Being green is getting easier when it comes to travel — some airlines are offsetting their carbon footprint, restaurants are ditching plastic, and hotels are finding ways to reduce their environmental impact to win over your business.
This isn’t just happening in the US, around the world eco-friendly hotels are looking for ways to cut down on waste, use less water, and save energy.
If you’re traveling to Philadelphia, before you book your accommodations, make sure you check out these four sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that will help make your travels a little greener.
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Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Hotels to Book For Your Next Trip to Philadelphia
Kimpton Hotel Palomar
117 S 17th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
This 4-star hotel located inside a beautiful Art Deco building has been named one of US News and World Report’s best hotels in Philadelphia and for good reason. The sleek and modern design is playful but still colorfully connects to Philly’s history. It offers a wide range of amenities to keep you healthy like free hotel bikes, yoga mats in every room, and a luxurious spa so you can relax.
On the eco-friendly side, Kimpton Philadelphia was the first LEED gold-certified hotel in Philadelphia and the brand prides itself with its green initiatives in all of its hotels, which have been acknowledged by the Green Key Eco-Rating Program, National Geographic, TripAdvisor GreenLeaders program, as well as others. The hotel uses an energy-efficient HVAC system and water-efficient plumbing practices. It also sources environmentally friendly products and recycles and uses recycled materials as much as possible (right down to room key cards and mattresses). They have also partnered with Clean the World to donate plastic hygiene products and discarded soaps to be recycled and given to communities across the globe that lack access to these essential products.
The Kimpton Hotel is also pet-friendly — pet-sitting, grooming, and walking services are also available.
Price: $200+ per night
Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square
120 S 17th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Stylish and creative, this 5-star hotel seeks to delight guests with its artistic expression, right down to the art gallery located within the hotel. You won’t want for much staying at this luxurious spot and can rest easy knowing your stay is eco-friendly.
Like the Kimpton Hotel Palomar, The Sofitel has also had its green accomplishments and programs acknowledged by The Green Key Eco-Rating Program (the program recognizes outstanding eco-friendly work that is implemented in all areas of the hotel’s operations). Some of the hotel’s green initiatives include energy-efficient heating and cooling, eco-purchasing policies that guide their purchasing decisions, recycling and composting programs, reduction in toxic substances, and reduction of water usage. The rooftop of the hotel is also home to almost 500,000 honeybees and gardens that grow organic vegetables and herbs. In the kitchen, the chefs try to use organic and local produce as much as possible.
The hotel is also pet-friendly! One pet (up to 30 lbs.) is allowed per room.
Price: $170 + per night
The Rittenhouse
210 W Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103
The hotel has long been a favorite among travelers earning the #10 spot on TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Award list and #1 in the Mid-Atlantic by Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards. Located in the heart of the city, this beautiful hotel entices travelers with its sophisticated décor, extensive amenities, and a relaxing spa. Whether you’re staying for work or pleasure, the staff at Rittenhouse will ensure your stay is enjoyable.
The hotel is part of the EarthView Sustainability program which provides ways for hotels to operate more sustainably and reduce their environmental footprint. The program tracks and helps hotels manage key resources like water usage, energy, and waste. Some of the sustainability measures at The Rittenhouse can be seen with LED lighting, energy-efficient thermostats, and electronic vehicle charging stations. In the kitchen, the chefs work to source much of their produce locally and compost food waste.
The Rittenhouse is very pet-friendly! Upon arrival, pets are given their own bowls and dog treats that have been prepared by The Rittenhouse’s pastry chef. The pet fee is $150 per night.
Price: $500+ per night
The Element by Westin
1441 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
New to the hotel scene, the Element by Westin just opened this sleek property in May 2021. The hotel was designed to meet the needs of active travelers with its apartment-style rooms that feature oversized windows (featuring great views of Philly), free Wi-Fi, full kitchens (microwave, cooktops, fridge, dishware), and plenty of space to get comfortable. When you’re ready to get out and explore Philly, grab one of their Element green bikes! Also, don’t forget to look at one of their suggested bikes routes full of must-see sites and bike trails.
Aside from meeting the needs of travelers, the hotel also has the environment on its mind right down to its design with 100% recycled carpet, oversize windows and skylights for ample natural light, and low-VOC paint on the walls. You will also find recycling throughout the property, electric vehicle charging stations, minimized use of single-use plastics, and measures to reduce water use.
The Element is pet-friendly — there is a fee.
Price: $170+ per night
Philadelphia is a great town to spend a week or just a few days — hopefully, one of these eco-friendly and sustainable hotels in Philadelphia will be the perfect spot to base yourself! If you need more help planning your getaway be sure to check out my vegan travel guide to Philadelphia, and my lineup of the best spots to find vegan cakes, donuts, and more in Philly!
Looking for Vegan-Friendly & Eco-Friendly Hotels?
If you’re traveling throughout the US and Europe, don’t miss checking out the awesome hotels featured in these two articles!
Vegan Hotels in Europe that You Need to Visit
Vegan Hotels and B & B’s Throughout The US
The Most Vegan-Friendly Hotels in California
Green Hotels: Copenhagen’s Most Eco-Friendly Hotels
