People who know me well, know that my favorite group of hotels to date is Kimpton.
Kimpton for being environmentally-friendly.
Kimpton for being relatively small while offering the amenities of larger hotels.
Kimpton because each property is unique with its own personality yet consistently offers a friendly staff, green initiatives, and a free wine bar, which encourages mingling.
And being that they're dog-friendly, pooch-food and water in all lobbies, too.
The Onyx Hotel in Boston was no exception.
A perfect location to explore America's premiere historical, and I'll add sustainable, city.
You've got to love Boston.
I sure did.
I stayed at the Onyx Hotel in the North End, two blocks from Little Italy, The T (Boston's amazing and safe subway), and the historic Freedom Trail.
When you have chemical sensitivities like I do, it's comforting to know that when you're away from home, your hotel cleans rooms and linens with eco-certified cleaning supplies.
When I walked into my Onyx Kimpton "EarthCare Standard" room, there were no harsh chemical smells, which can be the case at hotels lacking a green standard.
As a result, the high-thread count sheets felt luxuriously soft without the otherwise "clean" smell price of a head-ache.
Because my trips combine work with pleasure, I appreciate the ergonomically-correct Herman Miller desk and chair, which is perfect for back and neck support while typing on my Mac.
The EarthCare standard means sustainability and luxurious comfort are evident in Kimpton products and services such as:
- Eco-friendly cleaning supplies, bath amenities, Gilchrist & Soames shampoo and conditioner pump dispensers in each guest room to reduce waste of product and plastic
- Organic coffee and tea, and snacks and beverages
- Organic wines at evening free wine bar
- In-room recycling program for cups, clothes hangers, batteries, electronics and more
- Summer energy conservation program
- Efficient lighting and water fixtures throughout hotel
- If you show up to the Onyx in a hybrid, you are rewarded with a discount on your room. Ask about their Green Warrior Package.
A full breakfast that includes fresh fruit, organic coffees, bagels, yogurt and more--is served in the Ruby Room each morning, which may or may not be included in your room.
There's a small gym with free weights, a recumbent bike and treadmill or you have the option for "free" use at local gym.
As for me, I chose a walking tour of Boston's Freedom Trail getting my dose of history with exercise, for Boston is America's seat of history and not to be missed!
Just in case you're wondering, that's Paul Revere's grave site.
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