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: Business Age range: over 65 Length of visit: 2 Days I have stayed here: Once Value for the price: Slightly Overpriced
I chose this property because: based on location
Activities at or near the property include: Spa
I would recommend this property for: Business
I would not recommend this property for: Budget Minded Clubbers Families with Young Children Girlfriend Getaway Honeymooners High-End Crowd Place to Sleep Romantic
I'd stay here again as a last alternative
So So in the Snow
Business
Loren V.
Visited November
2007 - I've always liked the Niagara area, but this was my first stay at the White Oaks Hotel, where I attended a conference and took care of some other business as well. The conference facilities were first class, but I can't say as much for the hotel.
My room was large and clean, and the bed was comfortable. The heater/air conditioner was old and very noisy. My "view" was of the parking lot. Service was quite spotty - and a bad spot was the restaurant, where even though it was uncrowded, waiting time for the food was intolerable.
The spa was nice, but be sure to book appointments WAY in advance. On balance, I would say this hotel is average.
Four out of five isn't bad
The White Oaks Conference Resort & Spa has received the prestigious Four Leaf rating from the Audubon Green LeafT Program, according to the chair of the Environmental Team, who told me that they are one of only twelve properties in Canada to receive the designation, and the only one in the Niagara area.
I also was told that White Oaks was the first property to receive the Four Leaf Environmental rating (out of 5 leaves possible) on their first attempt. Their evaluation was based on purchasing, employee training, buy-in from senior management, maintenance, menus, grounds keeping, health & safety, guestrooms, energy/heating & cooling systems/hydro, conservation practices, laundry, recycling, guest awareness and involvement, and much more. Hotel management says they are going to work very hard to get the 5th leaf!
no 
