The eco-friendly lifestyle is catching on like an epidemic – and it’s probably the healthiest epidemic in the history of human kind. Economic light bulbs, self-sustainable living, and transportation options with zero carbon footprints are all the rage. But what about traveling? How does one go about selecting a ‘home away from home’ that abides by the same nature-loving principles? Simple: check out the ten gorgeous eco-friendly hotels in the United States on our list below. They care about the environment just as much as you do!
10. The Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur – California
This amazingly beautiful SoCal hotel has a Platinum level GreenLeaders title, which means you’d be hard-pressed to find a location that’s more environmentally friendly. Visitors describe it as ‘almost paradise’ and in 2013 the Inn received a well-deserved Certificate of Excellence. It’s got a superb swimming pool and a fitness center and the views are amazing. The inn sits atop a cliff with an ocean vista and you can even stay in a tree house!
09. Viceroy Miami – Florida
A winner of the 2013 Certificate of Excellence and certified Bronze level by GreenLeaders, this Miami hotel is part of an amazingly designed Residential Complex, with which it shares a 75-meter long pool, with an 120 meter pool deck. Its state-of-the-art gym is 500 square meters in total and the restaurant and snack bar are to die for, according to visitor reviews. Pro tip: make sure you choose a room on one of the higher levels, as lower ones tend to be a bit suffocated by the noise of traffic.
08. Bardessono, Napa – Yountville, California
This Napa Valley hotel is the best in the area and was selected as a 2014 Travelers’ Choice Winner by popular review website TripAdvisor, in three distinct categories: Luxury, Romance, and Top Hotels. If you choose to stay here, you’re definitely going to love the spectacular magnolia yard, as well as the view the location boasts. Pro tip: definitely borrow one of the Lexus vehicles on the premises – or, better yet, one of the bikes, and go out on a trip to explore Napa Valley. Don’t forget to sample some of the local wines, too!
07. Hotel Terra, Jackson Hole – Wyoming
Those of you who are on the market for a truly luxurious and ‘green’ skiing experience will definitely love Hotel Terra. It’s one of the best loved accommodations in the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort – and it’s no wonder, considering its perfect location, right at the bottom of the slopes. The famous aerial tram of the resort is a 50 yard walk away from the hotel. The suites at what has been named one of the most beautiful eco-friendly hotels in the United States come complete with all the amenities: two bathrooms, balconies, kitchens, the works. Check out the Gondola and take the little ones to the Kids’ Ranch while there!
06. WildSpring Guest Habitat, Port Orford – Oregon
Want to find a great ‘base camp’, from which you can freely explore the southern California coast? Then this hotel should be at the top of your list of options. The Jedidiah Smith State Park with its famous redwood forests is also close by, and there’s no other area in the state that provides a more spectacular biking and/or hiking experience. You can hike to the top of Humbug Mountain, or simply lounge in the outdoor Jacuzzis. The sea scape is magical, the forest cabins look like they’ve been taken out of J.R.R. Tolkien’s sagas, and sometimes you can even spot grey whales in the ocean below!
05. The Springs Resort & Spa, Pagosa Springs – Colorado
Heading down to Southwest America? Then make sure you end your trip in Pagosa Springs, at The Springs Resort & Spa. There are no fewer than twenty-three hot springs to relax in close by and the hotel itself is spectacular. It has recently undergone a massive remodel, with a luxury suite added in the process. Hiking fans will be glad to learn there are also plenty of trails to enjoy around the hotel and reviewers online say this resort is a great choice for couples.
04. Hotel Palomar, Philadelphia – Pennsylvania
You can tell this is a Kimple hotel from the moment you walk in through the door. It’s quite a challenge to find a well-maintained, eco-friendly hotel right in the middle of a city as bustling as Philadelphia. However, the Palomar is most definitely it. Yoga lovers will be glad to know every room comes with a mat – but there are plenty of other amenities too (an ironing board, umbrella, bathrobes, plenty of storage room, etc.). This hotel definitely has a lot of charm, quirk, and personality, and it seems that the breakfast is particularly good and affordable, according to reviewers!
03. Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm, Albuquerque – New Mexico
Once you try out Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm, it’s going to be tough to match the experience. The rooms are ample and clean, the staff is friendly, and the location is incredibly quiet, but that’s not even half the charm this hotel provides. It’s got a peacock named Albert on the premises, adorable geese and goslings, wetlands, a lavender farm, plenty of plantations, and ample yards to enjoy in the evening. The gardens look particularly beautiful in spring and this is definitely one of the most beautiful eco-friendly hotels in the United States that you’re going to want your whole family to visit.
02. Distrikt Hotel, New York City – New York
Anyone who’s ever been to New York City knows how difficult it is to find a hotel that’s got both a great location, as well as proper sleeping conditions, in terms of peace and quiet. The Distrikt Hotel has got all that, and a bag of chips! It’s situated only a few blocks away from Times Square and the small number of rooms per level keeps things private and cozy. The service is particularly good and it’s a great choice for couples traveling together. It’s got a bar, a restaurant, and even its own parking lot – not to mention the airport-grade windows that keep the sound of Broadway where it belongs: out in the street.
01. Hyatt at Olive 8, Seattle – Washington
Close to Pikes Pear and all the major sporting arenas in Seattle, this hotel is famous for its amazing pool, but also for its great food. It’s got valet parking, lots of shopping venues in the area and Westlake station is close by, if you want to do some urban exploration. Most attractions are a 15-minute walk away, there’s a spectacular gym on the premises, and most rooms have got window walls, plus ozone machines. In spite of the ample window real estate, which makes for great views, the hotel is quiet and can surely provide a good night’s sleep, as all Hyatt Hotels do.
Know of any other beautiful eco-friendly hotels in the United States that we missed? Don’t hesitate to let us know in a comment, we always love getting your suggestions.
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