The Westin Diplomat in Hollywood, FL

When most people think of Hollywood, they picture movie stars in California. However, on the other side of the country, Florida has a Hollywood of its own, and the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa is one of its celebrities.

For one thing, it’s a striking building, and recently had a green makeover. In the spring of 2007, this AAA Four Diamond resort began implementing eco-friendly practices, including water-conserving toilets, paperless check-in and check-out, recycling programs for the guests to use, as well as using recycled materials for construction. But, a pretty exterior and a green focus isn’t enough for most folks to spend from $200 to $600 on a room, right? No problem, because there are plenty more reasons to visit this hotel.

For one, Hollywood itself is located in South Florida, which means you have warm weather most days of the year. And it’s good thing — not only is the Diplomat right on the beach, but it also has several outdoor pools, including one with a see-through glass bottom (which you can check out now on their Dip Cam) with a waterfall leading to the lagoon-style pool below. With poolside cabanas, cold towel service, and a poolside bar and grill, you might not want to go back to your room.

The view from the 33rd floor

You might want to leave the beach chair, however, to play a little golf at the Diplomat Country Club Golf Course (South Florida’s only 5-star rated golf course), or relax with a service at the spa. Of course, you’ll need to grab a bite to eat, too, and depending on your mood, you can choose from any of nine different dining options.

So, you’ve got great weather, incredible luxury, and eco-friendliness, all in one hotel. Sounds like a pretty swell winter getaway to me.

Photo credits: seaview99 and cranrob

San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge

San Francisco is a town with a well known reputation for being “green” — from fleets of Prius taxis to every kind of organic, natural and free-range fare –  the eco-traveler is right at home in the City by the Bay.

This extends to the selection of hotels as well. There are so many that it’s almost impossible to pick just five, so for each of the hotels here I included a “Green Claim to Fame” that earned them a place on this top picks list.

The Orchard Garden Hotel
466 Bush Street, San Francisco, California 94108
Toll Free: 888-717-2881, Phone: 415-399-9807, Fax: 415-393-9917
The Orchard Hotel
665 Bush Street, San Francisco, California 94108
Toll Free: 1-888-717-2881,  Phone: 415-362-8878,  Fax: 415-362-8088

Green Claim to Fame
The Orchard Hotel and sister-property the Orchard Garden Hotel set the standard for green hotels – literally. The Orchard properties were the first in California to receive LEED certification, and just the fourth in the world.

One of the many environmentally friendly innovations you’ll find these hotels is a guest room key card system that reduces electricity consumption by an estimated 20%. When a guest enters the room, he or she activate the light and heating systems by inserting the key card into a wall unit. When the key is removed, the systems automatically shut off.

In addition to deluxe green accommodations, guests at the hotel can arrange for eco-friendly services like airport transfers in Toyota Prius Hybrids, receive discounts on rental bikes and eco-tours, and peruse copies of the Greenopia Guide, “the urban dweller’s guide to ‘green’ living.”

Hotel Triton
342 Grant Avenue at Bush Street, San Francisco, CA  94104
Reservations: 800-800-1299, Hotel: 415-394-0500, Fax: 415-394-0555

Green Claim to Fame
The Hotel Triton is a member of the Kimpton Family of Hotels, all of which adhere to the strict “EarthCare“   environmental practices. Additionally, the Triton was one of the earliest green hotels, opening the “Eco 7th Floor” in 1994. All of the room on this floor have water saving devices, water filtration systems, and air filtration/purifiers. The hotel recycles 60% of its waste, has recycling receptacles in all guest rooms, and all of their cleaning products are non-toxic and environmentally safe. They also offer 25% off valet parking for hybrid certified vehicles.

W San Francisco
181 3rd Street · San Francisco, California 94103
Phone: 415-777-5300

Green Claim to Fame
Although the W Hotel doesn’t do a lot of eco-promotion on their website, the San Francisco property is leading the way for the Starwood Chain to become greener. They are piloting in-room recycling bins on 6 floors, recycling 71% of waste, and exploring the installation of six wind turbines on the roof.

Hotel Carlton
1075 Sutter St., San Francisco, CA 94109
Reservations: 1-800-922-7586, Phone: 415-673-0242, Fax: 415-673-4904

Green Claim to Fame
The Hotel Carlton is the only hotel in San Francisco that can boast of having 105 solar panels on the roof. The property was recently certified as a Green Business by the City of San Francisco. It is also an environmentally responsible and carbon neutral hotel, partnering with Carbonfund.org. Their Green Environmental Policy Statement is posted on the website, and it highlights their extensive efforts to recycle, conserve and reduce toxic materials.

