Many hotels like to brand themselves with a “green” image. But not everything that’s labeled sustainable is. Some properties rely on clever marketing rather than real action – this is known as greenwashing. So how can you tell if a hotel is truly sustainable or just jumping on the bandwagon? BILD: ©Kenishirotie | Stock.Adobe.com

7 red flags to look for

#1 Green talk without substance

“Eco-friendly,” “sustainable,” “eco” – if a hotel uses these buzzwords without mentioning any concrete measures, you should be skeptical. True sustainability means transparent and verifiable initiatives. Phrases like “We love and respect nature” are nice to read, but it should also be made clear how this “respect” is expressed (after all, there are plenty of people and companies who love nature and at the same time exploit and destroy it).

#2 Energy-saving labels – but no real action

“Please turn off the lights”. Such reminders can be found in many hotels. But are they really focusing on energy conservation, such as LED lighting, motion detectors or renewable energy? If not, the idea of energy conservation is not fully developed here.

#3 Towels – and nothing else?

Of course it makes sense to reuse towels. But if that’s the only “green” thing the hotel does, it’s not enough. Sustainable hotels implement many other measures, from waste reduction to water conservation systems.

#4 No regional produce

A hotel advertises its “sustainable cuisine” but only serves imported food? That’s greenwashing. Truly green hotels use seasonal, regional ingredients and support local producers.

#5 No certification, no proof

A hotel can make a lot of claims – but independent certification shows whether it is truly sustainable. If there is no seal or detailed explanation of sustainable practices, you have every right to be skeptical.

#6 Plastic everywhere

Disposable bathroom products (small shampoos, creams, shower caps, etc.), plastic packaging at the breakfast buffet (butter, jam, each tea bag individually wrapped, etc.) – a clear indication that sustainability is not a priority. Look for hotels that use reusable or refillable alternatives. There should also be no “throw-away mentality” at the buffet. Frequent replenishment, boiling eggs only when ordered, etc. can reduce food waste.

#7 Old, inefficient buildings with no improvements

A sustainable hotel invests in green infrastructure. If you don’t see things like water-saving showerheads, energy-efficient appliances, or sustainable building materials, the green image is probably just a facade. If you suspect something is missing, ask for it! As we have learned at Green PearlsⓇ, sustainable hotels welcome the interest of their guests (yes, even in technical matters such as the insulation of the building, the refrigerants in the air conditioners, etc.). This also shows that you, as a guest, are interested in what goes on “behind the scenes”.

Conclusion

Truly sustainable hotels are transparent and open about their efforts. If something seems questionable, trust your gut and look for alternatives that truly practice environmental stewardship. After all, conscious travel is about supporting hotels that take sustainability seriously.