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Eco SweetGuests are so taken with the Orchard Garden Hotel, many don't even notice thatit's gone green.By Kasia KoniarThis story first appeared in March/April 2007

California’s first eco-hotel opened in SanFrancisco last November—and if youexpect some exotic variety of Amazonmud instead of soap among yourcomplimentary bath accessories, orperhaps a sprout-based starvation menu,you’re in for a surprise. A delightful one.

To the naked eye, these “green”accommodations look suspiciously liketheir wasteful, high-end luxurycounterparts. However, the befittinglynamed Orchard Garden Hotel, locatednear Chinatown and Union Station, is seriously committed to preserving theenvironment and is seeking the official blessing of the U.S. Green BuildingCouncil (www.usgbc.org). Orchard Garden is among a new generation ofbuildings adhering to the specifications of the “Leadership in Energy &Environmental Design” (LEED®) and the Green Building Rating System bySwinerton Builders (www.swinerton.com). Only four hotels in the nation havereceived this accreditation, with the Orchard now under review.

From the wallpaper glue to the lead-free paint, everything here is environmentallyfriendly, including the energy-saving light bulbs and the recycled carpets. Eventhe guest rooms are designed to keep waste in check. Thanks to the “key cardenergy control system,” a technology already popular in Europe and Asia, when akey card is inserted into a door slot, the lights are automatically turned on—or off.

And that’s only the beginning. The bath products are organic, the cleaningproducts are chemical-free, and the sleek maple furnishings come from woodharvested specifically for construction—not from an endangered rain forest. Allpaper goods are made from recycled materials and printed with soy-based inks.To boot, the 86-room retreat, with its minimally appointed décor and boldartworks, also offers a rooftop garden with breathtaking views.

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This is San Francisco, so of course you’ll discover nice techie amenities.High-speed and WiFi connections, DVD and CD players with surround-sound,and large-screen LCD flat panel TV sets are part of the eco-friendly package.

Roots, the restaurant, run by executive chef Russell Rummer, offers a choice ofseasonal and local organic fare, including organically grown coffee. The gourmettraveler can feast on free-range meats and sustainable seafood. Moreover, acomplimentary European-style buffet breakfast is offered to travelers with everystay.

The $25 million Orchard Green is the brainchild of Mrs. S.C. Huang, who,inspired by the importance of living in an eco-friendly environment, envisioned theproject after losing her father, husband and daughter to cancer. Theindependently owned property is absolutely 100 percent smoke-free, so if youhaven’t quit yet, this might be just the place to inspire you to do so.

Orchard Garden Hotel

Standard doubles start at $199.Prices go up to $499 for a garden terrace room.466 Bush St., San Francisco, Calif.Toll free: 888/717-2881www.theorchardgardenhotel.com

Washington Flyer - Eco Sweet http://www.washingtonflyer.com/article/2007/March_April/Ec...

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