Labels such as green, organic, eco-conscious, eco-friendly, responsible consumption and eco-tourism have caught on in the last few years. The World Tourism Organization has indicated that eco-tourism is growing at three times the rate of the mainstream travel market. Because it’s such a high growth market, every hotel worth its dough claims it is greener than what it may actually be in practice. Many claims could just be eye-wash.

To most people, the words eco-friendly and organic conjure up earthy, granola images.

But at the Vdara Hotel in Las Vegas, eco-friendly is married perfectly with modern design. Located in the City Center area, the Vdara Hotel and Spa sits in the middle of the action while still offering a refuge away from it all.
In a city full of distinct designs, the Vdara’s notable crescent shape sets it apart. The impressive architecture suggests an artful interior, and you won’t be disappointed once you step inside. The hotel owns an extensive collection of art, scattered around the building like a treasure hunt for the art lover. Behind the reception desk is a huge piece by American artist Frank Stella, and across the lobby is a painting by Peter Vagner.

However, what really sets the Vdara apart is its commitment to sustainability and green practices throughout the resort.

It’s not just lip service, either. The hotel maintains its grounds through natural practices and low water use, which is unusual in desert city known for extravagant water use. The entire resort utilizes environmentally friendly and non-toxic materials and systems aimed at providing guests with a healthier environment overall.

Many hotels flaunt their green status by choosing earthy, often grungy décor, as if turning their noses up at modern luxury makes them somehow more sustainable. Not so at the Vdara. The décor is smart, and modern, well lit and nothing in the building could be described as earthy. Instead of in-your-face sustainability, the Vdara quietly goes about its business of providing a luxurious resort with a commitment to sustainable practices. The green is seamlessly incorporated.

The entire facility uses low energy LED lighting on timers to prevent wasted energy on empty spaces. When was the last time you heard any of the Las Vegas hotels worry about wasted energy on lights? In addition, the resort employs solar heating, thanks to its unique curved design, as well as low energy hot water tanks and cooling systems.

Every guest room is as suite, and provides in-room recycling containers, as well as water saving bathroom and kitchen fixtures. The windows are specially treated to prevent wasted heating and cooling. Even housekeeping is committed to eco-friendly practices, including chemical free cleaners, bed changes only upon request, and stocking the baths with chemical free products from Aveda.

The prominent curved glass façade of the Vdara Resort sets it apart from other Las Vegas hotels, but it’s the eco-friendly work that goes on inside that really makes it a stand out among green hotels.