You’re an environmentalist, or at least, environmentally-conscious. You’ve chosen the eco-friendliest holiday you can book for your visit to Chicago, accounting for transportation, souvenirs, food, and tourism in the city, but now you need to find a Chicago hotel that aligns with your values. Where can you stay? Your green hotel should care about their carbon footprint and be able to back up their claims with data and facts to assure you of that your stay does the least amount of harm to the planet possible. There are plenty of opportunities and choices for staying green during your visit to the Windy City, and there are several hallmarks you should be looking for when shopping for the right hotel.
You should certainly be looking for a hotel that is Leadership
in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified, if possible. LEED
certifications, independently verified by the U.S. Green Building Council, have
found that your accommodations follow the proper standards for waste reduction,
energy efficiency, resource management, indoor environment quality, and reduced
carbon emissions. There are four levels of certification possible, and your
hotel should be able to tell you if they are certified, silver, gold, or
platinum rated.
While LEED-standards address critical building eco-standards,
the Green Seal program is an additional program designed to rate a hotel’s
adherence to green practices. Bronze, silver, and gold ratings consider
cleaning services, laundry care, food services, and a further look into
building standards and maintenance. Green Seal programs are managed by a third
party and designed to reduce pollution, waste, and make for an overall
healthier stay.
Chicago has numerous hotels meeting both LEED certification and Green Seal program standards. They will usually discuss their practices and levels of certification on their website. Features you may look for in an eco-friendly hotel include knowing how much less water and energy their hotels use, ideally using energy-star appliances. You can check to see if they have a comprehensive recycling program for everything from paper to linens, use low flow water fixtures, and whether they use recycled materials for things like carpeting. Green hotels will often have a sustainable purchasing policy focused on locally-sourced goods and vendors with strong sustainability business models. Some hotels may have additional green programs that allow you to pay an additional fee to offset your carbon footprint. Your extra money would then go towards a carbon offset of your choice.
Kimpton Hotel Palomar Chicago offers four-star luxury in the heart of downtown’s River North neighborhood. Shopping on Magnificent mile is just a few blocks away, with all of the excitement on Navy Pier just beyond. Stay in luxe rooms with an indoor pool, swanky fitness center, and on-site restaurant.
Sofitel Chicago brings French luxury to Magnificent Mile. With a location steps from Chicago’s biggest attractions, Sofitel offers a quiet respite from the excitement. Take a break and enjoy an in-room spa service followed by a delicious French dinner at one of the on-site eateries.
Situated just steps from Magnificent Mile next to the historic Water Tower, Park Hyatt has a lot of offer and a five-star rating. There’s an on-site pool and spa as well as several upscale eateries and a rooftop bar. At night, sleep in luxurious rooms with deep-soaking tubs and cozy window seats.
Tucked along the north side of the Chicago River, Sheraton Grand is just steps from the River Esplanade, with nearby Magnificent Mile and Navy Pier just a few blocks to the east. Plus, there are five on-site restaurants and an indoor pool.
Tucked a block from the Chicago River just steps from Navy Pier, Loews Chicago Hotel has is situated in Chicago’s most prime real estate. And the inside is equally as impressive, with a rooftop bar, indoor pool, and several on-site eateries.
One block from the Chicago Riverwalk, the Kimpton Hotel Monaco is a four-diamond accommodation in downtown Chicago. The luxe, boutique-style hotel offers special extras like a sleek fitness center, nightly happy hour, and complimentary PUBLIC bicycles—not that you’ll need them to access the many nearby attractions.
Located near where the Chicago River meets Lake Michigan, the Swissotel offers four-diamond accommodations in the heart of downtown. The all-glass building offers impressive views of the city, Navy Pier, Lake Michigan, and Magnificent Mile. You can take in more sites from the 43rd-floor fitness center, as well.
Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park is situated along Millennium and Lake Shore East Park just two blocks from the Chicago Riverwalk. The four-star hotel has some pretty luxe features, including swanky on-site dining, a spa with fitness center and lap pool and rooms with sweeping views.
Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel boasts every luxury on one of the most brag-worthy corners in Chicago. Its modern architecture is at home next to both Millennium and Lake Shore East parks near the Financial District and Michigan Avenue. Plus, there’s free WiFi and a rooftop pool.
For those who enjoy the finer things in life, the JW Marriott Chicago offers luxury in spades. From soaring ceilings to chic marble bathrooms and an on-site spa, those willing to splurge on the best will love this hotel and its on-site fine dining.
The Kimpton Gray Hotel is a shiny new penny in Chicago. Its rooftop bar and fine dining establishments are the talk of the town, much like the gym’s on-trend Peloton bike. The Gray also lets you bring Fido for free, who you can take for a walk in nearby Millennium Park.
Adjacent to the Cadillac Theatre, find the Kimpton Hotel Allegro and its storied architecture. Equally luxe interiors are outfitted in Mid-Century Modern design that complements the classic cocktails served in the upscale lobby bar. The four-star accommodations offer a lot for the price: primarily, a location walkable to the best Windy City arts and entertainment.
