When it comes to housekeeping programs, some hotel guests are taking the approach of “greener, not cleaner.”

As part of an ongoing effort to increase environmental sustainability, many hotels have started offering perks to guests who “opt-out” of housekeeping during their stay. The trend was recently covered in The New York Times:

According to MMGY Global’s Portrait of American Travelers, 2017-2018, 13 percent of United States travelers say that they have selected a travel service provider specifically for environmental considerations, up from 11 percent in 2014. Thirty-eight percent said they would be willing to pay more for a travel service provider who demonstrates environmental responsibility, a 13 percent increase from 2014.

“What we’ve seen fairly steadily over the course of five-plus years among travelers is that there’s a general sense and appreciation for anything related to sustainability and environmental issues,” said Craig Compagnone, senior vice president of business strategy at MMGY.

While the article notes that many large hotel operators, like the recently-merged Marriott and Starwood, have implemented standard programs across their portfolio, it also notes a Delaware North-owned-and-operated property that’s on the front line of the trend.

“This month, the Ridgeline Hotel in Estes Park, Colo., is launching a free drink incentive for each night guests stay and decline housekeeping,” said the newspaper.

Two other Delaware North-operated hotels – Yavapai Lodge at Grand Canyon National Park and Honey Creek Resort in Iowa – offer guests various discounts for opting out of housekeeping. Similarly, two of the company’s franchised hotels, The Westin Buffalo and Best Western Rocky Mountain Lodge, participate in franchise programs.

Several more of Delaware North’s lodging properties are considering adding similar incentives in the coming months.

The Ridgeline Hotel Estes Park, owned and operated by Delaware North near Rocky Mountain National Park, offers incentives to opt out of housekeeping.