First
announced at the spring 2012 launch of its Miami
hotel, the eco-wise, trailblazing brand of Starwood
Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has installed astationary
bike with a pedal-powered generator in
each of its fitness
centers. The initiative marries two Element brand
principles: providing health and fitness options for travelers and a
commitment to green design.
The
pilot to Element’s Pedal for Power program, unveiled at Element
Miami International Airport’s opening event, saw bicycling
enthusiast and Starwood president and CEO Frits van Paasschen join
associates in a pedal-pushing effort that generated enough
electricity to power up flat-screen plasma monitors and laptops for a
virtual ribbon-cutting.
The
new power-generating bikes are just the latest in a series of design
features and amenities that enhance the wellbeing of Element guests
while offering them tools to be productive and active. Fitness
centers are well equipped and open 24 hours. Saline pools and
bikes to borrow are available to give travelers added incentive
to get
up and go. Other tenets of the brand’s commitment
to balanced living on the road include the following:
- Guest rooms and public spaces are designed to be bathed in natural daylight, as guests’ mood and productivity are improved in a well-lit environment.
- Seamless connectivity is offered via free Wi-Fi in public spaces and in guest rooms, which also include ergonomic chairs at workstations.
- Guests can work, relax and fuel up on their own schedules, with kitchens in every room and a fully stocked 24/7 grab and go gourmet pantry.
