Green Hotels in New York City

New York City is one of those places that people tend to overlook as a green destination. In fact, factors like its high population density work in its favor when to comes to being green, because it encourages more foot traffic and public transit use. Their signature greenspace – the expansive Central Park – is complemented by many smaller parks, bike trails, and even the popular eco-friendly High Line. Plus, the wealth of attractions within easy distance of one another makes for an environmentally responsible excursion any day!

Of course, it’s important to add an eco-friendly hotel onto that green vacation to make for a perfect trip. Fortunately, NYC is one of the leaders when it comes to green lodging options. New hotel construction almost universally aspires to LEED certification, and practically everyone is trying to reduce his carbon footprint in a city that has an unsustainable history.

However, not all green hotels are created equal. In addition to striving for accolades like LEED certification, hotels should work hard to reduce, reuse, and recycle – just like the old kids’ saying.  Use of energy efficient appliances, eco-friendly cleaning products, and even the use of recycled wood in the rooms can all make a huge difference. It’s also important to offer sustainable dining options, including organic, free-range, and locally sourced food.

If you’re looking for green hotels in New York City, check out an option or two from this list as you make your plans!

The Benjamin

A longtime devotee to sustainable practices in NYC, the Benjamin works hard to minimize water waste, reduce energy usage, recycle as much as possible, and feature local, organic food. They also donate soap products Clean the World, which recycles partially used toiletries and donates them to children in need. The Benjamin has even won a coveted Five-Globe certification from ECOTEL.

Conrad New York

Located right near some delightful green spaces with great views of the Hudson River, Conrad New York offers eco-friendly accessibility to the city alongside environmentally conscious practices within the hotel such as recycling, reduced waste, and energy efficiency. They’ve achieved a Gold level Green Leader ranking on TripAdvisor, too.

Element Times Square

The green initiatives at this hotel encourage guests to be a part of their green efforts, too. There’s recycling and energy efficient appliances in each room, shampoo et al in dispensers instead of individual bottles, and glassware and silverware for room service rather than disposable options. Even the paint on the walls is organic and the carpet is made from recycled materials!

EVEN Hotel Times Square South

As part of the IHG Green Engage program, this EVEN Hotel works hard to reduce carbon emissions and water waste, operate with greater energy efficiency, and offer recycling initiatives across the hotel. Extra touches like eco-friendly bamboo sheets make all the difference! They even offer extensive vegan and vegetarian options on their dining menus.

Distrikt Hotel

This is big green hotel in New York City. With its convenient Times Square location, you can get everywhere easily without a big carbon footprint. The hotel offers recycling, promotes reusing of towel and linens, and even features eating utensils of recycled wood.  You’ll also find a living “green wall” in the lobby to promote oxygen production!

Intercontinental New York Barclay

Another IHG member, this hotel offers a lot when it comes to environmental responsibility. They operate with 100% wind energy through renewable energy certificates (RECs), recycle on site as much as possible, reduce energy and water waste, and even have a rooftop colony of bees.

Kimpton Ink 48

Dedicated to the environment like all Kimpton hotels, Ink 48 encourages the utmost in sustainability from its guests and its staff. They offer recycling bins in guest rooms and throughout the hotel, use water-conserving shower heads and toilets, energy efficient lighting, and of course, a linen and towel reuse program.

Loews Regency New York Hotel

This luxe Park Avenue destination is just as chic when it comes to being green. As part of their green policies, they encourage reuse of linens and towels, print materials with eco-friendly ink and paper, use energy efficient technologies in the rooms and in public spaces, recycle throughout the hotel, and even donate uneaten food to America’s Second Harvest.

Lotte New York Palace

With recent renovations, this hotel works hard to achieve sustainable goals with a range of green practices such as reducing electricity usage with energy efficient appliances, installing LED lighting, employing eco-friendly cleaning products, and offering organic and local cuisine in their restaurant. Most impressively, the building operates on 100% renewable energy!

The Westin New York Times Square

One of the few hotels in the city certified as green by the state’s green certification program, the Westin features everything from ubiquitous recycling bins to organic toiletries to composting in the kitchen. Even meetings held here have sustainable options!

 

 

 

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