This fact sheet is produced by the press office of the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau. More details are available by visiting our web site www.bostonusa.com “Press” section. Larry Meehan, Editor For information, press contacts for any news item. Previews, press contacts, fact checking can be requested anytime …e-mail lmeehan@bostonusa.com direct line for media: 617-867-8231 Joanna Blasi e-mail: jblasi@bostonusa.com direct line for media: 617-867-8226.
BostonUSA Green Getaways
Environmental issues are on everybody's mind lately and Boston is committed to being part of the eco-solution. Boston is home to several environmentally responsible hotel services. The eco-friendly changes being made to the city's hotels and other facilities demonstrate Boston's concern for the health and well-being of their customers and the planet.
Contents
Green-Certified Hotels
Green News & Events
Green Activities
Parks & Reservations
Green-Certified Restaurants
Green Convention Centers
1. Green-Certified Hotels
Colonnade Hotel
The Colonnade Hotel is an independent luxury hotel that takes pride in its
ability to pay the utmost attention to every detail. Located in Boston's
historic Back Bay neighborhood, the hotel offers weekend packages and suites.
The Colonnade offers parking, a rooftop pool and dining at BrasserieJO,
Boston's only authentic French brasserie. For reservations or more information
call 617-424-7000 or visit
http://www.colonnadehotel.com.
Comfort Inn & Suites, Revere
Convenient
to Boston & Logan Airport, along with highly competitive rates, we offer
guests exceptional rooms and amenities, such as a complimentary deluxe
continental breakfast and free copies of USA TODAY. In addition, Comfort
Suites feature 25-inch TVs, direct dial telephone service, indoor pool,
fitness room, free parking, and complementary airport shuttle.
www.comfortinnboston.com
Copley Square Hotel
Friendly
and informal, this European-style hotel, has been recently renovated. It is
ideally located right in the heart of the historic Back Bay neighborhood.
Three restaurants are located on the property - Speeder & Earl's, the Home of
the Original Sports Bar and Tennessee's.
www.copleysquarehotel.com
The Eliot Hotel
An elegant
European-style suite hotel located in historic Back Bay within walking
distance to shopping, fine dining, cultural attractions, universities and
hospitals. Guests will enjoy luxury suites and experience the European style
service and fine dining that earned The Eliot the accolade One of The Best
Hotels in the World by Travel and Leisure 2003. The Eliot is well
known as Boston’s premier boutique hotel and the hotel’s Restaurant Clio is
one of Boston’s hottest dining destinations. Valet parking. For
reservations or information call 617-267-1607 or visit
www.eliothotel.com
Fairmont Copley Plaza
Boston's Grande Dame hotel, a four star hotel with old world charm, elegant high-end meeting space, proximity to shopping and cultural activities. Elegant and deluxe accommodations, outstanding service, the hotel is located on the historic Copley Square in the Back Bay. Home to the award-winning Oak Room restaurant and Oak Bar. www.fairmont.com/copleyplaza/
Four Points by Sheraton
Boston Logan Airport
The Four Points by
Sheraton Boston Logan Airport offers comfortable accommodations with
professional service. The Hotel can accommodate small intimate gatherings and
large receptions and meetings with our 6,000 square feet of meeting and
banquet space. For breakfast and lunch visit the Landing Cafe located right in
our lobby for your convenience. Our on-property restaurant, The Bisuteki
Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar serves authentic Japanese cuisine with a bit
of entertainment. For reservations or information call 781-284-7200 or
visit
www.fourpoints.com/bostonairport
A Friendly Inn at Harvard
Square
Victorian charm and
Friendliness at an Affordable Price, A Friendly Inn at Harvard Square is a
most elegant guest house right next to Harvard Square. Our Rates range from
$97-$127 for single occupancy and include private bath, AC, private phone and
continental breakfast. Additional $20 for extra person. For reservations
or information call 617-547-7851 or visit
www.afinow.com/afi
Hotel Marlowe
Hotel Marlowe is a brand
new 236-room boutique hotel with 9,000 square feet of meeting space. For
reservations or information call 866-542-4422 or visit
www.hotelmarlow.com
Hotel @ MIT
Located in the heart of
Cambridge academia, and conveniently close to both Boston and Harvard Square,
the Hotel @ MIT blends cosmopolitan accommodations with high-tech amenities.
