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Go Green in Washington DC's Fairmont

by Grant Martin (RSS feed) on Aug 27th 2009 at 8:30AM

Feeling a little drained from your time on the hill? Fear not, brave traveler -- nothing washes the grime from the road off better than a fresh, green hotel. Washington DC's Fairmont, winner of Mayor Adrian Fenty's Environmental Excellence Award, will do just that.

Premium visitors can luxuriate in a Lexus Hybrid Living Suite (pictured above and below), an environment meticulously crafted for the eco-conscious traveler, with green amenities such as organic wine and design inspired by Lexus Hybrid Living. And while it's true that guests won't get the company of a luxury sedan inside of their proper room, the hotel has an LS 600h L that's available for complimentary guest use.

Everyday hoteliers can still benefit from Fairmont's green initiatives by enjoying the fresh honey harvested on the building's own roof. In response to the national bee shortage this summer, Fairmont installed a battery of beehives on the outside of the downtown hotel, and as summer plods along, the 100,000 bees are hard at work producing delicious, succulent honey.

Other tweaks to DC Fairmont make the property even eco-friendlier without sacrificing a shred of the brand's quality. Upgrades include:

Low-flow shower heads
Low wattage compact fluorescent light bulbs
Digital thermostats
Natural and healthy choice restaurant menu selections
Greenhouse gas offsets from select building compartments
Courtyard herb garden for local restaurant flavoring

Rooms at the DC Fairmont start at just over $125, while the suites and Lexus Suite are respectively more expensive.

If packages are your fancy, two new deals that the Fairmont hosts are The Eco Power Package and the Green Washingtonian. With the former package guests get to stay in the Lexus Hybrid suite (with free access to the hotel LS 600h!) nestled in style, while the hotel respectively donates $100 to the National Geographic Society for each stay. The Green Washingtonian hosts organic cocktails for guests

Each package can be booked on Fairmont's Travel Green promotion page.

Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and Accommodations