Best Eco Hotel Chains

Not long ago, people who wanted to stay in an environmentally friendly hotel had to find their sleeping spot in an obscure, out of the way inns. Or else they would simply have to pitch a tent. Over the past decade or so, modern boutique-style hotels have incorporated eco-friendly features into their design. CFL bulbs and low-flow faucets have become the norm, not only for these hip, independent hotels, but for most major chain hotels as well. Every major worldwide brand, even those operated by hotel giants like Marriot to Hilton, has a green policy. Sometimes this doesn’t actually go beyond energy efficient bulbs and recycling bins. But some major hotel chains have done enough to impress even the staunchest environmentalists.

Here are some of the major names in the hotel game who have put their green plans into action.

Hilton

This major hotel chain has launched the LightStay program. LightStay analyzes the brand’s properties around the world, looking for ways to reduce electricity and water consumption, as well as lessen carbon emissions and waste outputs. This could mean anything from recycling and composting waste to adopting non-toxic cleaners. Hilton’s efforts are similar to those of other hotel chains. Some people criticize them for not doing enough. However, Hilton has properties all over the globe. Over 3,500 of them will be following the guidelines of the LightStay program by the end of next year.

Marriot

Marriot has done the most of any major hotel chain when it comes to making their properties more eco-friendly. They have publicized their efforts more heavily as well. As a result, more travelers know about Marriot’s green ambitions than most other major hotel chains. Marriot hotels (Courtyard, Doubletree and Renaissance are a few franchises that are under the Marriot umbrella) do well with the eco-friendly basics: non-toxic cleaners, water use reduction, and reduced energy input and waste output. The hotel has also adopted green building practices for new hotels and renovation projects. Marriot is heavily involved in conservation efforts and supports organizations that help save the Amazon rain forest from logging and farming. They also lend financial support to organizations like Conservation International. At least one of the Marriot brands, Doubletree, is involved in grassroots environmental education programs that help local youth learn about living a more earth-friendly lifestyle.

Elements and Aloft

Starwoods Hotels owns two eco-friendly brands: Elements and Aloft. Elements Hotels are relatively new to the hospitality game. The hotel prototype was designed to meet LEED standards (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). LEED is the most sought after green building certification in the world. Starwoods has a plan to reduce its water and energy consumption at every one of its properties by 30% over the next 10 years. Aloft, another hotel brand developed by Starwoods, also has an impressive list of earth-friendly features. Their “See Green” program actually goes beyond the hotels themselves, encouraging and facilitating eco-friendly travel practices.

Kimpton hotels

Kimpton runs the EarthCare program. This program focuses on several aspects of Kimpton properties. On-site restaurants are asked to use sustainable foods that are grown locally and are organic whenever possible. The hotels also have recycling and energy consumption initiatives.

Best Western

Even low-end hotels are joining the eco-inn revolution. Best Western, arguably the most popular low-cost chain North America, if not the world, has an extensive green program. Best Western is partnered with the US EPA’s Energy Star program to make their properties more energy efficient. Recycling and composting are the norm at many of these hotels.

Choosing to patronize mainstream businesses often means ignoring your environmental conscience. However, when it comes to hotels, mainstream brands can be a good choice. In the hospitality industry, at least, it seems that green is becoming the norm. Or, at the very least, the hotel industry seems to be paying more attention to the environment than other industries.