The hotel features 210 rooms, 15,000 square feet of meeting space including a
spectacular 8,000 square foot outdoor roof garden for receptions; Sidney's
Grille Restaurant and the Library Lounge. For reservations or
information call 617-577-0200 or visit
www.hotelmit.com.
Hyatt Harborside Hotel
Discover unexpected
serenity at Hyatt Harborside located on historic Boston Harbor. With 270 rooms
including 7 suites, the Hyatt Harborside offers superb amenities including:
fully equipped health club, heated indoor pool, Harborwalk - picturesque 3/4
mile waterside jogging trail, state of the art Business Center, unparalled
views of Boston from the Harborside Grill and patio, complimentary
airport shuttle 24 hours a day. The Grand Ballroom, Skyline Ballroom or our
outdoor Harborside Pavilion host everything from elegant candlelight weddings
to upscale corporate banquets and charity events. For reservations or
information call 617-568-1234 or visit
www.harborside.hyatt.com
Hyatt Regency Boston
Centrally located in the heart of the historic financial district in downtown Boston, Hyatt Regency Boston ideally suits the needs of both business and leisure travelers. Set just one block away is Boston Common and the central subway station. Walk to area shopping and the Theatre District. Also nearby is the Government Center, Freedom Trail, Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market and the Water Front. Boston's Logan International Airport is 3 1/2 miles from the hotel. www.bostonfinancial.hyatt.com
Langham Boston Hotel
Situated in the heart of
Boston, Langham Hotel, Boston combines its rich history with all the features
of a contemporary luxury hotel. Originally the Federal Reserve Bank, this AAA
four-diamond property is a magnificent national architectural landmark.
Overlooking the gardens of Post Office Square, this elegant hotel is just
steps from the finest shopping, restaurants, and local attractions, including
Faneuil Hall, Newbury Street, the Freedom Trail and the waterfront to name a
few. Only minutes to area colleges and universities. For reservations or
information call 617-451-1900 or visit
www.boston.langhamhotels.com
Lenox Hotel
Under family ownership for more than 35 years, The Lenox celebrated its 100th Anniversary in 2000 and it continues to be hallmark for personal attention and quiet, with the intimate atmosphere of a small, classic European hotel, The Lenox appeals to both leisure and business travelers as it offers guests gracious accommodations, a full-range of services and amenities, from plush terry bathrobes to in-room fax machines and dual-line speaker phones. www.lenoxhotel.com
Nine Zero Hotel
With 190 rooms, extensive amenities and facilities, and sleek,
contemporary design, NINE ZERO provides a relaxing, comfortable stay and
outstanding service to every guest - all in the heart of Boston's vibrant
downtown. Whether it's an informal brainstorming session, executive board
meeting, networking lunch, or intimate dinner at SPIRE, the hotel anticipates
and adapts to your business and social needs. For reservations or more
information call 617-772-5800 or visit
http://www.ninezero.com.
Onyx Hotel
Newly opened in May 2004 in historic downtown Boston, The Onyx Hotel is a
gem of a boutique hotel, offering exceptional accommodations a stone's throw
from Fleet Center, Faneuil Hall and North Station. For reservations or more
information call 617-557-9955 or visit
http://www.onyxhotel.com.
