How Staypineapple Chicago Proves Sustainable Hotel Practices Can Be Quirky, Profitable, and Guest-Approved

Staypineapple Chicago: What if your next hotel stay could make you feel good about sleeping naked—literally and environmentally?

That's not a typo. At Staypineapple Chicago, sustainability isn't about sacrifice or sterile eco-messaging. It's about high-thread-count sheets, complimentary wine at check-in, a dog named Dash, and thousands of plastic bottles saved from Lake Michigan—all wrapped up in one of Chicago's most beloved historic buildings.

In this episode of The Conscious Check-in, host Amy Wald sits down with Beth Anne, General Manager of Staypineapple Chicago, to unpack how this boutique brand is rewriting the rulebook on sustainable hotel practices. From Green Key certification to K-Cup recycling, adaptive reuse architecture to the "Everything Button," this conversation proves that sustainable hospitality doesn't have to be beige—it can be bold, profitable, and downright Instagram-worthy.

Why Location + Legacy = Sustainability Gold

Staypineapple Chicago isn't just in downtown Chicago—it's woven into the city's architectural soul. Housed in the historic Reliance Building (designed by legendary architect Daniel Burnham), the hotel sits at the corner of State and Washington, right in the Loop. That means:

• Four blocks from Lake Michigan

• Walking distance to the Chicago Theater, Daley Plaza, Macy's (the original Marshall Field's), and major business hubs

• Direct access via the CTA Blue Line from O'Hare Airport (guests can literally walk across the street from the Washington stop)

But here's the sustainability twist: the building itself is an act of conservation.

"We're so proud to own the Reliance Building. It's on the National, State, and City Historic Registers. This was one of the first skyscrapers built with steel in Chicago—it allowed for these huge windows and all the natural light our guests love." – Beth Anne

By choosing adaptive reuse over new construction, Staypineapple avoided the massive carbon footprint of building from scratch. They preserved original features like:

• Mosaic flooring (now a favorite photo op for brides)

• Office-style doors in hallways (a nod to the building's past, including Al Capone's dentist)

• Original keys instead of plastic key cards—honoring the building's history while reducing waste

The result? A hotel that teaches guests about Chicago's architectural heritage while modeling what it means to reuse, restore, and respect existing resources. It's profitable sustainability you can see and touch.

Green Key Certified: Why Third-Party Validation Matters

Staypineapple Chicago holds a 4-Key Green Key Certification—and Beth Anne is clear about why that matters in today's market.

"Corporate meeting planners have been asking about sustainability for 10 to 15 years. They want to send their employees to hotels that share the same values. The Green Key certification makes it easy—they see four keys, they know we've been third-party verified." – Beth Anne

Here's what the hotel sustainability certification process looked like:

• 6–8 months of preparation (gathering data, implementing practices, proving results)

• Detailed documentation on composting volume, bulb types, waste reduction, and more

• Third-party verification via an on-site audit

• Annual recertification to maintain standards

Why does this matter for hoteliers?

Because travelers and corporate buyers are getting savvy. Anyone can slap a green leaf on a website. But certification creates traveler confidence—and competitive advantage. On major OTAs (online travel agencies), guests can now filter by sustainability certifications, making it easier for conscious travelers to find (and book) hotels like Staypineapple.

If your property is exploring certification, Greenluxe's Certification Support service can help you navigate the process, identify gaps, and build a roadmap that makes sense for your team and budget.

Sustainable Hotel Practices That Actually Enhance the Guest Experience

One of the biggest myths in hospitality? That going green means guests have to give something up. Beth Anne and her team have proven the opposite—again and again.

1. Reusable Water Bottles Instead of Single-Use Plastic

Previously, Staypineapple offered unlimited complimentary bottled water in rooms. Guests loved it. But the environmental cost was too high.

So they partnered with Path Water and installed Quench water refill stations in every lobby. Now:

• Every guest receives a branded, reusable water bottle at check-in (theirs to keep)

• Guests can refill with still, sparkling, hot, or cold water—unlimited times

• The hotel has kept thousands of plastic bottles out of landfills and Lake Michigan

"We were nervous about the change. But we found a way to still provide that convenience and keep the amenity—without the environmental cost. It's been a huge success." – Beth Anne

The takeaway: Guests didn't lose anything. They gained a thoughtful, reusable gift and peace of mind.

2. Dispenser Amenities (Without the Hygiene Worry)

Staypineapple uses wall-mounted dispensers for shampoo, conditioner, and body gel (high-end Tommy Bahama products). But they're not taking shortcuts on cleanliness:

• Dispensers are cleaned daily (top, bottom, sides)

• They're locked, so only staff can refill them

• Guests get plenty of product throughout their stay

Result? A luxury amenity experience with 15,000+ fewer mini plastic bottles thrown away every three months per property.

3. K-Cup Recycling (Yes, Really)

Most hotels offer in-room coffee via single-serve pods. Most also throw those pods straight into the trash. Staypineapple rolled out a K-Cup recycling program this year—and it's had a measurable impact on waste diversion.

