The Surfrider Foundation just launched the Ocean Friendly Hotels Program!
This program recognizes hotels that are committed to cutting out unnecessary single-use plastic and offers a simple, straightforward framework to help them make sustainable choices for our ocean. The larger we grow our network of ocean-friendly business leaders, the more mainstream the concept of single-use plastic-free becomes!
To celebrate, The North OC Chapter connected with Katy Challenger, Complex Director of Marketing for Lido House to hear about their ocean-friendly practices and why they joined the new program.
North OC Chapter members hosted a celebration at Lido House's Ocean Friendly Restaurant, Mayors Table.
Please tell us about your hotel. What makes it a special destination for your guests, and how is your location connected to the ocean?
Lido House, a proud member of Autograph Collection Hotels, is known for perfect days with endless variety, sophistication, and supreme comfort. Easy access not only to sandy beaches, but a bustling marina and legendary seaside city. Situated on the Balboa Peninsula, Lido House is a beautiful, daily celebration of all things coastal and all things Newport Beach. Autograph Collection Hotels are exactly like nothing else, known for their unique vision, thoughtful design, fine craftsmanship and authentic connections to place.
Like any proper beach house, Lido House invites you to immerse yourself in warm hospitality and an authentic coastal vibe. On the site of the former City Hall, Lido House is both a community-gathering place and launch point for city, beach and curated marina adventures. Behind its charming, classic Newport architecture lie 130 luxurious, coastal inspired guest rooms, including five tri-level private cottages. As well as a delightful blend of services and amenities. From Lido House’s very own Mayor’s Table, Topside Roof Deck, and Crew Coffee + Cremerie, every bite and every sip are viewed as opportunities to create community and moments of sheer deliciousness.
Lido House Property. Photo provided by Lido House.
What ocean-friendly practices does your hotel have in place? What sets your hotel apart in terms of its commitment to sustainability and ocean health in particular?
Lido House is taking first initiatives in ocean-friendly practices by:
- having no plastic beverage bottles or plastic bags provided on property
- not using polystyrene
- using refillable residential bottles for toiletry products in guestrooms
- providing reusable utensils and cutlery to guests
- providing reusable straws which are biodegradable to guests
- providing water refill stations on every floor for guests
- providing recycling containers in guestrooms and employee areas
- kitchen team composting leftover food scraps
- kitchen team donating unused food to local charities
- recycling and sanitizing room keys for reuse
- establishing low-flow water usage in the hotel guest rooms and back of house areas
- only selling reef-friendly sunscreen products
- providing energy-efficient lighting during night hours
Rooms are equipped with plastic-free coffee stations and reusable bottles. Photo provided by Lido House.
Why did you decide to join Surfrider’s Ocean Friendly Hotels program?
Lido House decided to join the Surfrider’s Ocean Friendly Hotels program to align with their commitment to sustainability and ocean conservation. By participating in this program, the hotel demonstrates its dedication to protecting coastal environments and reducing its ecological footprint. The program encourages hotels to adopt eco-friendly practices, such as reducing single-use plastics, conserving water, and supporting sustainable seafood. For Lido House, located in Newport Beach, California, this initiative not only resonates with our guests who are often environmentally conscious but also helps to preserve the natural beauty of the surrounding coastline, which is a significant draw for visitors. By joining this program, Lido House aims to be known as a socially responsible and eco-conscious establishment, contributing to the broader effort to protect the oceans and promote sustainable tourism.
Lido House Guest Room. Photo provided by Lido House.
Why do you think it’s important for the hospitality industry to prioritize sustainability? What role can you see the industry playing in protecting our ocean?
Sustainability in the hospitality industry is crucial due to its significant environmental impact. By adopting eco-friendly practices, hotels can reduce their carbon footprint, minimize waste, and conserve resources. The industry can protect oceans by reducing plastic use, offering sustainable seafood, conserving water, supporting coastal conservation, and educating guests. Through these efforts, hotels not only lessen their environmental impact but also inspire broader action in ocean protection and environmental stewardship.
North OC Chapter Members created this art piece that is displayed on property. It is made from bottle caps found at Surfrider beach cleanups and shells.
What advice do you have for other hotels looking to become more sustainable and may be considering joining the Ocean Friendly Hotels program?
For other hotels looking to become more sustainable and potentially join the Ocean Friendly Hotels program, here’s some advice based on Lido House's practices:
- Eliminate single-use plastics and replace them with biodegradable or reusable alternatives.
- Use refillable dispensers for toiletries and other amenities to cut down on waste.
- Provide guests with reusables and install water refill stations throughout the property.
- Set up comprehensive recycling programs in both guest and employee areas.
- Compost food scraps and donate unused food to local charities.
- Offer reef-safe sunscreens and biodegradable products.
- Use energy-efficient lighting and low-flow water fixtures to reduce resource consumption.
- Use digital communication, like QR codes, to inform guests about your sustainability efforts and encourage them to participate.
- Partner with local, eco-conscious vendors to reduce your carbon footprint and support sustainable practices.
Lido House's refillable shower amenities. Photo provided by Lido House.
Can you share a guest story or piece of feedback you’ve received about your sustainability efforts?
Once we implicated the practice of using refillable shampoo, conditioner, and body wash bottles in our guestrooms, we received positive feedback from our guests. We accomplished a full wide hotel sweep in removing all small plastic personal-care liquid items. Guests expressed to us that they are in favor of this update and appreciated our efforts in sustainability.
The Pool. Photo provided by Lido House.
Improving operational sustainability is always an evolutionary journey of refining best practices. Can you share anything you’re currently working on or other sustainable practices you’re hoping to implement in the future?
Lido House is currently implementing several sustainable practices in our guestrooms, including providing digital QR codes in all rooms to promote sustainability, serving Mostra Coffee with a kettle to eliminate single-use coffee pods in guestrooms, offering cups that decompose more quickly, and providing two large glass bottles of filtered hotel water in each room to reduce plastic waste.
The lobby. Photo provided by Lido House.
Is your local hotel Ocean Friendly? If not, encourage them to sign up and join the movement to end single-use plastics!
Want to help Surfrider stop plastic pollution at the source? Consider donating today!