in search of inclusive, intergenerational travel experiences that create connectivity and lasting memories.
With this in mind, Element by Westin is rolling out new hotel experiences that create inclusive opportunities designed to inspire connectedness among today’s modern nomads and their circle of friends and family. The new room concept, Studio Commons, is the first in the industry to blend the convenience of a hotel with the flexibility and comfort of a home, giving travelers the best of both worlds while on the road. “We all know that humans are inherently wired for connection. As a brand that has always been focused on helping travelers stay in their element while fostering a sense of community, Element Hotels’ new communal room concept enables travelers to come together and celebrate what’s most important to them – the relationships in their lives,” said Toni Stoeckl, Global Brand Leader, Element Hotels, and Vice President, Distinctive Select Brands, Marriott International.
The rooms are designed for groups looking to spend time together in a more private setting, while still enjoying all the benefits of a hotel room. Anchored by four private guest rooms, travelers can cook, collaborate and relax together in shared kitchen and living room areas, allowing them to live as they do at home without having to compromise space, comfort or amenities. The Studio Commons layout debuted at the new Element in Scottsdale, Arizona, in June 2019, followed by Boulder, Colorado, in July 2019. Additional Studio Commons units are expected to launch at Element Hotels opening in Sedona, Sacramento, Ontario and Minneapolis within the next year.
Element Hotels’ Studio Commons packages are designed to encourage quality time among guests, ultimately bringing them closer together to form a bond through inspirational group travel experiences. The packages currently available at Element Boulder Superior include:
- Community Cares – Guests who book the Studio Commons unit will have the opportunity to make an impact in the community by volunteering at a local animal shelter. Additionally, a special donation will also be made in the group’s name.
- Get Cooking – Studio Commons guests can enjoy a fun night in with an interactive cooking class led by a local culinary expert utilizing the space’s fully-equipped kitchen. Travelers will craft a full-course meal while learning tips and tricks that they can take home with them.
- Explore the Great Outdoors – Studio Commons groups can opt for a day of team building while connecting with nature through outdoor adventures in the Southern Rocky Mountains’ Front Range. Activities can be customized according to the group’s preferences, such as horseback riding, hiking or zip lining, to name a few.