In keeping with the AT August theme of Escapes, we've been extra sensitive when it comes to booking our travel arrangements.
While stumbling around online, looking for accommodations for an upcoming weekend excursion, we found Kimpton Hotels.
In all honesty, we were initially attracted by their evening wine hour and unique, beautiful rooms. It took some clicking to realize that the people at Kimpton aren't just plying their guests with free vino, they're also making a concerted effort to be environmentally responsible through their Kimpton EarthCare program.
Some of our favorite green features at Kimpton Hotels:
Cleaning Supplies: All rooms cleaned with environmentally friendly cleaning products. (This one might be our favorite.)
In-room designer recycling bins: Guests are encouraged to participate in reducing environmental impact. (We tried to think of the last time we saw a recycling bin in one of our hotel rooms, and couldn't!)
Water Conservation: Implementation and auditing of low flow systems for faucets, toilets, and showers.
As a bonus, Kimpton has locations all over the country and really reasonable rates. We just reserved a room in Northern California (with a AAA discount) for $89 plus tax.
Wyndham hotels have also adopted a "Superfoods" breakfast program focusing on the pairing of synergistic ingredients and banning trans-fats. Article here: http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=616&topicId=12552&docId=l:655769464&start=8&nid=3457
What no more continental breakfast? mmmm...stale croissants.
view art's profile
OOPs! Westin hotels, not Wyndham.
view art's profile
Choose your Kimpton property wisely... Some (like the Palomar, SF) have perfectly fine little rooms. But others (Hotel Monaco, SF and Hotel Triton, SF) have garishly-decorated, retina-burning design abominations for rooms. Guestrooms at the Monaco always remind of a bordello as realized by Disney's Imagineering team. The Triton has several *ugh* themed rooms: Red Hot Chili Peppers suite; Woody Harrelson "green" suite. [On the plus side, the Palomar, SF loan out yoga mats, bosu balls and fitness dvd's for in-room workouts.]
Next trip up to SF, check out the Joie de Vivre properties, especially the Hotel Adagio. Similar in concept to Kimpton, but a younger, smaller company with more current design aesthetics. [And I'm sure they've come up with some green marketing angle of their own, too.]
view Enrique's profile