Earth Day Deals: Planet-Friendly Packages

More than 90 percent of travelers would choose an eco-certified hotel that features pricing and amenities comparable to one that is not, according to a recent national survey by Travelzoo. (Who doesn't want to do a bit of good without sacrifice, right?)

To highlight some of the stellar deals available in honor of Earth Day, the website is hosting a special deals page, highlighting affordable offers from LEED-certified properties like The Avalon Hotel & Spa (pictured above) in Portland and San Francisco's Orchard Garden Hotel.

Book a stay yourself by visiting: http://www.travelzoo.com/green.

Drink Up for a Good Cause

Who would've thunk? Earth Day takes on a new spirit--literarlly--as Morgans Hotel Group (parent of LA's Mondrian and San Francisco's Clift) unveils an eco chic cocktail to kick off the festivities. Named the "Treetini," the over-ice concoction mixes the only certified carbon-neutral liquor and world's first acai spirit, VeeV, with agave nectar, fresh lime and mint. Ringing in at $12 a pop, it makes for a pricey, but philanthropic, pour. Developed in partnership with Live It Green, the purchase of each 'tini in April will allow for one tree to be planted by the organization.

You can see further details on the Treetini here, a site promoting the one cocktail = one tree philosophy. Hey, there could be worse initiatives than those that involve drinking for a cause...

San Francisco's W Hotel Earns Silver LEED

When it comes to big brand hotels, the "W" moniker stands out among the rest, promising a sexy-chic stay no matter which metropolis you're visiting. And in San Francisco the hotel labeled with a lone character is upping its sizzle factor by making its eco cred official.

Last week, the four-diamond W San Francisco hotel became the first major hotel brand to earn Silver LEED certification for an existing building. Having begun its green initiatives in 2007, the hotel has implemented a bevy of energy saving systems, including in-room motion sensors that turn off air conditioning when guests aren't present, energy efficient lighting, and third-party energy audits that track total savings. The hotel is also considering adding roof top wind turbines--a feature that would hands-down set this property apart.

For business travel and meeting and convention planners, W San Fran has also added "Sensory Meetings," where "all food and beverage is organic, biodynamic and local." In partnership with Live Neutral carbon offsets, planners can also host and promote zero-waste, carbon-neutral events.

To celebrate the new LEED status, a "Keen to be Green" package is available for booking through the end of the year. Rates start at $249 and include an overnight stay, two "Eco-licious" cocktails, 500 bonus SPG points and complimentary valet for hybrids.