STAMFORD, CONN.—Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced that it has completed the sale of Aloft and Element Lexington to Rockwood Capital for $36 million. As part of the agreement, the dual-hotel development in Lexington, Mass., will be managed under long-term license agreements by Paramount Hotel Group and continue to fly the Aloft and Element flags. In 2008, the Element Lexington was the first Starwood property to earn LEED Gold certification. The hotel has often been used as a working green laboratory by Starwood.
“This sale is consistent with Starwood’s asset-light strategy as we continue to seek opportunities to sell owned real estate at the right time to the right owners,” said Simon Turner, president of Global Development for Starwood. “Starwood completed over $500 million of hotel asset sales in 2012, and investor interest in the company’s other owned assets has increased markedly as hotel industry fundamentals and capital markets have continued to improve.”
“We are thrilled to be expanding our relationship with Starwood,” said Tony Larino, managing director and head of lodging at Rockwood Capital. “We view these properties as an excellent fit with our strategy to acquire strong income-producing properties in one of our key target markets on the east coast.”
Built by Starwood and opened in 2008, Aloft Lexington and Element Lexington share the same parcel of land at 727 Marrett Road, close to the 128 Mass Turnpike. Home to numerous technology businesses, Lexington offers a combination of historical sites, farm stands and greenhouses, as well as convenient access to Boston’s thriving business community and leisure attractions.
Aloft Lexington offers 136 guestrooms, indoor pool, w xyz smbar, fitness center and meeting space. Element Lexington features 123 guestrooms, fitness facility and meeting space. The two hotels share 297 parking spaces.