Radisson Cambridge Hotel
The Radisson Cambridge
located across the street from Boston's Charles River is within walking
distance to both Harvard Square and Boston University -the "T" is a 15 minute
walk from the hotel. For reservations or information visit
www.radisson.com
Royal Sonesta Hotel
Boston/Cambridge
A luxury hotel situated
on the banks of the Charles River offering breathtaking views of the Boston
skyline. The hotel offers both gourmet and casual dining. Restaurant dante
offers innovative cuisine with Italian, French and Spanish influences. The
Gallery Café & Patio serves modern interpretations of classic American
favorites. Enjoy the health club and atrium style swimming pool, and
complimentary shuttle service to points of interest. Adjacent to the
Cambridgeside Galleria with 120 specialty shops, and Boston's renowned Museum
of Science, the hotel is just 3 miles from Logan Airport. For
reservations or information call 617-806-4200 or visit
www.sonesta.com/boston
Seaport Hotel
Located on Boston's waterfront, the Seaport Hotel features 426
newly-renovated, luxurious guestrooms with breathtaking views of Boston Harbor
or the city skyline. The hotel is home to Aura, an award-winning restaurant,
Wave Health & Fitness, a state-of-the-art health club with 50-foot indoor lap
pool as well as spa and massage services, and a complimentary, full-service
business center available 24 hours a day. For reservations or more information
call 617-385-4000 or visit
www.seaportboston.com.
Sheraton Boston Hotel
Located in Boston's Back Bay, the recently renovated 1,215-room full service hotel offers accommodations with all amenities for the Business/Convention traveler and the visitor to Boston. Amenities include: Club Level Rooms, two new restaurants – Apropos and Turning Point Lounge; multi-lingual Concierge; and Boston's largest indoor/outdoor pool and extensive health club. Guestrooms offer sweeping views of the Charles River, Cambridge and Boston neighborhoods. The Sheraton is connected to the shops at Copley Place and Prudential Center. www.sheraton.com/bosto
Woburn Residence Inn by Marriott
The Woburn
Residence Inn by Marriott, an all suite hotel, provides a "Home Away From
Home" where guests feel that they are among friends. In the studio, one and
two bedroom suites guests can enjoy a fully equipped kitchen, living room, and
bedroom area. Complimentary hot breakfast buffet, indoor pool and spa.
www.residenceinn.com
2. Green News & Events
Save the Planet - Save Some Green: Hybrid Drivers
Park Free at Seaport
In honor of environmental awareness month, we'd like to give back to
individuals who care about their impact on the Earth. Seaport is
offering complimentary parking to any guest arriving in a Hybrid vehicle
during the month of April. Simply pull up to our valet, hand over your
keys and we'll take care of the rest. It's what we like to call Eco-CARma.
Ecotourism Pioneer, The Lenox Hotel and Saunders Hotel Group Receive Back To Back Global Travel Awards
BOSTON - Saunders Hotel Group’s (SHG) Lenox Hotel, one of Boston’s premiere four-diamond hotels, has just received two of travel’s most prestigious awards. As green hotels are becoming mainstream, SHG is being recognized for continuing to set the standard in urban, luxury ecotourism. SHG is also recognized as an eco-pioneer in the world’s largest industry - travel and tourism.
The Lenox Hotel was selected as the top urban hotel in the world on Conde Nast Traveler’s Annual Green List. The winners are judged for their commitment to environmental initiatives, their local communities, and the quality of their guest experience. The Lenox was the only hotel in the US selected– as well as the only urban hotel selected in the world. The Lenox Hotel’s main initiative was to offset 100% of the carbon emissions resulting from all of its electricity usage. The Lenox was also the first US hotel to offer guests the now ubiquitous towel and linen reuse option, and the company has donated over $180,000 to environmental groups around the globe. The Lenox uses healthy cleaners, air fresheners and paints to improve the hotel’s indoor air quality and its energy efficient windows keep rooms quiet and comfortable.
