Element Arundel Mills, MD [Master Thread]
Sep 13, 2009, 8:53 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: MD
Posts: 384
Element Arundel Mills, MD [Master Thread]
Just had first stay at an element property. Here's our impression:
We were greeted and checked in by Paul and it was our best check-in process so far. Paul acknowledge both people in our party, made regular eye contact with both, was direct & informative without being brusque, gave the needed info without sounding like he was reading from a script and was the first person to acknowledge (and express appreciation) that we had any kind elite status. I really don't personally need every check-in to acknowledge my status (as long as I get the relevent perks
), but it's always nice, I'm sure.
The young lady who checked us out was also very nice and friendly (for some reason, no one seemed to have name tags on.)
Our room was very clean , but public areas and elevators needed just a little sprucing. The room (all the same, I believe, aside from bedding) has a proper kitchen with full-size refrigerator, microwave, toaster, 2 electric burners (no oven) and all appropriate accoutrements like flatware, cooking vessels, etc. I assume this is Starwood's extended stay hotel.
The room decor was very nice and tasteful and the room was more spacious than a typical room. They also use organic products throughout the hotel and no disposable shampoo/conditioner bottles (wall dispenser instead), if that's important to you.
As an added value, the element also offers free wifi and a free continential breakfast, though the food there was hit or miss with some sad looking fruit. We had no trouble making due, though, just don't expect anything above the standard Holiday Inn Express-style breakfast.
I believe that the gym is also free and open 24 hours. There's a pool, too, but we didn't check it out.
The only negatives were that the fridge would cycle and make a tapping noise that was akin to someone lightly tapping on the door with a key, not ideal for light sleepers, but really didn't bother us once we figured out what it was, and, despite the DND magnet on the door, housekeeping knocked at 10:30 a.m. They apologized and were quickly gone, but I never understand why they do it. It wasn't even close to the noon check out. Luckily, we were already awake.
All in all, I would definitely stay at this hotel and, most likely, other elements as well. Very satisfied with our visit.
What's funny, is this hotel is connected to the Aloft Arundel Mills, a somewhat less impressive property on a few levels, that being decor, atmosphere, value, etc. The fact that the element room seemed more like a loft room to us, only makes it odder.
We were greeted and checked in by Paul and it was our best check-in process so far. Paul acknowledge both people in our party, made regular eye contact with both, was direct & informative without being brusque, gave the needed info without sounding like he was reading from a script and was the first person to acknowledge (and express appreciation) that we had any kind elite status. I really don't personally need every check-in to acknowledge my status (as long as I get the relevent perks
), but it's always nice, I'm sure.The young lady who checked us out was also very nice and friendly (for some reason, no one seemed to have name tags on.)
Our room was very clean , but public areas and elevators needed just a little sprucing. The room (all the same, I believe, aside from bedding) has a proper kitchen with full-size refrigerator, microwave, toaster, 2 electric burners (no oven) and all appropriate accoutrements like flatware, cooking vessels, etc. I assume this is Starwood's extended stay hotel.
The room decor was very nice and tasteful and the room was more spacious than a typical room. They also use organic products throughout the hotel and no disposable shampoo/conditioner bottles (wall dispenser instead), if that's important to you.
As an added value, the element also offers free wifi and a free continential breakfast, though the food there was hit or miss with some sad looking fruit. We had no trouble making due, though, just don't expect anything above the standard Holiday Inn Express-style breakfast.
I believe that the gym is also free and open 24 hours. There's a pool, too, but we didn't check it out.
The only negatives were that the fridge would cycle and make a tapping noise that was akin to someone lightly tapping on the door with a key, not ideal for light sleepers, but really didn't bother us once we figured out what it was, and, despite the DND magnet on the door, housekeeping knocked at 10:30 a.m. They apologized and were quickly gone, but I never understand why they do it. It wasn't even close to the noon check out. Luckily, we were already awake.
All in all, I would definitely stay at this hotel and, most likely, other elements as well. Very satisfied with our visit.
What's funny, is this hotel is connected to the Aloft Arundel Mills, a somewhat less impressive property on a few levels, that being decor, atmosphere, value, etc. The fact that the element room seemed more like a loft room to us, only makes it odder.
