Toyota’s Prius maybe the most popular hybrid vehicle in the United States, as per Compete.com statistics, but their Lexus brand is making waves for its hybrid living program, which they have now branched out beyond cars, to include eco-friendly travel accomodations in partnership with Fairmont Hotels. 

They have built two hybrid living suites, one in Washington DC and the other in the Fairmont San Francisco Hotel on Nob Hill. Rory Jurnecka, Motor Trend, reviews the suite and here’s an excerpt from the review which highlights just what makes this ‘Lexus hybrid living suite’ so special.

Within the suite, many efforts were taken to create a room that minimizes its impact on natural resources. The black floors are constructed of bamboo… while designer furniture by Kelly LaPlante and the Kenneth Cobonpue collection is of organic, long-wearing materials. Organic is a chief theme in the suite, with material for the bed mattress, sheets, towels, and robes all grown without pesticides. Natural lighting has been optimized with the placement of the suite’s windows, while all electric lighting uses long-lasting fluorescent bulbs. The mini-fridge contains food and drink that has been organically produced, including local wine, cheese, and chocolates. Even the toiletries — shampoo, hand soap, and the like — were all chosen for their eco-friendly ingredients. - Lexus Hybrid Living Suite, Rory Jurnecka, Motor Trend

Great. Admirable intentions, save the planet and blah-blah, but…What’s this suite got that other eco-friendly San Francisco hotels like the Orchard Garden and the Triton don’t? Here’s the kicker - Guests staying in the Lexus suite at the San Francisco Fairmont also have complimentary use of a Lexus LS 600h L sedan for the entire duration of their stay. And a complimentary Lexus hybrid living book plus a bottle of organic wine upon arrival. The suite costs a whopping $869 per night, though, and it’s only available until Dec 30th 2008.

For the record, The Fairmont San Francisco sits atop Nob Hill at the only point where each of the city’s cable car lines meet. The hotel is a poster child for San Francisco style old world decadance and luxury, with a magnificient lobby with giant columns rising up to the vaulted ceiling, along with a spiral staircase.

And the 591 guest rooms and 62 suites are just as shockingly luxurious as the rest of the hotel, with marble bathrooms, extra long mattress, thick down blankets and oversize down King pillows, and plush terry cloth bathrobes, in addition to all the usual family friendly amenities and services like a 24 hour concierge, baby sitting services, cribs, connecting roms and rolloaway beds.

The hotel also offers 55,000 sq ft of meeting space, access to the ‘Club One Health Center & Spa’ and two very upscale restaurants for dining - The Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar with exotic Asian fare, and the Laurel Court Restaurant & Bar, which offers Northern California cuisine and fine dinding with a choice selection of local wines.

Info: 950 Mason Street San Francisco CA 94108; (415) 772-5000; sanfrancisco@fairmont.com; Photos courtesy & copyrights - Lexus Hybrid Living

Posted on May 17th, 2008 by PLing
Filed under: Hotels