14th Annual WBOS EarthFest in Boston, Hatch
Shell, May 26, 2007
Presented by Whole Foods Market and free to the public, the 92.9 WBOS
EarthFest is a celebration for the Earth showcasing environmentally friendly
products, groups, and activities. EarthFest, which is produced in conjunction
with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, will also
feature an all-star musical line-up, an interactive family area and more. This
year’s line-up will be announced mid-April and will feature a collection of
this year’s best artists and musical acts. Past artists have included The
Fray, James Blunt, Los Lonely Boys Sheryl Crow and more. For more information
or to get involved in this year’s WBOS EarthFest visit
www.earthfest.com.
3. Green Activities
The George Robert White Environmental Conservation Center Tour: The George Robert White Environmental Conservation Center (GRWECC), located at the Massachusetts Audubon Society's Boston Nature Center in Mattapan, is the first municipal "green" building in Boston. The GRWECC is intended to serve as a regional model for environmentally responsible building principles. The GRWECC is designed, constructed, and maintained in a manner that protects and conserves the natural environment. It also provides employees and visitors with a comfortable, healthy environment in which to work and learn. For more information call 617-983-8500 or visit www.massaudubon.org/Nature.
Lynn Heritage Visitors Center Tours
The oceanfront community of Lynn is famous for its shoe manufacturing, for
pioneering developments in electronics and for the 19th century reformers who
lived there. Exhibits and tours highlight the innovation and industry of Lynn,
the turn-of-the-century shoemaking capital of the U.S. Compare the craft and
tools of a hand made shoe with a factory made shoe. Experience the struggle of
shoe workers during the Strike of 1860. Find out why Lydia Pinkham’s medicinals
were known the world over. A boardwalk stroll at the nearby Waterfront Park
features an extraordinary mosaic mural on Lynn's history. For more information
visit
www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/.
Urban AdvenTours
Urban AdvenTours offers daily environmentally friendly, guided Boston bicycle
tours, leaving from Boston Bicycle near Fenway Park at 842 Beacon St. We also
provide bike rentals and hotel bike delivery via our ‘Urban Mobile’, which runs
on recycled vegetable oil from our friends at Prezza in the North End. Tours and
rentals are also available from our Cambridge location on Massachusetts Avenue
near Harvard and MIT. Featured tours include our Flagship Photography Tour, Art
and Architecture Tour, and City View Tour. Our guests gain a unique and
personalized experience, not just a tour, which leaves from Boston Bicycle at
842 Beacon Street near Fenway Park. For more information visit
www.urbanadventours.com.
Charles River Canoe and Kayak
Rent one of our canoes or kayaks and see Boston and Cambridge from a new
perspective. Enjoy an outing on one of the most scenic sections of urban river
in the country. Views of Harvard University, MIT, Boston University and the
Cambridge and Boston skyline are exceptional from the river. Offering hourly and
daily rentals of canoe and kayaks. Guided tours and instruction are our
specialty.For more information call 617-965-5100 or visit
www.paddleboston.com
Boston By Foot
Put on your walking shoes and follow Boston By Foot guides for 90-minute walking
tours of Boston's unique architecture and historic neighborhoods. From May
through October, Boston By Foot presents daily, regularly scheduled walking
tours and prearranged private group tours which highlight Boston's rich heritage
of architecture and history. Since 1976, our trained volunteer guides have
shared their expertise and enthusiasm with thousands of visitors and residents.
Great for kids, too! Join us and see Boston at her best -- by foot!! For more
information visit
www.bostonbyfoot.com/.
PhotoWalks
PhotoWalks offers guided walking tours of Boston presented with historic
commentary and creative photography tips. Explore Boston from a different angle
and learn how to see creatively. PhotoWalks reveals the most picturesque
locations in Beacon Hill, Back Bay, the Freedom Trail, the Public Garden and the
Waterfront. For more information visit
www.photowalks.com/.
