Westin Verasa Napa Announces HVAC Upgrades to All Guestrooms
April 25, 2012 - General Manager Don Shindle of The Westin Verasa Napa is pleased to announce the completion of the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) Gem Link System instillation to each guest room that will increase energy savings and guests' experience. Coordinated through PG&E and Lodging Savers in an effort to save energy in Northern California, the HVAC Gem Link devices use radio frequency sensors to recognize when a guest is in the room and adjusts the temperature to a pre-selected energy saving level. With the new technology, the hotel is estimated to save 223,302.66 kWh per year, which equates to $34,581 per year and also reduces emissions of CO2 emissions by 117,021.83 lb each year.
“We are thrilled to bring the HVAC technology to our guestrooms as it will offer guests a seamless experience while still respecting the environment,” said Don Shindle, general manager of The Westin Verasa Napa. “The new system is able to recognize when a guest is present and adjust the temperature to a comfortable and energy saving point, which can be manually adjusted by guests if needed, further extending our message of 'be well' to both guests and the environment.”
The room improvements follow the late 2011 announcement of the hotel's partnership in two-eco conscious programs - Starwood's “Make a Green Choice” and the charitable organization Clean the World Foundation, which collects, sanitizes and distributes recycled hotel soaps and bottled amenities to people in need around the world. Both programs went into effect as of November 2011.
As a partner hotel with Clean the World Foundation, The Westin Verasa Napa supports the organization's goal of reducing waste created by discarded soap and shampoo products and preventing the millions of deaths caused by hygiene-related illnesses worldwide. At the property, gently used soap products are collected by housekeeping staff and then sent to Clean the World's recycling centers to undergo sanitization, a patented process certified to be 100 percent effective in killing all pathogens. As of March 31, the hotel collected 201 pounds of soap and 579 pounds of bottled amenities resulting in the creation of 1,072 bars of soap distributed to children and families worldwide.
The Westin Verasa is also now a participating property in Starwood's “Make a Green Choice” program, which provides another avenue for guests to reduce the hotel's environmental footprint. Through this program, guests can opt out of having linens and towels replaced every day, and can also choose not to have daily housekeeping done. Participating guests are awarded a $5 gift card to either of the hotel's restaurants, La Toque or BANK Cafe and Bar, or 500 Preferred Starwood Guest Points for each day they participate. Guests can choose to opt out of housekeeping and linen replacement from one to three nights during their stay.
The Westin Verasa has implemented numerous eco-friendly programs to diminish its environmental footprint. A sampling of some of its green practices and improvements includes: organic and hazardous waste management; high-efficiency lighting (LEDs and CFLs); “GreenVent” technology for kitchen exhaust systems, including in the hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant, La Toque; and a comprehensive recycling and composting program.
About The Westin Verasa Ideally located in downtown Napa, The Westin Verasa features 180 rooms and the full suite of Westin signature amenities and services designed to inspire well-being. The Westin Verasa Napa is positioned on the bank of the Napa River and across the street from the Napa Valley Wine Train. Additionally, The Westin Verasa Napa is adjacent to the Oxbow Public Market, a short stroll from the heart of Napa's vibrant downtown retail and dining district, blocks from the famed Silverado Trail, and within walking distance of 15 of the Valley's tasting rooms.
The sensory-rich environment at Westin offers a respite from the rigors of travel and sets a welcoming tone. Upon entering the lobby, guests begin to breathe more easily as they are greeted with soothing elements like relaxed lighting, natural botanical beauty and stimulating music. All guestrooms feature the world-renowned Westin Heavenly Bed featuring lush sheets, down cushioning and a patented pillow-top mattress that cradles and contours to the body for complete comfort. Another industry first, the Heavenly Bath, creates an invigorating spa-like experience, enhanced with the brand's Heavenly Shower® Heavenly® Robe and exclusive White Tea Aloe bath amenities. The rejuvenating setting combined with in-room, high-speed Internet access offer travelers convenience and productivity in a tranquil setting.
An ideal venue for weddings, social galas and business functions, The Westin Verasa features 12,000 square feet of meeting and banquet facilities, including pre-function space and the latest in meeting technology. The hotel also includes two full-service restaurants, the Michelin-starred La Toque and BANK Cafe and Bar, a spacious WestinWORKOUT® Gym and an outdoor pool.
Westin Hotels & Resorts, like all brands within Starwood's robust portfolio, is proud to offer the Starwood Preferred Guest® program, which made headlines when it launched in 1999 with a breakthrough policy of no blackout dates on Free Night Awards. SPG® offers members the ability to redeem awards at more resorts, more luxury properties, more European hotels and more golf properties than any other hotel program.
About Westin Hotels & Resorts
Westin Hotels & Resorts makes the healthiest choices irresistibly appealing, so guests leave feeling better than when they arrived. With more than 180 hotels and resorts in over 36 countries and territories, Westin is owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. Starwood Hotels is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 1,051 properties in 100 countries and territories with 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Meridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft®, and Element SM. The company boasts one of the industry's leading loyalty programs, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG), allowing members to earn and redeem points for room stays, room upgrades and flights, with no blackout dates. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.
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