WICHITA, KAN.—Value Place, the United States’ largest economy extended-stay lodging brand, unveiled a refreshed property standard that delivers cost efficiency and convenience for operators and new room features for guests. The new “Value Place 2.0” design carries more than 30 significant enhancements that range from more energy-efficient lighting and appliances to improved locking systems and expanded storage and counter space. Value Place’s property in Alpharetta, Ga., is the first location to incorporate the 2.0 features throughout the building. Intended as the established standard for all future development, the upgrades are being implemented in all new Value Place properties and phased...

LAS VEGAS—For the fifth consecutive year Caesars Entertainment has committed to participate in the World Wildlife Fund’s Earth Hour, visually demonstrating its commitment to operate in an environmentally responsible manner. Caesars Entertainment’s worldwide resorts and casinos in the United States, Uruguay and China will shut off non-essential exterior lighting and marquees from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. local time on March 23. “By participating in Earth Hour globally, we will be presenting a united visual and call to action for individuals and businesses to address climate change,” said Gwen Migita, vice president of sustainability and community affairs at Caesars Entertainment....

NORWALK, CONN.—HEI Hotels & Resorts being recognized as an Energy Star Partner of the Year for the fourth consecutive year should come as no surprise to those who follow the Norwalk, Conn.-based company. HEI has been relentless and methodical about weeding out energy, water and waste inefficiencies for years and that dedication is reflected in the 34 hotels that it owns and manages and the nine properties that it just manages. Since 2005, HEI has spent $12 million on energy conservation projects and is currently participating in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Challenge. As part of that...

RENO, NEV.—The Siena Hotel Spa Casino announced they are moving toward greener solutions by converting from traditional paper slips to virtual drawings and digital comp slips. The Siena, located in Reno, Nev., has purchased a software system to enhance the players’ experience while supporting the environment. Now, players no longer have to retrieve and keep tickets they earn to win in drawings; the virtual drawing randomly selects a lucky winner. In addition, new digital comp slips allow for players to easily access their comps earned at any outlet throughout the property just by showing their Siena Rewards Card.The new...

NEW YORK—Conrad New York, a luxury waterfront, all-suite hotel located in the heart of lower Manhattan’s Battery Park City, has been awarded LEED Gold for New Construction Certification established by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). This is the first LEED Gold New Construction major renovation project certified under the latest rating system in New York. Since its inception in 1998, LEED is the nation’s top rating system for design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings, homes and neighborhoods.The Conrad New York, having already achieved ISO 9000 certification...

SANTA MONICA, CALIF.—In honor of Earth Day on April 22, Shore Hotel—the LEED Gold certified boutique hotel located on Ocean Avenue in the heart of Santa Monica—announces the Go Green by the Shore package. The award-winning hotel is one of the country’s leaders in green hospitality infrastructure and services and has created this environmentally conscious package to invite guests to green their stay by the beach.Shore Hotel’s commitment to the environment spans a wide spectrum of features and amenities including utilizing recycled building materials, offering a Green Concierge service to all guests, and implementing energy-efficient and state-of-the-art technologies. During...

HONOLULU, HAWAII—Aqua Kauai Beach Resort, an Aqua Hospitality property, has completed a series of enhancement projects that are equal parts innovation and renovation. Leading the list of projects is a large solar array built over the parking lot, providing cover and shade for vehicles while greatly reducing the popular beachfront hotel’s carbon footprint.“We are blessed with 25 beautiful acres along the coast, so we had plenty of land to erect our solar array,” said David Sosner, general manager of Aqua Kauai Beach Resort. “Our guests suggested covered parking would be a nice addition to the resort, so we’ve met...

ST. LOUIS—Embassy Suites St. Louis—Downtown announced that it has been awarded LEED Silver Certification established by the U.S. Green Building Council and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI,) making it the only LEED Certified hotel in the St. Louis area.  LEED is the nation’s preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.  “This coveted certification is recognition of our commitment to create a sustainable project that redeveloped an important building in an area that connects our region’s convention center with the Gateway Arch and we are pleased to be able to provide...

ITHACA, N.Y.—EarthView, Hersha Hospitality Management’s triple bottom line sustainability program, recently partnered with Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration and The Statler Hotel to launch EarthView’s formal sustainability approach. The Statler’s newly formed EcoLeader team, comprised of students in the Hotel Leadership Development Program and professional hotel associates from The Statler, will collaborate with Hersha Hospitality Management’s EarthView team to implement projects and initiatives as part of a comprehensive sustainability program. The partnership will allow The Statler, a leading teaching hotel, to further enrich its educational program while also realizing significant triple bottom line results for the property.To learn...

SILVER SPRING, MD.—Choice Hotels International’s announcement that it will require U.S. Econo Lodge hotels to participate in its Room to be Green program should elevate its overall number of Room to be Green participants to approximately 2,000 U.S. hotels by the end of the year. Currently, Room to be Green is an optional program for Choice’s other brands. Created in 2008, Room to be Green includes three elements: compact fluorescent or LED bulbs in all guest fixtures, excluding ceiling lights; a towel/linen reuse program; and recycling for guests and staff. Choice hotels that participate in Room to be Green...