The place of lodging actively promotes the environmentally friendly practices of their property. They do so in their advertising, web site, and promotional literature.
The property utilizes sources of renewable energy. Examples are: biomass, photovoltaic conversion, small hydro, solar, wind, geothermal, etc. and do not use fossil fuels.
As the property is maintained old equipment and fixtures (wasteful toilets, light bulbs, shower heads, refrigerators, washing machines, etc.) are updated with more efficient and conserving replacements.
High energy consumption fixtures and appliances have been replaced with their energy efficient counterparts. Sensors are used to automatically turn off lights, air conditioning, and heating. Rooms have optomized to retain heating or cooling through improved insulation.
Xeriscape is landscaping designed to conserve water. Water is conserved through the use of native plants and minimal plant groundcover. Desert landscaping utilizing indigenous plants, and gravel for a majority of the groundcover is an example to xeric landscaping.
Organic cotton sheets and towels do not add VOC's, thereby improving air quality. Organic cotton is a sustainable product whereas synthetic fabrics are not because of their reliance on petrochemicals.
The property uses environmentally friendly chemicals for cleaning. Also included are perfumed or scented laundry supplies, carpet cleaners, cleaning supplies, or air fresheners, and other products tha could be harsh or harmful.
Many plastic and foam disposable products (cups, bowls, plates, and clam-shell boxes) are not recyclable or bio-degradable and are manufactured from non-sustainable petrochemicals. Recyclable disposable products are good alternatives.
Using gray water for irrigation of gardens and landscaping. Gray water is wastewater from bathrooms sinks and showers/tubs, kitchens, laundry sinks and tubs, and washing machines where only non-polluting, biodegradable detergents are utilized.
Containers located in the common areas of the property, properly labeled, for the express purpose of enabling guests and staff to separate trash from recyclable items.
The biological decomposition of solid organic materials by bacteria, fungi, and other organisms into a soil-like product that can be used to enrich garden soils.
The supports local business through the purchase of products from local vendors, and produce from local farms if available.
Satisfaction Ratings
Experience with Staff & Service
Room Quality
Comfort of the Bed
Cleanliness of the Room
Parking Convenience and Cost
Activities at the Property
Property Fitness Center
Pool and Pool Area
Property Safety and Security
Property Location
Quality of Meeting Rooms
Property and Visit Details
Purpose of my visit: Vacation Age range: over 65 Length of visit: 1 Week I have stayed here: Once Value for the price: Great Deal
I chose this property because: because it was eco-friendly because it had good reviews based on price based on location because it was recommended
Activities at or near the property include: Hiking Horseback Riding
I would recommend this property for: Adventurous Budget Minded Families with Teens Honeymooners
I would not recommend this property for: Clubbers High-End Crowd Place to Sleep
I would stay here again
Quiet and Relaxing
Quiet,Remote,Rustic,Scenic
Loren V.
Visited March
2008 - The Villablanca was recommended to me, so I decided to spend a week's vacation, hoping for some real relaxation. I wasn't disappointed. My private cabin was clean, quiet and comfortable.The horseriding trails ofered some diversion, and the food was out of this world!
The staff were friendly and helpful, and the guided tour in the Cloud Forest I really enjoyed, though it should not have been an extra charge. I guess the only thing negative was the proliferation of bugs, but I'll still go again!
Green and Green!
I found the Villablanca Hotel to be not only green from the Cloud Forest vegetation, but from its Green eco policies, and I'm told that it's one of only three hotels with the highest rating, out of the 61 in Costa Rica. The country's Tourism Board has established a Certified Sustainable Tourism Program which makes evaluation and certification, so travelers can be assured that the properties' claims are realistic. Almost all of Villablanca's employees come from the nearby area, and receive continuing training, and awards when appropriate. They certainly do take great pride in maintaining a high standard in their Green practices.
One other very good thing - on arrival I received printed material emphasizing the efforts to conserve energy, respect nature, reduce water usage and recycle. Way to go!
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