Hotel Indigo bleeds green

Hotel Indigo bleeds green.

No, I’m not talking about an undying commitment to the Boston Celtics or a leprechaun-like attachment to St. Paddy’s Day.  I am referring to a profound passion for the triple bottom line.  That’s right.  Hotel Indigo bleeds The Green Globetrotter’s green.  Ok, let me start at the beginning.

It was a clear blue morning, and I was on a hunt to see the green side of San Diego.  My second stop was Hotel Indigo, a boutique property with 29 locations that is managed by InterContinental Hotels Group.  Having read an article on their environmental efforts, I requested a tour to learn more, and within minutes, we were riding to the 9^th floor with Sergio, an outgoing and energetic employee eager to show us the green ropes.

“Welcome to the relaxation room and terrace,” he exclaimed, as we stepped off the elevator and through the room’s double doors.  “The floor is made entirely of recycled plastic and wood fiber by-products.”

“Pretty cool!” I thought.  “But how does that affect the design?”

Not at all, it appeared.  The patio felt like home.  The casual yet comfortable chairs invite guests to make use of the deck while the glass paneling offers a great view of Petco Park.  I could easily visualize heading this way to relax and watch the sunset after a long day traipsing about the city.  There are also heaters to keep the guests warm, which Sergio acknowledged is not the most environmentally viable option, but thanks to the San Diego climate, they aren’t needed too often.

At the end of the patio sits a small organic herb garden growing mint, cilantro, rosemary and spearmint (among other plants) that are used to flavor the locally sourced, seasonal ingredients found on the hotel’s Phi Bar and Bistro menu.  A tasting wasn’t on the day’s agenda, but Sergio gave me a sneak peek into the kitchen where the trash is sorted among 4 bins, including a compost bin that then fertilizes the herb garden.  I was definitely inspired to return for a meal!

We moved on to see a standard room. The design was simple, clean, and inviting, and all of the furniture seemed to be in excellent condition.  The rooms are all fitted with flat-screen TVs, although there is no movie rental available.  The reason for this, Sergio explained, is economic; it’s a feature that simply doesn’t make any money (and thus, if implemented, could very well increase the hotel’s rates).  In my mind, it’s also a good excuse to head outside and enjoy Southern California’s fresh ocean air!

My favorite part of the room, however, was the large mural of a flower painted on the wall.  As it turns out, these murals are a signature of Hotel Indigos across the country.  Each branch chooses local artists to create such works and then places them throughout their rooms and the lobby.  What a wonderful community touch.

I asked Sergio about the hotel’s orange and white color scheme.  “Refreshing and energizing,” he replied.  “That is how these colors make you feel.  But more importantly,” he continued, “is how the company makes us feel.”  As it turns out, Sergio is an old hand in the hospitality industry, but this is the first place where he feels the management and its staff truly walk the walk.

“In fact,” he pointed out, “all these nicks on my face are because I, myself, am trying to be more green.  I’ve gone back to old school shaving.  But you can see,” he grinned, “I’m still getting the hang of it.”

As we rode the elevator back down to the lobby, Sergio pointed out a few additional green features he hadn’t covered such as the hotel’s use of plants that need little water, its rules on purchasing environmentally-friendly cleaning supplies, and the discount on parking that it offers to any client driving a hybrid.  Oh, and if that doesn’t convince you that this chain has “eco” on the brain, it was the first LEED-certified hotel in San Diego.  Not a bad list of accolades, I’d say.

Sergio, ever the gracious host, thanked us for coming, and we thanked him for showing us around.  Walking out, it struck me that what Hotel Indigo truly offers is the complete package.  From the welcoming staff to the orange colored walls, the hotel emanates warmth, uplifts your spirits, and ensures you get the kind of rest you can feel good about.  So, next time you need a place to stay in downtown San Diego, make sure this one is at the top of your list.