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#TRAVEL: A SUSTAINABLE STAYCATION AT 1 HOTEL TORONTO WITH BOOKING.COM
The pandemic certainly has changed the way we think about travel and look at the future as global citizens. Whatever your comfort level is with hopping on a plane right now for an escape, surely we all can agree we’re in need of a much-deserved break after all we’ve been through these past three years. Luxurious staycations more than ever growing in their appeal. Looking a layer beneath, travelling sustainably is also becoming a hot topic. But how does one do it all – vacation well, in ways that are eco-conscious, yet do so affordably?
It’s no mystery that we’re all trying to navigate inflation. Whether you’re just trying to buy lettuce for your salad or fill your tank with a bit of gas, money is at the top of our minds. One of the world’s leading online travel platforms Booking.com surveyed 33,000 travellers from across the globe for their annual Sustainable Travel Report for 2023. They found that 52% of Canadian travellers feel that sustainable travel just isn’t affordable. And with the wide perception that the economy isn’t going to improve any time soon, how do we prioritize what is right, yet also right for our budgets? Also, if we’re doing right for the future of the world we’re living in, should we be incentivized at least with deals?
Within that same survey, 65% of Canadian travellers said that they want to travel more sustainably over the coming 12 months. 75% of these feel that the global energy crisis and rising cost of living is impacting their spending plans. By that same token, 51% feel there just aren’t enough sustainable travel options available.
What exactly is Sustainable Travel?
Like many, I honestly wasn’t quite clear what it all meant. Something about the term itself inherently feels complex, ambitious and unattainable. But truly, it can encompass the smallest of gestures. At its core, it’s about having an awareness and making choices that benefit conservation, wildlife and the local community.
Eating locally and supporting farm-to-table restaurants while travelling can be counted as a step. Some of us are already doing this in our everyday lives. But on an even more micro scale, it can be things like taking public transit, shopping with a reusable tote or drinking with your own water bottle while vacationing. Or how about just turning off your A/C when you’re not in your hotel room?
When I think about pre-pandemic life and travel, I used to insist on my sheets and towels being changed daily at the hotel. Just because I was on vacation and thought I deserved it. Post-pandemic, I’ve realized that this is something I wouldn’t even demand at home, so how could I expect this while travelling?
When we put it this way, the concept of Sustainable Travel doesn’t seem so scary anymore. The key takeaway is that we are now asking questions and rethinking our old lives and habits.
How Booking.com is making it easier to travel sustainably
As mentioned, part of the problem travellers face is the perception that there simply aren’t enough sustainable travel options. Whether you’re searching for accommodations on Booking.com’s website or app, you’ll notice that they now have a search filter called “Travel Sustainable properties” that allows you to easily find only properties that have earned Booking.com’s Travel Sustainable badge, a global, first of its kind and independently validated recognition programme. With the launch of the program in November of 2021, they are looking to remove some of the mystique of travelling sustainably and helping make it easier for accommodation partners to contribute to sustainability efforts and be able to showcase this to travellers. When using the filter, search results come up and are grouped into three tiers, denoted by leaf badges. Level 1 properties have implemented some impactful sustainability practices, while Level 3 properties have made large investments in their practices.
You can even filter your search for electric and hybrid car rentals in 110 countries, and see the Total CO2 emissions when searching flights.
The bottom line is that while ending inflation might be out of our hands for now, Booking.com is helping make it easier for travellers to find the right sustainable options for them, anywhere they want to go.
We have a duty to leave a place better than when we were there.
1 Hotel Toronto
We had the pleasure of enjoying a stay at this gorgeous property, which boasts 112 guest rooms and suites. It is tucked away from the King Street West bustle, yet also close enough to it all. 1 Hotel Toronto is just one of many sustainable accommodations in the city and a perfect staycation choice if you just need a quick recharge with the mileage. It manages to balance sturdy sustainable design and architecture, with an oasis-like mood that is apparent the moment you are welcomed through its wood doors. Their service is phenomenal and attentive to guests’ every need.
It’s all in the details here, whether it be energy-saving Smart Thermostats in guest rooms, 100% cozy organic cotton linens to nestle you into bed, or tumblers and carafes made from reclaimed wine bottles and glass.
On a grander scope, the hotel draws inspiration from local artists, chefs, builders and the community. An example being their 1 Kitchen restaurant, green and woodsy in decor. They not only serve delicious, mindful offerings on their menu, but are also committed to generating zero waste. They have an interesting selection of cocktails and an array of biodynamic wines. The trout crudo and 1K gnocchi are both musts. And if you have room for dessert, the carrot cake.
The hotel is also home to Casa Madera, a chic and sexy purveyor of elevated Mexican cuisine. You literally do not have to leave the hotel to get a variety of refined dining experiences and this is the proof. Cocktails are scintillating and some come in flames and smoky, providing a fun little delivery experience. Recommended are the pacifico striped bass, ceviche blanco, tiger shrimp and arrachera (wagyu beef) tacos. Peanut butter mousse for dessert – no question. It is a spectacle.
