3 Eco-Friendly Upscale Hotels in Mountain View, CA
As the “birthplace” of Silicon Valley, Mountain View is a city known for its innovative spirit and thriving economy. It also has that quintessential Northern California beauty, complete with picturesque hillside and ocean views. There are endless outdoor activities to enjoy in the near-perfect Mediterranean weather. You can walk from Google Headquarters to Stevens Creek Trail, taking in beautiful views of the bay and Stevens Creek, home to black-tailed deer, butterflies, gray foxes, and over 150 species of birds. After your hike? Head over to one of the area’s top-rated restaurants.
Choosing a Sustainable Mountain View Hotel
With its abundant surroundings and forward-thinking culture, it’s no surprise that Mountain View has a reputation for eco-consciousness. The city’s plans for sustainability measures are ambitious, with an Electric Vehicles Action Plan, renewable energy programs, and a goal of carbon neutrality by 2045. Residents and businesses have also adopted new eco standards and practices.
Local tourism, too, has seen advancements in sustainability options. Mountain View is a popular spot for business-related travel and local weekend getaways. Today, more guests are seeking out hotels and resorts that are trying to positively impact the earth and environment. While some hotels have done little to become more “green,” some—in true Silicon Valley fashion—have embraced this mission with creativity and a dedication to customer experience.
Here are three Mountain View hotels that offer upscale comfort and sustainability.
Shashi Hotel Mountain View: A Luxury Business Stay
Located within walking distance of the Shoreline Amphitheater and adjacent to Google Headquarters, Shashi Hotel Mountain View is a 200-room urban resort with King and 2-King rooms that range from 265 to 331 square feet. Room amenities include hardwood flooring, robes and slippers, 100% Egyptian cotton sheets, and a 4k 65’’ TV
Sustainability
Shashi generates 25% of its power on-site; it also offers guests free recycled water bottles and complimentary bicycles. The buildings are LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified.
Business Amenities
One of Shashi’s standout amenities is its meeting pods—105-square-foot modern conference pods equipped with 64-inch flat-panel TVs. The rooms can accommodate up to six people, making setting up small business meetings or a solo Zoom session a breeze. When booked, some of the hotel’s deluxe rooms include up to two hours of meeting pod time per day. Pod time is also included with their “Business” or “Extended Stay” packages at this Mountain View hotel.
Wellness Amenities
In addition to a heated outdoor pool and bubbling jacuzzi, the fitness center, which offers Peloton bikes, free weights, treadmills, and more, is open 24/7. The wellness spa also has a steam room, sauna, and jacuzzi.
Dining
Broma, a modern California and Spanish restaurant led by Michelin-starred chef Jarad Gallagher and Executive Chef Aubree Arndt, offers creative small plates as well as more traditional entrees like steaks, crispy soft-shelled crab, and handmade pasta.
The hotel’s cocktail bar, The Emerald Hour, serves charcuterie, small plates, salads, burgers, and more. The menu also includes desserts with a local focus, such as a Nectarines Galette with local nectarines, frangipani, and toasted almonds.
Shashi App
Guests can download the Shashi App to take advantage of features like smart lighting and temperature control, use of a mobile key, and express mobile check-in. The app also allows guests to request room items, services, and dining.
The Ameswell Hotel: A Mountain View Hotel Focused on Next-Level Sustainability
On its website, the Ameswell Hotel states:
“Like the community we serve, we are inspired by art, nature, innovation, and technology.”
These inspirations can be seen in the unique design and amenities offered in this 255-room, centrally located hotel. There’s a selection of “Superior” and “Deluxe” rooms (King and 2-Queen), as well as “Wellness” King Rooms and various luxury suites. Room amenities include blackout curtains, 100% cotton Matouk linens, organic bath products, 65” Samsung Smart TVs, and ultra-fast Wi-Fi.
Sustainability
The Ameswell shines in its innovative approach to sustainability—from cooking oil filtration that reduces waste to rooftop solar panels, water-efficient landscaping, and efficient planning to reduce deliveries made to the hotel. The hotel is carbon neutral, LEED Silver certified, and Ocean Positive.
Wellness
The Ameswell also offers premium wellness features, including an outdoor saltwater pool and 24-hour fitness room. The hotel also features filtered water stations and sterilization technology. Advanced air quality measures ensure that “your air is never mixed with air from another guest room or any public area of the hotel.”
The fitness area includes spaces with Mirror by Lululemon– a full-length mirror that becomes a smart home gym with streaming fitness and health classes. (Wellness King rooms include Mirror spaces and other home gym equipment). Spa treatments, such as Swedish and Deep Massages, Couples Massages, and Facials, are also available (but not included with room bookings).
Dining
The Ameswell Hotel’s main eatery, Roger Bar & Restaurant, describes its menu as an “adventurous and innovative approach to California cuisine.” It features options like the Summer Berry Salad (topped with toasted pepitas), the Bacon and Bleu Cheese Burger (on a homemade brioche bun), and Seared Ahi Tuna with summer squash and cherry tomato.
The Flyby is the hotel’s more casual cafe, with a coffee bar, snacks, and made-to-order breakfast selections like avocado toast and banana pancakes with whipped cinnamon butter.
Experiences
The Ameswell offers various unique experiences for guests – these aren’t included with a room booking but include:
- NASA Dining Experience: A 5-course tasting menu served inside the AMES Library– an intimate space with flight-themed books and objects
- Private mixology and sommelier services
- Dining in the Field: Wine and charcuterie served by a designated staff member at a private table under the evening sky
- Picnic on the Lawn: Wine, charcuterie, and fruit served with a picnic basket and blanket, for up to six people
Hotel Strata: Cozy, Unexpected Luxury in the Heart of Mountain View
Located close to downtown , Hotel Strata has a “classic California hotel” look that some describe as unassuming. However, this 58-room boutique hotel offers surprisingly luxurious accommodations. Rooms include rabbit air filters, 65’’ 4K flat panel TVs, custom locally made furniture, Herman Miller office chairs, and free fast Wi-Fi. The bathrooms feature heated floors, luxury showers, and Japanese bidet toilets.
Sustainability
Hotel Strata announced its commitment to sustainable hospitality practices in 2023, stating, “We believe sustainability isn’t just important for our planet- it is also important for the benefit and livelihood of our guests and hotel staff.”
In addition to offering bicycle rentals and eliminating single-use plastic products, the hotel claims to offset a portion of its carbon footprint and use water-efficient technology. It also invests a position of revenue into community projects, and provides a space for local artists to show their work.
Free Buffet Breakfast
From 6:30 to 9:30 AM, Strata offers a complimentary buffet breakfast with Blue Bottle coffee and morning favorites like eggs, bacon, bread, and sausage. Each room is also equipped with a mini-refrigerator and microwave.
Packages
Hotel Strata’s packages include:
- Work From Hotel: Access to outdoor patio, premium Nespresso coffee machine, high-speed internet
- Hike and Bike: Local hiking maps, breakfast-to-go bags, free bike rental and parking
- Winchester Mystery House: 2 tickets to the Winchester Mystery House
Strata Rewards
Guests earn points for every dollar spent on room stays, phone, valet laundry, and food expenses, excluding tax. Accumulated points can be used for gift cards.