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Many hotels are making strides to go green with eco-friendly practices, but one has been a pioneer on the hospitality “green scene”: the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. Having commenced its earth-friendly program in 2007, this property is well ahead of other hotels and resorts that are just dipping their toe into the social responsibility pool. Even so, this property continues to expand its cadre of eco-friendly features, raising the bar ever higher with the hope others will follow its lead.

Sustainability practices, aside, this 374-suite resort proffers a vacation paradise for leisure travelers. Located in the exclusive enclave of North Beach in the center of the famed Fort Lauderdale strip, this 4-Diamond, award-winning Hilton property boasts many features that make it a standout among the copious accommodations options on Fort Lauderdale Beach. These include the largest suites with full-size modern kitchens, wrap-around ocean- and Intracoastal-view balconies, and Italian marble floors as well as handsomely-appointed studios and guest rooms. The resort’s amenities include leading-edge technology and meeting facilities, an infinity pool with 25,000 square foot Sunrise Pool Terrace replete with poolside cabanas, beach access, a fitness center, luxurious spa, on-site ocean-front cuisine and 24-hour room service. The resort is located close to popular city attractions like the Everglades National Park and The Galleria Mall while also being situated close to a bevy of water sports.

In sharing what sets the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort apart, Brigette Bienvenu, the property’s Director of Sales and Marketing, noted, “It is unique in its level of service and guest experience. Also, we have the best rooms in Fort Lauderdale Beach in terms of size, amenities, and the contemporary, yet residential, style. Our innovative trendsetting sustainability initiatives promote education and inspire eco-friendly practices for our industry and among our guests.”

Photo Ownership/Copyright Credit: Hilton Hotels & Resorts

A true inspiration is, indeed, the hotel’s burgeoning sustainability initiatives. Since it opened in 2007, it has been committed to energy savings. Setting a high standard from its start, this property was the first Fort Lauderdale beach hotel to be designated a Florida Green Lodging destination.

Continuing its legacy of going above and beyond local regulations, in January 2014 this resort voluntarily installed six wind turbines at a cost of $700,000 to help reduce energy consumption from sources that deplete natural resources. These commanding turbines are located on the resort’s rooftop to achieve the maximum wind velocity for the greatest amount of power generation possible. These turbines provide enough renewable energy to light the building year-round.

Other noteworthy initiatives spearheaded by the property’s “Green Team” committee include programs related to waste reduction, energy efficiency, and resource conservation. The programs involve an environ pure composter to compost up to 900 pounds of food waste each day to avoid adding to the local landfills. A guestroom linen and towel program encourages guests to assist the hotel in being eco-friendly by hanging towels to reuse and having bed sheets changed out every three days on extended stays rather than every day. The hotel also has windows that use manufactured tinted glass to protect the interior of the building from sun exposure, which also helps to reduce the amount of energy needed for heating and cooling.

To further identify areas that could be improved, the resort utilizes “LightStay,” which is a proprietary system utilized by the resort’s Green Team to analyze and track the property’s sustainability performance. This system is used by the entire Hilton chain, setting a precedent in the hospitality industry as no other brand has implemented sustainability initiatives to this degree throughout its portfolio.

Always seeking to push the eco-envelope, more green objectives are planned, including a Tesla charging station allowing Tesla electric vehicle owners to receive a high-speed charge—less than an hour. To further elevate the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort’s image in terms of its focus on sustainability and to educate the community, Ms. Bienvenu explained the property will continue its property sustainability tours, which are conducted weekly for guests, local residents, and schools. The tour includes a look at all the resort’s initiatives, including the rooftop wind turbines, the property’s tinted windows, and the composter.

What’s ahead for the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort? According to Ms. Bienvenu, future plans include the addition of two unique venues to provide an array of culinary and entertainment options both for hotel guests and local residents. In the summer of 2014, the property will open a new outdoor venue and lounge that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean for private receptions or daily fun in the sun with music, an outdoor bar, and culinary options. A little further out, in early 2015, a new sky bar and lounge will open. With this, the resort will be the tallest building to have a rooftop venue on Fort Lauderdale beach.

With a contemporary beach ambiance, 4-Diamond service, residential creature comforts, priceless views and an unsurpassed sustainability program, the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort exemplifies green luxury travel and is doing more than its fair share to convey how, together, everyone can make a difference in the planet’s well-being.

***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above may have been provided at no cost and/or arranged to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way as per the disclosure policy on our “Legal” page***