Sustainable Hospitality In 2025: Trends, Innovations & What Hotels Can Do Now

3 min

Today’s travelers are more conscious than ever about the environmental impact of their choices. From electric cars to plant-based diets, sustainability has become a key factor in decision-making across industries—and hospitality is no exception!

Eco-conscious guests expect hotels to prioritize sustainability, not as a marketing move, but as a fundamental part of their operations. The fear of many hotels becomes how to ensure this without placing a burden on staff, resources, or processes. The good news? Sustainable practices don’t have to be costly or time-consuming—small, strategic changes can boost guest satisfaction while reducing environmental impact.

WHERE WE WERE VS. WHERE WE’RE HEADED

Then:

Complimentary plastic water bottles in rooms – Expensive for hotels, thrown away after one use, and creating unnecessary waste.
Bulk toiletries and mini-samples wrapped in plastic – Expensive for hotels, frequently thrown out after one use, and a burden for housekeeping staff to replace.
Single-use key cards and cards holders – Paper covers for plastic key cards – easy to lose, prone to magnet failure, and easily breakable. The paper itself is costly, requiring frequent reordering and branding, only to be discarded after each use. Additionally, staff loses time manually writing room numbers, adding to operational inefficiencies.
Daily towel and linen changes – High water and energy consumption due to excessive towel usage, adding extra workload for housekeeping and increasing operational costs.
Guests unaware of sustainability initiatives – Limited communication meant eco-efforts often went unnoticed.

Now:

Refill stations instead of bottled water. More travelers now expect to fill their reusable bottles at hotels, just as they do at airports and workplaces. Some hotels are even integrating advanced hydration solutions like REFILL+, which offers vitamin-enriched, flavored water options, providing a premium yet sustainable alternative to bottled drinks.
Washable cotton pads for makeup removal and singular, high-quality items are replacing prepacked bulk sets of 5-6 disposable products, reducing waste and enhancing guest experience.
Reusable key cards, mobile check-in, and branded reusable covers. Digital room access is reducing waste and enhancing guest convenience, while branded, elegant reusable covers provide a sustainable alternative to disposable key card sleeves. Additionally, some hotels are shifting to digital codes for keyless entry, streamlining check-ins and minimizing waste.
Energy-efficient upgrades. Smart thermostats, solar panels, and LED lighting are now industry standards.

WHERE WE WERE VS. WHERE WE’RE HEADED

Then:

Complimentary plastic water bottles in rooms – Expensive for hotels, thrown away after one use, and creating unnecessary waste.
Bulk toiletries and mini-samples wrapped in plastic – Expensive for hotels, frequently thrown out after one use, and a burden for housekeeping staff to replace.
Single-use key cards and cards holders – Paper covers for plastic key cards – easy to lose, prone to magnet failure, and easily breakable. The paper itself is costly, requiring frequent reordering and branding, only to be discarded after each use. Additionally, staff loses time manually writing room numbers, adding to operational inefficiencies.
Daily towel and linen changes – High water and energy consumption due to excessive towel usage, adding extra workload for housekeeping and increasing operational costs.
Guests unaware of sustainability initiatives – Limited communication meant eco-efforts often went unnoticed.

Now:

Refill stations instead of bottled water. More travelers now expect to fill their reusable bottles at hotels, just as they do at airports and workplaces. Some hotels are even integrating advanced hydration solutions like REFILL+, which offers vitamin-enriched, flavored water options, providing a premium yet sustainable alternative to bottled drinks.
Washable cotton pads for makeup removal and singular, high-quality items are replacing prepacked bulk sets of 5-6 disposable products, reducing waste and enhancing guest experience.
Reusable key cards, mobile check-in, and branded reusable covers. Digital room access is reducing waste and enhancing guest convenience, while branded, elegant reusable covers provide a sustainable alternative to disposable key card sleeves. Additionally, some hotels are shifting to digital codes for keyless entry, streamlining check-ins and minimizing waste.
Energy-efficient upgrades. Smart thermostats, solar panels, and LED lighting are now industry standards.

