Top Ten Green Hotels in the United States, 2010

Updated February 12, 2020 | Infoplease Staff

With the growing interest in adopting an environmentally friendly lifestyle, new businesses are popping up to meet the needs of those "going green." The sustainable tourism industry is one example, satisfying the high demand for eco-friendly hotels. GUYOT.com compiled this list of hotels committed to environmentalism. Many of these hotels boast LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) credentials, which is an internationally recognized green building certification system, providing third-party verification that a building was designed and built using environmentally sound strategies.

Bardessono
Yountville, Calif.
Salvaged stone and reclaimed wood were used in the construction of this leader in sustainable practices, which also boasts an underground geothermal system for heat and energy. One of the few LEED-certified platinum hotels in the world, Bardessono furthers that distinction by offering a truly luxurious experience in the heart of Napa Valley.
Orchard Garden Hotel
San Francisco, Calif.
This LEED-certified boutique hotel is the sister property of the Orchard Hotel and stands green and proud. Inviting earth-toned rooms come with all-natural fabrics, ergonomically correct mattresses, feather pillows and 100 percent combed cotton bedding. Rooms have been constructed with low emission paint and carpet, and the hotel utilizes chemical-free cleaning solutions and organic bath products.
Hotel Allegro
Chicago, Ill.
Hotel Allegro is part of Kimpton's EarthCare program, promoting a sustainable planet. This downtown Chicago hotel features towel reuse, water recycling and non-toxic cleaning agents. All materials are printed with soy-based ink on recycled paper, and energy-efficient light bulbs are used. Indulge in a complimentary cup of organic, fair trade coffee in the lobby before heading out to the Chicago theatre scene or the shopping on the Magnificent Mile.
Hotel Green
Nantucket, Mass.
Celebrated shoe designer and hotelier Vanessa Noel's Hotel Green is Nantucket Island's first environmentally conscious organic luxury hotel. It boasts nine individually decorated rooms and one two-bedroom suite incorporating high-end environmentally friendly and sustainable products. Frank-Gehry-designed recycled cardboard chairs and coffee tables sit on Gaiam hemp area rugs, which are complemented by natural bamboo window shades. You'll also find hemp bathrobes and towels in your room as well as a selection of organic beverages and snacks.
Mandarin Oriental
Las Vegas, Nev.
Although most travelers do not consider Las Vegas to be an eco-minded city, this Mandarin Oriental property (located in the new CityCenter building) utilizes some fascinating techniques to achieve its gold certification from LEED. The light-colored faí§ade and rooftops deflect intense desert sunlight to cut air conditioning use, while floor-to-ceiling windows in the rooms add to energy efficiency by utilizing an abundance of natural light. This being a non-gaming hotel, guests can enjoy a stay in the desert without worrying about losing any money to the casinos.
El Monte Sagrado
Taos, N.M.
Surrounded by mountains and high desert country, El Monte Sagrado takes water conservation seriously, collecting rain water to reuse for watering the lawn and recycling waste water through a filtration system that does not use chlorine. Additionally, some 60 percent of this eco-resort is geo-thermally heated and cooled.
70 Park Avenue Hotel
Manhattan, N.Y.
Another Kimpton property committed to sustainable practices, this boutique hotel uses non-intrusive, high quality, eco-friendly products and services, including in-room recycling bins and non-toxic cleaners.
Hyatt at Olive 8
Seattle, Wash.
The Hyatt at Olive 8 is the first LEED-certified hotel in the eco-conscious city of Seattle. The property features 346 guest rooms and is known for their green elements throughout. The on-site spa only uses the highest quality products made with organic and natural ingredients. Aside from the spa, there is a fitness center that allows guests to take part in any of the yoga or Pilates classes that are offered daily, as well as a restaurant that only works with farmers across Washington and the Pacific Northwest dedicated to sustainable growing techniques.
The Fairmont
Washington, D.C.
Did you know that if you park your hybrid car at this hotel in Washington's fashionable West End, you'll receive a free dessert? In addition to sweets, this hotel has a green procurement program, including the reduction of pre-packaging, ensuring that supplies, equipment, fixtures and furniture are environmentally sensitive. The hotel also donates soaps, amenities and food from buffet lines to shelters and soup kitchens.
Hotel Terra
Jackson Hole, Wyo.
The first in a collection of green hotels launched by the Terra Resort Group, Hotel Terra is on course to receive LEED certification. Furnishings include natural latex mattresses encased in unbleached cotton, and the beds have recycled steel springs. All room amenities including the desktops, wastebaskets and hangers are made with renewable bamboo, and there are organic bathroom products in refillable, recycled-glass containers.