Many Coachella Valley hotels have adopted sustainability in exciting and inventive ways.
We’ve checked in to some of our favorites and see what they have to offer.
We’ll be highlighting one hotel a week, and throughout this series you’ll read about everything from herb gardens to beauty products made through ‘green chemistry’ to vehicle charging stations, and lots more.
So sit back, relax, and come along on our eco-friendly vacation.
This week: Avanti Hotel
Tucked away in Palm Springs Movie Colony neighborhood, the boutique Avanti Hotel has mid-century style and 21st-century eco-friendly features.
General Manager, Jim Rutledge, takes us for a spin.
When did you first introduce eco-friendly features and how did you start?
“We purchased Avanti in May 2012. Being from the Pacific Northwest, we have eco-friendly thinking ingrained in us so we thought about these practices long before we opened. Some of the eco-features you'll find at Avanti include recycle bins in all guest rooms and around the pool deck area. Due to an increase in our recycling, we required additional curbside recycle containers.”
“Something else we did when we took possession of the property was remove towels, linens, some furniture and artwork. But rather than a trip to the dump, we recycled the items in various ways. Towels were donated to the animal shelter, and many other items were donated to neighbors and Revivals [whose proceeds benefit Desert AIDS Project].”
“From personal amenities to housekeeping we strive to use natural, recycled and/or recyclable products. ECRU body products and Caldrea kitchen products are provided in the guest rooms. Mrs. Meyers Clean Day products and laundry detergent free of perfumes and dyes are used by housekeeping. Even water from ice chests is used on plants and our landscaping is predominately drought tolerant. Styrofoam coffee cups are not ever a consideration.”
Do you receive many comments and how do guests react?
“Most react happily when they find the ECRU and Caldrea products in the guest rooms.”
What qualities do you think are most important to male guests?
“Recycling.”
What qualities are most important to female guests?
“Quality personal amenities.”
Can you tell me about the most unusual eco-related request you’ve ever received?
“Inquiries regarding laundry soap free of dyes and perfumes, and hypoallergenic pillows.”
What’s your favorite eco feature?
“Recycling. And the fun retro-cruiser bikes available for guests to ride around the Village versus driving.”
Any changes or additions coming up?
“When we repaint guest rooms, we select colors from Valspar's line of paint that’s free of VOCs [volatile organic compounds]. We also do our best to purchase products made in the U.S. to keep a smaller carbon footprint.”
Avanti Hotel, 354 East Stevens Road, Palm Springs, 760-327-3866
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