• Honored as a Green Leader from TripAdvisor

    Posted on April 29th, 2013 gjordan No comments

    We’re ecstatic that we were selected as a TripAdvisor GreenLeader! It is an honor to be recognized by this prestigious program, which was created with travelers in mind.

    Developed by TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site, the program was designed in partnership with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR program, the U.S. Green Building Council and the United Nations Environment Programme.
    GreenLeader

    The GreenLeader Program makes it easier for green-minded guests to select hotels that meet a distinct set of eco-friendly criteria. To qualify for the program, Hotel Felix passed a series of requirements, including having a towel and linen re-using program, using energy-efficient light bulbs, recycling, tracking energy usage and educating staff and guests on our green practices.

    According to TripAdvisor, 79% of travelers place importance on properties implementing eco-friendly practices. As Chicago’s first LEED-certified green hotel, we’re thrilled that so many guests value environmentally conscious hoteliers.

  • Sustainable Chic

    Posted on April 5th, 2013 gjordan No comments

    Today we are pleased to showcase two ecofriendly designers who preserve and respect the earth without sacrificing cutting edge couture. Vaute Couture (“vaute” pronounced as “vote”) is a Chicago-based independent fashion house started by former model Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart. What began as Leanne’s desire for a warm, yet fashionable, cruelty-free faux fur winter jacket turned into an eco-chic fashion empire which counts Oprah and Alicia Silverstone as fans. Vaute Couture has since opened their flagship in Brooklyn near the Garment District where each piece of their environmentally friendly clothing is made.

    “Sultry.” “Sophisticated.” “Endlessly wearable.” These are some of the words Elle Magazine used to describe Chicago-based environentally-friendly fashion designer Lara Miller. Lara takes extensive measures to ensure her garments are green and also makes an effort to support the local economy. Case in point: all of her sweaters are loomed here in Chicago using no electricity beyond stitching the garments together! Lara’s garments are carried in stores around Chicago, the country, and internationally as well.

    We hope you enjoyed our sustainable chic showcase. Check out these fantastic ecofriendly designers and let us know what you think!

    Photo credit: suzyq212

    Photo credit: suzyq212

  • And the Oscar goes to…

    Posted on February 22nd, 2013 gjordan 1 comment

    We love watching movies here at Hotel Felix and are very much looking forward to The Oscars this Sunday. Whether you’re catching it on the couch or throwing a viewing bash with your buds we have some great entertaining tips to green up your night:

    -Consider purchasing your party food and supplies from a locally-owned grocer (if you’re in Chicago, we love Green Grocer Chicago, Goddess & The Grocer and Southport Grocery)
    -If you aren’t able to buy your items from a local grocer, buy organic when possible
    -Do you have a stockpile of old wine corks? Recycle them for the party. (Carefully) cut a slice halfway down the corkscrew and insert a piece of paper that serves as a placeholder or describes the food you’re serving.
    -Ideally use reusable plates, serving ware, cups and utensils but if you have a very large group that might not be possible. In that case we recommend Whole Foods’ 365 store brand – they have sturdy plates, cups, etc. that look like paper but are actually made from renewable and biodegradable sugar cane.
    -We hope this one is a no-brainer but recycle your rubbish from the night’s festivities. If you’re unsure whether something is recyclable, check the container’s label. Every little bit helps!

    Last but not least, have fun celebrating Hollywood’s biggest night!

    Photo Credit: Melissa Mercier

    Photo Credit: Melissa Mercier

  • We’re on Groupon!

    Posted on November 27th, 2012 gjordan No comments

    For the next nine days purchase a stay for two at Hotel Felix from $89/night through January! With rooms usually priced starting at $152/night that’s quite a deal. There is a limited quantity of rooms available so don’t miss out!

    To purchase this Groupon, click here.

  • Our New Addition

    Posted on November 8th, 2012 gjordan No comments

    We’re excited to share a new addition to our front entrance – a brand new plaque that commemorates the welcoming of Loren, Madeline and Scrappy to the Hotel Felix family. This also reminds us that it’s less than halfway to Earth Day. Stop by our front entrance and check it out!

