The hotel makes use of energy to an average of 40 % less that the general consumption and releases about 35% less carbon dioxide and helps in the reduction of the gas in the atmosphere. This Wine Country Hotel was able to improve its energy efficient performance by taking a strategic step of undergoing a renovation. Ukiah Hotel made use of cost effective and environmental friendly substitutes that will need lesser energy than the conventional ones. Its close surrounding like Californian wine country and great redwood forest & gives it a reason to deliver services that are eco-friendly and their solutions can be a boon for nature. This Pet Friendly hotel that serves you complimentary breakfast with Hot Waffle and100% organic Coffee /Tea, even understands your love for your pets.

Understanding the need of the hour Ukiah Hotel planned to go green and believed in offering services that are close to nature and still retaining the beauty of the place where it is situated. Economical Wedding Packages offered by the hotel offer services that are eco-friendly. Efficient disposal of waste, water and energy saving strategies, guest rooms feature recycled linen, use of natural light, and making use of appliances that are energy star compliant. Electric vehicle charging station at the hotel gives an opportunity to the Guest to recharge their vehicles and promote vehicles that do not consume fuel and help save energy. Mendocino County Hotel in its program of environment protection make use of old news paper, carpooling for employees, programmable timer, and appropriate use of electricity. Generally hotels get a rating of 50 on 100 in terms of Energy Star Benchmarking but Super 8 Ukiah managed to attain more than 75 which is a needed score for achieving the tag on Energy Star.

• AeroVironment electric vehicle charging stations for EV-driving guests
• Upgrades to parking lot lighting – subsidized by local utility company

UKIAH – Super8Ukiah, Mendocino County’s only green certified hotel, combines modern luxuries with sustainable lodging practices. The property recently upped its green game by becoming the area’s only hotel to offer an on-site electric vehicle (EV) charging station.

“We are proud to be the first and only hotel in Ukiah and Mendocino County to have installed a charging station for our hotel guests and public use,” says Raakesh Patel, Super8Ukiah’s owner. “We are also the first Super8 and the first hotel in the Wyndham group to offer this type of amenity.”

The addition of the electric vehicle charging station makes Super8Ukiah even more accessible to eco-conscious guests. The EVSE-RS electric vehicle charging station from AeroVironment (AV) (NASDAQ: AVAV) will enable like-minded guests to book a room to recharge themselves while they recharge their cars, so they can start the day in Ukiah just as they do at home – with a full charge. AeroVironment has a long history in the development of EVs and EV support technology, and the company’s solutions have a reputation for quality, reliability, safety and service. It is important for EV drivers to have access to proven charging technology that they can count on to “refuel” their cars reliably and consistently.

AeroVironment is the preferred charging solutions provider for the all-electric Nissan LEAF and is currently developing electric vehicle charging networks in Texas, Hawaii and other states across the US.

Patel capped off the EV charging station installation by designating a number of parking spaces exclusively for low emission and hybrid vehicles.

New electric vehicle charging station installation at Super8Ukiah hotel, Mendocino County’s only green certified hotel. Newly designated parking spots for hybrid and low emission vehicles are shown on either side.

Patel is a true green advocate, and has implemented a number of other green practices at Super8Ukiah. Past initiatives include the use of bio-degradable serving ware in the dining room, a linen reuse program, installation of programmable timers for lighting systems, double-paned Low E windows, and ENERGY STAR-compliant lighting, ice machines, printers and other appliances.

Recent additions to the list of initiatives include sourcing green pest control services with Terminix’s^TM Eco-Control. This environmentally-friendly system focuses on the integration of non-chemical treatments and “low impact” products, such as those made from natural plant oils, to provide protection from pests.

Patel also made extensive upgrades to the property’s exterior metal halide parking lot lights (175w MH bulbs), by replacing them with energy saver induction lighting (40w Induction bulbs).

“My utility company paid 60% of the cost [of the upgrades] because of energy savings,” says Patel.

“Going green was my personal choice,” says Patel. “We will continue to upgrade and improve our green practices, because we truly believe that doing so improves the experience for our eco-conscious guests.”

