Hotel Review: Element Valley Forge, King of Prussia PA

by joeheg

It seems that every hotel company is launching its own wellness brand. With a limited footprint, I’m not sure what these hotel chains offer to customers and if customers even care. As a spinoff of the Westin brand, Element Hotels only has slightly more than 50 properties worldwide.

With more than 50 extended stay hotels across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa, Element Hotels is designed for today’s healthy, active traveler who wants to maintain a balanced lifestyle while on the road. Element has redefined the longer stay experience with an outdoor-inspired design philosophy that is clean, modern, and bright. With a sustainable, nature-inspired aesthetic, all hotels feature spacious and airy studios and one-bedroom suites which are outfitted with fully equipped in-room kitchens, spa-inspired bathrooms, and signature Heavenly® Beds

Now that I’ve stayed at an Element Hotel, I can say that I like the hotel theming, but I’m not sure about the brand.

Element Valley Forge
110 Goddard Blvd.
King of Prussia, PA 19406

a building with a sign on the front

I had my choice of the Element by Westin or a Sheraton – the two shared the same parking lot. I picked the Element because I wanted to see what the brand had to offer, and I was looking forward to sleeping on a Westin Heavenly Bed.

The lobby was sparse, with two podiums to check in guests. The desks were always staffed, so I didn’t feel right taking pictures of the employees. Next to the check-in area was the grab-and-go grocery, which included a self-serve beer dispenser.

a room with shelves and shelves of beverages

The lobby was spacious, with plenty of natural light. This would be a comfortable meeting space instead of hanging out in your room.

a room with chairs and tables and a tva room with a couch and a plant

This was also where the morning breakfast was served.

a room with a table and chairs

The hotel also offered a simple, yet sufficient business center, albeit not very private. Probably more suited to print a boarding pass for your upcoming flight than somewhere to do serious work.

a computer on a desk

I was only staying for 2 nights and wasn’t planning to stay in my room for long. I was given the room that I booked, a king-room on the 5th floor. As a Marriott Bonvoy Gold member, I didn’t expect an upgrade.

a sign with a diagram of stairs and steps

Since I grew up in the northeast, I didn’t expect much of a view in December. I wasn’t disappointed.

a road with cars on it

As this was my first visit to the Element by Westin brand and King of Prussia, PA isn’t a showplace location, I was impressed with the room. There was a king-size Westin Heavenly Bed.

a bed with white sheets and pillows

The workplace was basic, but the chair was comfortable, and the desk was a suitable height, with enough plugs for a laptop and accessories to charge.

a room with a bed and a desk and a tv

Since Element by Westin is marketed as an extended stay brand, there was a sink, dishwasher and microwave, along with the standard coffeemaker.

a room with a desk and a television

I can’t say it’s the same as Candlewood Suites, but it should be suitable for a week or so.

The closet had plenty of lighting, a luggage stand, an ironing board, an iron, drawers and a safe.

a closet with a white ironing board and a microwave

The bathroom had a Westin vibe, more than the usual extended stay hotel.

a bathroom with a mirror and sink a shower with a glass door

Final Thoughts

The question is if I’d stay at an Element by Westin hotel again.

Definitely yes!

I’m a fan of the minimalistic design aesthetic in hotels like AC Hotels and even at some Moxy properties. I’m happy as long as there’s a place in the room to work.

Would I consider Element an extended-stay hotel? I’m not so sure. If I were staying for several weeks, I’d prefer a full-size fridge and a stovetop to cook some meals in my room more than just what a microwave could provide.

However, the Element by Westin met my needs for a long weekend and I’d stay there again.

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