Luxury isn’t an excuse to overlook the planet—it’s a chance to preserve it beautifully.
In 2025, it’s not enough to offer guests “sustainable sheets” and a vaguely worded menu item called local catch. Hospitality’s best and brightest are moving beyond eco-aesthetics and into the realm of actual action. We’re talking tree planting, food security, Indigenous collaboration, zero-waste kitchens—and yes, sometimes solar panels with a sea view.
Here, a curated roundup of hotels whose sustainability stories are more than surface-level. Because now, saving the planet comes with turndown service.
1 Hotels
As a brand, 1 Hotels talks the talk—and foots the bill. In 2025, leftover stay credits are donated to climate champions like the Natural Resources Defense Council, Nature Conservancy of Canada, and The Tree Council. "At 1 Hotels, being in harmony with nature is the foundation of everything we do. From reclaimed building materials to reducing single-use plastics and sourcing hyper-local, seasonal ingredients, every detail is a conscious choice," says Toni Stoeckl, chief marketing officer at Starwood Hotels. "Our commitment goes beyond Earth Day—it’s woven into every part of our operations, every day. We strive to deliver experiences that inspire our guests to connect with the natural world around them.”
The One MICHELIN Key 1 Hotel Toronto diverts over 85% of waste from landfills, donates surplus food to Second Harvest, and keeps it hyperlocal at 1 Kitchen, where rooftop garden produce and Ontario farm goods are the house special. The One MICHELIN Key 1 Hotel San Francisco keeps things full circle: interiors made with recycled materials, partnerships with Surfrider Foundation and Habitat for Humanity, and a reforestation pledge via TreeEra for every stay booked.
The Inn at Little Washington
Virginia
Chef Patrick O’Connell’s legendary hotel and its Three MICHELIN Star restaurant isn't just serving foie gras and fantasies. “Sustainability has always been core to our philosophy,” says Andy Thewlis, farm manager at The Inn at Little Washington. “For nearly 50 years, we’ve grown food in harmony with nature—this Earth Day, we’re welcoming goslings and ducklings as part of our soil-restoring grazing system. Chef Patrick O’Connell’s legacy is one rooted in the land as much as the plate.”
It’s investing in the future, too. Think apprenticeship programs for local culinary talent, expanded gardens to power a zero-waste kitchen, and partnerships with food banks and nonprofits like No Kid Hungry. It’s a decadent dinner party—fueled by a surprisingly virtuous pantry.
Le Mount Stephen (One Key)
Montréal, Québec
Housed in a 19th-century mansion but firmly footed in the 21st century, Le Mount Stephen proves that old bones can still lead the sustainability charge. Energy-efficient lighting, comprehensive waste-reduction programs, and a clear commitment to responsible luxury earn this Montréal marvel a well-deserved spot on our list.
SCP Hotel Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs, Colorado
The name might sound corporate, but SCP stands for Soul, Community, Planet—and the impact is measurable. One stay delivers four months of youth mental health resources, 24 hours of electricity to a critically ill child’s family, and one tree planted through One Tree Planted.
Solar-powered, single-use-plastic-free, and ethically stocked from pantry to pillow, SCP is what happens when sustainability meets cool-coffee-shop energy.
The Laylow, Autograph Collection
Honolulu, Hawai‘i
A midcentury-modern Hawaiian escape with a tree-planting mission? Meet The Laylow, a partner of the Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative, which plants native trees at Gunstock Ranch. Through its Mālama Hawai‘i Program, guests who volunteer with local nonprofits earn a fifth night free. It’s a reward for giving back, island style.
Post Ranch Inn (Three Keys)
Big Sur, California
No stranger to MICHELIN praise or sustainability awards, Post Ranch Inn is 100% off-grid, runs on solar power, and filters its own water. The on-site Post Ranch Farms supplies organic produce to the property’s MICHELIN-Starred Sierra Mar restaurant. From scholarships to wildfire relief, community support is woven into the fabric of the stay. Oh, and there's a guided Sustainability Tour, in case you need a little inspiration with your ocean view.
“At Post Ranch Inn, sustainability isn’t just a philosophy, it’s a way of life.” says a spokesperson. “From our organic architecture and energy-efficient practices to our onsite Chef’s Garden, conservation efforts, composting initiatives, and deep involvement in organizations like Beyond Green and Regenerative California, every aspect of the guest experience is designed to minimize environmental impact and honor the natural beauty of Big Sur. We are deeply committed to giving back to the land that gives us so much, not just on Earth Day, but every day – including donating 1% of room revenue to local nonprofits through the Community Foundation for Monterey County, supporting a range of causes.”
Fairmont Pacific Rim
Vancouver, British Columbia
Wrapped in glass, this Vancouver icon might look like a high-rise hotel—but it’s really a cultural collaboration in disguise. The seafood? 100% sustainable via Ocean Wise. And for Earth Day, the property is launching Eco-Wellness Stays, with proceeds benefiting Ocean Legacy Foundation.
"At Fairmont Pacific Rim, sustainability is not just a commitment, it’s a value that guides how we operate every day," says Jens Moesker, Regional Vice President Pacific Northwest & General Manager. "In 2022, we were proud to become the first Fairmont in North America to be certified single-use plastic free, a milestone that reflects our ongoing dedication to reducing our environmental footprint and leading by example in our industry. From eliminating plastic water bottles and bathroom amenities to implementing thoughtful alternatives throughout the guest experience, we are continuously evolving our practices to protect the planet while delivering the high level of service our guests expect. We believe that luxury and tourism is rooted in responsibility, and we remain focused on creating a more sustainable experience for our guests, community, and employees.”
Sonnenalp Hotel (One Key)
Vail, Colorado
Actively Green certified since 2015, the Sonnenalp is a family-run alpine icon where eco-consciousness meets chalet chic. Sustainability has always been part of the après-ski conversation; the hotel sponsors Eagle Valley Wild for local conservation and hosts workshops on how other businesses can green their operations.
Hero image: The Inn at Little Washington, Virginia
Thumb image: Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, California
