Mayor Richard M. Daley has pledged to make Chicago the greenest metropolis in the United States. Not yet an “eco-tourism” destination, Chicago is steadily making its way to the top of the “Top 10 Green Cities” list. In the meantime, Chi Town remains one of the most entertaining urban venues you’ll find.

Living the Lexus Lifestyle is all about seeking out environmentally friendly and sustainable pleasures and pursuits. Chicago makes that relatively easy. Once you’re “in the Loop,” you are within walking distance of the Miracle Mile’s upscale boutiques, art museums and fabulous restaurants. Remember, walking is 100 percent carbon neutral, and Chicago is a great city for hoofing it (570 parks and 31 beaches) or pedaling (more than 18 miles of bike paths). Great! You agree, but what about a “green” hotel?

We invite you to consider three topnotch hotels that also happen to be Lexus Hybrid Living Partners: Hotel Allegro, Hotel Burnham and the Hotel Monaco.

The hip Hotel Allegro, located at 171 W. Randolph Street, is celebrating a dramatic renovation that embraces the rich history of the building dating back to the Roaring 20s. Located in the heart of Chicago’s vibrant downtown theatre district, the Allegro makes a perfect “home base.” The Allegro was one of the first hotels to adopt a green keycard system. Green keycards are biodegradable, paperboard versions of the standard indestructible PVC plastic hotel key.

The Hotel Burnham, located at 1 W. Washington Street, is one of Chicago’s great architectural jewels. Originally designed by Daniel Burnham as the Reliance Building, this 113-year-old living landmark is the direct predecessor to Chicago’s soaring skyscrapers. The beautifully appointed Burnham combines the historic with the contemporary and pampers guests with friendly Midwest hospitality and world-class luxury.

The Hotel Monaco, located at 225 North Wabash Avenue, overlooks the Chicago River. It is just steps from the North Michigan Avenue and State Street shopping districts. Originally built in 1912, the Hotel Monaco’s eclectic French-Deco design will have you reveling in luxurious decadence.

Hotel Allegro, Hotel Burnham and Hotel Monaco Chicago, the Chicago Kimpton boutique hotels, received Green Seal certification recently at a ceremony with Mayor Daley and the Chicago Department of Environment, becoming three of the first five hotels in Chicago and Illinois to receive this designation.

An independent not-for-profit organization, Green Seal certifies lodging properties meeting stringent environmental requirements in waste minimization, energy efficiency, water conservation, wastewater management and environmentally responsible procurement. Green Seal’s certification process involves a review of the hotels’ purchasing records, processes and procedures, as well as an onsite audit of the property. Certification grants the hotel license to use the Green Seal mark for one year after which the hotel is audited for continued compliance.

“Having our EarthCare initiatives validated by such an important organization like Green Seal acknowledges that we are doing the right things for the environment and our business,” said Nabil Moubayed, General Manager of Hotel Monaco and lead for Kimpton Chicago’s EarthCare Committee, a team of five employees that oversees the hotels’ eco practices. “We are extremely proud to be associated with Green Seal and look forward to continually helping raise the bar on environmental consciousness.”

The Chicago Kimpton Hotels began their pursuit of Green Seal certification in 2007 as part of the City of Chicago’s Climate Action Plan and the Green Hotels Initiative, a collaborative effort to secure Green Seal certifications for more hotels in Chicago than any other city in the nation. Since then, Hotel Allegro, Hotel Burnham and Hotel Monaco have enhanced over 40 operating practices under Kimpton’s EarthCare program, which encompasses all eco initiatives at Kimpton hotels and restaurants. These practices were expanded to meet Green Seal standards, further reducing the hotels’ ecological impact and improving sustainability. Such practices include:

• Aggressive recycling programs
• Elimination of hazardous chemicals in all paints and cleaning products
• Back-of-house energy efficiencies such as CFL lighting and closet light sensors
• Comprehensive green purchasing policies

Of course, when you become a guest at one of these hotels, its environmentally responsible practices will be invisible to you. Still, as you are pampered and served, isn’t it gratifying to know you are staying green?