For more information on the Super8Ukiah and its green practices, please log onto www.super8ukiah.com or www.super8ukiah.com/green-hotel.html.

For more information on AeroVironment and electric vehicle charging solutions, please log onto www.evsolutions.com.

• Event Starts on April 30th Saturday & May 1st, Sunday two full days of fun from 11AM to 5PM.
• Receive a Passport logo glass.
• Entry to all wine tastings, food pairings and entertainment at the sixteen wineries.
• Enter to win the Passport Prize Giveaway. Over thirty fabulous prizes will be given away!
• Shuttle service pick-up from hotel and drop off at hotel after event.
• 2 Nights in room with king bed or two double beds.
• Superstar Continental Breakfast with 100% organic Coffee and Tea.
• Free wireless internet.
• Free business center.
• Heated Spa and Pool.

So if you are one of those who want to drink life to the brink then this is the time and place for you. Come to this serene place and get the taste of some of the finest wines produced in an atmosphere which will be etched in your mind forever.

For More Info Visit Hotel Super8 Ukiah Website or Call @707-468-8181

We often rely on word-of-mouth & media to enlighten us on industry trends & adjustments to this erratic economy, yet one industry that has continued to thrive through this economic turmoil is travel & tourism.

While means of relocating will always sway, the fact that people will always need & want to travel is a trend that has & will remain constant. It is one of the few trends that have not been broken since the beginning of time. With this observation, more effort has been pumped into American tourism, sustaining a high demand for travel. This is why travelers notice a continuing growth & popularity for indulging locations such as Ukiah.

Ukiah has retained a delightful reputation due to its versatility in hosting all different kinds of travelers. Whether you are a young couple, family vacationers, or a business traveler, Ukiah’s attractions would be fitting to any of the above, because all of them impose a sense of peaceful discovery. Between the festivals, vineyards, celebrations and natural attractions, Ukiah is one of the most desired locations in the United States.

All Natural

Home of the largest tree in the world, the prized & beautiful Redwood, Ukiah is undoubtedly a special location when it comes to natural sites & beauty. With Lake Mendocino & Orr Hot Springs, a small day trip encourages one to enjoy the sceneries & tranquility you cannot find elsewhere! Also, there are dozens of delightful wineries & vineyards just minutes away from Super 8 Ukiah!

For a more artistic or historic approach, Ukiah offers a number of memorable sites that travelers have found more than appealing. The Grace Hudson Museum and Sun House display an excellent assortment of work from artist Grace Hudson that portrays contemporary & historic images. The Pomo Cultural center is over 3000 sq ft., and features audio and visual education related to the history of the Pomo Indians. The exhibits leave a lasting image and shade of light of the area’s unique history.

Some Old Fashion Fun with a taste of Mendocino

For family endeavors, the Ukiah Country Pumpkinfest is an extraordinary annual event held in October that celebrates Ukiah’s agriculture, featuring arts & crafts, live music, food, & of course a fiddle contest. Also, every Tuesday from now through October, travelers are encouraged to visit our unique farmer’s markets to shop, & enjoy our homegrown produce from the exquisite lands of Ukiah. Fruits, veggies, cheese & flowers are all you need to enjoy this simple adventure.

For the older crowd Ukiah offers a wide array of fun as well. Comedy Alley is one of many hot spots for people to gather, & enjoy drinks and a great time. Taste of Downtown is an annual summer event like none other, featuring the best wines on a walking tour of downtown Ukiah. Sho Ka Wah & Coyote Valley Casino’s are also nearby attractions that evoke a little bit more of a rush to your vacation.

The Super 8 Ukiah does its part to uphold a standard in caring about the environment here in beautiful Ukiah, California. As a green hotel ourselves, we participate in a unified effort to sustain and promote a preserved environment through daily operational eco-initiatives.

While our property is one of the higher rated establishments in Ukiah regarding environmental awareness, we look up to external resources such as the Solar Living Institute in Hopland, California for world-class education and leadership in environmental sustainability.

