Travel Better: 5 Urban Hotels Doing Sustainability Right

From Brooklyn to Paris, these design-forward hotels are proving that sustainability doesn’t have to come at the expense of style, comfort, or experience.

In a world where travel and climate action often feel at odds, a new generation of hotels is rewriting the rules. These are the city stays that go beyond token gestures — combining thoughtful design, innovative operations, and a deeper commitment to the planet. Whether you're booking your next city break or just craving a better way to travel, here are five urban hotels doing sustainability right:

HOY (House of Yoga) – Paris, France

Nestled in the creative heart of the 9th arrondissement, HOY is a wellness-focused hotel rooted in low-impact living. But this isn’t just another trendy boutique — it’s a conscious sanctuary designed for the modern, mindful traveller.

From in-room water filtration to the total elimination of single-use plastics, HOY embodies a subtle yet powerful form of sustainability. Rooms are fitted with air-purifying systems, organic cotton sheets, and minimalist interiors designed to calm the nervous system. Downstairs, you’ll find a plant-based restaurant, a flower shop, and a yoga studio with daily classes — making it one of the rare places where sustainability meets serenity.

Why It Matters:

• No single-use plastics

• In-room air and water purification systems

• Plant-based restaurant and daily yoga

• Organic bedding and natural materials

Room2 Chiswick – London, UK

Billed as the world’s first fully net zero hotel, Room2 Chiswick is a shining example of what future-ready urban hospitality looks like. Every element — from the building’s recycled materials to its lifecycle carbon accounting — has been meticulously designed to reduce environmental impact.

Room2 offsets 100% of both operational and embodied carbon, uses solar panels for energy, and relies on ground-source heat pumps. Even the carpets are made from recycled fishing nets. The hotel also encourages guests to monitor and minimise their own carbon footprint via smart room tech and interactive experiences.

Why It Matters:

• Fully net zero (construction and operations)

• Renewable energy via solar and heat pumps

• Recycled materials used in design

• Smart tech to help guests travel more consciously

A pioneer in eco-luxury, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge proves that sustainability can be stunning. Located at the edge of Brooklyn Bridge Park, the hotel is constructed with reclaimed materials — including wood from local factories — and features a rooftop garden filled with native plants.

From the filtered tap water in glass bottles to the on-site composting and sustainably sourced food, every detail of 1 Hotel is designed with care. It's a retreat for both the planet and the people who love it — where views of Manhattan meet a vision for a greener future.

Why It Matters:

• Built using reclaimed and locally sourced materials

• Rooftop garden with native species

• Filtered tap water, glass-only bottles, and composting

• Wellness and sustainability woven into every touchpoint

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge – Brooklyn, New York

Zoku – Amsterdam, Netherlands

Zoku is redefining the hotel experience for digital nomads and long-term travellers. Their “home-office hybrid” design offers fully equipped lofts with eco-friendly features like water-saving fixtures, energy-efficient systems, and natural materials.

But Zoku’s approach to sustainability goes beyond the room. The hotel reduces food waste, cuts down on packaging, and actively encourages guests to bring their own products to reduce single-use waste. It’s an intelligent, minimalist space where less really does mean more.

Why It Matters:

• Home-office hybrid with long-stay comfort

• Water and energy-saving systems

• Food waste and packaging reduction initiatives

• Reusable alternatives over disposables

The Hoxton – Amsterdam, Netherlands

At first glance, The Hoxton is a beautifully curated, design-led hotel in the heart of Amsterdam. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find strong sustainability practices underpinning its cool, contemporary vibe.

The hotel repurposes vintage furniture, uses low-energy lighting, and sources organic, local food for its restaurant. Guests are encouraged to explore the city by bike, thanks to the hotel’s free cycle rentals. It's laid-back, stylish sustainability — without the preachiness.

Why It Matters:

• Reused and vintage furnishings

• Locally sourced organic food

• Energy-efficient lighting and green energy usage

• Complimentary bikes to reduce car use

Sustainable travel isn’t about sacrifice — it’s about being intentional. These hotels show that with innovation, creativity, and care, our urban stays can leave a lighter footprint while still offering a richer experience.

So next time you plan a city escape, choose better. Travel better. Stay where it matters.

Location Tag: Amsterdam, London, New York, Paris

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