  • Green Festival This Weekend

    Posted on May 3rd, 2012 gjordan No comments

    We are gearing up for the Green Festival this weekend, May 5-6, in downtown Chicago. The annual celebration of all things green takes place at Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Avenue) on Saturday, May 5 from 12-8 p.m. and Sunday, May 6 from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

    The Green Festival‘s mission is to show everyone what it means to be a part of a sustainable community. More than 125 green leaders, authors and educators gather to host how-to workshops, conduct seminars, enjoy organic beer and wine and relish the green life. Don’t miss the unique marketplace that features more than 300 eco-friendly businesses from all-natural body care products to Fair Trade chocolates.

    With a Green Kid Zone, an eco-fashion show and interactive D.I.Y. workshops there is something for everyone at the Green Festival. Check it out this weekend and post pictures of your experience on our Facebook timeline!

  • Name that Dog! Contest

    Posted on April 25th, 2012 gjordan 6 comments

    There are so many exciting things happening at Hotel Felix (exhibit A, B and C), it’s hard to keep up! This latest announcement surely does not disappoint. As many of you may know, we recently welcomed a furry bundle of joy to our sustainable sculpture family this past Sunday (Earth Day). The adorable pup is now a permanent Hotel Felix resident – there’s just one problem. He/she needs a name!

    From April 22 through April 30 (Monday) at 11:59 p.m. CST all are invited to submit the creative name of their choice for our new pup to social@hotelfelixchicago.com, along with:

    1. 1-3 sentences explaining your recommended dog name.
    2. entrants’ full name, city and age.
    3. an additional point will be awarded to contestants who submit a photo of him/herself with their dog.

    All entrants are encouraged to be creative and THINK GREEN! Entrants must agree to rules listed here. The names will be judged by Hotel Felix’ Green Panel of environmental activists and select the winning name based upon a set of criteria and how well the name ties into Hotel Felix’ green theme. The Green Panel is composed of environmental champions including representatives from Greenheart Shop, Green Grocer Chicago and Green Building & Design Magazine.

    The winner receives:

    1. a two night-stay at Hotel Felix
    2. dinner at Elate, the organic restaurant adjacent to the hotel
    3. an optional photo shoot with the pooch

    The winner will be announced on May 8. Good luck everyone!

  • Hotel Felix on TODAY Show

    Posted on April 16th, 2012 gjordan 4 comments

    TODAY Hotel Felix made a special fan very Happy. Naturally.

    In celebration of NBC Universal’s Green Week, your favorite eco-friendly, LEED Silver certified boutique hotel was featured as the grand prize for Kathie Lee and Hoda’s Fan of the Week on the TODAY Show! Congrats to winner Karen Benavidez from Kingsville, Texas for winning a four-day, three-night trip for two to Hotel Felix.

    The trip includes breakfast and dinner for two everyday at Elate, the organic upscale restaurant adjacent to Hotel Felix. It also includes two spa treatments and round trip airfare.

    To check out the clip, visit this link. Congrats again to Karen, we look forward to having you as our guest!

  • Not Your Average Cup of Joe

    Posted on April 11th, 2012 gjordan 1 comment

    We’re excited to announce a collaboration with Columbia College of Chicago and Nespresso in celebration of Earth Month! From April 13-15, we’ll display a Columbia College student designed 3-D art installation created entirely out of recycled Nespresso capsules in the hotel’s mezzanine level of the lobby. The display will be available from 7-10 a.m. with complimentary coffee brewed fresh by Nespresso baristas. Stop by for your morning java fix and take in some creative student artwork made locally in Chicago.

    The mezzanine where Columbia College student artwork will be featured.

    Hit up Hotel Felix for your morning java fix this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

  • Happy Earth Month!

    Posted on April 1st, 2012 gjordan No comments

    It’s our favorite time of the year here at Hotel Felix – Earth Month! We’re proud to be Chicago’s first LEED Certified hotel. Here are just a few of the ways we make an effort to be lean, green, eco-chic machines:

    -In-room motion sensors to control heat and air conditioning
    -Water waste reduction plumbing
    -Use of bamboo and cork flooring in public areas and low volative organic compound paints
    -Serving guests complimentary, locally-owned fair-trade coffee

    We have loads of fun events planned all month long to celebrate going green so stay tuned to hear more! How do you make an effort to reduce your carbon footprint? Happy Earth Month!