If you’re there on a weekend, Harriet’s Rooftop has one of downtown Toronto’s best scenic skyline views, plus an incredible brunch.
1 Hotel Toronto is 100% certified carbon-neutral, while being LEED-certified for energy efficiency in heating and cooling. In addition to saving energy, annually their measures account for 167 tons of CO2 reduction. Above this, the hotel is home to 3,300 plants, including native plants within rooms and suites.
On a personal note, for those of us who can’t live without our pets, 1 Hotel Toronto welcomes them with open arms. They were just so wonderful and kind to our dear Beanie, always greeting her and offering her treats every time we passed through the lobby. They even offered to take footage of us for my Reel (see below). It’s thoughtfulness like this that separates a great experience from an outstanding one and 1 Hotel was exactly the latter. Eco-friendly and pet-friendly. It’s a win-win.
Sustainable Options in the City
There certainly is no shortage of eco-friendly things-to-do and eat around 1 Hotel Toronto. A short trek away just off the Bayview/Bloor Don Valley Parkway exit, is environmental community centre Evergreen Brick Works. The space is full of trails and gardens, public art, a market with local artisans, craftspeople and small-batch producers, and more.
The Grape Witches are situated at Dundas x Ossington. It is a wine bar, a patio, a shop, an event space, a wine agency & a wine club, offering private tastings of rare organic, biodynamic and natural wines from all around the world. Fascinating to learn the stories about these wines which are hand picked and very hard to find here.
stackt market is North America’s largest shipping container market and it is literally a walk across the street from 1 Hotel Toronto. Their mandate is to support local art, music, social enterprise and cultural communities. Fast dining options include amazing selections from local chefs like Trevor Lui at Baobird, tacos at Ocaso Tacos by Rául D’souza and so much more. Beanie is a huge fan of kitschy pet clothing and supply store, Our Haru. A must-see. We may have had a little shopping spree.
Toronto is such a vibrant, diverse and ever-changing mecca. Isn’t it time you re-discovered it?
Booking.com makes it easy to find sustainable options whether you are travelling far away or enjoying a staycation near home.
#FIRSTLOOK: 2023 BOOKING.COM TRAVELLER REVIEW AWARDS
BOOKING.COM have just released their Most Welcoming Places lists and Traveller Review Awards recipient. Making huge gains are Newfoundland and Labrador placing in the top 10 most welcoming places on earth! St. John’s was also named the 4th most welcoming city in Canada. Toronto, you better step it up!
As travel continues to make its return in most parts of the world, the 11th annual Booking.com Traveller Review Awards recognize travel providers from across 220 countries and territories for their commitment to providing consistently excellent service and hospitality over the course of the year. Based on a pool of over 240 million verified customer reviews on Booking.com, 1,364,415 accommodation partners, 230 car rental providers and 58 airport taxi suppliers are receiving a Traveller Review Award 2023. Italy leads the way again in 2023 with a total of 170,638 accommodation awards, followed by Spain (108,217), France (103,365), Germany (76,479), Croatia (64,206), Poland (60,721), UK (60,697), Greece (54,473), Brazil (53,658) and the US (46,839).
Hotels and apartments continue to shine
The most awarded property type within Canada is hotels, claiming 1,360 across the country. In second place is apartments with 1,360 awards, then bed & breakfasts with 979, holiday homes with 651, and rounding out the top five is chalets with 429 awards. Globally, apartments take the top spot for the sixth year in a row, with 629,421 partners being recognized for their efforts in the 2023 edition of the Traveller Review Awards.
When it comes to the countries being recognized with the most awards for homes, apartments and other unique places to stay, Italy (153,895), Spain (98,788), France (94,285), Germany (64,748) and Croatia (63,219) lead the way.
A more sustainable traveller experience
Nearly one in ten accommodation award recipients globally (122,095) have also been recognized with a Travel Sustainable badge for their efforts to operate more sustainably. In fact, Travel Sustainable accommodations were three times more likely to receive a Traveller Review Award 2023, compared to those not being recognized with a Travel Sustainable badge. Out of all accommodation types, hotels had the highest share of Travel Sustainable accommodations (15%) receiving a Traveller Review Award 2023.
Arjan Dijk, SVP and Chief Marketing Officer for Booking.com, commented: “It’s that personal attention to detail when checking in or sharing helpful recommendations to explore the destination like a local that demonstrates how our partners show up and shine for travellers in a multitude of ways each and every day. These awards are our way of thanking them for their dedication to making everyone feel welcome and to going out of their way to create incredible experiences for our customers. Whether it’s a friendly greeting from a taxi driver at the airport, sharing some local driving tips at the car rental counter or a thoughtful note waiting in the room, our passionate partners help make every trip more special.”
