What’s green all over, gives back to the community and has killer ocean views? The answer is the one and only beachfront hotel in the city of Santa Cruz, the Santa Cruz Dream Inn. Known to locals as, simply, the Dream Inn, the luxury hotel boasts the ideal location to enjoy laid-back surf culture and nearby popular attractions like the Municipal Wharf and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
What many don’t know is how committed the Dream Inn is to both the local community and the environment.
Last year, the Dream Inn became the first hotel in Santa Cruz to be certified green. As stated by the City of Santa Cruz guidelines, certified green businesses voluntarily go above and beyond regulatory requirements to prevent pollution and conserve resources. Additionally, San Francisco-based Joie de Vivre Hospitality, the boutique hotel company responsible for the Dream Inn’s restoration and management, dedicates its philanthropic efforts to supporting each of its hotel’s unique communities.
Chief Engineer, Ed Fitzpatrick, receives a Green Business recognition certificate from former Mayor Don Lane of Santa Cruz on Oct.25, 2012.
Given Santa Cruz’s beautiful redwood and ocean surroundings, it makes perfect sense that the Dream Inn has partnered with two non-profit organizations that advocate environmental awareness and protection. Save Our Shores, promotes marine conservation through policy research, education and citizen involvement, while the Mountain Parks Foundation supports the nature education and enrichment programs offered at Henry Cowell and Big Basin Redwoods State Parks. Beach and nature-lovers will appreciate this extra, eco-friendly incentive to plan a stay at the Dream Inn.
Also worthy of mention is Aquarius, the Dream Inn’s on-site restaurant that serves up a panoramic ocean view along with fresh, locally grown, organic ingredients. The seasonal menu features regional wines and strictly adheres to the Seafood Watch Program, which promotes sustainable seafood and healthy oceans.
As well known as it is for its name and location, the iconic Santa Cruz Dream Inn has established itself as a leader in environmentally responsible and sustainable tourism. Cheers for less carbon footprint and more strolls on the beach leaving footprints in the sand.
The Green Dream Team!