Eco Hotels in Big Cities

The eco-tourism niche has been sweeping the international travel scene and it’s been making a huge difference in environmental impact and sustainable mindset shifts. It’s increased tourists’ social awareness as well and has led to huge improvements in the relationships between host communities and the traveler. With the market for eco-accommodation’s booming, it’s not hard to pick a country, find an eco-lodge and go. 

With that said, due to the inherent natural atmosphere and vibe that goes hand in hand with eco-tourism, these hotels and resorts are typically a little further off the grid. You’ll find them in the countryside, forests, beaches, and mountains- away from the hustle and bustle. This can make finding eco-friendly rooms in bigger city centers a little more challenging. 

The good news is, not only do these hotels exist inside of big cities if you know where to look, they’re often spunkier, more attentive to travelers’ needs, and even more luxurious than their standard hotel counterparts. 

Here is a list of our favorite eco-hotels that you should consider for your next trip to the cities of the world- whether it’s for business, pleasure, or somewhere in between. 

Lloyd’s Inn, Singapore 

Description 

We guarantee you’ve never been to a hotel quite like this one. Lloyd’s hotel is a garden-oasis boutique hotel just steps from Singapore’s iconic Orchard Road shopping district. The design is luxurious, modern and meant to integrate guests with nature in every aspect of their stay- you’ll even adore their open-air bathrooms and garden showers. And as if all of that is not enough, you won’t believe it when we say that Lloyd’s Inn is actually a budget-friendly accommodation option. 

Eco Features

• Reduced energy consumption 
• Sustainable materials and decor
• Repurposed rainwater

Lloyd’s Inn is located in the heart of Singapore’s city center, and you’ll never have to walk too far to find eateries, shops, and transport. We encourage guests to explore this quaint charming neighborhood around the inn!

Photo credit to: https://www.lloydsinn.com/singapore/facilities

Locke at Broken Wharf, London 

Description 

The Locke at Broken Wharf is about to redefine boutique hotel stays for you. Its open-concept naturally inspired décor is a refreshing change in the middle of a historic city. You can enjoy their stunning riverside farm-to-table menu at any time of the day, or prepare your own food on the go from your in-suite kitchen. Perched right on the riverbank of the Thames, many travelers have dubbed this hotel a “modern sanctuary” in the heart of the city. What more could you ask for? 

Eco Features

• 100% recyclable paper
• No single-use plastics
• Partnership with green tourism 

Photo credit to: https://www.facebook.com/lockeatbrokenwharf/

Hotel Zoo, Berlin 

Description 

Hotel Zoo has described their elegant design as where “history and avant-garde meet” and we couldn’t agree more. With a lobby full of exposed brick, tanned leather, and a handcrafted bar, Hotel Zoo is the perfect blend of old world charm and modern luxury. With a focus on genuine gallery art in every room and opulent Victorian-era furniture, you’d never know this was an eco-hotel at all its sustainable practices are simply the cherry on top. 

Eco Features

• Green Globe certification  
• Environmentally-friendly energy technology
• Built with sustainable materials

Photo credit to: https://www.facebook.com/HotelZooBerlin/photos/

Vibe Hotel Darling Harbour, Sydney 

Description 

Who knew an eco-stay could pack in this much luxury. From a rooftop pool with ultra-wide draped daybeds to world-class restaurants, you’ll certainly feel like you’re living the high life during your stay. The designers of the hotel state that a “Zen state of mind” was the source of inspiration for the rooms, and we can certainly tell. Warm tones, naturally-inspired pieces and a minimalist-leaning approach to design have us feeling totally relaxed. 

Eco Features

• No single-use plastics 
• Recycling in all guest rooms
• On-site composting and community vegetable patch

Photo credit to: https://vibehotels.com/book-accommodation/sydney/hotel-darling-harbour/

Conscious Hotel Westerpark, Amsterdam 

Description 

This stunning historical building has a rich history, but its future is equally as interesting. It’s been fully converted into an eco-hotel in the park and is now on a journey to continually improve its environmental sustainability. It’s even located in the middle of a pedestrian-only area, so you’ll be able to fully embrace a back-to-nature lifestyle. The hotel itself if chalked full of plants, with an herb garden wall focal point, and its trendy restaurants are ready-to-impress with an all-local menu. We’re told their coffee is extraordinary so be sure to fuel up on caffeine on-site during your stay. 

Eco Features

• 100% organic farm-to-table restaurants 
• 100% wind-powered electricity
• Bicycles available to prevent taxi use and carbon emissions

Photo credit to: https://twitter.com/ConsciousHotels/status/

Hoshinoya Karuizawa, Tokyo 

Description 

Okay, okay so this eco-oasis is located just outside the big city, not right inside of it. But’s definitely worth a look. With private villas perched right on the lake, you’ll enjoy maximum privacy and a chance to reset. You can take in views of terraced hills, sit by the gardens and babbling brooks, or lounge inside marveling at the architecture and design. The on-site restaurant serves only local ingredients from river fish and game to edible flowers and you’re able to order extra servings to bring back to your room.  

Eco Features

• No single-use plastics and recycling are available 
• Water-conservation initiatives and hydroelectric power generation
• Waste-prevention training for employees
• Funding of environmental protection and education agencies

Hotel Opera, Madrid 

Description 

Right in the most coveted area of Madrid, this spunky 19th-century build is a high-end choice for eco-conscious travelers working with a moderate budget. It was designed to have a musical theme and you’ll find yourself reveling in the singing waiters and live piano at every meal. The rooms are simple but with heightened décor and they come with a special surprise. Many of the rooms even have private terraces with hydro-massage bathtubs- talk about a relaxing way to enjoy the nighttime city lights! 

Eco Features

• Lowest per-room carbon footprint in Madrid- 6.2kg
• Green Key Certified 
• Paperless billing

Photo credit to: https://twitter.com/hotelopera/header_photo

1 Hotel Central Park, New York 

Description 

Okay, so there’s no shortage of hotels amongst the skyscrapers of New York. While you might expect its eco-hotels to lie on the outskirts in quaint townhouses and hippie facades, the hotel with the most impressive sustainability practices is hiding right in plain sight in a prime location. This 14 story hotel is taking everything you would expect from an eco-hotel and then doing even more. Beyond their sustainably sourced décor (we’re talking hemp mattresses and organic bedding) and rigorous recycling protocols, they have even replaced their “do not disturb” door hangers with some Zen rocks for a natural touch. Oh, and your room comes with a yoga mat and unlimited access to a “farmer’s fruit” stand in the lobby. 

Eco Features

• Room keys + Privacy signs are made of recycled wood instead of single-use plastics
• 100% natural and vegan bath products in-room
• Funding and partnerships with over 15 environmental, ocean, and social sustainability initiatives
• Electric car shuttles

Belmond Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro 

Description 

An unexpected façade for an eco-resort, the Belmond Copacabana Palace is a historic masterpiece with an overarching art-deco theme, luxury fine dining, and modern, ocean-view rooms. When we say this hotel is opulent, expect large chandeliers, draping fabrics, and period-piece décor- definitely not the norm for a hotel that is this sustainable. The hotel restaurant opens up to their stunning seaside pool, so you can feel the ocean breeze and listen to the waves while you eat, which is an added bonus. 

Eco Features

• 100% renewable energy 
• 50% of all waste recycled or composted
• The hotel funds an ecology school and wildlife preservation initiative in Iguacu Falls