Why Eco-Friendly Hotels Matter
As people become more conscious of the environmental impact of travelling, a growing number of travellers are addressing the climate crisis, recognising their environmental responsibility, and seeking out eco-friendly hotels. If you want to have a sustainable holiday, it’s important to consider the transport method, the right accommodation, as well as how the hotels are committed to sustainability.
This is where Eco Hotels are a great starting point. These hotels are committed to sustainability and the protection of the environment, focusing on meeting certain standards, such as the use of renewable energy sources, recycled materials, and sustainable construction. They also promote zero-waste and recycling methods, provide locally sourced or homegrown organic food in their restaurants, and support the local community and economy. These hotels are not only great for our planet, but they also provide us with a unique experience.
Defining an Eco-Friendly Hotel
Hotels can have a major impact on the environment throughout their lifecycle. An eco-friendly hotel, often called a green or sustainable hotel, is an accommodation establishment that aims to make significant improvements and efforts to reduce its environmental impact. These hotels implement a variety of practices, such as conservation of resources, waste reduction, and local community support.
As countries and businesses pledge to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, effective and sustainable management of hotels will be crucial in reaching these targets. Following a certification process, hotels can pinpoint and adopt strategies to improve their sustainability performance across various criteria.
The criteria for a hotel to be classified as eco-friendly includes the use of renewable energy, water conservation, waste reduction, the use of sustainable construction materials, products, and locally sourced food, preservation of green spaces, natural habitats and local wildlife, as well as sustainable practices such as ethical fair wages and community engagement. By adhering to these criteria, eco-friendly hotels not only reduce their environmental footprint but also offer guests a chance to enjoy a more sustainable and enriching travel experience.
These hotels must be certified by an independent third party, and each country has different certifications that are specified to their own environmental regulations and tourism industry. Some examples of the most well-known and recognised sustainability certifications include the European Ecolabel, Green Key, and Travelife.
Why Are Hotels Going Green?
Hotels are adopting green practices to meet consumer demands, reduce operational costs, and by implementing these practices, they are fulfilling their corporate social responsibility. This helps them stand out from other hotels by providing healthier environments for staff and guests, while remaining relevant and successful in an increasingly competitive and eco-conscious world.
How to Recognise an Eco-Hotel?
There are ways to recognise a sustainable hotel: check if they have a sustainable certification and report. Many companies issue certifications for eco-hotels. Also, pay attention to the finer details. Does the hotel provide single-use plastic bottles of water? Do they use refillable toiletries? Do they have a bike rental scheme for guests? Sustainable hotels are committed to reducing plastic and water waste, using renewable energy, and helping to reduce their carbon footprint.
So, if you’re looking for the perfect place for relaxation, a city adventure, and unforgettable experiences while protecting the planet, here are some places in Europe that have everything you need.
FEELVIANA
Location | Viana, Portugal
Nightly Rate | approx. € 230+
https://feelviana.com/en/home
Feel alive at FeelViana, the ideal destination for those seeking a sustainable hotel. Situated in northern Portugal with stunning beach views, it serves as the perfect retreat for a nature escape. Constructed with sustainable materials and holding an Ecolabel certification, this hotel offers a wide range of outdoor experiences, including spa services and yoga classes. Whether you're travelling with family, friends, or a partner, FeelViana promises an unforgettable retreat.
ANDANTE HOTEL
Nightly Rate | approx. € 200+
https://www.andantehotel.com/en
Location | Barcelona, Spain
If you’re looking for a city adventure, the Andante Hotel is the right choice for you. Situated in the lively Ciutat Vella district, close to Las Ramblas, this hotel is perfect for those seeking leisure or a business trip. This hotel offers a unique sustainable city experience, from the construction built with sustainable materials, LED lighting, electric car charging points, to bicycle rental. Don’t forget to check out the hotel’s plunge pool on the rooftop with panoramic views of the city.
