What is a Vegan Hotel? (Everything you Need to Know)

December 12, 2022


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It can be hard to find vegan-friendly hotels when traveling. 

Even if you're not a vegan, there are many great reasons to stay in a vegan hotel. 

Our comprehensive guide to vegan hotels includes everything you need to know about what makes a hotel vegan and what to look for when booking one. Whether you're looking for an eco-friendly getaway or want some delicious plant-based cuisine while on vacation, our guide has you covered.

What is a vegan hotel?

A vegan hotel is where you can stay and know that all of your needs will be taken care of, from the food you eat to the products used in the hotel. Vegan hotels are becoming increasingly popular as people look for ways to reduce their environmental impact and lead healthier lifestyles. At a vegan hotel, you can expect all-vegan food options, cruelty-free toiletries, and a focus on sustainability.

What makes a hotel vegan?

Vegan Kitchen

A vegan kitchen in a vegan hotel is a cornerstone of sustainability and health. Vegan kitchens offer a variety of plant-based foods, all prepared without the use of animal products. These plant-based foods are usually prepared with fresh and locally sourced ingredients, limiting the hotel's carbon footprint. Eating vegan also helps reduce water usage, as it takes less water to produce plants than animal products.

A typical vegan kitchen in a vegan hotel will feature abundant vegetables, legumes, grains, nuts, and seeds. Some hotels may even opt for organic food or grow their vegetables on-site. Other dietary options, such as gluten-free and soy-free meals, may also be available for those who prefer them. A hotel's vegan breakfast is often plant-based and includes oatmeal, smoothies, nut butter, and fresh fruit salads. Lunch and dinner options generally include roasted vegetables, lentil dishes, stir-fries, quinoa bowls, soups, stews, and salads with homemade dressings.

Vegan Toiletries and Cleaning Products

All toiletries offered by the hotel should also fall under this same ethical standard; being free from animal testing and containing natural ingredients wherever possible. Many hotels may even use eco-friendly cleaning supplies to ensure that they are doing their part to make an impact on the environment while still providing guests with a comfortable stay experience.

Vegan Decor

Vegan hotels have vegan decor to create an entirely vegan experience for guests. This means that all the materials used in the decor, such as furniture, bedding, and artwork, are made from plant-based materials and do not involve the use of any animal products.

Vegan decor can range from simple and minimalist to colorful and vibrant, depending on the hotel's aesthetic. It often incorporates natural elements such as wood, bamboo, and cork, organic fabrics, and eco-friendly paints and finishes.

One of the main benefits of vegan decor is that it aligns with the hotel's commitment to animal rights and ethical consumption. It also creates a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly atmosphere, as plant-based materials are more renewable and biodegradable than those made from animals.

In addition to the visual appeal, vegan decor can provide guests with a more comfortable and health-conscious experience. Vegan materials are often hypoallergenic and free from harmful chemicals, making them suitable for those with allergies or sensitivities.

Overall, vegan hotels with vegan decor offer a unique and holistic experience that aligns with the values and lifestyle of their guests.

vegan suite at the hilton london bankside hotel
Vegan Suite at the Hilton London Bankside Hotel

Benefits of Staying in a Vegan Hotel

Food

One of the primary advantages of staying in a vegan hotel is the access to nutrient-filled meals and snacks made from fresh and organic ingredients. Vegan hotels typically have in-house kitchens providing vegan guests with freshly prepared meals free from animal products, preservatives, and artificial ingredients. As many people seek healthier options while traveling, these accommodations are ideal for those who want to maintain their healthy lifestyle on vacation. 

Allergies

Another benefit of staying at a vegan hotel is that they often cater to guests with special dietary needs like allergies or intolerances. Allergens such as gluten, nuts, soy, and eggs can be easily avoided as menus are tailored to meet nutritional requirements. Furthermore, most of these properties are also free from common allergens in other hotels, such as dust mites and mold spores. 

Sustainability

Staying at a vegan hotel also provides peace of mind for travelers who care about sustainability and protecting the environment. Hotels that have gone fully vegan often invest heavily in eco-friendly practices, such as using only renewable energy sources like solar power and wind turbines; choosing water-efficient appliances; utilizing recycled materials for furniture; reducing food waste through composting; sourcing has locally grown produce wherever possible, and implementing other sustainable practices throughout the property which contribute to reducing their overall carbon footprint. 

Friendliness

Vegan hotels are also incredibly friendly places, so if you're looking for a more socially conscious environment that's friendly toward different lifestyles, this may be right up your alley! With like-minded individuals sharing similar values, such as respecting animals and ethical consumption habits, you won't find yourself lacking conversation topics during your stay!

How do you know if a hotel is vegan-friendly, and what should you look for when booking a room?

Check Them Out Online

One of the first things to do when researching a potential hotel is to look at its website and social media accounts, which will often feature pictures or descriptions of its cuisine. If the hotel restaurant menu includes vegan options prominently, this may be a good indicator that the hotel is vegan-friendly. Additionally, checking online reviews can provide more information about what previous guests thought of the vegan food served in the dining room and any additional vegan amenities such as toiletries and cleaning products.

Knowledgable Staff

Another essential point to consider when booking a vegan-friendly hotel is whether or not staff members are knowledgeable about plant-based diets and can answer questions about ingredients used in meals. Before booking, contacting customer service or email enquiring about specific dishes available on the menu or other vegan-friendly amenities offered is worthwhile. A good indication of how helpful staff members will be in accommodating your needs can be found through customer reviews or responses from customer service staff when contacted directly.

Nearby Restaurants 

It's also worth making sure that there are plenty of suitable meal options within walking distance from your chosen hotel that matches your dietary requirements. Checking out nearby vegan-friendly restaurants and cafes ahead of time will ensure you have enough variety should you need to dine out during your stay. When searching online for local restaurants, look for ones tailored explicitly towards vegans, such as plant-based restaurants and food trucks, rather than simply vegetarian restaurants, which may still serve some animal products like cheese and eggs.

Your Own Kitchen

Lastly, it's important to remember that staying at hotels doesn't always involve eating out; many properties offer kitchen facilities so you can prepare meals while away from home. This could include access to a fridge where you can store ingredients purchased from a nearby supermarket, allowing you to make nutritious vegan meals throughout your stay without worrying about finding suitable places to eat out every day or night.