WHERE WE WERE VS. WHERE WE’RE HEADED

Then:

Complimentary plastic water bottles in rooms – Expensive for hotels, thrown away after one use, and creating unnecessary waste.
Bulk toiletries and mini-samples wrapped in plastic – Expensive for hotels, frequently thrown out after one use, and a burden for housekeeping staff to replace.
Single-use key cards and cards holders – Paper covers for plastic key cards – easy to lose, prone to magnet failure, and easily breakable. The paper itself is costly, requiring frequent reordering and branding, only to be discarded after each use. Additionally, staff loses time manually writing room numbers, adding to operational inefficiencies.
Daily towel and linen changes – High water and energy consumption due to excessive towel usage, adding extra workload for housekeeping and increasing operational costs.
Guests unaware of sustainability initiatives – Limited communication meant eco-efforts often went unnoticed.

Now:

Refill stations instead of bottled water. More travelers now expect to fill their reusable bottles at hotels, just as they do at airports and workplaces. Some hotels are even integrating advanced hydration solutions like REFILL+, which offers vitamin-enriched, flavored water options, providing a premium yet sustainable alternative to bottled drinks.
Washable cotton pads for makeup removal and singular, high-quality items are replacing prepacked bulk sets of 5-6 disposable products, reducing waste and enhancing guest experience.
Reusable key cards, mobile check-in, and branded reusable covers. Digital room access is reducing waste and enhancing guest convenience, while branded, elegant reusable covers provide a sustainable alternative to disposable key card sleeves. Additionally, some hotels are shifting to digital codes for keyless entry, streamlining check-ins and minimizing waste.
Energy-efficient upgrades. Smart thermostats, solar panels, and LED lighting are now industry standards.

PREDICTIONS FOR 2025: WHAT’S NEXT FOR SUSTAINABLE HOSPITALITY?

Hotels aren’t just responding to sustainability trends—they’re setting new standards. Here’s what we expect in 2025:

1. Hotels as sustainability hubs:

Sustainability is shifting from a feature to a fundamental part of a hotel’s identity. Expect to see:

Carbon-neutral stays, with hotels offsetting emissions through renewable energy and reforestation projects.
Zero-waste breakfast buffets, featuring locally sourced food and composting programs.
Smart water management, reducing waste and ensuring every drop counts—especially in water-scarce regions.

2. Sustainable business travel becomes the norm

Millennials and Gen Z are reshaping business travel, prioritizing greener choices. Hotels will cater to this demand by:

Offering carbon-neutral meeting packages with sustainable catering options.
Replacing plastic water bottles in conference rooms with hydration stations.
Partnering with eco-friendly transport services for guest transfers and city commutes.

3. Well-being and health-focused hospitality.

Wellness-focused hospitality goes beyond hydration—today’s guests expect hotels to support an active and healthy lifestyle. From fitness to nutrition, travelers are looking for options that align with their well-being goals.

Hotels are responding by:

Partnering with local gyms and sports centers to offer exclusive guest access.
Installing functional hydration stations that provide chilled, ambient, or sparkling water with vitamin-enriched, flavored options.
Expanding healthy snack and meal options, ensuring guests can enjoy nutritious choices alongside their stay.
Creating on-site wellness facilities, such as yoga studios or running trails, to enhance the guest experience.

IS YOUR HOTEL READY?

Sustainability is no longer a bonus—it’s becoming a core standard in hospitality. According to a recent survey, 83% of travelers prefer sustainable options when available. With new innovations transforming the industry, hotels have the opportunity to stand out with memorable, high-quality services.

Switching from the minibar to an advanced hydration station isn’t just about sustainability—it’s about creating a signature guest experience that leaves an impression. The REFILL+ system is more than water; it’s an innovative wellness feature that offers vitamin-enriched, flavored hydration designed to refresh and energize guests after a long day of travel.

Imagine a family checking in after a delayed flight, exhausted and dehydrated. Instead of settling for a lukewarm plastic bottle, they’re welcomed with a customizable hydration experience—chilled, sparkling, infused with natural flavors, and perfectly tailored to their preferences. Whether it’s a business traveler needing focus or a family looking for a fun, healthy alternative, everyone can enjoy REFILL+.

PREDICTIONS FOR 2025: WHAT’S NEXT FOR SUSTAINABLE HOSPITALITY?

