The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte wins Best Eco-Friendly Hotel

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 The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte

Cedar Glen Lodge has earned TripAdvisor’s Green Leader Platinum status for its sustainable initiatives, including dedicated parking for electric vehicles, low-flow plumbing appliances, re-circulating pumps, and renovations using reclaimed woods and materials native to the area.
Photo courtesy of Cedar Glen Lodge

True to its name, the LEED Gold certified Nature Inn at Bald Eagle demonstrates environmental stewardship through habitat restoration, water-efficient and native landscaping, rainwater harvesting, solar-thermal hot water and use of Green Seal Certified cleaning products throughout the hotel. Guests of this eco-lodge enjoy easy access to the trails of Bald Eagle State Park.
Photo courtesy of Nature Inn at Bald Eagle

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

Situated on a mile of sandy beach just outside Portland, Maine, the Inn by the Sea features 61 rooms, suites and cottages for a relaxing coastal escape. Days begin with early morning yoga and garden tours, while evenings finish with beachfront sunsets and nightly fire pits. The full-service spa has earned a LEED Silver certification.
Photo courtesy of Preferred Hotels & Resorts

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

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.
Photo courtesy of Bardessono Hotel & Spa

Proximity Hotel in Greensboro blends sustainability with style in one of the nation's only LEED Platinum certified lodgings – it was the first in the U.S. to achieve Platinum status. Guests at Proximity enjoy complimentary bikes for exploring more than 90 miles of trails and greenways, while more than 70 eco-friendly practices are in place at the hotel, including solar panels, energy-efficient elevator and energy recovery technology.
Photo courtesy of iStock / whyframestudio

This LEED Silver-certified hotel occupies 15 beachfront acres on the island of Maui. Many of the 300 guest rooms and suites enjoy ocean views, while guests enjoy four infinity pools, five dining options, onside car rental, free wifi and an eco-friendly full-service spa.
Photo courtesy of Andaz Maui At Wailea Resort

Situated on the East River waterfront with stellar views of the Manhattan skyline, the LEED Gold-certified 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge uses native greenery and reclaimed materials to bring a touch of nature to Brooklyn. The property includes 195 guest rooms, a rooftop bar with a heated plunge pool, a neighborhood cafe and a spa with nine treatment rooms.
Photo courtesy of 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge