Element Hotels are extended-stay properties owned by Marriott that charge by the night but are built for guests staying a week or longer
Element is a hotel brand under the Marriott umbrella designed specifically for people who need a room for weeks or months rather than a single night. Unlike a traditional hotel where you pay nightly rates that stay the same whether you stay one night or thirty, Element properties offer a suite-style room with a kitchenette, separate living area, and washer-dryer in the unit. You still pay per night, but the nightly rate drops significantly if you book a longer stay — typically seven nights or more.
The brand launched in 2008 and now operates roughly 150 properties across North America, Europe, and Asia. Each location is independently owned and operated, so policies, pricing, and amenities vary by property. Element is not a budget brand — rooms typically cost between $100 and $250 per night depending on location and season — but the per-night cost drops when you commit to a longer stay, and the kitchenette and laundry reduce what you'd otherwise spend on food and services.
Key Takeaways
- Element Hotels charge nightly rates that decrease for stays of seven nights or longer, making them cheaper per night than booking night-to-night.
- Every room includes a kitchenette with a stovetop, refrigerator, and dishwasher, plus a washer-dryer unit in the suite.
- You can book directly through Marriott.com, the Element app, or by calling the property, and longer bookings often may have access to for additional discounts.
- Element properties are independently owned, so pet policies, parking fees, and breakfast inclusion vary significantly from location to location.
- Monthly rates are negotiable at some properties, especially if you contact the hotel directly rather than booking online.
How Element's pricing works for different stay lengths
Element publishes nightly rates on its website and app, but those rates are not fixed — they change based on how long you book. A single night might cost $180, but the same room for seven consecutive nights might average $140 per night, and thirty nights might average $120 per night. The discount is built into the reservation system, so you see the total price before you confirm.
The nightly rate also depends on the property's location, the season, and how far in advance you book. A property in Denver in January will cost less than the same property in July. Rates also shift based on local events — a hotel near a convention center may raise prices during conference season.
If you are considering a stay of thirty days or longer, call the property directly instead of booking online. Many Element hotels negotiate monthly rates that are lower than what the website shows, especially if you can commit to a specific move-in date. The front desk or extended-stay coordinator can often quote a monthly rate that beats the nightly rate multiplied by thirty.
What's included in your room and what costs extra
Every Element suite includes a full kitchenette with a two-burner stovetop, full-size refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, and basic cookware and dishes. The room also has a washer-dryer unit, a separate living area with a sofa, and a work desk. Linens and towels are provided, and housekeeping visits once per week on extended stays (more frequently on shorter stays). Wi-Fi is included in the room rate.
What you pay extra for depends on the property. Parking is sometimes free and sometimes $10 to $20 per night. Breakfast is included at some locations and not at others. Pet fees, if the property allows pets, typically run $25 to $75 per stay or per night. Utilities are included in the room rate — you do not pay separately for electricity or water.
Some properties offer a small fitness center, a business center, and a lobby area with seating. Larger properties may have a small market or convenience store. These amenities are not may provide, so check the specific property's website before booking.
How to book an Element stay and what to expect at check-in
You can book through Marriott.com, the Element Hotels app, or by calling the property directly. Online booking is fastest and shows you the total price upfront. The app lets you manage your reservation and contact the hotel if you need to extend your stay or request something specific.
Calling the property directly is worth doing if you are booking thirty days or longer, because the front desk can often offer a rate that is not available online. Have your dates, number of guests, and any special requests (ground-floor room, accessible room, pet accommodation) ready when you call.
At check-in, you will need a valid photo ID and a credit card for incidental charges. If you are staying longer than a week, the front desk will explain the housekeeping schedule and how to request additional towels or supplies. Most Element properties allow you to check in as early as 3 p.m. and check out as late as 11 a.m., though this varies by location.
Pet policies and accessibility features vary by location
Element Hotels allow pets at most locations, but the policy and fee structure differ from property to property. Some charge a flat fee per stay; others charge per night. Some allow dogs and cats but not other animals. A few properties do not allow pets at all. Check the specific property's website or call before booking if you are traveling with a pet.
Accessibility features — wheelchair-accessible rooms, roll-in showers, grab bars — are available at most Element properties, but availability is limited and must be requested at booking. If you need an accessible room, mention it when you reserve and confirm with the property a few days before arrival to may support the room is ready.
When Element makes sense versus other housing options
Element works well if you need a place to stay for two to twelve weeks and want the flexibility to leave on short notice. The kitchenette saves money on meals, and the washer-dryer means you do not need to find a laundromat. You also have daily housekeeping (or weekly on longer stays) and a front desk if something breaks.
If you are staying longer than three months, a short-term rental apartment or a traditional extended-stay chain like Extended Stay America may be cheaper per night. If you are staying only one or two nights, a standard hotel is usually simpler and sometimes cheaper. Element sits in the middle — it is designed for the person who needs a week or two in a new city and wants a real kitchen and laundry without signing a lease.
Element is also useful if you are relocating and need a place to stay while you apartment-hunt, or if you are in town for a temporary work assignment. The flexibility to extend or shorten your stay (subject to the property's cancellation policy) makes it less risky than signing a lease you might not need for the full term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I extend my stay after I book?
Yes. Contact the property directly or use the app to request an extension. If the hotel is not fully booked, they will usually honor the same nightly rate you are already paying. If rates have gone up, you may pay the new rate for the additional nights.
Is breakfast included at Element Hotels?
It depends on the property and sometimes on the rate you booked. Some locations include a hot breakfast; others offer only a grab-and-go option or charge extra. Check the property details on Marriott.com before booking, or call the hotel to confirm.
What happens if I need to cancel my reservation?
Cancellation policies vary by property and rate type. Most allow free cancellation up to 48 hours before arrival. Longer stays sometimes have stricter policies. Check the cancellation terms when you book, and contact the property if you need to cancel after the important date — they may waive the fee depending on circumstances.
Do I earn Marriott Rewards points on Element stays?
Yes, if you are a Marriott Bonvoy member. Points are earned based on the room rate and length of stay. Longer stays sometimes earn bonus points. Link your Bonvoy account when you book to may support points are credited.
Can I get a monthly rate if I book online?
Online rates are usually per-night rates multiplied by the number of nights. Calling the property directly often yields a lower monthly rate, especially for stays of thirty days or longer. The front desk has more flexibility than the online system.