Top 10 Green Hotels in DC

Posted on by Sacha Cohen

The fine folks over at RezHub.com have compiled a list of DC’s top green hotels based on a “Green Score” that uses criteria such as recycling, organic food offerings, water conservation, use of Energy Star appliances, non-toxic cleaning products, and more. Props to Kimpton for dominating the list:

1. The Hotel George – A Kimpton Hotel
Green Score: 19
Priced From: $168.75

2. Jurys Washington Hotel
Green Score: 18
Priced From: $235.00

3. Hotel Helix – A Kimpton Hotel
Green Score: 17
Priced From: $128.75

4. Hotel Madera – A Kimpton Hotel
Green Score: 17
Priced From: $98.75

5. Hotel Monaco DC – A Kimpton Hotel
Green Score: 17
Priced From: $168.75

6. Hotel Rouge – A Kimpton Hotel
Green Score: 17
Priced From: $138.75

7. The Fairmont Washington DC
Green Score: 17
Priced From: $189.00

8. Topaz Hotel – A Kimpton Hotel
Green Score: 17
Priced From: $128.75

9. Phoenix Park Hotel DC Capitol Hill
Green Score: 14
Priced From: $128.66

10. Hotel Palomar Washington DC – A Kimpton Hotel
Green Score: 13
Priced From: $158.75


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Fairmont+Lexus=Eco Luxury

Posted on by Sacha Cohen

Are luxury and green mutually exclusive? Not necessarily. Case in point: The new travel option from Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and Lexus. These two luxury brands have teamed up to unveil “Lexus Hybrid Living Suites” geared for eco-conscious visitors. The first one opened at The Fairmont San Francisco in April 2008, and now we have our very own at The Fairmont Washington, D.C.

You can kick back in a fab room, designed by L.A.’s Kelly LaPlante Organic Interior Design. The D.C. suite includes 100 percent recycled polyester drapes, bedding by Coyuchi Organic, salvaged birch tree installations, countertops made from 100 percent recycled concrete and glass, and eco-friendly paint. Then, when ready you’re ready to hit the town, you can do so in a complimentary Lexus LS 600h L, a low-emission luxury car.

And if that’s not enough, now through December 30, 2008, The Fairmont Washington, D.C. will make a $100 donation to The National Geographic Society with the purchase of each Eco Power package.

Meet Green at the Willard

Posted on by Sacha Cohen

Now you can be fancy, productive…and green. The Willard Green Meeting is an eco-conscious meeting space that offers sustainable food, beverages, supplies, amenities, team-building eco-opportunities, and vision breaks (nature-focused breaks–themes currently include the Eco Break, DC Experience, and Mount Vernon).

“As many organizations undertake numerous corporate social responsibility efforts, The Willard Green Meeting serves to reflect our clients’s objectives by helping to neutralize environmental footprints and enhance eco-consciousness,” said Hervé Houdré, General Manager.

The International Hotel & Restaurant Association recently awarded the Willard InterContinental with its Environmental Award for Hospitality Sustainability. Some of the hotels achievements include 100% wind energy to power hotel, 10% reduction in electricity consumption due to the use of compact fluorescent lights, conversion to green cleaning products, elimination of oil-based paints, 123 tons of recycled waste, 17 tons of composted organic waste and 100,000 gallons of water savings, among others. Here’s more on how to green your meetings.

Marriott Embraces Greener Practices

Posted on by Sacha Cohen

Bethesda-based hospitality giant Marriott International has just pledged $2 million to protect the Brazilian rain forest and promises that by the end of the year its guests will be able to offset greenhouse gas emissions from their hotel stays. According to the company’s press release, “Marriott is taking new steps to reduce the company’s water, waste and energy consumption; green its supply chain; build greener hotels; and engage employees and guests to take action.”

The company’s five-point strategy to reduce and offset its global environmental footprint, which it has calculated at 2.9 million metric tons of CO2 emissions annually includes carbon offsets, green buildings, recycling programs, and more.