About The Solar Living Institute

The Solar Living Institute is a non-profit organization that was established about ten years ago, intending to be a leading organization that would provide knowledge and instruction that promotes sustainable living through inspirational education. Throughout the past decade the institute has implemented dozens of nationally recognized programs and features into the community and state. Among many of these include Solfest, Solar Living Center, Solar 2000, and many other events, programs and internships for the community.

The Solar Living Center is a 12 acre area that over 200,000 people visit a year, which demonstrates renewable energy and serves as the headquarters for the institute. It is open seven days a week for free tours and has a renowned reputation for hosting large group tours and programs that go on to inspire many external organizations.

As a striving educational pioneer, the Solar Living Institute continues to reach out to the community in more ways than one. The institute believes that change in the environment has to be developed from a change of lifestyle, not simply through small tasks. In doing so, the institute is a proud host for many student field trips ranging from 1^st grade to high school. The trips teach students about alternative fuels, sustainable living, renewable energy, and natural building and gardening. These hands-on demonstrations have a lasting effect on young students and serve as a great positive outreach.

Solfest!

The Institute is clearly more than strictly business. Solfest is perhaps one of the institute’s most popular annual events and is held right here in Ukiah. Held towards the end of September, the festival is an excellent fusion of fine education and fun. Each day Solfest features different keynote speakers, panels, workshops and live entertainment to promote a friendly environment in a fun-filled manner. Many different vendors and professionals come together to create a resourceful and entertaining time. Camping and kids activities are also well integrated into Solfest.

For any further information about the Solar Living Institute or Solfest please visit http://www.solarliving.org/

Mendocino Summer Arts Fair

Anybody who is familiar with Mendocino can explain to you the excitement and livelihood of the 51^st annual Mendocino Arts and Crafts Fair. Over 60 arts and crafts booths will display an exciting mixture of unique handmade artwork, including glass works, fiber wearables, jewelry, functional and sculptural ceramics, paintings, photography and much more.

Big Band Night at Mendocino Music Festival

Enjoy some new-age fun with some old school jazz at this one of a kind festival. With his oh-so-sweet sax in hand, band leader Allan Pollack directs the musical event that is all-in-one a fun, finger snapping romp into the future and a moving-grooving homage to the past.

Ukiah Saturday Farmer’s Market

What better way to take in the beautiful area you are visiting than to try some of its fresh, home grown trademarks? It includes a full array of local farm with fruits, standard, organic and biodynamic produce, meats, cheese, oils, a bakery and much more.  It is, hands down, the Ukiah Valley’s premier public gathering place.

Samba Jamba

Mendocino has all the music you need this summer and we encourage you to come check it out! The band has been performing all over Mendocino County for over four years, playing an eclectic mix of arrangements including well-known Latin jazz, and Brazilian classics made famous by Sergio Mendes & Brazil 66 and Antonio Jobim.

Wine Club Party “Taste the Place”

If you thought we weren’t going to mention anything about wine while you are visiting wine country then guess again! Join Steve and Amy Ledson on a day of fun and excitement as you tour the vineyards of Zina Hyde Cunningham Winery. Learn about the farming and viticulture practices we use to grow grapes for the exquisite Zina Hyde Cunningham wines.

These are just couple of county favorites among the many events going on in Mendocino this summer. Visit www.visitmendocino.com, the official tourist guide for Mendocino County, to learn about many more!

Keeping our guests satisfied is the bare minimum that we at Super 8 Ukiah hold ourselves to each day. Tired of hospitable advertising just to be turned away for bringing your pet? Worry no more because our property welcomes your furry friends to join in on the fun. We strive to make our property the premier destination for all travelers to Mendocino County. In order to ensure this, we would never dream of turning away any Ukiah visitors, because after all, everyone deserves a Super 8 stay!

Why We Do It

While almost every hotel claims to understand their guests, few step up to the plate and show their empathy with hotel policy. At the end of the day, we at Super 8 Ukiah simply understand the preparations that need to be made for any trip. Too many “leaving town chores” can be the one thing that turns any vacation to a hassle. With house-sitting, transportation arrangements and packing, having to board or hand off your pet is not something Super 8 Ukiah believes has to be done for your get away.