4. Parks & Reservations
Boston Nature Center and Wildlife Sanctuary
This urban sanctuary, located on the grounds of the former Boston State Hospital, offers public programs year-round. Through its Boston Schools Initiative, the Boston Nature Center provides environmental education programs to Boston elementary schools weekly. Two miles of wheelchair accessible trails and boardwalks traverse meadows and wetlands where wildlife abounds, including coyotes, pheasants, and many species of migratory birds. The sanctuary houses one of the “greenest” buildings in Boston, teaching environmentally sustainable design by example. The site also includes the Clark-Cooper Community Gardens, Boston’s oldest and largest, providing food and a green oasis for 260 local families. For more information call 617-983-8500 or visit www.massaudubon.org/Nature.
Breakheart Reservation
Open year-round, dawn to dusk. Breakheart Reservation is a 640-acre hardwood
forest with jagged, rocky outcroppings, two fresh-water lakes, and a rambling
section of the Saugus River. Seven rocky hills, over 200 feet high, provide
vistas of Boston, southern New Hampshire and central Massachusetts. An extensive
trail system through the woodlands guides visitors to various areas of the
reservation. Fishing in Silver and Pearce Lakes, hiking the trails and
birdwatching by the Saugus River are popular year-round activities. The
supervised swimming area at Pearce Lake, one of the few fresh- water swimming
spots north of Boston, draws crowds in the summer. In addition to its natural
resources, the reservation has a rich cultural history. For more information
visit
www.mass.info/saugus.ma
Boston Harbor Islands
This 18-island state park is part of the 34-island Boston Harbor Islands
National Park Area. They are a wonderful natural resource, only 45 minutes by
ferry from downtown Boston. Seventeen of the islands are managed by the
Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Visitors to the park enjoy
shell and slate beaches, easy hiking paths, old hay fields gone wild with
bayberry, raspberry and elderberry, and old roadways to historic foundations and
forts. The islands you can visit include Bumpkin Island, Deer Island, Georges
Island, Grape Island, Little Brewster Island, Lovells Island, Peddocks Island,
Spectacle Island, Thompson Island, Webb Memorial Park and Worlds End. For more
information visit www.bostonislands.com
or
www.nps.gov/boha
Webb Memorial
Located on Boston Harbor close to the Boston Harbor Islands, Webb Memorial
offers quiet enjoyment and vistas of the harbor and Boston Skyline. The park is
a scenic peninsula that extends nearly half a mile into Hingham Bay.
Recreational activities include fishing, picnicking and walking. For more
information visit
www.bostonislands.org/.
The Blue Hills Reservation
Located only minutes from the bustle of downtown Boston, the DCR Blue Hills
Reservation stretches over 7,000 acres from Quincy to Dedham, Milton to
Randolph, providing a green oasis in an urban environment. Rising above the
horizon, Great Blue Hill reaches a height of 635 feet. With its scenic views,
varied terrain and 125 miles of trails, the Blue Hills Reservation offers
year-round enjoyment for the outdoor enthusiast. For more information visit
www.mass.gov/dcr/parks.
Roxbury Heritage State Park
The Dillaway-Thomas House at Roxbury Heritage State Park was built in 1750
and served as headquarters for General John Thomas and the Continental Army
during the siege of Boston in 1775. The house has been restored to show how it
changed over two centuries and now offers exhibits which interpret both the past
and present history of Roxbury and its people and cultures. A new park adjacent
to the Dillaway-Thomas House provides a scenic overlook of downtown Boston. For
more information visit
www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/.
5. Green-Certified Restaurants
6. Green Convention Centers
Hynes Convention Center
Located in the heart of Boston's beautiful, historic and
restaurant-rich Back Bay, the Hynes Convention Center has long been a favorite
business destination for mid-sized shows, special events and expositions. It
also offers meeting space. The Hynes is in close proximity to the new Boston
Exhibition and Convention Center (BCEC), and in the heart of Boston's most
popular hotels, historical sites, and tourist attractions.
For more information call 617-954-2000 or visit
www.advantageboston.com.
For visitor information visit the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau at www.bostonusa.com or call our toll-free number 1-888-733-2678.