Editor's Note: It's Earth Week on the blog! In honor of the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day, The Window Seat editors are blogging about our favorite ways to go green while globetrotting. Ask us your eco-questions, join in the green conversation, and help us celebrate Mother Earth.
Earth Day’s 40th anniversary is April 22, and many travelers are wondering how to green their hotel stays. Many hotels claim be “green” properties, but all hotels are not created equal when it comes to sustainability practices. That said, there are easy ways to green your hotel stay without paying more or giving up the pampering you deserve on a vacation.
Know the facts: You’re not alone in your quest to make your hotel stay more eco friendly. In fact, in a Travelocity poll, 59 percent of customers stated a green rating would influence their hotel selection. And that green rating translates into real dollars for hotels: In 2010, bookings for green hotels are 65 percent higher than their non-green counterparts.
Start by consulting Travelocity’s Green Hotel Directory: Travelocity’s Travel for Good program adheres to the guidelines set forth by the GSTC, or Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria. This baseline for sustainable practices was developed by The Tourism Sustainability Council, a global coalition of UN bodies, research and academic institutions, social and environmental NGOs, certification programs, and sustainable travel providers.
Pick your brand carefully: While most major global hotel chains are working hard to green their operations, there are a few brands that are really taking a leadership position. Kimpton has just announced that all of its 50 properties nationwide are working hard to achieve Green Seal certification at the silver level and they have a comprehensive EarthCare program.
Marriott is also emerging as a green travel leader. They launched the Spirit to Preserve program, which is committed to saving the rainforest and offsetting the emissions of a stay at their properties. Approximately 275 of their hotels have achieved the EnergyStar label and 50 Marriott-branded hotels in design, development or under construction are expected to achieve LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
Score a deal: This is easy. In celebration of Earth Day’s 40th anniversary, Travelocity is putting more than 40 green hotels on sale with up to 40 percent off room rates. Here are a few examples:
Whistler, British Columbia: Fairmont Chateau Whistler from $148 / nt – 35 percent off.
Orlando, Florida: Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa from $119/nt – 40 percent off.
Kauai, Hawaii: Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa from $320/nt – 43 percent off.
St. Lucia, U.S.V.I.: Marigot bay, St. Lucia from $258 / nt – 25 percent off.








Comments
Apr 21, 2010
How about greening your vacation by Taking the CAR out of your CARBON Footprint? You'll be rewarded with discounts on hotels and activities.
Check out http://www.SantaBarbaraCarFree.org.
Apr 21, 2010
I've one question, I've never been to a green hotel, are they costlier than the normal ones?
Please reply.
Thanks.
Apr 21, 2010
Great googly moogly! That's an AWESOME price for the Fairmont Chateau Whistler.
Apr 21, 2010
Those are really are some great deals! I just wish I was able to plan a trip right now :-(
Apr 21, 2010
Thanks For the Posting.....It really helps a lot........I am going to plan my trip with my family....I think its the best idea for me...!!!!
Thanks for the posting
Apr 21, 2010
Your steps to book an environment friendly hotel is really helpful for me as i am planning for a trip.
Apr 22, 2010
You know I have never thought about the environmental aspect of booking a hotel. I care about our world as much as anyone, but this is really something that I never thought about.
Apr 22, 2010
A big thumbs up to those hotels that are making an effort to become more environmentally friendly. In this day and age, I think it's becoming more and more of a part of the decision process.
Apr 22, 2010
Green hotels do not often cost more than regular hotels, in fact, they sometime can be cheaper. Hotels that invest in sustainable efforts reap the rewards in terms of energy and water saved, thus passing some of those savings onto the customers.
Apr 23, 2010
Often times simpler is greener. Happily usually simpler is cheaper too. Budget travel can be green travel. It is the most expensive and lavish hotels that are the most wasteful.
Apr 26, 2010
I recently came across your article and have been reading along. I want to express my admiration of your writing skill and ability to make readers read from the beginning to the end. I would like to read newer posts and to share my thoughts with you
May 08, 2010
I've never been to a green hotel, are they usually more expensive than the normal ones?