Priceless Writer - Travel & Recreation

With daily linen changes, endless bars of soap, and rumpled towels strewn across the bathroom floor – can you imagine all of the waste and eco-damage that occurs in just one hotel at full capacity? In 2006, there were around 62,000 establishments that provided overnight lodging to travelers, ranging from RV parks to luxury hotels to glamorous 5-star resorts. To think – early travelers were content with just a simple place to lay their head...and if lucky, a warm meal.

Accommodations of today have greatly changed from the past, as travelers can now extend their vacationing choices to the possibility of nonstop room service; adrenaline-pumping recreational activities; romantic wedding ceremonies; intense business retreats and late-night romps at a casino. In the end, the result is never-ending waste, which contributes to mounting ecological concerns.

However, there is a way to actively place a dent in draining the planet's resources while vacationing by embracing 'green travel.' Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice luxury, fun, or excitement. You'll simply be making a conscious effort to place the environment first when planning a vacation.

Nowadays, it is important to support businesses that place the environment first and still manage to provide an unforgettable experience. An increasing amount of worldwide hotels and other lodging choices are currently embracing the concept of eco-friendly accommodations. A couple of suggestions include:

· Binna Burra Mountain Lodge (Queensland, Australia): Sink into the allure of a subtropical rain forest, where the promise of adventurous hiking and colorful birds are found at every bend. Travelers have a choice between 'roughing it' in a safari-style canvas tent and hiding away in a well-appointed log cabin. You will find that the lodge has implemented low-flow water fixtures, composting, recycling, and energy-efficient lighting.

· Tiamo Resorts (South Andros Island, Bahamas): Slip into eco-friendly luxury when you settle into private bungalows situated on the beach. The resort is 100% powered by the sun – meaning there is no need for gas or electricity to heat water. Sustainable forests have provided the wood for constructing the resort, which uses composting toilets and water treatment systems to boost eco-friendly efforts.

· Orchard Garden Hotel (San Francisco, California): The U.S. Green Building Council gives this hotel a seal of approval for providing an eco-friendly design that happens to showcase amazing local art in the lobby. Interestingly, the energy-saving electric key card system actually ceases power to each room when a guest steps out and then turns it back on upon their return. Other features include energy-efficient light bulbs, low-flow toilets, and organic bath products.

· Old Chapel Forge Bed and Breakfast (Chichester, England): Explore the center of the Sussex countryside in England with a stay at a breathtakingly restored 17th-century house and chapel. Boasting a high rating from the Green Tourism Business Scheme – travelers are exposed to solar panel heating, locally grown organic meals, composting, and gray water recycling.

· Graycote Inn (Bay Harbor, Maine): Explore this traditional New England bed and breakfast, which offers energy-efficient lighting; high-efficiency furnaces and air conditioning units; organic coffee and wide-ranging composting. Water conservation fixtures have been placed on all toilets, showers, and sinks. This first recipient of the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce Environmental Leader Award is also conveniently located close to Arcadia National Park.

From Greensboro, North Carolina to Siena, Italy – eco-friendly accommodations are on the rise – allowing travelers to make the most out of their vacations without harming the environment in the process. You should know that it also pays to ride the wave of energy conservation while traveling. For instance, driving a hybrid car not only saves money at the gas pumps, but also entitles you to free and discounted valet parking at select hotels, lodges, and resorts, such as the Hotel Rouge in Washington, DC.

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How would you like to enjoy a stay at one of the greenest hotels in the country and I'm not referring to the color? The Proximity Hotel in Greensboro, North Carolina uses 40% less energy and 35% less water than your typical hotel. How do they accomplish this feat? 40,000 square feet of solar panels situated on the roof is responsible for heating the restaurant and supplying hot water throughout the hotel. The guestrooms are also outfitted with water conservation fixtures.

Many people are under the misconception that you must sacrifice luxury when choosing an eco-friendly establishment. This couldn’t be further from the truth. The Proximity Hotel offers access to complimentary Wi-Fi, 32-inch flat-panel televisions, original art, and large windows that allow a rush of natural light to blanket your surroundings.

