Best Places to Stay in New York: The Top 5 Sustainable Hotels

A sustainable hotels NYC stay can provide guests a comfortable and luxurious experience while promoting responsible tourism practices and supporting the environment and local communities. But what exactly do hotels employ to provide guests with a comfortable stay while reducing the environmental footprint?

In recent years, there has been a significant push in the hotel industry to become more eco-friendly and sustainable. This trend is driven by several factors, including increasing consumer demand for environmentally responsible travel options, growing concerns about climate change and resource depletion, and a desire to reduce operating costs.

A hotel that has taken measures to reduce its environmental impact and promote social responsibility to become more sustainable has implemented a number of practices and initiatives. These include:

1. Energy conservation: The hotel may use energy-efficient lighting, HVAC systems, and appliances, as well as implement practices to reduce energy consumption, such as turning off lights and appliances when not in use.
2. Water conservation: The hotel may use low-flow showerheads and toilets and implement water conservation practices such as recycling greywater.
3. Waste reduction and recycling: The hotel may implement recycling programs, composting, reducing single-use plastic, and use eco-friendly cleaning products.
4. Sustainable sourcing: Many hotels are sourcing local and organic food, reducing food waste, and offering vegetarian and vegan options. The hotel reduces transportation emissions and supports local businesses by enacting these measures.
5. Social responsibility: The hotel may support community initiatives, offer fair wages and benefits to employees, and engage in philanthropic activities.
6. Green certifications: Some hotels are seeking green certifications like LEED, Green Key, or EarthCheck, which recognize hotels that meet specific sustainability standards.

The trend towards eco-friendly hotels is driven by a desire to reduce environmental impact and provide guests with a sustainable and responsible travel experience. Here are our Top 5 Sustainable Hotels in NYC. 

1 Hotel Central Park

1 Hotel Central Park is a luxury hotel located in Midtown. It features 229 guest rooms and suites designed with sustainability in mind, using natural materials and a neutral color palette to create a calming and eco-friendly environment. In addition, the rooms feature a range of modern amenities, including high-speed internet, flat-screen TVs, and custom-made beds with 100% organic cotton linens.

The hotel’s focus on sustainability extends beyond the design of its rooms. 1 Hotel Central Park, one of the leading sustainable hotels in NYC, is committed to reducing its environmental impact and has implemented several eco-friendly measures, including:

1. Energy conservation: The hotel uses energy-efficient lighting, HVAC systems, and elevators and has installed smart thermostats in guest rooms to optimize energy use.
2. Water conservation: The hotel has implemented a rainwater harvesting system to collect and reuse rainwater for irrigation and has installed low-flow toilets and showerheads to reduce water consumption.
3. Waste reduction: The hotel has eliminated single-use plastic, uses eco-friendly cleaning products, and has implemented a comprehensive recycling and composting program.
4. Sustainable food: The hotel sources locally grown and organic food for its restaurant, Jams, and has implemented a food waste reduction program.
5. Green certifications: 1 Hotel Central Park has achieved several green certifications, including LEED Gold and Green Key Global.

1 Hotel Central Park is a luxurious and sustainable option for travelers seeking a comfortable and environmentally conscious stay in New York City. The hotel’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its design, amenities, and operations, making it an excellent choice for environmentally conscious travelers. 

Mandarin Oriental

The Mandarin Oriental, New York City, is a luxury hotel located in Columbus Circle, overlooking Central Park. The hotel features 244 guest rooms and suites, each designed with a contemporary style and stunning city views.

In addition to its luxurious amenities, Mandarin Oriental New York City is committed to sustainability and has implemented several eco-friendly measures to reduce its environmental impact. These measures include:

1. Energy conservation: The hotel has implemented energy-saving measures such as using LED lighting, installing energy-efficient HVAC systems, and implementing a guest room energy management system.
2. Water conservation: The hotel has installed low-flow toilets and showerheads and has implemented a linen reuse program to reduce water consumption.
3. Waste reduction: The hotel has eliminated single-use plastic, uses eco-friendly cleaning products, and has implemented a recycling program.
4. Green certifications: Mandarin Oriental New York City has achieved several green certifications, including LEED Gold and Green Key Global.

In addition to its sustainability efforts, Mandarin Oriental New York City offers a range of luxurious amenities, including a full-service spa, fitness center, and rooftop bar. Its central location near Central Park and other popular attractions makes it a popular choice for leisure and business travelers seeking a luxurious and sustainable stay in NYC. At Mandarin Oriental New York City, you’ll live the high life in the city that never sleeps. 

