Hotels Around the World Built With Sustainability in Mind

Best Infrastructure: Hotel Marcel New Haven, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, Connecticut

Why We Chose it

From being close to net-zero carbon emissions to the over 1,000 solar panels used to generate electricity, Hotel Marcel integrates clean energy with stunning architecture and design. 

Notable Amenities

Site-specific art installations, Oeko-Tex certified organic linens, free parking, EV charging stations, 24/7 fitness center

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Bauhaus-inspired custom furnishings and design
• 24/7 grab-and-go food station
• Within walking distance of waterfront parks and trails

Cons

• No on-site pool

Overview

A mid-century modern lover’s dream, Hotel Marcel is decorated with handsome furnishings and artwork but at no cost to the environment. The iconic Pirelli building — formerly known as the Armstrong Rubber Company Building — was originally designed by architect Marcel Breuer as an office building in the 1960s. After a $50 million renovation, Hotel Marcel now runs on solar energy generated by over 1,000 photovoltaic panels, which goes right into the hotel’s very own microgrid. The building’s LEED Platinum-certified energy efficiency is also a result of the construction itself — triple-pane insulated glass windows that minimize air leakage, advanced HVAC systems that run on electricity, and the Power over Ethernet (PoE) lighting system all help to reduce energy consumption.

While the sustainable measures are notable, the hotel’s interior and decor should not be overlooked. The rooms retain the original character of the building through elements like the restored wood paneling but have modern upgrades like touchpads that control the energy-efficient lighting and shades. Guest rooms all feature Marcel Breuer-designed furniture and German textile artist Anni Albers-designed upholstery. Every angle and corner is worth seeing and experiencing, from the walls adorned with contemporary and local artwork to the floors furnished with Bauhaus-inspired area rugs.

Best Urban Biophilic Design: 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, New York

Why We Chose it

As a LEED-certified Gold building, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge combines state-of-the-art energy-efficient technology with ethical and sustainable design to create a green oasis in the heart of New York City. 

Notable Amenities

Rooftop pool, 24/7 gym with personal training and fitness classes, Bamford Wellness Spa, built-in Triple Clear filtered water tap in each room 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Free Wi-Fi for all hotel guests
• Waterfront location with expansive views of the NYC skyline and East River
• Complimentary Audi e-tron vehicle for drives within three miles of the hotel

Cons

• Small room sizes, although common in NYC 
• Late checkout fee is one night's stay plus tax

Overview

As a carbon-neutral hotel since 2018, the hotel also actively offsets carbon emissions by decreasing overall waste, monitoring energy usage, and participating in global carbon offset projects like forest conservation. The mechanics of the hotel set the standard for energy efficiency, with an HVAC system that features advanced monitoring to help ensure the hotel operates based on its occupancy. Even water is recycled at the hotel; the rainwater collection system sends water to Brooklyn Bridge Park’s irrigation systems to keep the park cool and hydrated year-round.

When it comes to the rooms, all feature sustainably sourced, nontoxic linens, in addition to organic cotton mattresses by Keetsa, plus furniture made with regional reclaimed materials. The food served at the two on-site restaurants (also in-room dining) highlights the importance of local sustainability, with farm-to-table cuisine created with fresh produce ethically sourced from farmers across New York, New Jersey, and Ohio.

Best Budget: room2 Chiswick, England

Why We Chose it

With its planet-first philosophy, room2 Chiswick is a fully net-zero space that runs entirely on electricity produced by a combination of renewable energy: solar, hydro, and wind power.

Notable Amenities

Gyms with Peloton bikes, coworking spaces, on-site laundry facilities with irons, rooms designed with bespoke furniture from local designers

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Affordable rates under $200 a night
• 100% pet-friendly
• Cafe within the hotel serves B-Corp-certified goodies

Cons

• Not a traditional hotel 
• Share spaces

Overview

Five types of rooms cover the needs and designs of all types of travelers. For the guest who desperately needs to catch up on sleep, book the Sleepwell to, well, sleep well. It has no windows and a king-size bed, an excellent formula for a night of deep, restful sleep. Larger rooms like the Suite come with all the everyday necessities of a home. If you opt for the penthouse, you’ll find expansive panoramic windows that show off sunset views, in addition to a full kitchen with an oven, dishwasher, and microwave; plus, a small living room area complete with a sofa and work desk. 

Best Island Getaway: Soneva Kiri, Thailand

Why We Chose it

Luxury meets sustainability at Soneva Kiri, where 33 private villas offer guests incredible views and personalized service built on sustainability.   

Notable Amenities

Jungle auditorium for outdoor movie viewing, dining cruises, outdoor tennis courts, on-site dining with a rotation of guest chefs, children’s program The Den

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Family-friendly resort with a variety of group activities
• Dining options can cater to and fulfill special dietary requirements
• Photography and videography services available

Cons

• Expensive rates 
• Remote location requires a boat transfer after airport arrival 

Overview

Sustainability has been at the forefront of the Soneva brand since its launch in 1995. With three resorts (two in the Maldives and one in Thailand), it has been refining the balance between luxury and sustainability with each hotel. Sonu and Eva Shivdasani, the husband-and-wife founders of Soneva, constructed their first resort in the Maldives. 

In addition to being literally built on sustainability, they invest right back into various projects under the Soneva Foundation. Each resort has a 2% environmental levy that goes toward multiple initiatives like the Myanmar Stoves Campaign, a carbon project that helps save over 2.5 tons of wood; the foundation also distributes fuel-efficient cooking stoves to families in Myanmar and Darfur. 

