down that is “ humanely collected ” and “ sustainable ” have proved time and again to be meaningless .
With that in mind , Marriott ’ s Moxy and AC hotels as well as many hotels that are part of MGM Resorts International are totally down-free , while Marriott ’ s other brands are among those that offer bedding options with synthetic fillers that are allergen-free and more durable than feathers . All comforters and 98 percent of pillows at Loews Hotels & Resorts are also down-free . With high-quality synthetics such as PrimaLoft ® and Thinsulate so widely available , there ’ s no reason to use animal-derived materials .
A Clear Conscience
Polls around the world show that the majority of consumers oppose animal testing of personal-care products , and the list of hotels that have embraced cruelty-free soaps , shower gels , and shampoos is growing .
Hundreds of thousands of rabbits , mice , guinea pigs , and other animals are poisoned and killed worldwide every year in archaic tests , some of which were developed more than 90 years ago . Luckily , sophisticated methods are now available that are faster , more accurate , and less expensive and that don ’ t harm or kill animals .
EVEN Hotels , Fairmont , Hyatt , and Marriott are just a few of the chains that are providing their guests with cruelty-free toiletries . Some establishments , such as The Stanford Inn by the Sea in Mendocino , California , use only completely vegan products . Not only do these items spare animals the pain of being experimented on , they ’ re also free of animal-derived ingredients such as beeswax , lanolin , and whey .
A Taste of Compassion You only have to stroll through the supermarket to see that more consumers are choosing plant-based dining because it ’ s humane , healthy , and sustainable — but every year , billions of cows , pigs , chickens , and other animals are still abused and slaughtered for food .
Eating meat isn ’ t just complicit in the alarming increase of heart disease , cancer , diabetes , and other chronic , degenerative diseases . According to the United Nations , the meat industry is “ one of the top two or three most significant contributors to the most serious environmental problems , at every scale from local to global ” and is responsible worldwide for huge amounts of greenhouse-gas emissions , deforestation , loss of biodiversity , and massive water consumption .
The millions of Americans who have turned to plant-based foods are looking for exciting , sophisticated choices when they dine out . They ’ re finding them , too . Many chefs no longer consider vegetables to be afterthoughts . Instead , they ’ re making them the stars of the plate .
Forbes even named “ vegetableforward cuisine ” one of the six hottest food trends of 2016 .
Fairmont caters to this growing demand for vegan meals with fresh , creative fare . And if you have a trip to Las Vegas in the works , the Wynn promises a Truffled Wild Mushroom Napoleon , Sesame Seared Tofu , and an entire vegan tasting menu at Encore .
The Stanford Inn by the Sea checks in here , too — and that ’ s no surprise , since it ’ s the only 100 percent vegan hotel in North America . Guests fill up on organic , seasonally inspired dishes , such as Apple Pomegranate Autumn Salad and Sea Palm & Root Vegetable Strudel .
Have Puppy Love , Will Travel Animal companions are part of the family , and for many travelers , a vacation wouldn ’ t be complete without them . Hotels are responding by putting out the welcome mat for their bewhiskered visitors .
Four Seasons greets its four-legged guests with beds , bowls , food , and treats , while Hyatt will point you to doggie day-care facilities , veterinarians , and the nearest groomer . Pups visiting The Stanford get sweet-potato treats and a toy — and can join their guardians for lunch and dinner .
If you ’ re staying at Loews , you ’ ll get a “ Pet in Room ” sign to let housekeeping know your best friend is also staying there , and you can order from a gourmet room-service menu that ’ s designed for you-know-who .
The list of animal-friendly hotels and resorts also includes those owned by InterContinental , Mandarin Oriental , Marriott , MGM , Starwood , Wyndham , Fairmont , and many others . Check out the full list at PETA . org .
Settling Up
As travelers become more aware of how their purchases can help or harm animals , they ’ re looking for hotels that share their values — and they ’ re finding a wealth of luxurious options . This trend shows no signs of slowing down . Hotel proprietors and managers can also reap the rewards of kindness by ensuring that guests don ’ t have to check their compassion at the door .
About the author Annie Marie Brainard is director of the Corporate Affairs Department at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals . She has been featured in The Huffington Post , The New York Times , and USA Today for her influential campaigns .
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