Brussels is the second greenest capital city in the world – after Washington – with 27 m² of green space per inhabitant. To keep it that way, an increasing number of hotels in the city are going green and becoming more environmentally aware. To date, 15% of hotels in Brussels are classified as eco hotels. Here’s a rundown of the top ones in town.
Life is better with a view and at The Hotel you get the best one in the city. Located at Boulevard de Waterloo in a 27-story building, this is the highest public viewpoint in the city. You can sleep, dine, spa and work out with Brussels at your feet. “Global warming is not a theory, it’s a fact”, the website of The Hotel states. And to help minimise its own carbon footprint it produces green energy, uses locally sourced food and actively tries to increase guests’ awareness on environmental issues.
Hotel Leopold certainly goes the extra mile to preserve the environment. It has carpets made out of recycled materials, water-saving shower heads and toilets and guests who opt to use their towel an extra day get a five-euro drink voucher. On top of that, 80% of the waste that is produced in the hotel is recycled. Situated in the heart of the European Quarter, Hotel Leopold is walking distance to the European Parliament, the Royal Belgium Institute of Natural Sciences, and Parc Leopold.
This luxury boutique hotel close to the Royal Palace, Saint-Joseph church and Brussels Park offers guests free use of bikes and charging points for electric cars and bicycles. To minimise environmental impact each bedroom is fitted with recycling bins, low energy lighting and low-flow water taps.
Hotel Agora uses rain water to flush the toilets and has solar panels for hot water and heating. The toiletries and cleaning products they use are eco-friendly and recycled materials are used whenever possible. The first and ninth floor of Hotel Agora have green roofs with herb boxes and vegetable gardens that feature an insect hotel and bee hives. Right in the heart of Brussels Hotel, Agora is close to most of the main tourist attractions, such as the Grand-Place, the Manneken Pis, the Monnaie Theater and the Bourse.
The Dolce La Hulpe is possibly the greenest eco hotel in the Brussels area because it is surrounded by the 72 ha Sonian Forest, which guests are encouraged to walk and bike in. Tennis courts, a spa, and a heated indoor pool are also available for visitors. In addition to being surrounded by greenery, the hotel has its own solar plant on the roof, energy-saving LED lamps and motion detection for the lights in hallways.
Conveniently located right next to the Eurostar terminal and Charleroi Airport shuttle, Hotel Pullman practices sustainable development by using eco-friendly cleaning products, recycling batteries, paper and cardboard, as well as energy-saving light bulbs and putting locally produced food on the menu. The fitness lounge is open 24/7 and the in-house Vinoteca bar offers a wide range of award-winning international wines.
