GREEN YOUR SUMMER GETAWAY AT SAN FRANCISCO’S HOTEL DEL SOL

As the 40^th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22^nd is upon us, San Francisco’s Hotel Del Sol is celebrating with a trio of green summer travel packages. Earlier this year, the Del Sol announced that it had achieved green certification from San Francisco Green Business, a two-year process that required implementing a checklist of rigorous environmental conservation measures at the property. Leisure travelers who want to experience San Francisco with a summer getaway at one of its most environmentally-friendly hotels now have several value packages that showcase the city’s various shades of green:

Love Your Mother (Earth)

Everyone knows if mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy. This eco-friendly family package offers a way to tread a little more lightly on Mother Earth on your San Francisco summer getaway:

• Great package rates starting at $179 for a standard room
• Two complimentary bike rentals (Value $56 and a discount on additional bike rentals)
• Two one-day MUNI Visitor Passports (Unlimited rides on all public transportation – including cable cars. Value $26)
• A tree planted on your family’s behalf by EcoUnit

This package is valid from April 12 – Oct. 31, 2010.Two-night minimum required. No restrictions on weekends and no blackout dates. Rates are subject to change at any time.

Heart of Green

Couples seeking an eco-friendly sojourn in one of the world’s most romantic cities will feel the love for the Del Sol’s “Heart of Green” package, which combines best available rates with a host of amenities to experience green San Francisco together: 

• Great package rates starting at $179 for a standard room
• Complimentary tandem bike rental ($45 value)
• Bottle of sustainably-produced wine from Ukiah Cellars ($25 value)
• Chocolates from San Francisco chocolatier Poco Dolce
• A tree planted on your behalf by EcoUnit

This package is valid from April 12 – Oct. 31, 2010. One-night minimum required. No restrictions on weekends and no blackout dates. Rates are subject to change at any time.

Sole of San Francisco

One great way to leave a lighter footprint – and truly experience a city – is to put on your walking shoes instead of renting a car. The “Sole of San Francisco” package combines best available rates with some fun (and funny) amenities to get the most out of San Francisco on foot:

• Package starts at $199 per night for a standard room
• San Francisco Comedy Walking Tour – see the funny side of the city on foot ($90 value)
• Complimentary San Francisco by foot walking map
• Eco-friendly pedicures for two  - after hoofing it all day, give your feet a rest ($56 value)

This package is valid from April 12 – Oct. 31, 2010. Two-night minimum required.No restrictions on weekends and no blackout dates. Rates are subject to change at any time.

The Hotel Del Sol announced its green certification in March, along with another of Joie de Vivre’s San Francisco boutique hotels, the Galleria Park. With these two hotels attaining certification, Joie de Vivre gained the distinction of having the most green certified hotels in San Francisco. “Hotel Del Sol is enmeshed in its neighborhood,” said Gary Sterman, general manager. “Working toward being a green hotel was demanding, but worth it as it reflects our commitment to making a positive contribution in our community. We’re getting great feedback from our guests and neighbors, who tell us they are increasingly opting for green lodging options.”

To be awarded green certification from San Francisco Green Business, hotels must implement measures in a number of categories, from energy conservation to pollution prevention. In 2009, the Hotel Carlton achieved LEED-Gold certification in the existing buildings category, effectively making it the greenest hotel in San Francisco by U.S. Green Building Council standards.

Joie de Vivre's environmental conservation program, Green Dreams, focuses on four main areas: recycling and waste reduction, energy conservation, water conservation, and pollution prevention. Conservation efforts range from implementing guestroom recycling programs and installing energy efficient lighting at the hotels to donating leftover food and setting up composting programs at the restaurants.

The Hotel Del Sol is one of San Francisco’s most family friendly hotels and is located in the city’s Marina District just off the famously curvy Lombard Street. Once a 50s-style motor lodge, the Del Sol has the feel of a colorful, cheerful California beach house, with spacious guest rooms and suites, relaxing hammocks, an outdoor pool, and palm trees in the courtyard. San Francisco’s best boutique shopping and neighborhood restaurants are only a few blocks away on nearby Union Street and Chestnut Street. The Marina Green, Fort Mason, Golden Gate Bridge and Presidio National Park are a short walk or bike ride away.

To learn more about Hotel Del Sol or to book a green summer travel package, visit www.jdvhotels.com or call (877) 433-5765. Hotel Del Sol is located at 3100 Webster Street, San Francisco.