Chicago's Hotel Felix Scores Silver LEED

Muted tones and clean, brisk lines make up the interior of Chicago's Hotel Felix. In the lobby, a slender rectangle is cut from the wall, stacked with fire wood, and sandwiched between a long, low fireplace and lounge area. The atmosphere is city chic, but sustainable too.

Recently awarded LEED Silver certification, Felix plays host to an impressive lineup of green features given its Midwest locale and posh presence. Included in the eco-minded development of the hotel are recycled content guest room carpeting, bamboo and cork floors, low volatile organic compound paints and wall coverings, and FSC-certified mill work.

Earth-friendly processes also stake claim at the 225-room historic property, which originally served as an apartment building in 1926. On the rooftop, wind turbines twirl their wide arms, showcasing the city's namesake nature and helping to cut the hotel's carbon footprint.

Why Chicago? General Manager George Jordan cites Chicago as one of the nation's leading green cities, boasting rooftop gardens, comprehensive public transit, "urban density and massive lake front and city parks" that appeal to the masses. And while Hotel Felix and its Elate Restaurant surely tops his list of must-sees, he also recommends the 360SEE Art Gallery, Tesla showroom, and city bike share (coming soon) as worthy sites for the environmentally conscious.

Located on the corner of Clark and Huron Street, not far from the bustle of shopper's delight--Magnificent Mile--Felix's rates seem to waver around a starting point of $150 per night.

Here's a question: Where do you sleep when you stay in Chicago? Last weekend, I holed up at the W Lakeshore and wasn't at all impressed with my accommodations (let's just say that the best part was an in-room recycling bin). So please (puh-lease!), do share your suggestions!


In other Chicago news...
Chicago Tops Green Seal Cities
Energy Savings in the Windy City: InterContinental Hotel