conscious hotels

With the rise of conscious consumerism, we live consciously, eat consciously and try to limit our impact on the environment. It all seems to be possible and manageable as long as we are in our own city or country. The challenge starts when we go into the unknown, outside of our communities. Exploring new places is exciting, but any conscious eater will agree that finding sustainable, healthy options to eat can be tricky enough, not to mention finding accommodation that are aligned with our values as well.

So how do we keep up the values in a foreign country and travel consciously? And by that, I don’t necessarily mean staying in a tree house (although that’s super fun too!) and depriving yourself of necessities or even small luxuries. If you happen to be in Amsterdam, you’re in luck. Conscious Hotels is an eco-friendly hotel chain in the heart of Amsterdam consisting of 3 hotels: Conscious Hotel Museum Square, Conscious Hotel Vondelpark, and The Tire Station. Not only are these three hotels eco-friendly but also super stylish and comfortable, with some playful, unexpected elements.

They don’t take themselves too seriously, keeping things light and easy whilst doing something good for the environment and educating travelers that the everyday choices they make matter. The company explains their vision & philosophy in a humorous and non eco-fundamentalist way.  As they say, they are not a “wrestle you to the ground and force feed you lentils if you use an aerosol to spray mousse on your hair” kind of place. 

Related>>> VolksHotel in Amsterdam

But with details like an eco-roof with natural bee hives, tables made from recycled yoghurt pots, or delicious locally brewed beer, it is clear that the core of Conscious hotels is about doing good, while also looking (and tasting) good.  All of their energy comes from renewable resources, and they boast that “all the beds will give you the best night’s sleep of your life” – which is a total deal maker in my book.

I stayed at The Tire Station location, near Vondelpark, just a bike ride distance from Conscious Hotel Vondelpark and Conscious Hotel Museum Square. From the check in to check out, my experience was wonderful. The Tire station is the type of hotel that will surprise you with little messages to make you smile but also open your eyes to issues like renewable energy, recycling, sustainability, energy, eliminating chemical substances, reducing waste, working with local suppliers, etc. I loved the thoughtful concept of the hotel, how friendly and easy-going the staff was, and the cute ‘Sticky Fingers’ cafe downstairs. 

Bonus (one of many): their bicycles are fantastic and allow you to explore Amsterdam in style.  

Their 4th hotel, Conscious Hotel Westerpark, will be opening this Spring, and will be the first hotel powered solely by solar and wind energy!