Your efforts to save the planet are much appreciated. You’ve made the sacrifice and switched to the harsh, yet environment-friendly fluorescent light bulbs, you use recycled toilet paper, and you have mastered the art of the one-minute shower. Living green has become more important in American households, and now it’s time to take it to the streets – and the sky. As airlines and government agencies work to better control their carbon footprint, the hotel industry has made green initiatives at some of the most popular tourist spots.
No longer must you make the choice between your comfort and your conscience while traveling. Sleep a little greener, thanks to Travel + Leisure’s top-five green hotels – four of the hotels are certified by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and the fifth is nearing its certification. The best part? They come with a “luxury” rating. Forget about tents in trees and log cabins with no heat. Patrons at these hotels are treated to posh luxury without leaving behind much of a carbon footprint.
Not sure where to spend your next vacation? Consider a trip to California, Montana, Vermont, Massachusetts or Oregon, and stay in one of these green hotels, recommended by T+L.
Venice Beach Eco Cottages, California: Themed solar-powered bungalows and certified Energy Star appliances make these cottages as green as can be.
The Lodge at Sun Ranch, Montana: It looks like the wilderness, but this 26,000-acre camp is high-class comfort. After a day of horseback riding, fishing or hiking, retreat to one of the green cabins, complete with organic cotton linens.
Stowe Mountain Lodge, Vermont: The golf-turned-ski-turned-golf again resort comes complete with eco-friendly toiletries and super-spacious cabins. The lodge is still under construction and won’t be finished for another five years, but travelers can still take advantage of the cabins and suites available.
Element Hotel, Massachusetts: Located in Lexington, Mass., this little business-travelers hotel is also a green-getaway for the nature-lover. The hotel offers free bike rentals and a solar-heated indoor pool.
The Nines, Oregon: T+L calls this hotel one of the ‘most luxurious environment-friendly’ properties in the country. Plan ahead before your next trip to Portland and rent out a room at this luxury eco-friendly hotels.
© Cheapflights Ltd Melanie Nayer