Best Western Tuscan Inn
425 N Point Street US San Francisco, California, 94133-1405, United States
Phone: 415-561-1100

Green Claim to Fame
You might not think the world’s largest hotel chain would be all that green, and admittedly the Best Western Tuscan Inn is not the greenest hotel in the city, but the combination of a fabulous location on Fisherman’s Wharf and environmentally friendly practices like in room recycling, organic food, composting, water conservation protocols, and their efforts to educate guests and staff earn them a place on this list.

A Guide to Green Hotels in San Francisco
Even if you don’t pick one of the hotels on this list for your next visit, you can be reasonably sure that almost every hotel in San Francisco is relatively green.

The city follows an aggressive recycling program, has a ban on plastic bags, and you won’t find Styrofoam take out containers anywhere — they’ve been banned too. Most hotels have water saving practices like only changing sheets and towels when you request them. And even if you don’t see a recycling bin in your room, it’s a pretty safe bet that the cleaning staff will get your cans to a blue bin.

Enjoy your trip, and remember that you bring your environmental citizenship with you when you travel, so make your choices wisely!

Photo credit: Lucky Cat Photography

Jersey City, New Jersey

I just caught an old episode of The Sopranos and I was once again struck by the fact that this city is almost always portrayed in such a negative light. Mafia, crime, rough neighborhoods…surely there must be some redeeming qualities to this city? It’s a silly question, because of course there are. Just take a look at some of romantic hotels I’ve found in New Jersey! Ok, so most of them aren’t in downtown Jersey, but they’re in the state.

The Queen Victorian Bed & Breakfast Inn is, quite frankly, the type of house which makes me feel as though I was born in the wrong century. It’s absolutely gorgeous. It’s in Cape May, a quaint and too perfect coastal town. You even get treated to afternoon tea, just like they do in England! Cape May is a very romantic town – you can stroll on the beach, walk amongst the dozens of antique stores and book stores or grab a bite to eat in a small cafe.

Cape May, New Jersey

Up for a little gambling and nightlife excitement? The Borgata Hotel Casino could be perfect for your romantic getaway then. It’s one of Atlantic City’s newest casinos, and if you’re in New Jersey, Atlantic City is not to be missed. The Borgata is rumored to have a fabulous spa. If gambling is your thing, you’re in luck – plenty of games to choose from in the hotel itself, and if you want even more variety just step outside and explore the other hotels! I’ve heard the bathrooms are supposed to be very large, which earns huge points with me. There’s music playing underwater in the pool!

The Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson sounds intriguing as well. This hotel is more in the “nitty gritty city” but it’s got beautiful views of the Hudson and of New York City. It’s a solid four star hotel with a great restaurant on site, and you can take a ferry with your honey to go see the Statue of Liberty.

And when in Jersey…you can always take the “Sopranos Tour,” which takes you to some of the show’s most popular sites and landmarks. It’s a fun thing to do as a couple!

Atlantic City, New Jersey

Photo Credits: Oquendo, Allie Caulfield, Anzman Consulting

Deetjen's Big Sur Inn

California is a great place for vacations: beautiful beaches, serene forests, and sophisticated cities all packed into one gorgeous state.

If you’re on a trip with your honey, where should you stay? Here are a few options for romantic hotels in California:

Wine Country is high on the must-do list for lots of couples, but if you’ve tried to stay there, you know it can be exceptionally expensive. Best Western Sonoma Valley Inn is surprisingly affordable ($179 king bed rates in December, a steal ’round these parts) and centrally located in Sonoma, a perfect home base for your explorations. The rate includes complimentary breakfast and use of the pool and hot tub; better yet, the hotel is in walking distance of the town square, which has great restaurants.

For a romantic retreat in woody Big Sur, I recommend Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn, a charming retreat with furniture handmade by the Norwegian owner in the 1930′s. Each room is unique–we loved “Grandpa’s Room,” which felt like a tree house with a wood-burning stove and runs at $200 per night.

Way down the coast in Los Angeles, try the Omni Los Angeles’ “Sugar and Spice Package,” available through January 4. This includes 25% off your room rate (because worrying about money is anti-romantic!) and Mexican hot chocolate delivered to your room. Delish!