Not to mention, we also simply believe that a pet-friendly environment is just the kind of setting that inspires joy and tranquility for our guests.

It Adds To The Fun!

Not only do we believe having your pets here is a convenient accommodation, but we see it as a bonus! The adventures of Ukiah and Mendocino County welcome pets to make the trip more enjoyable. While bringing your best friend along takes care of unnecessary hassle, we understand that it also gives guests a chance to explore the area with their pets. Visiting wineries and parks make great day trips for you and your pal. McDog Off Leash at Noyo Harbor in Fort Bragg that is a great off leash beach for dogs to romp and play! Take your pet to the Pt. Cabrillo Lighthouse,  Botanical Gardens, or MacKerricher State Park, which are also pet-friendly places to enjoy.

So bring the entire family to Super 8 Ukiah the next time you are thinking of Mendocino County. Ask our friendly staff to learn more about our pet policy and other activities to explore with them!

Naturally, people enjoy doing the right thing. Of course this is a generality but this is a law that regulates many aspects of our society.Clearly there is an incentive to accommodate guests in an eco-friendly hotel; the only question is what makes a hotel eco-friendly? Super 8 Ukiah completed an audit of the complete property’s compliance of over 70 eco-initiatives and finished the audit with having 32. Super 8 Ukiah conducts efficient waste disposal, water saving strategies, recycling throughout the property, purchasing habits, and many designated eco-initiatives. This is why there is a growing market for the 11 dollar salads and the not-so-cool looking hybrid cars. People who make green improvements on their home typically do not even go on to sell them. What does all of this mean? That there is an inner-satisfaction individuals feel by doing what society would say to be right. This means that if marketed the correct way, green hotels can sweep the market because the public is already naturally attracted to the service.

Green labeling began as part of the “green” revolution in marketing with non-food products. Labels on products with “green” claims like “environmentally friendly,” “nontoxic,” “energy efficient,” “recycled content,” and “recyclable” began appearing on the store shelves in the 80s. Then food items started using green labels to increase their market share. Manufacturers had determined consumers wanted to buy products that wouldn’t harm the environment, so they found ways to cater to that need by using eco-labeling. The manufacturers’ green claims were often made by merely placing an emblem that looked like a seal of approval on the product. That emblem symbolized the product’s environmental qualifications in one or more ways. However, it didn’t offer any details about what those environmental qualifications were.

The trend became so popular that often a product’s label would change but nothing about the product actually changed. For example, paper product manufacturers started talking about how much recycled content their products contained to show how environmentally sensitive they were. But in fact, wood and paper scraps have always been part of paper making, so there really was nothing new about their manufacturing, only their marketing and labeling were different. Subsequently, paper-product labeling changed to show the paper products’ post-consumer content so consumers had a better idea of what they were buying; paper products still use that information on their labels.

By 1990, about 11% of all new grocery products marketed themselves as having a “green” connection. A recent survey showed that 55% of the surveyed consumers look for products that claimed some amount of environmental sensitivity. Eco-labeling and consumerism aren’t a passing trend; it’s a way of life and one way the public can be environmentally active. Consumer awareness of the potential environmental and health impacts of products has increased, especially in the last decade. Green consumerism has grown in Europe, Australia, North America, as well as in some Asian and Latin American countries. Green consumerism is here to stay, as is green labeling.

The rapid proliferation of eco-labeled products serving as marketing tools has led different countries’ governments, together with representatives of consumer groups and industry, to develop programs to standardize eco- or green-labeling. Manufacturers are encouraged by market trends to eco-label their products to avoid losing their market share.Though too few hotels participate in green certification programs, and even fewer use an eco-label, there are some who are making the same mistakes the early adopters of green labels made; the mistake is using a misleading green criteria. There are “green hotels” that promote towel/sheet re-use programs, but when guests request their towels and sheets not be changed, housekeeping ignores the request and changes the towels and sheets anyway. There are hotels that are Green Seal certificed that claim no use of Styrofoam in their certification application, but use it anyway. That is the same sort of “green washing” we saw in the 80s. That’s the sort of green labeling the public is objecting to.