Guests who stay at Soneva Kiri have their pick of a large variety of villas and views, from a rustic-chic villa with a treehouse and water slide perfect for families to a sunset-facing pool villa perched on a cliff with an open-air bathroom. Every villa places you right in the heart of the jungle, giving guests an immersive experience of living right within nature — but with modern amenities. Outside of the rooms, though, there are many experiences and activities available for guests. Couples can have a romantic evening at Cinema Paradiso, where the hotel arranges movie nights under the stars with a menu of snacks, cocktails, and desserts. And families can take tours to waterfalls on the island and spot rare species of birds, learning more about the immense biodiversity of the forest.

Best for Off-the-Grid: Three Camel Lodge, Mongolia

Why We Chose it

As the first eco-hotel in Mongolia, Three Camel Lodge reflects traditional Mongolian culture, focusing on practical, sustainable practices like on-site recycling, cultural preservation, and investing in the local community.

Notable Amenities

Arshaan Spa; activities like archery, horseback riding, and cooking classes

Pros & Cons

• No light pollution means clear views of the stars
• Meals are included in the stay
• Luxury tents with adjoining bathrooms

• Very remote location requires multiple stops to arrive
• No Wi-Fi 

Overview

Located near ancient petroglyphs, Three Camel Lodge is made up of over 35 gers, or traditional Mongolian felts built and staffed by locals. The gers and lodge are not only inspired by traditional Mongolian culture, but also built by the hands of Mongolian craftsmen. Carpenters, wood-carvers, and painters created all of the furniture. Materials like the stone and wood are sourced locally, reducing the lodge’s carbon footprint; the stone is quarried from a local rock canyon, and logs are imported from the Siberian taiga.  

In terms of its sustainability efforts, Three Camel Lodge’s philosophy is to reduce, reuse, and recycle everything from materials, waste, water, carbon, and energy. Because of its remote location, the lodge developed its waste management program to avoid using landfills. Everything, from paper to cans, is composted at its on-site recycling system. The lodge’s septic drainage fields are four times larger than the required amount to ensure guests have access to water while minimizing any adverse effects on the natural environment. Extra measures are also being taken to preserve the landscape, including nearby paleontological sites where you can find dinosaur fossils.

Best for Adventure: Pacuare Lodge, Costa Rica

Why We Chose it

From farm-to-table cuisine to the various clean energy sources that power it all, Pacuare Lodge ensures guests are experiencing Costa Rica like a local while supporting the community (and the environment) too.

Notable Amenities

Jawa Juu Spa, on-site restaurants, outdoor saltwater pool, complimentary yoga classes 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• All meals and afternoon coffee included
• Eight complimentary experiences also included
• Can accommodate plant-based and vegetarian diets 

Cons

• Some rooms close to river rapids may be a little noisy from the water
• Not toddler-friendly; minimum age to stay at lodge is 7 years

Overview

You’ll never be short of adventure at Pacuare Lodge, located in a lush rainforest adjacent to the Pacuare River. Its closeness to the water makes it a perfect place to rely on hydroelectric turbines for energy. The 120 solar panels on the property also contribute to the power that runs the property. And for those “just in case” moments, additional energy is stored in batteries for later use. Pacuare Lodge has also taken sustainable measures with the little things by equipping lodge bathrooms with biodegradable amenities (shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel). With the property-wide ban on single-use plastic bottles, guests are encouraged to use reusable bottles for water. For any actual waste, items are divided between composting and recycling. 

Despite being truly immersed in a forest, guests won’t have to compromise on comfort and luxury. Guests can choose between five types of lodges and suites, all of which provide 180- to 360-degree views of the rainforest. Every room comes with a king-size bed with spacious bathrooms, some featuring indoor and/or outdoor solar-heated showers, and fun touches like hammocks and seating areas. Some villas even have a suspension bridge leading to a separate seating area — the ultimate treehouse luxury. For meals, guests can head to Nairi Awari Restaurant for fresh, traditional cuisine made with local produce sourced from the hotel’s farm.

Best for Couples: Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, Aruba

Why We Chose it

A certified CarbonNeutral resort, Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort is where couples can lay back and be spoiled with myriad romantic experiences tailored by a romance concierge.

Notable Amenities

Freshwater infinity pool, fitness center, Purun Spa, sunbeds for guests, Eagle Beach

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Adults-only to ensure peace and privacy for resort guests
• Variety of complimentary wellness activities 
• Free American breakfast buffet
• Dine-Around meal plans for guests to dine at six different restaurants (prix fixe) starting at $30 per person per day

Cons

• No in-room dining available
• No bathtubs (only rain showers) in rooms except Penthouse Suites

Overview

Bucuti & Tara has received glowing accolades for being one of the most romantic hotels in the world. As an adults-only resort, couples are promised peace and quiet midst Aruba's most stunning oceanfront views.  

In addition to the resort’s extensive efforts toward romance, it aims to do so without damaging the environment. The resort is CarbonNeutral certified and a Platinum Member of Green Globe. From using solar panels to produce clean energy and heat the resort's water to using recycled materials and rainwater collection for irrigation, Bucuti & Tara has consistently worked toward bettering its hotel and the environment. There is even a sustainability concierge to assist guests in having a 100% carbon-free travel experience.  

Couples can also work with a romance concierge to plan their perfect getaway. Guests can also choose from curated experiences starting with a VIP airport experience and culminating in exclusive yacht sailing excursions to the Spanish Lagoon. For a more on-the-ground experience, couples can enjoy romantic dinners in private cabanas on the beach. Additional activities include scuba diving, jeep tours, and photography sessions — all for an additional fee.