LA GRÉE DES LANDES
Location | Cournon, France
https://www.lagreedeslandes.com/en/
Nightly Rate | approx. € 300+
Another recipient of the European Ecolabel award, La Grée des Landes offers the perfect retreat to rejuvenate and nourish your mind and body. Nestled in the serene Brittany countryside, this hotel invites you to embrace a slow-living lifestyle in harmony with nature.
With organic bedding and recycled water, this hotel excels in sustainability. It even has its own organic farm, supplying most of the fresh vegetables for its on-site restaurant. Surrounded by nature, La Grée des Landes promotes the biodiversity of the local habitats and wildlife, caring for both the environment and your wellbeing.
LULU GULDSMEDEN
Nightly Rate | approx. € 175+
https://guldsmedenhotels.com/lulu-guldsmeden/
Location | Berlin, Germany
If you’re seeking a city break that doesn't compromise on cosiness and comfort, Lulu Guldsmeden has what you need.
This hotel exemplifies the perfect blend of elegance and eco-friendly contemporary design. Featuring a boho style with loft and four-poster beds, high-quality eco-friendly materials, and even a room with a swing for those travelling with children, Lulu Guldsmeden ensures a unique and delightful stay.
Committed to environmental sustainability, the hotel offers cuisine and drinks made entirely from organic ingredients and provides bike rentals to ensure your Berlin adventure is exceptional. Plus, pets are welcome!
CASCIONI
Nightly Rate | approx. € 500+
https://www.cascioni.com/en/
Location | Sardinia, Italy
Located on the north coast of Sardinia, in a geographic area known for its longer life expectancy, called the "Blue Zone," you'll find the Cascioni Eco Retreat, surrounded by sea and mountains. This retreat offers a back-to-wilderness escape where slow living has healing powers. Ecolabel certified, the hotel features a chemical-free beauty line and delicious organic homegrown food, complemented by an extensive choice of wines from the cellar. Guests can enjoy a range of nature activities, from "garden to pot" cooking classes to kayak rentals or electric car rentals.
What makes Cascioni truly special is its commitment to ecosystem protection and biodiversity. Guests have the opportunity to adopt an olive tree, explore the extensive cork forest, and admire over 3,000 planted olive trees.
Immerse yourself in Sardinia’s stunning natural beauty and discover the magic of this extraordinary eco-friendly sanctuary.
THE JULY - BOAT & CO
Location | Amsterdam, Netherlands
Nightly Rate | approx. € 155+
https://www.thejuly.com/
The July - Boat & Co is an apartment hotel located in the Houthaven neighbourhood of Amsterdam, the city's first 100% climate-neutral area. Eco-friendly to its core, Boat & Co is inspired by nature in both construction and design materials, embracing a 'think forever' philosophy. It utilises a thermal energy storage system for sustainable heating and cooling, solar panels for renewable energy, and a swill tank to convert organic waste into compost, biodiesel, and biogas. The hotel also features numerous nesting boxes for birds and bees and sources food locally for its restaurant to reduce emissions and its carbon footprint. Boat & Co is an apartment hotel with a mission and is well worth a visit!
LINDEBORGS ECO RETREAT
Location | Vrena, Sweden
Nightly Rate | approx. € 200+
https://www.lindeborgs.com/
Lindeborgs is a master of sustainability, providing a carbon dioxide-negative retreat with a farm-to-table kitchen and a natural swimming pond on the property. Surrounded by forests, meadows, fields, and lakes, Lindeborgs offers a unique climate-positive experience. Its eco-friendly orientation and Nordic design make this place truly special. The farm has animals and produces organic vegetables, eggs, and honey in season. The accommodations and farm structures are made entirely from natural and sustainable materials. Far from city life, Lindeborgs immerses you in nature like no other.
Elevate Your Travel Experience with Eco-Friendly Hotels
Eco-friendly hotels are an essential part of the sustainability movement, striving to create a balance between providing comfortable accommodations and protecting the environment. By adopting green practices, these hotels contribute to a more sustainable future while offering guests an opportunity to engage in environmentally responsible travel, creating a unique atmosphere for relaxation, adventure, and unforgettable memories. So, why not take your sustainable travel to the next level?
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