Hotel of the Month: Westin Financial Street Beijing

By Kyle Patrick Long

Not many hotels challenge their guests to prove their green credentials, but the Westin Financial Street Beijing is taking a new approach to environmental conservation. Taking the lead during 2008’s 'Green' Olympics, the hotel expanded their partnerships with various technology companies, such as Panasonic, to benchmark and quantify each guest’s carbon footprint. From just a handful of ‘green rooms’ when the pilot first started to two full floors today, guests are invited to try and reduce their energy consumption to below the average hotel guest’s.

The reward? Extra Starwood Preferred Guest points if you beat the benchmark, a print-out detailing your exact usage figures and the knowledge that you did your small part to help clear Beijing’s skies. It’s an innovative approach that is not only expanding within the hotel, but to other Starwood hotels as well. The green rooms offer tips for recycling, as well as a special grey water system for conserving water in the bathroom. With knowledge comes power, and in this case, hopefully this means using less of it.

In addition to being green, the hotel also offers business travellers a convenient location for meetings and easy access to the main cultural sights of the city. Located in Beijing’s financial district, the property is within walking distance of two metro stops and a plethora of western and classic Chinese food. The hotel itself is everything you expect from a Westin – a variety of eateries, excellent service and top-notch indoor pool and spa facilities.

Weekend rates start at RMB 1,360 +15%. 9B Financial Street, XiCheng District. Tel: (010) 6606 8866. Web: www.starwoodhotels.com