WASHINGTON, D.C.—Eco-savvy travelers can now enjoy luxury, style and a commitment to sustainability when they visit two premier hotels. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and Lexus have partnered to unveil two “Lexus Hybrid Living Suites” geared for eco-conscious visitors, with the first launched at The Fairmont San Francisco in April 2008, and now in the nation’s capital at The Fairmont Washington, D.C.
Guests can sleep, eat and drink sustainably in these unique suites, with every aspect of the room meticulously planned for the eco-minded traveler, incorporating ideas and products from Lexus Hybrid Living partners. Complimentary use of a Lexus LS 600h L awaits the Lexus Hybrid Living Suite visitor who wishes to explore the area in the comfort of a low-emission luxury car that spoils the driver, not the environment.
“Lexus has long been the leader in luxury hybrid vehicles, but we have extended our commitment to the sustainable lifestyle through Lexus Hybrid Living,” said Dave Nordstrom, Lexus vice president of marketing. “It showcases people and products dedicated to minimizing their impact on the Earth without sacrificing style and comfort. Our partnership with Fairmont helps Lexus bring that thought process to life with amazing eco-luxury suites in both San Francisco and Washington, D.C.”
“Fairmont has truly been a pioneer in the responsible tourism arena, and it’s now part of our DNA,” said Jeff Senior, executive vice president, marketing and sales, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. “Not only do we implement programs to reduce, reuse and recycle, but we look to be better neighbors in our communities through local initiatives. Partnerships with like-minded companies such as Lexus allow us to not only practice responsible operations but offer our guests stylish and sustainable experiences unique to our brand.”
Numerous Green Suite Features
Eco-designer Kelly LaPlante, of L.A.’s Kelly LaPlante Organic Interior Design, is responsible for the design. Organic materials and rapidly renewable resources, such as bamboo, have been used in the creation of the suite. Highlights of the D.C. suite décor include furniture by Kelly LaPlante and jak, 100 percent recycled polyester drapes by Robert Allen, bedding by Coyuchi Organic, salvaged birch tree installations by studio JEFRË, Icestone countertops made from 100 percent recycled concrete and glass, eco-friendly paint provided by Benjamin Moore Aura, and comforters by Sleep & Beyond. Lexus has also installed a unique painting, created by Jon Wassom, which utilizes pieces of leather recycled from Lexus vehicles. Additionally, LaPlante worked with First Finish, a sustainable renovation service that used local vendors to recycle demolished materials such as carpet and padding, metals, and ceramic tile debris.
The Lexus Hybrid Living Suite at The Fairmont Washington, D.C. was designed to give visitors a unique experience. “I was inspired by a photograph of a room designed by Dorothy Draper in the 1940s,” LaPlante said. “The photo was so rich in detail that I thought the room was in shades of black, white, and grey, before realizing that it was in fact a black and white image of a colorful room. I decided to use the picture as inspiration and create a room where guests were given the feeling of walking into a black and white photograph. It was an interesting coincidence to learn that Dorothy’s designs had graced The Fairmont San Francisco in an earlier era.” Color highlights are provided throughout the eco-suite by the paintings of Jon Wassom, member of the artist-owned D.C. Touchstone Gallery. The suite resides on the ninth floor and boasts its own concierge and complimentary access to the Fairmont Gold Lounge.
Guests in San Francisco and Washington will enjoy a Green Guide during their stay. The guide recommends environmentally friendly activities in the destination, including suggested highlights found on the Lexus Hybrid Living website.
Now through December 30, 2008, guests at The Fairmont Washington, D.C. can enjoy the Eco Power package featuring a one-night stay in the luxurious Lexus Hybrid Living Suite, use of the Lexus LS 600h L hybrid luxury vehicle, complimentary parking, a bottle of organic wine and local artisan cheese upon arrival. The Fairmont Washington, D.C. will make a $100 donation to The National Geographic Society with the purchase of each Eco Power package.
Go to Fairmont and Lexus Hybrid Living.
