Why Choosing a Green Hotel Matters: A Guide for Eco-Conscious Travellers

As sustainable travel moves from niche trend to mainstream expectation, more travellers are thinking critically about where – and how – they stay. Choosing an eco-friendly hotel is one of the most powerful ways to minimise your carbon footprint while enjoying a memorable trip. In this guide, we explore what sustainable accommodation truly looks like, why it matters, and how Marsham Court Hotel in Bournemouth sets a shining example.

Why Green Hotels Make a Difference

Tourism accounts for approximately 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. From high energy use and single-use plastics to wasteful food practices, traditional hotels can significantly impact the environment.

Green hotels, on the other hand, reduce this burden through:

• Lower carbon emissions and renewable energy choices
  
• Water-saving systems and eco-friendly cleaning
  
• Waste reduction and recycling programmes
  
• Support for local communities and supply chains
  

When guests support these properties, they’re helping shape a tourism industry that’s more respectful to both people and the planet.

How to Spot a Truly Sustainable Hotel

Not all ‘green’ claims are created equal. Here are five hallmarks of genuine eco-conscious accommodation:

1. Independent Eco-Certification

Trustworthy hotels hold formal certifications like Green Key International, which require strict audits on sustainability performance. Marsham Court earned this certification in May 2025 – making it one of the few independently verified eco-hotels in Bournemouth.

2. Measured Energy and Water Use

Look for hotels that track usage in real time, use LED lighting, and have smart systems for shutting down unused equipment. Marsham Court monitors energy and water hourly and has implemented an overnight shutdown policy across its facilities.

3. Waste and Plastic Reduction

Sustainable hotels eliminate single-use plastics, offer refillable toiletries, and minimise food waste. Marsham Court removed all individual toiletry bottles, adjusted its buffet to reduce leftovers, and redistributes surplus meals to local charities.

4. Support for Sustainable Transport

Whether it’s EV charging, bike hire, or close public transport links, green hotels make low-impact travel easy. Marsham Court offers secure cycle parking, on-site EV chargers, and access to Bournemouth’s Beryl bike scheme.

5. Inclusive and Ethical Operations

True sustainability includes people as well as the planet. Marsham Court is a Disability Confident Leader, offering Changing Places toilets, sensory rooms, ceiling hoists, and fully accessible pool facilities – making it one of the UK’s most inclusive hotels.

Marsham Court: A Model for Green Travel in the UK

As a family-run business, Marsham Court has embedded sustainability into its daily operations, from energy tracking to community partnerships. It also formed a dedicated Sustainability Crew, who meet monthly to propose improvements and monitor impact using the Climate Essentials platform.

Marsham Court’s approach demonstrates that sustainability isn’t just about compliance – it’s about culture. Their practices are transparent, their staff are engaged, and their efforts are continuous.

What This Means for Guests

When you choose to stay at a green hotel like Marsham Court:

• You reduce your personal carbon footprint
  
• You support local economies and charities
  
• You contribute to a more inclusive, future-focused hospitality industry
  

Best of all? You don’t have to compromise on comfort, service, or location. Marsham Court combines responsible operations with a warm welcome, seafront views, and all the facilities you’d expect from a modern, award-winning hotel.

Book Your Sustainable Stay at Marsham Court
Explore the Hotel’s Green Key Certification
Contact the Team to Plan an Eco-Friendly Event