Top 10 Highest-Rated Green Hotels in America

Do you go out of your way to make eco-friendly choices when you travel? According to the travel site TripAdvisor, 23 percent of travelers have done just that in the past year. And, as a result, 85 percent of those travelers felt more positive about their trip. If you want to choose a green hotel next time you travel, check out TripAdvisor’s Top 10 Highest-Rated Green Hotels in the U.S. The ratings are based on properties that scored high in TripAdvisor’s GreenLeaders Program, which identifies hotels and B&Bs that are committed to green practices like cecycling, water efficiency, and alternative energy. A Boston hotel made the top 10. Find out which one!

1. Bardessono, Yountfille, California

In the heart of Wine Country, this 62-room hotel welcomes guests to the lap of luxury while minimizing the environmental impact. A subterranean geothermal system provides heating and air-conditioning to the sumptuously designed guest rooms, while two on-site gardens deliver fresh produce for the hotel’s gourmet Lucy Restaurant and Bar.

A TripAdvisor reviewer said, “We love the peaceful surroundings and sustainable environment.’’

2. Allison Inn & Spa, Newberg, Oregon

Blending seamlessly into 35 acres of hillside in the Willamette Valley, this 85-room resort was designed with sustainability in mind. The property boasts a “living roof,’’ which provides insulation to reduce energy use.

A TripAdvisor reviewer commented, “The inn is very environmentally conscious. Glass bottles for filtered water in the room are refilled, linens are only changed by request.’’

3. Hilton Garden Inn Fayetteville/Fort Bragg, Fayetteville, North Carolina

In the Sandhills region of North Carolina, eco-conscious travelers can stay at this 104-room hotel that carefully monitors its carbon footprint. The hotel exclusively uses energy efficient appliances and lighting, and the surrounding landscaping was designed to be self-sustaining and is irrigated using rainwater collected on the roof.

A TripAdvisor reviewer commented, “Very friendly and it appears to be a strong advocate of environmental practices.’’

4. Sleep Inn & Suites, MIles City, Montana

Located 140 miles northeast of Billings near the Yellowstone River, this hotel makes it easy to travel green. All 90 rooms feature motion sensors that turn off lights and electronics when there is no in-room activity. The hotel also recycles the soap and shampoo that is leftover after each guest checks out.

A TripAdvisor reviewer commented, “Recycling centers and other environmentally friendly things were a welcome sight.’’

5. Montage Deer Valley, Park City, Utah

Nestled in the Wasatch Mountains, this alpine resort offers fabulous outdoor activities, while doing its part to protect the pristine surroundings. Built and landscaped using indigenous materials, the resort uses a comprehensive waste management program to limit what it sends to the landfill.

A TripAdvisor reviewer said, “I noticed the towel reuse program, water conservation efforts, and energy saving lights in the rooms as part of the environmentally friendly efforts.’’

6. Cedar Glen Lodge, Lake Tahoe, California

Boasting stunning views of Lake Tahoe, travelers can enjoy a relaxing, low-impact retreat at this rustic resort that was recently renovated using reclaimed wood. To cut down on water use, the resort directs snow and rainfall into large filtering vaults, recirculates hot water, and uses low-flow plumbing appliances.

A TripAdvisor reviewer commented, “I love the steps taken to try and not waste material and also re-use towels as much as possible.’’

7. ARIA Sky Suites, Las Vegas, Nevada

High above the Las Vegas Strip, this 442-room hotel implements eco-friendly practices while providing guests with an indulgent experience, including complimentary airport transportation using the world’s first stretch-limo fleet powered by compressed natural gas.

A TripAdvisor reviewer noted that the green features are “one of the finest things about ARIA. They have a huge emphasis on recycling and are a LEED Certified site.’’

8. The Lenox Hotel, Boston, Massachusetts

In Boston’s Copley Square, the 214-room Lenox Hotel was one of the first hotels to offer a linen-reuse program back in the 1980s. Today, the hotel remains committed to sustainability by recycling 88 percent of its waste and donating unused amenities to local charitable organizations.

A TripAdvisor reviewer commented, “The hotel was a pioneer in environmentally friendly practices.’’

9. Hampton Inn & Suites Miami/Brickell-Downtown, Miami, Florida

Travelers to the Sunshine State can enjoy a sustainable stay at this hotel, which was the first in Miami to be LEED certified. Among environmentally friendly features are two electric car charging stations, as well as a 35,000-gallon cistern that collects rainwater for reuse.

A TripAdvisor reviewer noted, “Most environmentally aware hotel that I have ever stayed at – breakfast plates and cutlery made from potatoes… recycling bins everywhere.’’

10. Holiday Inn Express Inverness, Lecanto, Florida

Located in Citrus County near Florida’s Gulf Coast, this 75-room hotel has sustainability down to a science. Automatic systems regulate electricity and hot water for increased efficiency, while recycling bins strategically placed throughout the property help cut down on waste.

A TripAdvisor reviewer commented, “They recycle the soaps and you have the option to reuse bedding and towels.’’