ECO-Hoteles

Eco-hotels coming to Canada

A new style of "no-frills-chic" hotels will gradually arrive in cities across Canada, the first expected to open this year. These hotels will be on the cutting edge of energy conservation measures.

These days, the word chic isn't mentioned without implying eco-friendly. The so-called ALT hotels designed by Quebec architect Viateur Michaud and developed by Groupe Germain, will be on the cutting edge of energy conservation measures.

The hotels will use a heating and cooling system generated by the earth's temperature, as well as geothermally heated tiles on the ground floor and energy-efficient light throughout.

Meant to offer comfortable, sleek rooms at bargain prices ($129 per night) and at the same time address environmental concerns with geothermal technology, the hotel developers are hoping to fill a void in the Canadian market.

"The type of hotel we are introducing today reflects a strong trend in hotel accommodation, especially in Europe and Asia," Christiane Germain, CEO of Groupe Germain, said in a statement. "It's been dubbed 'no-frills-chic' and combines design, atmosphere and chic interiors with the best possible price."

Other green-forward features are rooms equipped with one switch to monitor all lighting and a 100-per-cent smoke-free environment.
Travelers staying at these eco-chic hotels won't feel guilty for overspending or for overtaxing the environment.

The first one, being built in Montreal, is set to open in September 2007.

Many Canadian hotels are embracing environmental concerns and coming up with programs to please consumers.

The Hotel Association of Canada has developed the ECOmmodation rating program, to recognize hotels committed to going green. Top picks include Residence Inn by Marriott, Vancouver; Days Inn, Regina; The Fairmont Palliser, Calgary; Ramada Hotel, Edmonton; Monterey Inn Resort & Conference Centre, Ottawa; Citadel, Halifax; Holiday Inn, Montreal.

(Photograph by: Photo courtesy ALT Hotels/Groupe Germain)