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Travel+Leisure magazine just put together its guide to 20 green hotels. A cool idea, but only one of these locations are in the US!
That one hotel's Devil's Thumb Ranch in Colorado, with its 16 airy timber cabins -- heated and cooled with fireplaces fueled by sustainable local wood and geothermal energy -- and its abundance of wildlife habitat.
But chances are -- If you're traveling, you're not jet-setting off to the Bahamas or Sri Lanka or Kenya. You're likely flying to another city in the US. So -- Here's how to locate a green hotel in the US destination of your choice:
Search for Energy STAR labeled hotels, which use energy more efficiently than comparable buildings. The list isn't too long yet, but you might find one in the location you're visiting.
LEED certification -- meaning Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System -- is another great label to designate green buildings.
However, only one hotel's earned that label so far: the Gaia Napa Valley in California. The hotel sounds perfect: Jen raves about her stay at this affordable and green hotel in ReadyMade Blog. Margaret posted an interview with John Manderfeld, President of Marin Management, which provides support services for Gaia Napa on The Lazy Environmentalist. And Jen Leo notes the hotel's special wine and romance packages on LA Times' Daily Travel & Deal Blog.
Hopefully more hotel's will be LEED certified soon. The Proximity Hotel in North Carolina may soon join that short list.
If you're in Vermont, check out its green hotels program to find a list of enviro-friendly hotels. In California, try the California Green Lodging program, and opt for those hotels awarded 2 palm trees.
As for hotel chains that have gone green: Kimpton Hotels have made all sorts of eco-friendly changes. I visited Kimpton's Hotel Triton a while ago, and loved everything from the waste-free shampoo dispensers to the recycled CD door tags!
In Chicago, Hilton Hotel's experimenting with a few green rooms. Try it out, and let us know what your experience is like.
Can't find a green hotel? Then use these tips to green your own visit.
BlogHer Contributing Editor Siel also blogs for the Los Angeles Times at Emerald City, and at greenLAgirl.com.