Last edited by ttrltb; Oct 6, 2009 at 8:11 pm
Mar 1, 2010, 6:58 pm
#2
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: EWR
Posts: 245
Staying here now. Checked in and asked for Platinum Upgrade. Was told "No upgrades available". Went to my Standard King Room to find filthy bathroom with sticky stuff on floor, messed up bed, etc. I asked for another room and received another Standard King. Much better, but no soap in the bathroom (which I'm waiting for now).
I just checked on spg.com to see if there are upgraded rooms for sale, and *surprise*! There are! Several types!
1 King+1 Single Sofa Bed
One Bedroom Space Non-smoking, Heavenly Bed And Spa Shower, Full Hot Breakfast, Full Kitchen, Ergonomic Desk With Jack Pack
1 King+1 Single Sofa Bed
Executive Space-non Smoking, Heavenly Bed And Spa Shower, Full Hot Breakfast, Full Kitchen, Ergonomic Desk With Jack Pack
2 Queen Beds
Studio Non-smoking, Heavenly Bed And Spa Shower, Full Hot Breakfast, Full Kitchen, Ergonomic Desk With Jack Pack
I called platinum concierge to ask why I wasn't upgraded. She checked with hotel and was told that the hotels system is not "in sync" with spg.com, and there are no other rooms available.
Should I believe this?
I just checked on spg.com to see if there are upgraded rooms for sale, and *surprise*! There are! Several types!
1 King+1 Single Sofa Bed
One Bedroom Space Non-smoking, Heavenly Bed And Spa Shower, Full Hot Breakfast, Full Kitchen, Ergonomic Desk With Jack Pack
1 King+1 Single Sofa Bed
Executive Space-non Smoking, Heavenly Bed And Spa Shower, Full Hot Breakfast, Full Kitchen, Ergonomic Desk With Jack Pack
2 Queen Beds
Studio Non-smoking, Heavenly Bed And Spa Shower, Full Hot Breakfast, Full Kitchen, Ergonomic Desk With Jack Pack
I called platinum concierge to ask why I wasn't upgraded. She checked with hotel and was told that the hotels system is not "in sync" with spg.com, and there are no other rooms available.
Should I believe this?
Mar 1, 2010, 7:12 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: MD
Posts: 384
from the SPG Terms & Conditions:
4C.5. In addition to all the benefits of Gold Preferred Guest Membership, Platinum Preferred Guests also receive the following benefits:
a. Upgrades to the best room at Participating Properties at time of check-in, based upon room availability for your entire stay, including Select Standard Suites, except at Aloft and Element properties...
4C.5. In addition to all the benefits of Gold Preferred Guest Membership, Platinum Preferred Guests also receive the following benefits:
a. Upgrades to the best room at Participating Properties at time of check-in, based upon room availability for your entire stay, including Select Standard Suites, except at Aloft and Element properties...
Dec 26, 2010, 10:02 pm
#4
Join Date: Jan 2008
Programs: AA Plat , SPG Plat/Lifetime Gold, HiltonHonors, United Milage Plus
Posts: 49
Stayed at the element Arundel Mills on Christmas day after visiting family, and I have to say, it was a bit of a let down compared to my stay at the element Ewing. While the element Ewing was everything I think *wood wants the element brand to be, the Arundel Mills version seemed like a hastily slapped together version that had some of the appearance, but little of the substance.
This element had very few of the eco-friendly touches of the Ewing hotel; no filtered water in the room (whatever you do, DON'T drink the tap water otherwise! It tastes like it's pumped directly from Baltimore Harbor!), and no dual flush toilet, to name two. There was no lotion in the room, and the soap was not the all natural element branded soap, but a scrawny bar of Dial facial soap, like you would get at a Comfort Inn. The pool is not a saline pool, and is shared with the adjoining aloft. One bonus when staying here-- you have access to the aloft's xyz bar, if that type of thing matters to you.
The original room we were given had a defective dishwasher-- it beeped loudly every thirty seconds. Tried calling the front desk, only to receive busy signals several times in a row (odd in a near empty hotel on Christmas night). Went downstairs, asked to be moved to another room, and was no problem. New room was fine, but looked like it could stand a thorough cleaning.
Staff was friendly, and the free breakfast was okay (again, the breakfast at the Ewing property was so much better). I doubt I would stay here again if in the area.
This element had very few of the eco-friendly touches of the Ewing hotel; no filtered water in the room (whatever you do, DON'T drink the tap water otherwise! It tastes like it's pumped directly from Baltimore Harbor!), and no dual flush toilet, to name two. There was no lotion in the room, and the soap was not the all natural element branded soap, but a scrawny bar of Dial facial soap, like you would get at a Comfort Inn. The pool is not a saline pool, and is shared with the adjoining aloft. One bonus when staying here-- you have access to the aloft's xyz bar, if that type of thing matters to you.
