Best Eco-Friendly Hotel (2017)

The Hotel Skyler in Syracuse takes environmental stewardship seriously, so seriously that it has achieved LEED Platinum certification. Impressive given the building was constructed in 1921. A closed-loop geothermal heat pump helps harness heat and cool the hotel more efficiently, and 20 percent of the building materials were sourced locally. Guests driving low-emission cars get special parking places.
Photo courtesy of Hotel Skyler

An eco-friendly boutique property in the Windy City, Hotel Felix Chicago opened its doors in 2009 as the first Silver LEED-certified hotel in town. An earth, wind and fire theme extends throughout the hotel, where sustainable features include southern exposure for natural heat in the winter, LED and compact florescent lighting throughout the building, a recycling room, earth-friendly cleaning supplies and motion-sensor climate control in all guest rooms.
Photo courtesy of Hotel Felix Chicago

Outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers can stay guilt-free at the LEED Gold certified Hike Inn – a series of rustic guestrooms with hot showers and beautiful views inside Georgia's Chattahoochee National Forest. It's a 5-mile trek to get to the inn, where conservation takes the form of odor-free composting toilets, solar panels, rainwater harvesting and vermiculture to compost kitchen scraps.
Photo courtesy of Len Foote Hike Inn / Facebook

Inspired by the Japanese ryokan, Berkshires Shirakaba is a romantic bed and breakfast situated on a forested ridge in the beautiful Berkshires. This Energy Star-built and TripAdvisor Green Leader Platinum-winning property features solar panels and a geothermal water furnace, triple pane Thermotech windows, energy-efficient radiant floor heating and LED bulbs with light sensors and timers. Almost everything on property is recycled.
Photo courtesy of Berkshires Shirakaba / Facebook

The 23-suite luxury sanctuary in Key West has earned TripAdvisor Green Leaders Platinum status for its eco-friendly initiatives, including the use of Energy Star appliances, solar panels and a robust linen reuse and recycling program.
Photo courtesy of The Gardens Hotel Key West / Facebook

The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte, a LEED Gold certified property, offers luxury and sophistication with sustainability laced throughout. The hotel opened in 2009 and became the first Ritz-Carlton in the world to attain Gold status. Back-of-the-house conservation efforts mean the hotel uses about 30 percent less energy than comparable conventional hotels.
Photo courtesy of Ritz-Carlton Charlotte

Virgin Hotels Chicago brings the variety of luxury to the Windy City you'd expect from a Richard Branson endeavor. The LEED Gold certified hotel uses green housekeeping practices, maintains a hotel-wide recycling program, promotes walking tourism in the Windy City and was built with green roofing material for more efficient storm water management.
Photo courtesy of Virgin Hotels Chicago

Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas is a departure from the typical Strip hotel in many ways. It's smoke- and gambling-free, with sleek style and modern features throughout. It was the first hotel in the Mandarin Oriental group to receive LEED certification, when it attained Gold level in 2009.
Photo courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas

Bardessono is one of only a few LEED Platinum certified hotels in the U.S., and their commitment to sustainability (built from salvaged wood and non-toxic materials, organic linen, cleaning and spa products) is organically incorporated into their spot-on design. The location in downtown Yountville is the real attraction of this hotel. Bardessono is within walking distance of half a dozen vineyards open for wine tasting, as well as some of the area's most acclaimed restaurants, namely the French Laundry, Ad Hoc and Redd-Wood.
Photo courtesy of Bardessono Hotel & Spa

Green initiatives at this Silver LEED-certified luxury boutique property on the coast of Maine include non-toxic Green Seal cleaning products, an indigenous garden to provide food and habitat for local wildlife and recycled materials throughout the property, including the cardio room (recycled rubber floors) and spa (recycled sheet rock walls).
Photo courtesy of Inn by the Sea