Habitat Suites

This hotel just might represent the future of green businesses. The owners, who are also behind the Casa de Luz macrobiotic restaurant, strive to do all that a truly green hotel can: use natural materials and cleaning products over synthetics and chemicals; save, and even generate, electricity; recycle materials; conserve water; grow organic foods; and act in a socially conscious manner.

For guests, this means never running the risk of getting a room that reeks of chemicals. It also means friendly service -- the hotel staff enjoys a profit-sharing arrangement; consequently, the staff retention rate is way above the industry norm. Staying here also means healthful food choices for breakfast; if you decide to cook for yourself, you can make use of some of the organically grown vegetables, when available. All of these green activities are performed without fanfare, though the hotel quietly piles up awards for its ecoconsciousness. To the casual observer, the hotel looks like a standard three-story residential hotel. The rooms are oversized and come with complete kitchens. Sheets and towels are of natural materials. The furniture, though not of the latest style, is comfortable (pieces are refinished or reupholstered to avoid adding to the waste stream). Each room has a small separate outdoor area with chairs.

The location is central, just 2 miles north of the university campus. It's not noisy, and the hotel institutes quiet hours between 9pm and 9am. This hotel is one of the best-kept secrets in Austin's lodging scene.

Facilities:
Jacuzzi; outdoor pool

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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