MONTEREY, Calif. (December 1, 2009) -- The Portola Hotel & Spa, located in the heart of downtown Monterey adjacent to Fisherman’s Wharf, is pleased to announce it has been honored with the California Hotel & Lodging Association’s (CHLA) Stars of the Industry Award for “Good Earthkeeping.” Within the large property category, Portola Hotel & Spa received the accolade for integrating environmental management practices that both improve everyday operations and positively impact the hotel’s bottom line.
“The California Hotel & Lodging Association is the voice of the industry’s leaders and we are honored that they have acknowledged Portola Hotel & Spa’s ongoing dedication to the environment,” said Janine Chicourrat, general manager of the hotel. “In order to be considered for the ‘Good Earthkeeping’ award, hotel programs must demonstrate success in a variety of areas, from energy conservation and waste reduction to purchasing and business issues. Portola Hotel & Spa is very proud of our achievements in each of these categories.”
The Portola Hotel & Spa is currently undergoing renovations toward achieving Silver Level LEED certification from low-flow water fixtures and energy-efficient upgrades to remodeling its guest rooms and installing biodegradable carpet and wallpaper, environmentally-friendly custom designed mattresses from Monterey Mattress Company, and Energy Star televisions and refrigerators. In alliance with the hotel, the adjacent Monterey Conference Center is also seeking LEED certification; it is anticipated that the properties will be the only hotel and conference center in Northern California to receive dual LEED certifications.
At present, the Portola Hotel & Spa proudly participates actively in several programs dedicated to conserving environmental resources. For 15 consecutive years the property has been recognized by the California Waste Reduction Awards Program (WRAP) for its innovative and proactive initiatives to reduce waste, programs that have diverted 150 tons of waste from going to landfills each year.
The Portola Hotel & Spa has also implemented a comprehensive program intended to improve indoor air quality that includes extensive staff training; adherence to construction guidelines that limit Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in paints, adhesives and sealants; rigorous inspections of the air-conditioning system through building retro-commissioning; and using enzyme-based laundry detergents for cleaning linens and towels. Furthermore, Portola Hotel & Spa is the first hotel in Northern California to employ the lotus® Professional Cleaning System -- 50 percent more powerful than bleach -- which cleans and disinfects guest rooms with H203 ionized water, eliminating the use of harsh chemicals.
The Portola Hotel & Spa’s hot water needs are met with a co-generation machine that generates on-site electricity while simultaneously producing hot water. Within its rooms, guests are provided with completely biodegradable bath amenities by Green from Natüra. The hotel will also be the first property to allow visitors to offset their carbon footprint with Renewable Energy Credits, balancing out a guest’s stay or an entire conference.
Correspondingly, The Portola Hotel & Spa recently purchased green power to offset the energy use of its operations over two years, equivalent to offsetting 3.9 million kilowatt hours of electricity and 2,035 metric tons of carbon dioxide. The environmental impact of this move is similar to planting 36,440 fully mature trees or eliminating nine million miles of driving in an average U.S. passenger car.
Beyond its on-property efforts, the Portola Hotel & Spa is involved in several environmental projects within the community, including the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program, designed to raise awareness of the importance of making ocean-friendly seafood choices. The hotel is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council, the Recycled Paper Coalition, the Green Business Partnership, the Green Meeting Industry Council and the EPA's Waste Wise program, and is a recipient of the Monterey Bay Area Green Business Program’s green certification.
Overlooking Monterey Bay, the Portola Hotel & Spa is a full-service hotel offering guests a rich, historical ambiance, with residential style and a dedicated staff to ensure an unparalleled guest experience. The hotel features 379 guest rooms -- including 10 suites -- ranging from 400 to 1,000 square feet. Inspired by the Monterey Peninsula’s surrounding landscape and nautical heritage, all guest rooms feature elegant wood furnishings, large bathrooms with separate vanity areas, white shuttered windows and high-speed Internet access. Many guest rooms offer private balconies with ocean, garden terrace or pool views. In compliance with LEED requirements all guest rooms are non smoking.
The Portola Hotel & Spa is home to Jack’s restaurant and lounge and Peter B’s BrewPub, the Monterey Peninsula’s only micro-brewery. Both dining options feature menus based on fresh, local ingredients and offer outdoor patio dining. In addition, overnight guests have access to the hotel’s spa and fitness facilities, complete with steam room, sauna, outdoor pool and Jacuzzi. The newly renovated 6,000-square-foot Spa on the Plaza offers 10 treatment rooms -- including a couple’s treatment room with soaking tub for two --and an extensive spa menu of signature treatments. The adjacent fitness center features the latest in Cybex cardiovascular and Nautilus resistance weight training equipment.
The Portola Hotel & Spa is located in historic downtown Monterey overlooking the Monterey Bay and the beautiful peninsula shoreline. The hotel is adjacent to Fisherman’s Wharf and the Marina, and is a short walk from historic Cannery Row and the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium. Carmel, Pebble Beach, Pacific Grove and Monterey Airport are each just a five-minute drive from the hotel. For more information, please visit www.portolahotel.com.
Media contacts: Jenn Myres, Karolina Kielbowicz or Melissa Howell, Glodow Nead
Communications, 415.394.6500.