Chelsea Hotel, Toronto Green

Delta Chelsea Toronto, Terrace Garden

As Earth Day fast approaches one urban hotel in Canada’s largest city seems to have the whole eco-thingy covered.

Welcome to Chelsea Hotel, Toronto, an eco-certified hotel in downtown Toronto.

Located in the heart of the action, steps from an incubator of higher learning – Ryerson University  – not to mention retail therapy central along Yonge Street and the Eaton Centre, it’s easy to find Canada’s largest hotel.

You’d think “large” means wasteful.

Chelsea Hotel Toronto, wall of green

In fact, the 1590-room property a fixture landmark since opening in 1975 has for two consecutive years been a silver-certified property by the international sustainable tourism group, EarthCheck. Lately, it’s been tipping its hat to Earth Day in a tribute called, “Loving Earth Month.”

The global climate change awareness initiative starts on Earth Hour, 8:30 PM ET.  For 11 years, the hotel signage lights turn off for the hour and guests participate in energy-saving activities. By flickering candle light, I enjoyed the sounds of a live acoustic performer in the hotel’s T|bar.

At this hotel, you can see green ways immediately without having to leave the thriving metropolis for green space. Just see the green apple hued logo  and signature green pool towels. The Chelsea Hotel, Toronto is also a favorite pit stop for major airline crew so you know a good night’s sleep is in order without needing to hear any nature sounds outside the city.

The highlights
Located near public transit, guests can leave the car in the underground car park to explore city landmarks by foot or by TTC, the local transit system. Catch your breath at the Wall of Green and swim laps at the Deck 27 indoor pool.

The Suite Pluses
This hotel has got to be the only property in Toronto that has private balconies with sliding doors, resulting in breaths of fresh air. A good assortment of room categories has nice options. Families can hunker down in the 2-Bedroom Family Fun Suite while couples can enjoy the spacious Deluxe Rooms. The rooms have low-flow shower heads and toilets while the bright energy guzzling bulbs have been replaced with compact fluorescent light bulbs. Guests are encouraged to minimize social footprints by reusing towels and other enviro-friendly tips.

Chelsea Hotel Toronto, room with balcony sliding door

Dining
Environmentally friendly dining, know that your organic food waste gets recycled into methane for either electricity or gas. The food scraps from food prep are composted. During Earth Hour, patrons dine by candlelight. Throughout Loving Earth Month, the hotel offers more vegetarian menu options on “Meatless Monday,” to help reduce the carbon footprint. At the T/Bar restaurant, wines are sourced from a sustainable California winery.

Amenities
The toiletries are eco-conscious. Picture biodegradable liquids and soaps in biodegradable bottles manufactured locally.

 

Chelsea Hotel Toronto, Deck 27 Pool

Overall Impression
Knowing you’re staying at a hotel that cares about Mother Earth will encourage anyone to get some good shuteye which will help many visitors get a good night’s sleep.

Booking
You can make your reservations directly through Chelsea Hotel, Toronto.  For a standard room, double occupancy, average seasonal rates start at $250. You can also compare rates and book through the many booking sites such as Travelocity.

Ilona Kauremszky was a guest of the Chelsea Hotel, Toronto and did not review the story.

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