By: Shayne Benowitz
In Miami and around the world, hotels and new building projects are taking the initiative to lower their carbon footprint through conservation and protection of natural resources. With Miami’s unique and delicate ecosystem, stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Everglades and the Florida Straits, it’s important to take environmental preservation seriously. When traveling to Miami, the best way to know if you’ve booked a stay at an environmentally conscious hotel is to ensure it’s recognized by the Florida Green Lodging Program or that it’s LEED certified.
Created by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to equip travelers with resources to find a green hotel, the Florida Green Lodging Program rates properties in five areas of sustainable practices: Communication & Education; Waste Reduction, Reuse & Recycling; Water Conservation; Energy Efficiency and Indoor Air Quality. Similarly, LEED is the international benchmark in energy-efficient building, design and construction set by the U.S. Green Building Council.
With so many green hotels to choose from at every price point, it’s easy to make the decision to go green. In fact, many major hotel brands in Miami are designated by the Florida Green Lodging Program and many are also LEED certified. Read on for some of the top eco-conscious hotels in Miami.
1 Hotel South Beach
1 Hotel South Beach is a luxury lifestyle hotel that celebrates nature with an eco-driven mission. As a Silver LEED certified project, the hotel made use of reclaimed wood throughout the interiors. “We’ve launched a cause, not a brand. We’re as much about what you see as what you’re not going to see in our hotels,” says Barry Sternlicht, CEO of Starwood Capital Group, referring to the fact that there are no paper or plastic products in guestrooms. Instead, you will find “triple clear” water filters in all taps to replace plastic bottles, a chic little chalkboard as opposed to pen and paper, and a 1 Hotels Field Guide app in place of brochures. There’s also a small fleet of Tesla electric cars available for hotel guests.
Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Miami Brickell | Downtown
Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Miami Brickell/Downtown holds the distinction of being the first LEED certified hotel in Miami. Located near the heart of Brickell with the popular Batch Gastropub at ground level, the hotel offers sweeping views of Miami’s skyline while keeping prices and its carbon footprint low.
Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club
A member of Marriott’s luxurious Autograph Collection, Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club occupies a historic Art Deco property in Miami Beach. While this iteration of the hotel opened in 2018, the property became the first LEED certified hotel in Miami Beach in 2014 when it was renovated and a new modern tower was built. Today, it’s a bastion of laidback luxury with a nautical aesthetic, two swimming pools, an Italian restaurant and oceanfront bar. It offers a fresh design for a stylish and sustainable night’s sleep.
Miami Beach Edition
The Miami Beach EDITION occupies a historic property originally built in the 1950s, which it restored into a LEED certified hotel. This luxurious collaboration between Marriott International and boutique hotelier Ian Schrager takes being green to new luxurious heights with two restaurants by Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Basement nightclub, which boasts a four-lane bowling alley. As with all Marriott hotels, Miami Beach EDITION is committed to eliminating single-use plastics.
The Palms Hotel & Spa
The Palms Hotel & Spa is a classic eco-conscious hotel in Miami Beach and is recognized by the Florida Green Lodging Program. The hotel exudes Old Florida charm with a lovely pool and lush outdoor lawn. The farm-to-table Essensia Restaurant and Lounge is a true champion of sustainable cuisine, sourcing fare from local purveyors while also incorporating ingredients from its onsite garden.
Circa 39
Circa 39 is the Palms’ sister hotel and is also recognized by the Florida Green Lodging Program, with the same sustainable culinary philosophy. The boutique hotel is home to Jules Kitchen, a cozy and eclectic eatery dishing up global comfort food. So what exactly is global comfort food? Think pulled pork calypso sliders, carne con queso egg rolls and Greek nachos made with pita chips and feta. You can also delight in Caribbean shrimp mofongo, Korean BBQ spare ribs and a Cubano sandwich.
The Standard Spa, Miami Beach
The Standard Spa, Miami Beach hotel is recognized by the Florida Green Lodging Program. Located on Belle Isle on the Venetian Causeway, the hotel is practically floating on Biscayne Bay with a dreamy zero entry swimming pool and outdoor mud lounge, as well as an indoor spa with a spacious stadium-style hammam and water journey. The property promotes an overall sustainable lifestyle with a restaurant specializing in healthy, organic cuisine.
With so many hotel options to choose from, being green has never been easier. By staying at a Florida Green Lodging Program or LEED certified hotel, you can rest assured that you’re supporting an eco-friendly property.