A GUIDE TO ECO-FRIENDLY HOTELS IN CHICAGO
Traveling Greener in Chi Town
Chicago has much more to offer than its famous deep dish pizza. Food critics rank Chicago’s cuisine, which can be sampled in thousands of restaurants, among the best in the world. Chicago is home to 70 museums, a growing theater district, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Lincoln Park Zoo. Shopaholics can indulge for days at the Magnificent Mile’s swanky boutiques and familiar department stores. Obviously “Chi Town” has a lot to offer its 40 million visitors each year, but more and more, Chicago is attracting travelers of a different color…green.
Eco-tourists are quite impressed with Chicago, and for good reason. The city is no newcomer to the Top 10 Green City lists. In fact, it’s climbing its way to the top of
Eco-tourists are quite impressed with Chicago, and for good reason. The city is no newcomer to the Top 10 Green City lists. In fact, it’s climbing its way to the top of
these charts, thanks in part to the mayor who has made it his mission to make Chicago the greenest city in the U.S. Solar and other alternative energy investments fuel about 20% of the city’s power, and the percentage will increase annually. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) runs 24-7, cutting down on pollution and carbon emissions. Visitors looking to go 100% carbon neutral can get around town pedaling or walking over 18 miles of bicycle paths. Chicago also has more green roofs than any other U.S. city, and it boasts a whopping 570 parks and 31 beaches.
Travelers won’t have any trouble finding a green place to sleep in Chicago, either. And contrary to popular belief, they won’t be giving up any comforts staying at the greenest of the green hotels in Chicago. Each of these top green hotels have earned a RezHub.com Green Score of at least four out of five green branches for showing a superior dedication to the environment. Chicago’s top three green hotels earned their green scores by incorporating all of the following environmentally friendly actions:
Travelers won’t have any trouble finding a green place to sleep in Chicago, either. And contrary to popular belief, they won’t be giving up any comforts staying at the greenest of the green hotels in Chicago. Each of these top green hotels have earned a RezHub.com Green Score of at least four out of five green branches for showing a superior dedication to the environment. Chicago’s top three green hotels earned their green scores by incorporating all of the following environmentally friendly actions:
• Follows a sheets and towels reuse programBoth the Allegro and the Monaco also offer organic food, and the Allegro was one of the first hotels to adopt a green-key card system. Green-keys are a biodegradable, paperboard version of the standard indestructible PVC plastic hotel key.
• Uses only non-toxic cleaning products
• Conserves energy and water
• Recycles with in-room recycling bins
• Uses energy efficient lighting
• Composts food waste
• Provides a fresh air exchange system
• Makes donations to non-profit groups
HOTEL ALLEGRO
A star re-born, the hip Hotel Allegro, located at 171 W. Randolph St., celebrates a dramatic renovation that embraces the rich history of the building from the 1920s to the 21st century. Located in the heart of Chicago’s vibrant downtown theater district, the Allegro promises celebrity treatment for all guests. Luxurious accommodations, extraordinary amenities, and incomparable service guarantee star treatment from check-in to check-out.Eco-Friendly Hotels - Traveling Greener in Chi Town
Issue 3 | August 2008
HOTEL MONACO
The Hotel Monaco, located at 225 N. Wabash Ave., is a AAA Four Diamond Property overlooking the Chicago River. It is located just steps from the North Michigan Avenue and State Street shopping districts. Originally built in 1912, the Hotel Monaco’s eclectic French-Deco inspired design envelopes visitors in high energy, high design, and high style.
HOTEL BURNHAM
The Hotel Burnham, located at 1 W. Washington St., is one of Chicago’s great architectural jewels. Originally designed by Daniel Burnham as the Reliance Building, this 113-year-old living landmark is the first direct predecessor to Chicago’s modern skyscrapers. The beautifully appointed Burnham combines a passionate architectural style with a flair for contemporary luxury.Eco-Friendly Hotels - Traveling Greener in Chi Town
Issue 3 | August 2008
While the top three greenest hotels in Chicago are all Kimpton hotels, there are many other options to choose from. Travelers looking for a hotel in a different area or something a little more budget friendly can check RezHub.com or EnvironmentallyFriendlyHotels.com for an expanded list of green lodging options in the Chicago area. While some of the green hotels will have higher green scores than others, it’s important to support the green efforts every hotel is making. Let the management know they are doing the right thing and you’ll help these programs grow, creating a more sustainable future for everyone. 
Eco-Friendly Hotels - Traveling Greener in Chi Town
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