The original room we were given had a defective dishwasher-- it beeped loudly every thirty seconds. Tried calling the front desk, only to receive busy signals several times in a row (odd in a near empty hotel on Christmas night). Went downstairs, asked to be moved to another room, and was no problem. New room was fine, but looked like it could stand a thorough cleaning.
Staff was friendly, and the free breakfast was okay (again, the breakfast at the Ewing property was so much better). I doubt I would stay here again if in the area.
Dec 27, 2010, 10:35 am
#5
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,737
Stayed at the element Arundel Mills on Christmas day after visiting family, and I have to say, it was a bit of a let down compared to my stay at the element Ewing. While the element Ewing was everything I think *wood wants the element brand to be, the Arundel Mills version seemed like a hastily slapped together version that had some of the appearance, but little of the substance.
This element had very few of the eco-friendly touches of the Ewing hotel; no filtered water in the room (whatever you do, DON'T drink the tap water otherwise! It tastes like it's pumped directly from Baltimore Harbor!), and no dual flush toilet, to name two. There was no lotion in the room, and the soap was not the all natural element branded soap, but a scrawny bar of Dial facial soap, like you would get at a Comfort Inn. The pool is not a saline pool, and is shared with the adjoining aloft. One bonus when staying here-- you have access to the aloft's xyz bar, if that type of thing matters to you.
The original room we were given had a defective dishwasher-- it beeped loudly every thirty seconds. Tried calling the front desk, only to receive busy signals several times in a row (odd in a near empty hotel on Christmas night). Went downstairs, asked to be moved to another room, and was no problem. New room was fine, but looked like it could stand a thorough cleaning.
Staff was friendly, and the free breakfast was okay (again, the breakfast at the Ewing property was so much better). I doubt I would stay here again if in the area.
This element had very few of the eco-friendly touches of the Ewing hotel; no filtered water in the room (whatever you do, DON'T drink the tap water otherwise! It tastes like it's pumped directly from Baltimore Harbor!), and no dual flush toilet, to name two. There was no lotion in the room, and the soap was not the all natural element branded soap, but a scrawny bar of Dial facial soap, like you would get at a Comfort Inn. The pool is not a saline pool, and is shared with the adjoining aloft. One bonus when staying here-- you have access to the aloft's xyz bar, if that type of thing matters to you.
The original room we were given had a defective dishwasher-- it beeped loudly every thirty seconds. Tried calling the front desk, only to receive busy signals several times in a row (odd in a near empty hotel on Christmas night). Went downstairs, asked to be moved to another room, and was no problem. New room was fine, but looked like it could stand a thorough cleaning.
Staff was friendly, and the free breakfast was okay (again, the breakfast at the Ewing property was so much better). I doubt I would stay here again if in the area.
The two button flush and the filtered water tap have come in newer Element hotels. One major problem has to be the full-sized refrigerators that cycle nonstop throughout the day, not only loud but has to suck up a lot of energy. Not all Elements have pools, this is unique to the Arundel Mills I think because it is attached to the Aloft hotel.
A positive is that for near the same price of the Aloft hotel you get a much larger room, larger gym, free breakfast, free light dinner monday-thursday and alcohol. Downside is that it seems both hotels have a hard time keeping hotel rooms clean. They also have a hard time responding to any problems brought forth by guests. The Westin near the airport seems to be the best starwood property in the city. The Sheraton can be had for 3,000 or 4,000 points per night next to the airport but you pay for what you get at that hotel.
Dec 27, 2010, 10:45 am
#6
Join Date: Jan 2008
Programs: AA Plat , SPG Plat/Lifetime Gold, HiltonHonors, United Milage Plus
Posts: 49
Mar 21, 2011, 7:18 am
#7
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: IAD
Programs: United 0, HH Gold
Posts: 2,827
I stayed here Saturday night and had an ok stay.
At check-in, I was given a studio suite when I clearly reserved a 1-bedroom. I had to come back downstairs to the front desk. I was asked to show my confirmation in order to get what I'd pay for. No apologies were offered, but a 1-bedroom was quickly found.
