Marriott’s recent partnership with Starwood Hotels has prompted updates to two Starwood brands: Aloft and Element Hotels.
At Aloft properties, the brand’s culinary approach will be refreshed to emphasize fresher, healthier and more locally sourced ingredients. Menus will spotlight lighter options and regional flavors, and guests will be able to place orders at touch-screen kiosks. Chefs and signature dishes will be highlighted through easy-to-recognize icons to make ordering quicker and more intuitive.
Element Hotels, known for its nature-inspired design and eco-friendly offerings, will pilot communal living spaces at select locations. These shared areas will include kitchens, dining tables and lounge zones connected to a block of rooms, giving guests flexible gathering spots. The intent is to create opportunities for interaction among business travelers and families, while providing homelike conveniences such as shared cooking and dining space.
Both updates reflect a broader trend in hospitality toward more personalized dining and social spaces that respond to modern travelers’ preferences. Aloft’s food changes aim to deliver accessible, health-focused choices with an efficient ordering experience, while Element’s communal areas are designed to combine sustainable practices with the comfort and functionality of a home-like setting. Together, these adjustments seek to enhance guest satisfaction by aligning services with evolving lifestyle and travel habits.
While the rollout will begin at select properties, guests can expect the brands to refine these concepts based on feedback and operational results. If the pilots perform well, similar features may expand to additional locations in the future, offering travelers more options for fresh dining and shared living spaces during their stays.