Us Travelettes believe in responsible and sustainable travel. I would even go so far as to say we are a little “Green” at times as although we like to leave our mark on the world, we don’t mean literally. We like to ensure that our high heels aren’t damaging the earth underneath us as we travel, explore and appreciate all its natural beauty.
However, would we stay in a fully recyclable hotel which uses rainwater for shower and where we have to cycle to keep the lights on? Well, let’s find out more first before I answer than question.
Urban Hotel is a design concept for a temporary environmentally friendly hotel in a suburban location like a city centre park. Described as the “ultimate green hotel” the rooms are made from eco-friendly materials and resources used are also sourced from renewable sources.
Bikes would be provided not just so you can tour around your destination, but these are special bikes which store up the kinetic energy you create when pedalling and this is then used when the bike is back in the room to top up your electricity quota so you can charge up your phone or camera. You can even use the cycle in its dock back in your hotel room as an exercise bike to top-up the electricity a little more, which then takes money off your bill.
I’d certainly be keen to cycle for electricity if it means reducing my bill and burning some calories and keeping fit at the same time.
This hotel is just a design concept (for now!) but there are many hotels and hostels around the world who pride themselves on being environmentally friendly, but they don’t compromise on design or comfort. Have a look at these five green hotels from around the world.
Daintree Eco-Lodge and Spa is a family owned lodge set deep in the Queensland rainforest of Australia, not a million miles from the Great Barrier Reef. The owners are committed to preserving both the land around them and the Aboriginal traditions and culture. Though the many awards the Lodge has won over the years suggests that it doesn’t compromise on luxury and quality either.
HI-MATIC is an affordable eco-hostel found in Paris’ Bastille area which intentionally conjures up memories of your childhood with brightly coloured rooms and raised wooden platforms to climb up on. This “urban ecological hotel” uses natural and recyclable materials, only stocks fair trade coffee and organic foods for your breakfast and will even book a Green taxi for your airport transfer. We previously wrote about it here.
Tucked away in the Santa Teresa neighbourhood of Rio de Janeiro is Bellas Artes Guest House, housed in a colourful home built in the early 1900s. It is a B&B experience literally surrounded in green thanks to the beautiful enclosed gardens. Solar panels on the house heat water for your shower and the owners will arrange bike hire for you to get around in a green way.
Danhostel in Denmark’s oldest town of Ribe is strictly speaking a youth hostel, however you’ll often find families and guests of all ages staying there to explore this beautiful Danish town and nearby National Park. Since 1997 the hostel has held on to its Green Key status, an award which acknowledges when accommodation goes the extra mile to be green and environmentally responsible.
Down in South Africa’s Cape Town is 33 South Boutique Backpackers, which promises guests trendy, comfortable, green and affordable accommodation. Run by people who look like backpackers and fun-loving travellers themselves, this may explain their love for ensuring their stylish hostel is eco-friendly and kind to our plant . They will also advise you on how to experience Cape Town like a local, a green-fingered local, of course.
(Photos from Yanko Design, Source, Source, Source, Source, Source.)
This post was written by Frankie Thompson who was a Travelette from 2012 – 2015. Originally from London, UK, Frankie was nomadic for several years before settling in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, where she lives with her Australian partner and baby boy. She spends her time buying vintage dresses, riding a rusty old bike around the canals and writing books inspired by her travels. Frankie blogs about travel, writing and motherhood at As the Bird flies blog.
