hospitalitystyle.com

(July 2010) posted on Wed Jul 21, 2010 EDT

New-build ‘Phoenix’ locale features advanced technology and energy-efficient systems

Tweet

• 

The Motel 6 prototype in Northlake, Texas, has become the first economy hotel in the U.S. to attain LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), as well as the first hotel for parent company Accor to gain that distinction. The 120-room property, which opened in late 2009, is the first new-build prototype of the chain's “Phoenix” design, which features an all-new interior and exterior design, along with advanced technology and energy efficiency measures.

“With the brand's ‘Phoenix' prototype, we are setting the pace for the future of Motel 6, which, in line with our values, must be as energy-efficient as possible,” said Olivier Poirot, ceo of Accor North America, Motel 6 and Studio 6. “LEED's high environmental standards lend a great deal of credence to our efforts, and we look forward to continuing on the path to greater sustainable practices in the future.”

The Motel 6's eco-friendly features include:

* Energy efficiency: Thermal solar water heating; reflective cool roof; low e-glass tinted windows; low-energy lighting (compact fluorescent and LED); high-efficiency PTAC heating/cooling units with wireless occupancy-sensing thermostats; high-efficiency laundry equipment with computer-controlled dryers; environmentally sensitive laundry and cleaning products; and a property orientation designed to get minimal western sun exposure to keep the building cooler in hotter months.

* Water conservation: Native landscaping with water-efficient and drought-resistant plants; high-tech irrigation control; guestroom low-flow 1.1-gallon pressurized toilets; 0.5-gallon aerators in all sinks; and 1.75 gallons-per-minute shower heads

* Building materials and recycling: Wood-effect flooring made of 80 percent pre-consumer recycled material which is longer-lasting and requires no vacuuming or steam-cleaning; use of certified sustainable lumber for construction; low-emitting construction material; waste recycling during construction

First introduced in March 2008, the Motel 6 “Phoenix” room design has been incorporated into more than 70 of Motel 6's existing corporate-owned and franchised locations in more than 20 U.S. markets. The updated guest rooms feature a modern, Euro-chic design by Priestmangoode of London that includes flat-screen TVs, wood-effect flooring, granite bathroom countertops, and a settee area suitable for eating, working or relaxing.