Sustainable travel isn’t just about ditching plastic straws or reusing towels anymore—it’s about smart designs that start way before check-in. A new wave of boutique hotels is making this their mission, blending thoughtful architecture, eco-friendly materials, and energy-saving systems into one, proving that caring for the planet and staying somewhere chic can go hand in hand.
To see how it’s done, we chatted with the teams behind some of the most sustainable stays out there, including Populus in Denver, the first carbon-positive hotel in the U.S., and Hotel Marcel in Connecticut, which runs entirely on renewable energy. Plus, we highlighted a few other spots that keep it green. Ahead, learn more about hotels where sustainability is always invited.
Populus Denver
As the first carbon-positive hotel in the U.S, Populus clearly isn’t your average stay. The entire place runs on renewable energy, has no on-site parking to promote greener travel, and offsets more carbon than it emits, thanks to its One Night, One Tree program, which plants a tree for every night’s stay. “All of Populus’ interiors, from the materials to the furniture and art, are designed with sustainability at the forefront,” Populus’ General Manager George Prine tells HAP. “For example, the wood slats in the lobby and L2 ceiling are sourced from reclaimed wood snow fencing in Wyoming, the guest room carpeting biodegrades in landfills, and many guest room headboards are created from fallen beetle-kill pine.”
What’s more, the hotel keeps its roots in Colorado–literally–by partnering with local businesses. “Sourcing locally can most notably be seen within our restaurants, Pasque and Stellar Jay, which feature rotating seasonal menus sourced from local farms and purveyors,” explains Prine. “We also have a unique onsite biodigester that diverts food waste away from landfills and into all-natural compost, which then gets distributed back to local farmers, taking the food from farm to table, and back to farm.”
Read our full review here.
| Key Points: • Website • Rating: 4 Stars • Rooms: 265 • Airport: Denver International Airport (DEN) | Amenities: • Fitness center • Rooftop bar • Restaurants • Free breakfast • 24-hour front desk |
Hotel Marcel
Hotel Marcel is a sustainability trailblazer wrapped in Brutalist charm. “As a 100% electric building powered by solar energy, Hotel Marcel is the first hotel in the United States to protect our climate by not using fossil fuels for any aspect of operations,” says Bruce Redman Becker, FAIA, Architect and Developer. It holds LEED Platinum and Passive House certifications, making it the first U.S. hotel to earn both honors. Plus, Hotel Marcel doesn’t have single-use plastics, the laundry is done in-house with all electric equipment, and the location (next to the 10th busiest Amtrak station in America) lets guests come by train, which can help reduce their carbon footprint.
| Key Points: • Website • Rating: 4 Stars • Rooms: 165 • Airport: Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN) | Amenities: • Restaurant • Fitness center • Meeting rooms • Concierge • EV charging |
Hotel des Horlogers
Set in Le Brassus, Switzerland, Hôtel des Horlogers is the perfect mix of cool design and sustainability. Designed by the Bjarke Ingels Group, the building actually lets guests ski straight from the rooftop. Built using locally sourced materials, the property minimizes its environmental impact and has stunning views of the Risoud forest. Inside, it’s all about energy efficiency and natural light. It runs on renewable energy, conserves water, and serves up seasonal dishes made from local ingredients, keeping the carbon footprint low. Even the spa uses eco-friendly products, making this place the perfect spot for a luxurious green getaway.
| Key Points: • Website • Rating: 4 Stars • Rooms: 50 • Airport: Geneva Airport (GVA) | Amenities: • Ski-in ski-out terrace • Library • Art gallery • Electric bicycles • Biodegradable slippers • Entire hotel is wheelchair-accessible |
Ambergris Cay
A private island in Turks and Caicos, Ambergris Cay is where nature meets luxury. Spanning 1,100 acres, more than 60 percent of the island is designated as a nature preserve. Operating with a combination of solar and diesel power, the hotel has a much greener energy footprint than others. It’s also tackling the issue of single-use plastics head-on by providing guests with still and sparkling water in reusable glass bottles, thanks to an on-site water bottling plant.
As for the stay? This island retreat has a beautiful selection of bungalows and villas. The bungalows have private plunge pools, outdoor showers, and some even have direct beach access. For those after something bigger, the villas, like the chic Aurora or huge Dream Away, take luxury up a notch with pools, lounge areas, and plenty of room to spread out. And the best part? Ambergris Cay is all-inclusive, so meals, drinks, water sports, and excursions are all part of the deal.
| Key Points: • Website • Rating: 5 Stars • Rooms: 28 • Airport: Providenciales International Airport (PLS) | Amenities: • All-inclusive • Snorkeling • Hobie cats, kayaks, and paddle boards • Tennis and pickleball, plus lessons with a pro • Hiking, jogging, and biking trails • Beaches • Restaurants |
Ebb Dunedin
Located in the heart of Dunedin, New Zealand, Ebb Dunedin combines high design with sustainability in all the right ways. Designed by architect Gary Todd, it’s centered around a roomy, light-filled atrium that makes guests feel like one with nature. When the sun’s out, the retractable roof floods the space with natural light and fresh air, cutting down on energy use while keeping the vibe bright and breezy. The hotel goes all in on sustainability, with energy-efficient systems, eco-friendly cleaning products, and a no-single-use-plastic policy. Plus, it uses locally sourced materials and partners with regional artisans, so guests can get a true taste of the area.
| Key Points: • Website • Rating: 4 Stars • Rooms: 28 • Airport: Dunedin Airport (DUD) | Amenities: • Café • Mezzanine lounges • Underfloor heating • Minibar stocked with local snacks |
