I’ve always believed that hospitality is about more than beds and bookings—it’s about impact. The best hotels do more than welcome guests; they inspire them. And in today’s world, there’s no greater opportunity to inspire than by leading with sustainability.

As someone who loves the outdoors—whether I’m fishing at sunrise or biking along Palm Beach’s Lake Trail—I’ve seen firsthand the importance of protecting the places we love. That’s why I work closely with boutique hotels and resorts to help them operate more sustainably. Not just because it’s good for the planet—but because it’s also good for business.

Sustainability Isn’t Just a Trend—It’s an Expectation

Today’s traveler is looking for more than a comfortable stay. They want to know that the businesses they support share their values. Especially among younger guests, there’s a growing expectation that hotels operate with care for the environment.

And the good news? You don’t need to be a five-star eco-lodge in Costa Rica to meet that expectation. Whether you’re a 12-room inn or a beachfront resort, every property can take steps to reduce waste, save energy, and promote greener living. And when done well, those steps create guest loyalty, stronger online reviews, and even bottom-line savings.

Start with Energy Efficiency

One of the simplest and most impactful ways to go green is by tackling your energy use. I encourage every hotel I consult with to conduct an energy audit. Swapping out old incandescent bulbs for LEDs, upgrading to Energy Star appliances, and installing smart thermostats can dramatically cut utility bills.

At one boutique resort I worked with in the Keys, a simple shift to smart room sensors—turning off AC and lights when guests left—saved over $20,000 in one year. Guests never noticed the change, but the property’s owner sure did when the monthly bill came in.

Rethink Housekeeping and Laundry

One of the biggest sources of water and chemical use in hotels comes from daily housekeeping. Offering guests the choice to skip daily towel and linen service not only reduces environmental impact but also respects guest privacy.

The key is communication. Don’t just hang a generic card in the bathroom—make it part of your welcome message. “Help us protect our local waterways by joining our linen reuse program,” sounds a lot better than “Please place towels on the floor.”

Less laundry also means fewer labor hours and less wear and tear on linens, which translates to real savings over time.

Reduce Single-Use Plastics

Nothing undermines a luxury experience like a trash bin full of tiny plastic bottles. Guests notice. And they care. One of the best moves any hotel can make is transitioning away from single-use plastics.

Switching to refillable dispensers for shampoo and soap is an easy place to start. Offering filtered water stations instead of plastic bottles in rooms, using compostable straws, or stocking reusable coffee cups—these choices don’t just reduce waste, they send a message that your brand is thoughtful and future-focused.

At one coastal inn I advised, replacing plastic water bottles with branded, reusable glass bottles not only cut costs but became a signature guest amenity. People were posting about it on social media, and several guests even asked to buy them to take home.

Source Locally, Think Seasonally

Sustainability also means thinking about where your resources come from. In your restaurant or bar, try to work with local farms, breweries, and fisheries. Not only does this reduce your carbon footprint, but it creates a stronger sense of place.

Menus that highlight local and seasonal ingredients tend to resonate more with guests and give your property an edge in storytelling. “Gulf shrimp with garden-grown herbs” sounds a lot better than “shrimp cocktail.”

And don’t forget your gift shop or minibar. Carrying locally made products, from snacks to skincare, not only supports your community but gives guests a more authentic experience.

Tell Your Story—and Involve the Guest

Sustainable practices are powerful—but only if your guests know about them. I always encourage hotels to tell their sustainability story clearly and consistently.

That could be a page on your website, a welcome card in each room, or signage around the property that explains your initiatives. Better yet, give guests a chance to participate. Host beach cleanups, offer bike rentals, or partner with a local conservation group to sponsor a tree-planting day.

The more guests feel involved in your mission, the more likely they are to return, leave a positive review, and recommend your hotel to others.

One resort I worked with started planting one tree for every guest stay. Not only was it a feel-good initiative, but they sent guests a follow-up email with a photo of “their” tree—and saw a spike in return bookings and online engagement as a result.

Sustainable Hospitality is Smart Hospitality

I’ve worked in this industry long enough to know that no hotel can afford to operate “just for show.” Every initiative needs to make sense financially. But here’s the truth: the best sustainability strategies do both. They reduce costs and create value. They protect the environment and strengthen your brand.

Going green isn’t about being perfect. It’s about progress. Start small. Pick one or two areas to focus on, measure your impact, and grow from there. Your guests will notice—and they’ll remember.

In today’s competitive market, the properties that lead with purpose stand out. And nothing builds long-term loyalty quite like a stay that feels good—and does good.

If you’re looking to make your hotel more sustainable but aren’t sure where to begin, I’d be happy to help. Let’s create a place that people are proud to stay—and proud to support.