The room itself is small, but efficient and modern. The kitchen was well stocked and easy to use. The pull-out sofa was a bit of a mess, though. The mattress was nasty and there wasn't any bedding in the room to put on it. Also, just an FYI... the walls are very thin. We clearly heard the sounds of some folks next door enjoying themselves immensely. My wife cleared her throat a few times to remind them that we could hear.
The pool (shared with Aloft) was small, but has a lifeguard and was open from about 10 am to 10 pm. Over the weekend, it gets overrun by families. The workout room is great - lots of new equipment. The bar (also shared with Aloft) looked nice and busy as well.
Breakfast was standard, but well stocked, with a waffle maker, cereals, pastries, yogurt, fruit, bagels, breads (with a toaster), and some hot sandwiches (egg and cheese on wheat, sausage and cheese on biscuit, etc).
The area is nice, right by the mall. There's a Safeway grocery store right down the street, along with Chipotle, Baja Fresh, McD's, Panera, and more.
It's tough to find a good Starwood property that has suites, and this was (esp with the breakfast) is good for families. Embassy Suites and SpringHill (located next door) are nicer, but if you want your SPG points, this will do.
At check-in, I was given a studio suite when I clearly reserved a 1-bedroom. I had to come back downstairs to the front desk. I was asked to show my confirmation in order to get what I'd pay for. No apologies were offered, but a 1-bedroom was quickly found.
The room itself is small, but efficient and modern. The kitchen was well stocked and easy to use. The pull-out sofa was a bit of a mess, though. The mattress was nasty and there wasn't any bedding in the room to put on it. Also, just an FYI... the walls are very thin. We clearly heard the sounds of some folks next door enjoying themselves immensely. My wife cleared her throat a few times to remind them that we could hear.
The pool (shared with Aloft) was small, but has a lifeguard and was open from about 10 am to 10 pm. Over the weekend, it gets overrun by families. The workout room is great - lots of new equipment. The bar (also shared with Aloft) looked nice and busy as well.
Breakfast was standard, but well stocked, with a waffle maker, cereals, pastries, yogurt, fruit, bagels, breads (with a toaster), and some hot sandwiches (egg and cheese on wheat, sausage and cheese on biscuit, etc).
The area is nice, right by the mall. There's a Safeway grocery store right down the street, along with Chipotle, Baja Fresh, McD's, Panera, and more.
It's tough to find a good Starwood property that has suites, and this was (esp with the breakfast) is good for families. Embassy Suites and SpringHill (located next door) are nicer, but if you want your SPG points, this will do.
Mar 10, 2014, 8:34 pm
#9
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: ATL/TLV/SDF
Programs: AA EXP, UA LT Ag, Marriott LT Ti, Hyatt Glob, Avis PC, Busted-Knuckles Club Grand Poobah.
Posts: 2,590
As mentioned Element and Aloft are somehow exempt from the part about upgrading Gold/Plat and the amenity is only 250pts. Bah.
Never stayed at the attached Aloft, though.
Mar 11, 2014, 9:56 am
#10
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: all over
Posts: 1,968
Weekends have an interesting crowd, mostly casino go-ers. While we personally had no issues with noise it wouldn't surprise me if anyone did. there was a constant flow of guests in the elevator heading to hotel parties(per their conversations.)
In the morning I found the parking lot full of empty liquor bottles and beer cans. Property itself is typical Aloft/Element.
In the morning I found the parking lot full of empty liquor bottles and beer cans. Property itself is typical Aloft/Element.
Aug 3, 2014, 6:25 pm
#11
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: SBP
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Titanium, Marriott Lifetime Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 533
Just checked in a couple hours ago.
First time at an Element.
Decorated in about the same style as an Aloft which isn't really my favorite style hotel room. Second straight night at a Starwood where I didn't receive free in-room bottled water (Aloft Dulles last night). Hotel room is shower-only so for those that take baths that might matter.
Otherwise it's actually fairly decent. I stayed here since I've never stayed at Element and now I've stayed in every brand but W this year. I'm doing a DC trip with side trips to various minor league baseball stadiums. Hotel is quite a ways from DC (duh!) so I wouldn't suggest it for someone looking to Starwood hotel hop in the DC (there's an Aloft right next door so it could work if you're in Baltimore). The nowhere-near-DC location works okay for me since I'm driving all over Maryland/Virginia/Deleware anyways.
First time at an Element.
Decorated in about the same style as an Aloft which isn't really my favorite style hotel room. Second straight night at a Starwood where I didn't receive free in-room bottled water (Aloft Dulles last night). Hotel room is shower-only so for those that take baths that might matter.