Hotel Details

• 147 Rooms
• Print Works Bistro Restaurant - classic European bistro dishes
• Outdoor Terrace
• Otis' Gen2 Elevator – offering regenerative drive
• 70+ Energy and Health Enhancements
• Custom Furniture and Magi Beds
• Outdoor Swimming Pool
• Average Rates:  ~$179 per night
  

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Calling all literary nuts! If you've ever fallen in love with the lyrical poetry of Langston Hughes or thumbed through the pages of Zora Neale Hurston for a college assignment – you will certainly enjoy staying in one of the expressively colorful guestrooms at the Akwaaba Bed and Breakfast in Washington, DC. Situated on Dupont Circle (within walking distance of the White House) – this literary-themed bed and breakfast is housed within a historic townhouse mansion that dates back to the 1890's.

Each unique space offers its very own charm and fuel for inspiration. Private baths are found in each room with two selections offering the luxury of Jacuzzi tubs. Other amenities include reserved off-street parking, complimentary WiFi, color television with cable, afternoon refreshments, and on-site massage services (when reserved). At the start of each morning – a piping hot, home-cooked breakfast is served (8am on weekdays and 9am on weekends).

The Rooms (with per night rates)

ZORA NEALE HURSTON (~ $190-285) – An antique writing secretary, mirrored armoire, and front bay window surrounds a brass king-sized bed that truly brings the beauty of this space to life. A two-person Jacuzzi tub and shower is included. If you love the color red – I suggest you definitely embrace the energy of this room.

ROMANCE SUITE (~$165-235) – Love is certainly in the air when you choose to stay in this hideaway – positioned in the back of the home – perfect for quiet, undisturbed nights. Try not to get lost in the private ensuite bath, where the couple's shower provides convenient dual showerheads. The queen-sized 4-poster canopy bed is sure to set the mood surrounding lovers in a deep shade of red.

LANGSTON HUGHES (~ $190-285) – Enjoy pleasant dreams when staying in the 3rd floor guestroom dedicated to the unforgettable poet and playwright, Langston Hughes – which offers rich brown and green decorative surroundings. Step onto the small private balcony to take pleasure in a view of 16th street. Other features include a king-sized bed, decorative fireplace, and a Jacuzzi tub and shower that fit two.

SCIENCE FICTION ROOM (~$150-265) – Also on the 3rd floor – transport into the future with a room centered on vibrant colors and an undeniable energy.

WALTER MOSLEY SUITE (~$165-235) – With a hint of super sleuth charm and mysterious shades of purple, this 3rd floor room is located at the rear of the home. Lie back on the queen sized bed, while the writing desk across the room speaks to your creative juices.

INSPIRATION ROOM (~$175-235) – Sink into a world filled with daydreams at this romantic getaway located on the 4th floor. The Inspiration Room is a suite that offers a sweeping skylight, two windows, king sized iron bed, and an inviting antique claw-foot soaking tub that beckons you to explore the perfect bubble bath.

POETRY SUITE (~$175-235 for two; $30 per extra guest) – While a library of collected favorites is found in this 4th floor room, you probably won't have time to browse through these literary gems if you come for a passion-filled getaway or chatty outing with girlfriends. The two queen-sized beds support a party of up to four guests who will feel right at home with the contemporary black and white striped décor.

TONI MORRISON (~$150-205) – This Afrocentric second floor room dominates the center of the house and offers guests a comfortable queen-sized bed with decorative fireplace that pays homage to the author of "The Bluest Eye" and "Sula," and "Beloved."

The White House isn't the only thing located close to Akwaaba Bed and Breakfast – there are more than 80 dining opportunities, exclusive boutique shopping, movie theaters, the hottest clubs, an Improv comedy theater …and for your reading pleasure – a handful of bookstores. Want to learn more? Direct any questions or reserve your stay by calling 877-893-3233 or 202-328-3510 or contacting reservations@bedandbreakfastdc.com.

Interesting Fact: Monique Greenwood, former editor-in-chief of Essence magazine, not only owns the Akwaaba Bed and Breakfast in Washington, DC, but additional B&B's in Brooklyn, New York; Cape May, New Jersey; and New Orleans.

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