Hotels aren’t just responding to sustainability trends—they’re setting new standards. Here’s what we expect in 2025:

1. Hotels as sustainability hubs:

Sustainability is shifting from a feature to a fundamental part of a hotel’s identity. Expect to see:

Carbon-neutral stays, with hotels offsetting emissions through renewable energy and reforestation projects.
Zero-waste breakfast buffets, featuring locally sourced food and composting programs.
Smart water management, reducing waste and ensuring every drop counts—especially in water-scarce regions.

2. Sustainable business travel becomes the norm

Millennials and Gen Z are reshaping business travel, prioritizing greener choices. Hotels will cater to this demand by:

Offering carbon-neutral meeting packages with sustainable catering options.
Replacing plastic water bottles in conference rooms with hydration stations.
Partnering with eco-friendly transport services for guest transfers and city commutes.

3. Well-being and health-focused hospitality.

Hotels are responding by:

Partnering with local gyms and sports centers to offer exclusive guest access.
Installing functional hydration stations that provide chilled, ambient, or sparkling water with vitamin-enriched, flavored options.
Expanding healthy snack and meal options, ensuring guests can enjoy nutritious choices alongside their stay.
Creating on-site wellness facilities, such as yoga studios or running trails, to enhance the guest experience.

IS YOUR HOTEL READY?

PREDICTIONS FOR 2025: WHAT’S NEXT FOR SUSTAINABLE HOSPITALITY?

Hotels aren’t just responding to sustainability trends—they’re setting new standards. Here’s what we expect in 2025:

1. Hotels as sustainability hubs:

Sustainability is shifting from a feature to a fundamental part of a hotel’s identity. Expect to see:

Carbon-neutral stays, with hotels offsetting emissions through renewable energy and reforestation projects.
Zero-waste breakfast buffets, featuring locally sourced food and composting programs.
Smart water management, reducing waste and ensuring every drop counts—especially in water-scarce regions.

2. Sustainable business travel becomes the norm

Millennials and Gen Z are reshaping business travel, prioritizing greener choices. Hotels will cater to this demand by:

Offering carbon-neutral meeting packages with sustainable catering options.
Replacing plastic water bottles in conference rooms with hydration stations.
Partnering with eco-friendly transport services for guest transfers and city commutes.

3. Well-being and health-focused hospitality.

Hotels are responding by:

Partnering with local gyms and sports centers to offer exclusive guest access.
Installing functional hydration stations that provide chilled, ambient, or sparkling water with vitamin-enriched, flavored options.
Expanding healthy snack and meal options, ensuring guests can enjoy nutritious choices alongside their stay.
Creating on-site wellness facilities, such as yoga studios or running trails, to enhance the guest experience.

IS YOUR HOTEL READY?

PREDICTIONS FOR 2025: WHAT’S NEXT FOR SUSTAINABLE HOSPITALITY?

Hotels aren’t just responding to sustainability trends—they’re setting new standards. Here’s what we expect in 2025:

1. Hotels as sustainability hubs:

Sustainability is shifting from a feature to a fundamental part of a hotel’s identity. Expect to see:

Carbon-neutral stays, with hotels offsetting emissions through renewable energy and reforestation projects.
Zero-waste breakfast buffets, featuring locally sourced food and composting programs.
Smart water management, reducing waste and ensuring every drop counts—especially in water-scarce regions.

2. Sustainable business travel becomes the norm

Millennials and Gen Z are reshaping business travel, prioritizing greener choices. Hotels will cater to this demand by:

Offering carbon-neutral meeting packages with sustainable catering options.
Replacing plastic water bottles in conference rooms with hydration stations.
Partnering with eco-friendly transport services for guest transfers and city commutes.

3. Well-being and health-focused hospitality.

Hotels are responding by:

Partnering with local gyms and sports centers to offer exclusive guest access.
Installing functional hydration stations that provide chilled, ambient, or sparkling water with vitamin-enriched, flavored options.
Expanding healthy snack and meal options, ensuring guests can enjoy nutritious choices alongside their stay.
Creating on-site wellness facilities, such as yoga studios or running trails, to enhance the guest experience.

IS YOUR HOTEL READY?

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