WHATCOM COUNTY, WASH.—With the success of its exclusive beachfront resort in Costa Rica, Igloo Mountain Lodge announced its upcoming expansion into the United States. Construction on 50 of its uniquely styled self-check-in air form domes and a geodesic greenhouse used for social space will commence in Washington State in early 2022. Having stayed open throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, Igloo Mountain Lodge has selected a site in Whatcom County Wash. as the location for its first U.S. branch, costing around $5 million to complete. Visitor spending was $705.7 million in Whatcom County in 2018, with lodging accounting for over 10 percent. The...

BEND, ORE.—Outdoor enthusiasts can now check into a new hotel in Downtown Bend that is perfectly designed for adventure. Element Bend, the first Element Hotel by Westin to open in Oregon, is now welcoming guests to its spacious, airy studios and one-bedroom suites. Inspired by the natural beauty around us, wellbeing and environmental sustainability are a key focus of the hotel. Guests can take advantage of the abundance of local outdoor recreational opportunities. Hike in the high desert, raft down the Deschutes River, or take a complimentary bike out to discover the beauty of Bend, Ore., then rejuvenate back...

FAROE ISLANDS—For those of you not familiar with their location, the Faroe Islands are a North Atlantic archipelago located 200 miles north-northwest of Scotland, and about halfway between Norway and Iceland. Like Greenland, it is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. Last October, the 130-room Hilton Garden Inn Faroe Islands opened on the islands in Torshavn with a bundle of unique green features. Green Lodging News recently corresponded with Kate Mikesell, VP Corporate Responsibility, Hilton, and Martin Restorff, General Manager of the hotel, to learn about those green gems. For Kate Mikesell, VP Corporate Responsibility, Hilton: Q: Explain how...

SHANGHAI, CHINA—Marriott International, Inc. announced the highly-anticipated opening of JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai Fengxian, marking the historic 50th Marriott International hotel to open in Shanghai. Located on Hangzhou Bay in the city’s Fengxian seaside district, just an hour’s drive south of metropolitan Shanghai, the new hotel promises to be a sophisticated and luxurious sanctuary designed to let guests relax and rediscover a sense of balance in mind and body, as well as a convenient gateway to Shanghai and nearby cities such as Hangzhou and Suzhou. “We are delighted to celebrate the opening of the 50th property in Shanghai, a testament...

RIDGEFIELD, CONN.—The innkeepers of The West Lane Inn in Ridgefield and the Connecticut Green Bank are pleased to announce the completion of a Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) financed energy efficiency project at their inn, located at 22 West Lane. The project replaced an old oil-burning heat system with a new heat pump system designed to handle the heating and cooling needs of the 17-room historic property. The innkeepers, Christine Carnicelli and Danille Petrie, who purchased the inn in the fall of 2019, are working hard to balance the colonial charm of the 1840s building with the need for...

LAKE FOREST, ILL.—Janko Hospitality announced that The Forester Hotel, a contemporary, chic new hotel located in Lake Forest, Ill., is set to open in April. The first hotel to open in the community since 1929, The Forester Hotel concept is inspired by the city of Lake Forest’s motto “Naturae et Scientiae Amor” which translates to “Love of Science and Nature.” The Forester Hotel will be at a crossroads safeguarding all the comforts of Hyatt, while at the same time blazing new trails with boutique offerings including an upscale bistro + bar and over 4,500 square feet of flexible event space. Science and nature are woven throughout The Forester...

DUBAI, U.A.E.—Element Hotels, part of Marriott International, announced the opening of Element Al Jaddaf in one of Dubai’s emerging districts. Element Al Jaddaf presents an eco-friendly concept for guests seeking to maintain a balanced lifestyle while travelling. Inspired by nature and with a bright aesthetic, Element Al Jaddaf features streamlined furnishings in light natural tones with touches of greenery. The hotel’s relaxed and enriching atmosphere together with its ergonomic design, quiet nooks, sun filled spaces, and pet-friendly amenities evoke a feeling of comfort and home. “Element is a recognized industry leader in the longer-stay eco space and is designed to empower guests...

SUNDANCE, UTAH—Robert Redford has agreed to sell the Sundance Mountain Resort to Broadreach Capital Partners and Cedar Capital Partners. The agreement, announced by Robert Redford, who founded Sundance Mountain Resort more than 50 years ago, is the result of a long-term, strategic plan designed to preserve and build upon the Redford legacy at the resort, including a continued commitment to balancing responsible development and land preservation. The 2,600-acre resort includes 1,845 acres of land preserved through a conservation easement and protective covenants. “As stewards of this unique place, it has always been my vision that the Sundance Mountain Resort would be a place where art, nature and...

NEW HAVEN, CONN.—When the Hotel Marcel opens next summer in New Haven, Conn., it will be a shining example of sustainability and what every hotel could and should be. The 165-room boutique hotel will be the result of the renovated Armstrong Rubber Company Building, aka Pirelli Building, originally designed by Marcel Breuer in 1967. It will be run by 100 percent solar power, meet net-zero energy standards, and will target LEED Platinum certification. There will be many other bells and whistles that will make the building highly efficient. Hotel Marcel is the project of Bruce Becker, Founder and Director of...

ONTARIO, CALIF.—Element Ontario, owned by Samchully America Corp. (SL&C Ontario, LLC) and managed by Aimbridge Hospitality, opened its doors. Part of Element Hotels, the extended stay lifestyle brand from Marriott International, the newly opened hotel is the latest in the region and fourth Element hotel in California. Staying true to Element Hotels’ spirit, Element Ontario appeals to today’s healthy, active traveler, who wants to maintain a balanced lifestyle while away from home. “I’m excited to share the brand’s newest property in California with the community and bring the distinctive EIement Hotels brand to Ontario,” says General Manager Carlos Yong. “Our...