An eco-friendly room at Hotel Indigo San Diego — Photo courtesy of Vismedia

Hotel Indigo isn't your average boutique hotel. Yes, it's swanky and chic with colorful decor, a rooftop bar overlooking PETCO park and panoramic views. However, it is also the first sustainably-built hotel in San Diego's historic Gaslamp Quarter and the first IHG to hotel to receive the coveted LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

What makes Hotel Indigo such an eco-friendly place to stay? It starts with the initial construction. The hotel was designed with natural light in mind and on an already developed site. The debris was recycled and diverted from landfills where possible. From there, low VOC paints, coatings, sealants, adhesives and carpet were used for better indoor air quality. Good ventilation and making this a smoke-free hotel also help. The 9th and 12th floors have some of the first green roofs in San Diego, where native and low-water plants provide some insulation and filter storm run-off.

Hotel Indigo San Diego Exterior — Photo courtesy of Vismedia

Green practices are also incorporated into the daily routine of hotel staff and guests. Eco-friendly packaging is used, recycling is encouraged and done on-site through composting, for example. Preferred parking is given to hotel employees who carpool and showers are on site for employees who choose to bike to work.

When dining at Table 509, the in-house restaurant, know your breakfast burritos, flatbreads and fish tacos are made from locally-sourced ingredients that are organic and Fair Trade wherever possible. The highly-rated menu is subject to change because of delicious seasonal offerings.

The overall vibe of the hotel is comfortable, stylish and state-of-the-art. Not to mention that you can walk to many of downtown San Diego's attractions and restaurants, making your stay even more eco-friendly!