The Greenwich Hotel

The Greenwich Hotel is a luxury hotel in the heart of Manhattan’s Tribeca neighborhood. The hotel features 88 guest rooms and suites, all of which are uniquely designed with a mix of vintage and modern decor and feature a range of luxurious amenities, including marble bathrooms, high-quality linens, and state-of-the-art entertainment systems.

In addition to its luxurious accommodations, The Greenwich Hotel, one of the notable sustainable hotels in NYC, is committed to sustainability and has implemented several eco-friendly measures to reduce its environmental impact. Some of these measures include:

1. Energy conservation: The hotel uses energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems and has implemented an energy management program to monitor and reduce energy consumption.
2. Water conservation: The hotel has implemented a linen and towel reuse program to reduce water consumption and has installed low-flow fixtures in guest rooms and public areas.
3. Waste reduction: The hotel has eliminated single-use plastics. It also has a comprehensive recycling program and uses eco-friendly cleaning products.
4. Green certifications: The Greenwich Hotel has achieved several green certifications, including LEED Gold and Green Key Global.

The hotel also features a range of luxurious amenities, including a full-service spa, a fitness center, and a private screening room. The Greenwich Hotel’s commitment to sustainability and luxury makes it an excellent choice for environmentally conscious travelers seeking a comfortable and eco-friendly stay in one of Manhattan’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

The Pierre, A Taj Hotel

The Pierre, A Taj Hotel is a luxury hotel located on Fifth Avenue in the heart of Manhattan. The hotel features 189 guest rooms and suites, all elegantly designed and feature modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, high-speed internet access, and marble bathrooms.

In addition to its luxurious accommodations, The Pierre, one of the distinguished sustainable hotels in NYC, is committed to sustainability and has implemented several eco-friendly measures to reduce its environmental impact. Some of these measures include:

1. Energy conservation: The hotel uses energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems and has implemented an energy management program to monitor and reduce energy consumption.
2. Water conservation: The hotel has implemented a linen and towel reuse program to reduce water consumption and has installed low-flow fixtures in guest rooms and public areas.
3. Waste reduction: The hotel has eliminated single-use plastics. It also has a comprehensive recycling program and uses eco-friendly cleaning products.
4. Sustainable food: The hotel’s restaurant, Perrine, sources its ingredients locally and offers a menu focused on seasonal and organic options.
5. Green certifications: The Pierre has achieved several green certifications, including Green Key Global and EarthCheck Gold Certified, the world’s most rigorous and scientifically accurate program for the tourism industry. To achieve this award, a hotel must have continuous benchmarking after five years of specific global standards, including sustainable development policy, water energy utilization, waste management, paper usage, chemical usage, and corporate social responsibility initiatives.

The hotel also features a range of luxurious amenities, including a full-service spa, a fitness center, and a business center. With its commitment to sustainability and luxury, The Pierre, A Taj Hotel is a great choice for environmentally conscious travelers seeking a comfortable and eco-friendly stay in the heart of Manhattan.

The Benjamin Royal Sonesta

The Benjamin Royal Sonesta, New York City, is a luxury hotel located in Midtown Manhattan. The hotel features 209 guest rooms and suites, all designed with a residential feel and feature modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, high-speed internet access, and Frette linens.

The hotel is committed to sustainability and has implemented several eco-friendly measures to reduce its environmental impact. Some of these measures include:

1. Energy conservation: The hotel has installed energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems and uses a building automation system to optimize energy use.
2. Water conservation: The hotel has implemented a linen and towel reuse program to reduce water consumption and has installed low-flow fixtures in guest rooms and public areas.
3. Waste reduction: The hotel has eliminated single-use plastics and offers guests filtered water in reusable glass bottles. It also has a comprehensive recycling program and uses eco-friendly cleaning products.
4. Green certifications: The Benjamin Royal Sonesta New York City has achieved several green certifications, including LEED Silver and Green Key Global.

In addition to its sustainability initiatives, The Benjamin Royal Sonesta offers guests a range of luxurious amenities, including a 24-hour fitness center, a concierge service, and a business center. The hotel is also centrally located, making it a great choice for business travelers or tourists exploring the city. With its commitment to sustainability and luxury, The Benjamin Royal Sonesta New York City is perfect for environmentally conscious travelers seeking a comfortable and eco-friendly stay in the heart of Manhattan.

There are many hotel brands taking steps towards becoming more sustainable, but these five hotels have been selected as our top choices for a sustainable hotel stay in NYC based on their commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices. In addition, all five hotels offer luxurious accommodations and amenities while minimizing their environmental impact, making them excellent choices for environmentally conscious travelers seeking a comfortable and eco-friendly stay in the city.