2023’s Most Welcoming Places in Canada and Beyond
This year’s Most Welcoming Places have all been identified based on the share of accommodation partners receiving a Traveller Review Award 2023* and provide even the most seasoned traveller with inspiration for their future trips. Here are the most welcoming places across Canada.
2023’s Most Welcoming Cities in Canada
- Baie Saint Paul, Quebec
- Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
- Golden, British Columbia
- St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
- Banff, Alberta
- Jasper, Alberta
- Mont-Tremblant, Quebec
- Quebec City, Quebec
- Revelstoke, British Columbia
- Moncton, New Brunswick
2023’s Most Welcoming Regions in Canada
- Nova Scotia
- Quebec
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Ontario
The real stars of the show, the local properties themselves, have earned consistent Booking.com scores of 9.7 or higher across anywhere from 50 to over 400 reviews. Here are ten of the consistently highest rated Traveller Reviews Awards properties in Canada.
- Alicion Bed & Breakfast, Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
- L’Ancrage Bed & Breakfast, Saint Louis de Kent, New Brunswick
- Canyon Ridge Lodge, Golden, British Columbia
- Beaujolais Boutique B&B, Banff, Alberta
- A Wave From It All villa, Port Saunders, Newfoundland and Labrador
- Radium Elk Park B & B, Radium Hot Springs, Alberta
- Princess and the Pea Hotel, Langley, British Columbia
- La Maison de Sophie, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
- Golden Acres Mountain Lodge, Golden, British Columbia
- Spirit Lodge at Silverstar, Vernon, British Columbia
This year’s Most Welcoming Places on Earth span five continents and feature hidden coastal gems, rural destinations surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, a bustling Latin American metropolis, and a fan favourite island here in Canada with its own time zone and dialect.
2023’s Most Welcoming Cities On Earth
- Polignano a Mare, Italy
- Hualien City, Taiwan
- San Sebastián, Spain
- Dresden, Germany
- Klaipeda, Lithuania
- York, UK
- Ushuaia, Argentina
- Porto De Galinhas, Brazil
- Mexico City, Mexico
- Gold Coast, Australia
2023’s Most Welcoming Regions On Earth
- La Rioja, Spain
- Epirus, Greece
- Oberosterreich, Austria
- County Down, UK
- Mures, Romania
- Marlborough, New Zealand
- Ninh Binh, Vietnam
- Limon, Costa Rica
- Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada
- North Dakota, US
For more about exploring and experiencing all these welcoming cities have to offer, check out this destination guide.
Helping travellers get from A to B
This is the fourth year that Booking.com is recognising on-the-ground transport providers for their consistently great service, with 230 car rental companies from across 150 countries picking up a Traveller Review Award 2023. Car rental companies in Spain are being recognized with the most 2023 awards (23), followed by Greece (21), France (14), Italy (13) and Portugal (11). 58 airport taxi providers, representing a total of 6,131 drivers from across 120 countries are also being recognized with a 2023 award. Companies in Spain are again receiving the most awards (11 providers representing 442 drivers), followed by Greece (7 providers representing 1,196 drivers), Italy (5 providers representing 315 drivers), Poland (3 providers representing 524 drivers) and Portugal (3 providers representing 655 drivers).
#FIRSTLOOK: BOOKING.COM SPONSORS TIME100 SUMMIT & GALA
BOOKING.COM was an official signature sponsor of the TIME100 Summit and Gala at Lincoln Center in New York, which included stars like Toronto’s own Simu Liu! The site is one of the largest travel marketplaces for both established brands and entrepreneurs of all sizes, enabling properties all over the world to reach a global audience and grow their businesses.
Booking.com aimed to further support getting important topics the increased attention they need and deserve while also providing travel inspiration for Summit & Gala attendees. The events brought together a cast of past and present TIME100 honorees and other influential figures from the worlds of art, culture, politics and entertainment with Booking.com polling the influential attendees on their summer travel plans via a survey at the brand’s dedicated activation space at Jazz at Lincoln Center.
Key insights include:
-Sustainability efforts at accommodations play a strong role in TIME100 event attendee’s vacation decisions, with 50% of survey respondents saying they would select one property over another if it had Booking.com’s Travel Sustainable badge.
-TIME100 event respondents said they prefer to stay at vacation rentals over hotels (62%).
-Trips where travelers get to enjoy the outdoors was the preference for TIME100 attendees with 46% of respondents wanting to take a beach vacation this summer and 41% wanting to take any type of nature trip.
-Experiencing local culture is TIME100 event respondents main motivation to travel this summer (37%), with relaxation not far behind at 32%.
-When asked what destination was top of the list this summer, Greece, Italy, Spain, Mexico, Colorado and Puerto Rico were the most popular among TIME100 event attendee survey respondents.
Some of the A-Listers at the affair:
(Photo credit: Booking.com)
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