Sustainable travel, eco tourism—or eco travel: whichever you’d like—is expanding its reach to every facet of the industry. Popular tourist hotspots are upgrading their restaurants, excursion offerings, and their accommodations to comply with new ecological standards; thus, eco-friendly hotels are popping up just about everywhere. For many, this level of innovation has produced an elevated experience for each and every guest: not to mention, inspiration for competitors to step up their sustainability game. Going Green, as it were, does not mean you sacrifice style and comfort; these gorgeous properties are living proof that eco friendly travel offerings are permanently en vogue.
If you’re planning your next vacation to Los Angeles and looking for things to do in Los Angeles, (or stay-cation, for our local friends), then it’s time to put some serious consideration into where you’re staying. You know what’s awesome? No matter *where* you end up settling in Southern California : there are eco-friendly hotels in every corner of the county! Whether you’re looking for a sunny getaway on the beach, a quick-but-enjoyable business trip in bustling downtown, or a glamorous hideaway in the dazzling Hollywood Hills… youRhere (as always) has got you covered on where to stay.
Check out our top ten picks for eco-friendly hotels for the eco traveler in all of us.
The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles
PHOTO VIA THE RITZ CARLTON
Location: Downtown / LA Live
Aesthetic: Elegant & upscale; big-city glam
Eco Accolades: LEED Silver certification, energy-efficient windows, sustainable building materials, organic and sustainable offerings in the spa.
W Hollywood Hotel & Residences
PHOTO VIA W HOLLYWOOD
Location: Hollywood
Aesthetic: Swanky, and funky; Old Hollywood… modernized
Eco Accolades: Second-largest LEED-Silver-certified, energy- and water-conservation efforts, no harmful refrigerants or plastic foam used anywhere on the property.
Shore Hotel
PHOTO VIA SHORE HOTEL
Location: Santa Monica
Aesthetic: Beach modern; open concept with splashes of color
Eco Accolades: LEED Gold certified, Solar-heated swimming pool, complex water recycling system to reduce carbon emissions/laundry water usage by 80%, eco-friendly carpet, tables made from certified wood pieces.
Miyako Hybrid Hotel Torrance
PHOTO VIA MIYAKO HYBRID HOTEL TORRANCE
Location: Torrance (South Westside)
Aesthetic: Japanese influences; intricate patterns and contemporary style
Eco Accolades: LEED Silver certification, sustainable building material, solar power usage, energy-efficient lighting and water features.
Venice Beach Eco Cottages
PHOTO VIA ECO BNB
Location: Venice Beach
Aesthetic: Cozy & warm; slightly updated version of fairytale homes
Eco Accolades: Three solar-powered homes, water- and energy-efficiency, natural (and fragrance free) cleaning supplies, repurposed building material, organic linens/mattresses, donation of a portion of all profits to local charity.
Los Feliz Lodge
PHOTO VIA ECO BNB
Location: Loz Feliz
Aesthetic: Spanish-influenced casitas; quaint & trendy
Eco Accolades: Designed by a group of eco-conscious interior designers, 100% organic cotton and bamboo linens, open concept for ample natural light/heating, available for month-to-month leases for long-term stay on LA.
Hotel Palomar
PHOTO VIA HOTEL PALOMAR
Location: Beverly Hills
Aesthetic: Upscale & bright; Mod with intentional splashes of color
Eco Accolades: In-room recycling, sustainable in-room amenities, water efficiency, farm-to-table sustainable & local dishes at restaurant BLVD 16, pet friendly.
The Westin Bonaventure
PHOTO VIA WESTIN HOTELS & RESORTS
Location: Downtown
Aesthetic: Grand & luxurious; hustle & bustle vibes
Eco Accolades: First in LA to get Green Seal Silver certification (massive carbon footprint reduction) and later earned Gold certification, recycling programs, energy- and water-conservation efforts.
Ambrose Hotel
PHOTO VIA AMBROSE HOTEL
Location: Santa Monica
Aesthetic: Trendy boutique accommodation; small but swanky
Eco Accolades: LEED certification, preferred hybrid car parking, in-room recycling, beach cruiser bikes available, organic offerings: continental breakfast, bath products, healthy in-room snacks.
Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalow
PHOTO VIA FAIRMONT HOTELS AND RESORTS
Location: Santa Monica
Aesthetic: Old-world, upscale beach; true vacation vibes
Eco Accolades: Green Hotel certification, organic elements/materials throughout the design, organic spa treatments, Fig Restaurant serves dishes featuring local ingredients sourced directly from the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market.