Some countries are using one approach that is to require manufacturers to apply for the right to use a green label. By doing so they certify their products meet certain standards established by their government. This approach serves to maintain truth in advertising and reduce the “caveat emptor” mentality that has surrounded green labeling for years. It doesn’t get rid of the problem of green labels having different meanings, partially because each country is developing its own eco-label criteria, but it’s a step in the right direction. It’s a step toward accuracy, honesty, and maybe toward international standardization.

Another result of eco-label marketing is the creation of organizations that evaluate labels for meaningfulness as well as several other criteria we use to assess what makes a good green label. Consumers Union’s website called Eco-Labels is one such group. The site covers eco-labels on food, household cleaners, personal-care products, and wood. Further, they evaluate labels’ claims broadly to include worker welfare and animal welfare in addition to environmentally sustainable labels. Consumers Union is also developing a site called Greener Choices that will help consumers evaluate larger product purchases, environmental issues, and environmental actions they can take. The evaluated products presently include autos, home and garden devices appliances, and electronics. Issues they’ll help evaluate include household energy, climate, waste, and toxins.

Even those who wouldn’t go as far as knocking there home down to rebuild a LEED certified house have plenty of potential to pay for a stay in a green hotel, because it is temporary and a new experience. In today’s hotel industry, most are still regularly built, which means that green hotels are still seen as highly unique and stand out. This also caters to the market of consumers who only want to try new services. Similar to the concept that even a poorly made movie can make a profit by strategically marketing just to fill the box office, eco-friendly hotels will gain a fair amount of business from travelers who simply like the idea of trying out or telling others that they have stayed in a green hotel.

Other practices that were released by our property manager were programmable timers and occupational sensors for light systems, salt water pools, use of old news papers for cleaning, double panned Low E windows, employee carpooling, proper disposer of fluorescent light bulbs, and further precautions to assure energy efficiency. Super 8 Ukiah has been awarded a 3 Green Eco-Leaf rating. Our property not only does what we can to care about our guests, but we make various measures that portray our care for our community and environment.

Get Off to the Right Start

Alarm clock’s are for waking up for work. It is the one sound that can ruin any vacation. Just let our front desk know when you’d like to be woken up and we’d be happy to greet you each morning. Have yourself a cup of morning Joe before you even leave your room for the day. You have all trip to check out the surrounding area, so don’t forget what’s right in front of you and try our on-site restaurant, Henny Penny.

It’s okay to be a tourist sometimes. You are in wine country, so go check out some of the world renowned wineries and vineyards. Don’t have a car? No problem! There are a number of bus and taxi services in the area that would love to take you around. Chiarito is an excellent vineyard that could be the great start to a relaxing day. It’s a 2 acre layout with an excellent atmosphere; you’d swear were in Italy!

It Doesn’t Stop There

All that site seeing probably worked back up an appetite. As tasty as Henny Penny was, you should get a feel for the area and try some other restaurants. Star Restaurant is the perfect spot to stop for a good lunch. Its exotic feel and fresh fruit will remind you that you are on vacation, incase somehow you forgot! After you refuel you should take advantage of the great Mendocino weather some more and enjoy some good outdoors. If state parks are your thing, Ukiah State Park will be nothing short of your expectations. There are countless trails and activities that you and your party can enjoy. If state parks overwhelm you a bit then Oak Manor or Observatory Park would be the perfect spot. Both feature excellent spots for picnics and walking. Oak Manor is highly recommended for families.

The Perfect End, For the Perfect Day

After a little down time back at the hotel, enjoy one last meal of the day in the area. Add some culture to your evening and go ethnic for the night. Oco Time is the place you want to go if you are in the mood for some good sushi. Ruen Tong would also be an excellent choice for Tai food. If you aren’t too tired by now i would recommend trying your luck at a popular spot, Coyote Valley Casino. It’s an excellent spot to get a rush with 24 hour gaming after all that relaxing.

Be sure to enjoy a great night of sleep and prepare yourself for round 2 then next day, if you are checking out then be sure to take advantage of Super 8 Ukiah’s express checkout.