Everyone knows that Portland is an ideal destination for the perfect green vacation. A visit here combines the best of organic dining, responsible community operations, expansive greenspaces, and a plethora of natural attractions that makes for an eco-traveler’s dream. Of course, green lodging is an important component of that ideal vacation, too.
Green hotels are a phenomenon that’s only expanding across the nation, as more and more hotels recognize how important sustainability initiatives are to individuals, to communities, and to the world. For a hotel to be truly green, there are a few basic practices that it needs to adopt: reduction of wastewater and electricity (typically through things like doing less laundry, using energy efficient appliances and light bulbs, and/or reduced water-usage toilets); use of sustainable building practices in new construction or renovations; and serving organic and/or locally sourced food in their dining venues.
Fortunately for the Portland-bound, there are many green hotels in this fine destination for you to choose from. From big-name chain hotels to stellar independent hotels, there are plenty of options that offer you the peace of mind that an eco-conscious hotel choice can bring.
Courtyard Portland City Center
Also part of the broader Marriott family, Courtyard Portland City Center was actually the first hotel in the Pacific Northwest to be certified to LEED Gold standards. They encourage guests to reuse linens and towels, offer in-room recycling options and eco-friendly products, have reduced their energy use, and even compost as much as possible.
Crowne Plaza Portland
Sustainability is incredibly important to this hotel chain, which has worked to significantly reduce their carbon footprint in recent years through participation in IHG’s Green Engage Program. Key efforts include hotel-wide recycling and kitchen composting, energy-efficient heating and cooling, use of energy-efficient appliances throughout the hotel, donation of uneaten food to shelters, and much more.
Doubletree by Hilton Portland Hotel
This hotel continues to win recognition for its significant green endeavors, including extensive water conservation, eco-friendly housekeeping, and minimizing waste. Dining options highlight fresh, sustainable local food. They even offer a carbon calculator for guests to figure out how to offset the carbon generated by their journeys!
Hilton Portland and Executive Tower
The location of this hotel can’t be beat when it comes to encouraging eco-friendly travels – it’s close to many top attractions, parks, and public transit. They’ve consistently gotten a high rating from I Stay Green for their reduction in water waste, use of environmentally responsible cleaning products, and decrease in energy usage.
Hotel Eastlund
A popular boutique option in the bustling Eastside of downtown Portland, Hotel Eastlund is often recognized for their green efforts, including aspects like recycling, a move towards energy efficiency, and efforts to reduce water waste.
Kimpton Hotel Vintage Portland
Another member of the Kimpton family of boutique hotels, they offer incentives to guests who opt not to change out linens and towels on a daily basis, as well as to guests with hybrid vehicles. They also reduce energy usage through efficient bulbs and appliances, offer fewer printed materials to reduce paper waste, and even serve organic coffee.
Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel
One of the best hotels in Portland, RiverPlace offers the best for eco-travelers. With the hotel, you’ll find extensive recycling operations, reduction of waste, and energy efficient appliances. Just steps outside the hotel, there are plenty of cycling trails, parks, and the waterfront to allow guests to maximize their green vacation time.
The Nines, Portland
The popular green program at this hotel is a multifaceted approach to sustainability. They conserve toiletries by featuring pumps instead of individual bottles, encourage reduced laundry by offering incentives to customers who reuse towels and linens, and endorse the best in green construction by being LEED Silver certified.
Residence Inn Portland Downtown / Pearl District
This newer hotel is LEED certified, so you know it’s green from the ground up. Recent innovations have reduced water usage, energy waste, and their carbon footprint. Their restaurant even offers locally sourced food and locally crafted beer and wine.
River’s Edge Hotel & Spa
This waterfront option combines an environmentally friendly outlook with a convenient location for nature-loving travelers. Their approach to sustainability has earned them a lot of recognition for minimizing water waste, using less energy, and reducing their carbon footprint. The building is also LEED Silver certified, and was the first hotel in Oregon to earn that designation.