9 Sustainable Hotels In London To Visit For An Eco-Escape
With more of us than ever trying to do our bit for the environment in any way and shape we can, it’s hardly surprising that many of us are looking for sustainable alternatives when it comes to travel. We’ve seen more and more eco-friendly restaurants popping up in recent years, and now hotels are doing their best to join suit. We, of course, still have a long way to go, but several hotels across the city are helping to do their bit, making moves to become more sustainable in both their day-to-day and longer-term plans.
If you’re looking for some inspiration, we’ve rounded up seven sustainable hotels in London striving for a cleaner future, from spots with rooftop beehives to giant living walls.
1. Sea Containers
Perched right on the side of the South Bank and boasting unmatched views of the Thames, Sea Containers London is one of the coolest-looking hotels in the city, proving that style and sustainability can go hand in hand. Behind its sleek, design-led facade lies a commitment to environmental responsibility, from energy-efficient infrastructure to operations powered entirely by renewable electricity. Single-use plastic has also been completely phased out, while even their suppliers have to pass the vibe check, with the hotel prioritising local producers. A stay here promises the glamour of the South Bank while being able to sleep a little easier knowing they’re doing the heavy lifting for the environment behind the scenes.
Where: 20 Upper Ground, South Bank, London SE1 9PD
Website: www.seacontainers.com
2. The Milestone Hotel & Residences
If you’re after a hotel that feels like a classic British mansion but thinks like a modern eco-warrior, consider booking into The Milestone Hotel & Residences for the weekend. Located right across from Kensington Palace, the hotel runs on 100 per cent renewable energy, hosts ecology-led walking tours, and even serves up sustainable sips in its in-house bar. The iconic Stables Bar doesn’t just serve up great cocktails, but is smart about sourcing too. They partner with The Vault, a UK-based artisan vermouth supplier, which prioritises small-batch production and seasonal ingredients, cutting down on the massive carbon footprint of imported mass-market spirits.
Located right across from Kensington Palace, the hotel runs on 100 per cent renewable energy, hosts ecology-led walking tours, and even serves up sustainable sips in its in-house bar.
Where: 1-3 Kensington Ct, London W8 5DL
Website: www.milestonehotel.com
3. The Montague on the Gardens
Tucked away in Bloomsbury, right next to the British Museum, The Montague on the Gardens offers a quiet countryside-esque escape in the heart of the city. The Montague has a real focus on hyper-local produce, starting right in their own backyard, with the staff tending to an on-site herb and vegetable garden. What’s unique is that this harvest goes directly to the staff kitchen, meaning the team gets to enjoy fresh, eco-friendly meals while they work. Their commitment to sustainability also extends to the estate beehives, which don’t just provide the guests with fresh honey but also support urban biodiversity.
Where: 15 Montague St, London WC1B 5BJ
Website: www.montaguehotel.com
4. Pan Pacific
Few hotels are as dedicated to environmental efforts as Pan Pacific, as it continues to set the benchmark for sustainable luxury. Beyond sourcing 95 per cent of its food locally, and features like self-powered gym equipment, the hotel stands out for its heart, namely leading Thames clean-ups, repurposing toiletries for those in need, and providing inclusive work placements for students with learning disabilities. Pan Pacific London’s efforts are truly redefining what it means to be a sustainable hotel in today’s hospitality scene.
Few hotels are as dedicated to environmental efforts as Pan Pacific, as it continues to set the benchmark for sustainable luxury.
Where: 80 Houndsditch, London EC3A 7AB
Website: www.panpacific.com
Treehouse Hotel
Taking the concept of an urban oasis to new heights, Treehouse Hotel London offers a whimsical, eco-conscious retreat right in the heart of Marylebone. The hotel was designed with a recycled aesthetic in mind, utilising reclaimed wood and repurposed materials throughout its interiors. Sustainability is baked into the guest experience, from the locally sourced, seasonal ingredients served at the rooftop restaurant, Madera, to the strictly plastic-free policy implemented across the property. This stay is proof that a playful, high-end hotel stay can be deeply rooted in environmental mindfulness.
Where: 14-15 Langham Pl, London W1B 2QS
Website: www.treehouselondon.com
5. Shangri-La
Not only does this hotel boast the best views of the city, but if you were in need of another reason to pay the Shangri-La a visit, it is also committed to sustainability and rebuilding British ecosystems. Instead of just talking about being green, the team here has partnered with Veritree to make sure their impact is trackable and real. They’ve already planted over 650 trees in Kent, helping to restore local woodlands just outside the city. In addition to these efforts, for Earth Day, they’re looking beneath the waves and supporting the planting of 2,000 sea kelp plants.
Where: 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9QU
Website: www.shangrila.com
6. Rubens at the Palace
If you want to stay right in the heart of royal London without leaving a massive carbon footprint, The Rubens at the Palace is the spot for you, just a stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace. It’s a classic, landmark hotel that has embraced some very forward-thinking green habits. The outside space is equipped with a living wall – think a vertical garden designed to boost city biodiversity and help keep the air a bit cleaner. Meanwhile, if you head up to the rooftop, you’ll find their resident beehives. Beyond this, the hotel is also powered by renewable energy, proving that you can enjoy a traditional London stay while still simultaneously supporting a business that is looking toward the future.
Where: 39 Buckingham Palace Rd, London SW1W 0PS
Website: www.rubenshotel.com
7. Intercontinental London Park Lane
InterContinental London Park Lane seamlessly manages to balance that grand, high-end feel with some seriously smart behind-the-scenes environmental efforts. The hotel is home to a massive rooftop beehive, with the honey finding its way into your cocktails and various dishes on the menu. Beyond this, it is the proud owner of a Green Key ecolabel, which is basically the gold standard for environmental responsibility in the travel world. It’s the perfect pick for those who want the reliability of a world-class hotel brand but also seek comfort in knowing a plan is in place to protect the environment at the same time.
Where: One Hamilton Place, Park Ln, London W1J 7QY
Website: www.intercontinental.com
8. Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites & Residences
London’s Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences is doubling down on its sustainability endeavours. The St. James’s property has officially rolled out Paathya, a Sanskrit-inspired framework, meaning “path”, that serves as the hotel’s roadmap for environmental governance. Think biodegradable packaging for all room amenities, refillable glass water bottles in guest rooms, and reduced use of single-use plastic. Its efforts have also been acknowledged by EarthCheck, the world’s leading environmental certification, and have been awarded a Platinum Certified Status.
Where: 51 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6AF
Website: www.Taj51buckinghamgate.com
