Sleeping in eco-style
Home » Blog » Holly Jean Brooker » Sleeping in eco-styleInspired by our blog on the staycation trend, Holly Jean tries a night sleeping in style at a hip—and eco-friendly—Auckland hotel.
Photos by Holly Jean Brooker
Good writer Rebekah White recently described a wonderful eco-travel option: 'staycationing' in your own country. Staycationing is a fresh and liberating concept for those who need a break from life's responsibilities, and choose to vacation somewhere in New Zealand, or even in their own home town.
Inspired by Rebekah's blog on staycationing, I decided to make the most of this unique city I call home, before I embark on a new life in Western Australia. A city-dweller myself, I often run short on time to truly enjoy the excitement that urban life has to offer, and an evening in Auckland city would allow me to bid one final goodbye to this city I love.
I wanted to sleep in style, and seeing as The Quadrant Hotel holds the (self-titled) name of 'Auckland's hippest hotel', I decided it was only right to check out this eco-focused Qualmark award winner.
The Quadrant definitely ticks the style box, with its central city location and close proximity to swanky downtown restaurants, bars and pubs, not to mention High Street shopping, all within walking distance. The hotel itself is only four years old, stylishly clad, inside and out, with a contemporary urban feel. Its swanky bar was cranking on a Tuesday night, with staff who were friendly, helpful and seemed genuinely happy to be at work! Service always wins with me—as does a smooth CC and dry.
Of most significance to me is the strong flavour of eco-style oozing out of this hip city spot. 
From the lightbulbs, to airflow, to drainwater, laundry, heating and energy consumption—this place clearly values sustainable choices. These practices are both cost-reducing and planet-saving. One notable achievement for managing director Richard Bungeroth, is the way in which his staff have embraced the principals of eco-living, taking on the mantra of sustainable responsibility. The eco-ethos is raised from initial beginnings of employee induction, and is carried on through—among other things—the monthly Eco-Warrior award. This is awarded to staff members who initiate eco-ideas or practices at work, or further beyond in the community.
Bungroth, aka Captain Planet, is a man of vision and drive, with a genuine passion for seeing effective and worthwhile eco-practices throughout his hotel. With a background in sustainably run hotel complexes, he certainly has experience in the area and is constantly looking to improve eco-practices. In fact, Richard's enthusiasm for sustainable living is so catchy, I left desperately wanting to own a penthouse apartment with million-dollar views of the twinkling blue harbour … oh … I mean, to win the prestigious Eco-Warrior award myself!
Thu August 26, 2010 @ 12:16 AM
