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 Guests on this visit: Myself Length of visit: 2 Days I have stayed here: Once Value for the price: Good Deal
I chose this property because: because it was eco-friendly because it had good reviews based on location
Activities at or near the property include: Eco-Tours
I would recommend this property for: Business Eco-Conscious Families with Teens Honeymooners High-End Crowd
I would not recommend this property for: Budget Minded Place to Sleep
I would definitely stay here again!
I Really Enjoyed my Stay
Business,Luxurious
Loren V.
Visited March
2008 - Along with the hotel's appearance, something I noticed favorably was free self-parking in a good sized nearby lot. Inside, drapery covered walls and floral arrangements throughout the lobby and lower level were a warmly welcoming touch. The elevators seemed always quickly available, a pleasant surprise. In-room bottles of water were complimentary, as was the wireless Internet throughout. There was even an Internet connected computer and printer on every floor, and the mini-lounge area had an honor-system beverage station, a real convenience.
The fitness room was small, but nice, as was the swimming pool also. The staff gave great service and they were always available, but not under foot or in my way. Food in the restaurant was delicious, not too overpriced, and again, service was the best. The bed was excellent for me, and with down pillows. The bathroom was great; I especially enjoyed the walk-in shower.
In summary, when in this area, the Proximity is my place to stay.
As Green as it Gets!
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System, the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings, promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in six key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, indoor environmental quality and innovation in design.
I'm convinced that the Proximity Hotel has not sacrificed any of the comfort of its guests, while earning a Gold LEED certification this year from the U.S. Green Building Council. Management proudly points out that the Proximity uses 36.5% less energy and 30% less water than a conventional hotel. It gets 60% of its hot water from 100 solar thermal panels on the roof. The hotel also has the first regenerative drive elevator, which recaptures energy as the elevator moves down. The hotel has a green, vegetated rooftop on the restaurant, insulating, reflecting the heat, and reducing the amount of energy needed for refrigeration and/or air conditioning.
The hotel used building materials with recycled content. The reinforced steel contains 90% post consumer recycled content, sheetrock 100%, asphalt 25% and staircase steel 50%. The concrete contains 4% fly ash, the mineral residue from the combustion of coal.
The hotel has become an Education Center for sustainable practices with tours of the "Green" hotel being given to guests, and outreach programs for students of all ages. Interestingly, the engineering department has compiled a list of more than 70 sustainable practices already in use at the hotel, and more are stated to be in process.