4. Going Paperless with Smart Tech

Staypineapple replaced its entire tech stack, introducing:

• Mews operating system (eliminated 30–50 sheets of paper per night from audit packs)

• Opt system for housekeeping (staff use Google devices instead of printed room boards)

Beyond sustainability, this created:

• More secure guest data (no paper trails)

• Less physical storage needed

• A cultural shift toward mindful resource use

Beth Anne's team even ran a corporate office paper challenge: each employee got 15–20 sheets for the entire month of August. It raised consciousness, sparked creativity, and became a catalyst for broader operational change.

Want to explore how small operational shifts can reduce waste and improve efficiency? Check out Greenluxe's free e-book: 10 No-Cost Ways to Go Green.

"Luxury Where It Counts": Redefining What Guests Actually Care About

Staypineapple's brand ethos is built around a simple idea: invest in what matters most to the guest experience.

For a hotel, that starts with the bed. Staypineapple uses:

• Serta Black Napa mattresses (Beth Anne has one at home and calls it "the best bed I've ever had")

• High-quality linens that last longer (reducing replacement frequency = sustainability win)

• The "Naked Experience": European-style dual duvets (two twin-size duvets per bed, so no one fights for covers) and daily-washed linens so clean, you can sleep naked

It sounds cheeky—but it's brilliant branding and a genuine commitment to cleanliness, comfort, and longevity.

Other "luxury where it counts" touches:

• The Everything Button: Guests press one button on the phone and reach a single person who can help with anything (no transferring between departments)

• Complimentary beverage at check-in (beer, wine, soda)—inspired by the "innkeeper mentality" of welcoming a friend into your home

• Dog-obsessed hospitality: More on this below

Dog Obsessed (and Proud of It)

Staypineapple isn't just pet-friendly—they're dog obsessed. That means:

• Dogs are greeted at check-in, given treats, and offered pup cups (whipped cream)

• The hotel mascot, Dash (a plush husky), is available for purchase for $25—and proceeds support local animal welfare organizations

• A daily pet fee applies, but guests who book the Pineapple Pup Package receive 50% off plus exclusive pet-friendly goodies.

But Dash's name carries a deeper meaning. Named after founder Michelle Barnett's real husky, "Dash" represents the dash between birth and death on a tombstone—a reminder to live your best dash.

"It's a constant reminder to our team members and our guests to live your best dash." – Beth Anne

For pet-owning travelers, this level of care is transformative. For the hotel, it's a differentiator that drives loyalty, word-of-mouth, and repeat bookings.

Advice for Hoteliers: Start Somewhere (It's Not as Hard as You Think)

When Amy asked Beth Anne what she'd say to hoteliers who feel sustainability is too expensive or complicated, her answer was refreshingly honest:

"It's not as hard as it looks. Once you dig in and commit some time, you'll find so many options and resources. You don't have to do everything—pick the things that make sense for your team and that speak to you. But start somewhere."

Her top tips:

1. Ask questions. Talk to your team. Talk to your guests. Find out what they care about and what they're already doing at home.

2. Expect to be surprised. Beth Anne thought her team would resist some changes—but once they understood the why, they were 100% on board.

3. Be nimble. Independent hotels have an advantage: you can pivot quickly and try new things without waiting for corporate approvals.

4. Find a guide. Whether it's certification support, a one-day workshop, or staff training, having an expert partner makes the process faster and less overwhelming.

If you're ready to take that first step, book a 1:1 consultation with Amy Wald to identify quick wins and build a custom roadmap for your property.

Key Takeaways: What Hoteliers Can Learn from Staypineapple

• Adaptive reuse beats new construction every time for carbon savings—and tells a better story to guests.

• Third-party certification (like Green Key) builds trust with corporate clients, meeting planners, and eco-conscious travelers.

• You don't have to take things away. Reusable water bottles, dispensers, and paperless systems can enhance the guest experience.

• Invest in quality over quantity. High-end mattresses and linens last longer, perform better, and align with sustainability goals.

• Brand personality matters. Staypineapple's quirky, dog-loving, naked-bed-sleeping vibe makes sustainability feel fun, not preachy.

Final Thoughts

Staypineapple Chicago proves that sustainable hospitality doesn't have to be boring, expensive, or complicated. It can be bold, profitable, and deeply aligned with what modern travelers actually want: authenticity, comfort, and the confidence that their choices matter.

Whether you're a GM looking to reduce waste, a meeting planner seeking certified properties, or a traveler who just wants a great night's sleep in a hotel that gives a damn—Staypineapple is showing us what's possible when you combine creativity, commitment, and a little bit of quirk.

Want the full story? Listen to the complete episode with Beth Anne on The Conscious Check-in—available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

Ready to Transform Your Hotel's Sustainability Strategy?

Whether you're exploring certification, looking for sustainable product vendors, or need help training your team, Greenluxe is here to help.

👉 Book a 1:1 consultation with Amy: Schedule here

👉 Explore Greenluxe's services: Learn more

👉 Subscribe to The Conscious Check-in: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

👉 Follow the show: LinkedIn | Instagram