7 of the Best Sustainable Boutique Hotels in the UK
Top 7 Sustainable Hotels in the UK.
Our pick of the most luxurious and environmentally conscious hotels across England and Scotland.
Whatley Manor, Wiltshire
With ethical consumerism on the rise, amidst a rapidly changing climate, the hotel industry must adapt to keep up with the demands of its clientele. According to Booking.com’s Sustainable Travel Report 2022, 81% of those surveyed say that sustainable travel is important to them, with 50% confirming that the recent news surrounding climate change has influenced them to make more environmentally conscious travel decisions. This blog showcases the boutique hotels that are leading the way in terms of sustainability, without compromising on the luxury experience of their guests.
Room2 - various locations
One of the bedrooms at Room2, Chiswick
Started by brothers Rob and Stu Godwin in 2015, the Room2 group have since opened three hotels in Hammersmith, Southampton and Chiswick. Full of personality and unique touches, these hotels are a perfect combination of a chic hotel and a homely Airbnb. Room2 are committed to being entirely net zero, from the construction and operation to the eventual deconstruction of their sites. They also state that they are 89% more efficient than the average hotel, but any unavoidable emissions are offset by their reforesting partner, EcoForest Bamboo, in Nicaragua. Room2 hotels are powered by renewably-sourced electricity, ultra-low flow showers, heat pumps, solar panels and tracking technology to determine how and when their guests use energy. They also keep around 75,000 bees!
2. The Pig Hotels - various locations
The Pig at Combe, Devon
With eight stunning locations throughout the English countryside, The Pig Hotels all use local suppliers and grow around 17 tons of their own fruit and vegetables on-site - including mushrooms grown using their spent coffee grounds! Like Room2, Pig Hotels keep bees and have implemented other sustainable practices into daily life, such as composting, foraging, recycling their cooking oil and curing their own meats. Additionally, they support the English wine industry, procuring their wine using fewer food miles, and have swapped complimentary plastic toothbrushes in their rooms for strawberry seed packets!
3. Saorsa 1875 - Pitlochry & Perthshire
Guests dining at the all-vegan Saorsa 1875
Saorsa 1875 is the world’s first fully vegan hotel, situated in the picturesque town of Pitlochry, Scotland. As well as promoting an entirely plant-based and cruelty-free lifestyle, the hotel also plants a tree for every dinner served in its restaurant. Their meals are made to order and their stoves are powered by birch tree chippings from the hotel grounds too! Stay here for a totally unique experience, surrounded by peaceful countryside that’s perfect for walks and cycles.
4. Treehouse Hotel - London & Manchester
One of the quirky rooms at Treehouse Hotel in London
Treehouse Hotel in London is inspired by children’s imaginations and features a living biophilic wall on its roof. As well as using recycled and reclaimed design elements throughout the hotel, Treehouse Hotel also encourages its guests to use bikes to explore the city of London. Situated in the heart of the city, close to the BBC, Treehouse Hotel is a great base from which to explore the city. With its modern, yet nostalgic, interiors, you won’t forget your stay here. They also have a sister hotel in Manchester!
5. Rufflets Hotel - St Andrews
A bird’s-eye view of the stunning Rufflets Hotel
Situated just outside the idyllic town of St Andrews, Rufflets is Scotland’s first fully carbon-neutral hotel. In an effort to be more environmentally conscious, they’ve installed energy-saving lighting systems and fitted flow regulators on their taps. They also use local suppliers where possible, growing a wealth of produce in their own impressive gardens. Relax here after a busy day playing golf at the iconic Old Course, or after a long walk on one of the area's many beaches. There’s something for everyone nearby!
6. Whatley Manor & Spa - Cotswolds
The Aquarius Spa at Whatley Manor
Whatley Manor is a stunning, award-winning country house hotel, set within 12 acres of Cotswolds countryside. Sustainability-wise, they pledge to be net zero by 2028 and for their supply chain to achieve the same goal by 2035. The hotel itself is elegant and tranquil - the perfect luxury adult escape - complete with a spa, gym and a Michelin-starred restaurant. If you’re looking for something particularly decadent, whilst also environmentally conscious, then look no further.
7. The Zetter Hotels - London
A luxury room at The Zetter Townhouse
Last but not least are The Zetter Hotels, situated in Clerkenwell and Marleybone. Leading the way in self-sustainability, The Zetter Townhouse relies on a 1500-foot borehole beneath its building to fuel its water supply! Like many of the hotels featured, The Zetter Hotels use plastic-free, locally sourced suppliers. However, they also use less energy through the design decisions of their buildings. For example, The Townhouse Hotel features a central atrium and automated skylights, allowing natural light to illuminate the charming interiors of the hotel without using as much energy.
We hope you enjoyed this list. Feel free to comment your thoughts below, or let us know any hotels we missed!