Inn by the Sea to cut rates, benefit Habitat for Humanity

Inn by the Sea, an eco-luxury property in Cape Elizabeth, ME, is dropping prices 50 percent Sunday through Thursday this spring. The goodwill go guests is wrapped in a larger act of conscience – guests taking advantage of this rate will write a $35 check to Habitat for Humanity.

The “Hospitality for Humanity” program is sponsored by the Maine Innkeepers Association (MEIA), which raises cash to help put deserving Maine families in homes. It runs from May 1 – 22, 2009.

For 50 percent off plus a $35 donation, this is a hell of a deal. Inn by the Sea boasts four diamonds, and a recently completed renovation added several amenities, including a full-service spa, fireplace bar and a restaurant with ocean views.

So, you’re saving some cash, supporting a good cause and living it up at a great destination.

Top 10 Green hotels, according to Travel + Leisure

Everyone seems to be making the effort to go green lately, and if you’re not, you should be. The tourism industry is no exception — hotels are trying to clean up their impact on the environment, and many are doing more than just leaving a sign in the bathroom asking you to keep your used towels.

And with this focus on everything green, a number of hotels are popping up that are environmentally friendly without compromising luxury. Travel + Leisure recently put together a list of the top 10 green hotels in the world. Here’s what made the list:

  1. Spice Island Beach Resort, Grenada
  2. Sonveva Fushi Resort & Six Senses Spa, Maldives
  3. Tiamo, Bahamas
  4. Whitepod, Switzerland
  5. Devil’s Thumb Ranch, Colorado
  6. Chumbe Island Coral Park, Zanzibar, Tanzania
  7. Adrere Amellal, Egypt
  8. Campi Ya Kanzi, Kenya
  9. Hotel Mocking Bird Hill, Jamaica
  10. Tenuta Di Spannocchia, Siena, Italy

So I say, next time you’re taking a trip, do something good for the environment and stay at one of these luxury hotels. It’s money well spent, don’t you think? To find out why each made the list, check out this article.