Otherwise it's actually fairly decent. I stayed here since I've never stayed at Element and now I've stayed in every brand but W this year. I'm doing a DC trip with side trips to various minor league baseball stadiums. Hotel is quite a ways from DC (duh!) so I wouldn't suggest it for someone looking to Starwood hotel hop in the DC (there's an Aloft right next door so it could work if you're in Baltimore). The nowhere-near-DC location works okay for me since I'm driving all over Maryland/Virginia/Deleware anyways.
Jun 16, 2016, 9:04 pm
#12
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Boston, MA (BOS)
Programs: AA PLT Pro 2MM, DL Gold, UA Silver, Marriott Ambassador + LT Plat, COFC Venture X, HHonors Diamond
Posts: 5,587
Disappointing stay here. Seems several of the earlier Element locations like this one (and NY Times Square) are getting grimy and the cheap finishes aren't being well maintained.
Guest profile and behavior here is very different from other Elements I have stayed at. Property is falling apart, breakfast is a joke-concentrate juice, mostly cheap pastries served on paper plates not the vegetarian wraps and things I expect from the brand. I did not experience Relax (evening service) but I doubt I missed much.
Marriott/Starwood really needs to evaluate options for this property because it has gone severely downhill. Night and day from the new comped property in Doral.
Guest profile and behavior here is very different from other Elements I have stayed at. Property is falling apart, breakfast is a joke-concentrate juice, mostly cheap pastries served on paper plates not the vegetarian wraps and things I expect from the brand. I did not experience Relax (evening service) but I doubt I missed much.
Marriott/Starwood really needs to evaluate options for this property because it has gone severely downhill. Night and day from the new comped property in Doral.
Jun 16, 2016, 10:44 pm
#13
Join Date: May 2012
Location: SIN
Programs: JL GC | Marriott LT Silver | Global Entry | SQ Silver
Posts: 6,819
Disappointing stay here. Seems several of the earlier Element locations like this one (and NY Times Square) are getting grimy and the cheap finishes aren't being well maintained.
Guest profile and behavior here is very different from other Elements I have stayed at. Property is falling apart, breakfast is a joke-concentrate juice, mostly cheap pastries served on paper plates not the vegetarian wraps and things I expect from the brand. I did not experience Relax (evening service) but I doubt I missed much.
Marriott/Starwood really needs to evaluate options for this property because it has gone severely downhill. Night and day from the new comped property in Doral.
Guest profile and behavior here is very different from other Elements I have stayed at. Property is falling apart, breakfast is a joke-concentrate juice, mostly cheap pastries served on paper plates not the vegetarian wraps and things I expect from the brand. I did not experience Relax (evening service) but I doubt I missed much.
Marriott/Starwood really needs to evaluate options for this property because it has gone severely downhill. Night and day from the new comped property in Doral.
Jun 17, 2016, 10:36 pm
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 10,967
I have stayed at both the BWI/Arundel Mills Element and the Time Sq. Element last year.
I too was amazed at the maintenance issues the Arundel Mills Element had - from multiple light bulbs not working to terrible smell coming from the bathroom drain (the one outside the shower) to multiple washer/dryers out of service in the laundry room.
The Time Sq one seemed a little better but my dishwasher ended up leaking onto the floor.
The design, for example, the white walls, is definitely not smart for hotels. Hopefully Marriott will put some of its expertise in designing extended hotels into Element. It probably wants to keep this brand for the young crowd?
I too was amazed at the maintenance issues the Arundel Mills Element had - from multiple light bulbs not working to terrible smell coming from the bathroom drain (the one outside the shower) to multiple washer/dryers out of service in the laundry room.
The Time Sq one seemed a little better but my dishwasher ended up leaking onto the floor.
The design, for example, the white walls, is definitely not smart for hotels. Hopefully Marriott will put some of its expertise in designing extended hotels into Element. It probably wants to keep this brand for the young crowd?
Jul 5, 2017, 4:24 am
#15
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: India
Programs: Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, IHG Plat, HH Gold, Trident Plat, DL Diamond, AI Maharajah
Posts: 29,678
any recent stays here????
i have an early morning flight out of bwi in a few weeks & this is the cheapest property in the area that offers a free shuttle....
i have an early morning flight out of bwi in a few weeks & this is the cheapest property in the area that offers a free shuttle....