Lexus Hybrid Living Suite

When Lexus introduced a hybrid version of its flagship sedan last year, dubbed the LS 600h L, it sparked a new mentality at the luxury automaker, one of environmental responsibility blended with all the restrained luxury Lexus buyers desire. Since then, the launch of the Lexus Hybrid Living Web site has furthered the green image at Lexus, showcasing services, products, and people that make a difference environmentally, without sacrificing design, comfort, and an upscale lifestyle.

Now Lexus has taken the Hybrid Living program a step further by offering eco-friendly travel accommodations to boot. Teaming up with the Fairmont luxury hotel chain, a Lexus Hybrid Living Suite was built in two hotels -- one in Washington, D.C. and one in San Francisco. We traveled up the California coast from our Los Angeles-based office to have a look at the program ourselves and liked what we found.

The San Francisco Fairmont is located on top of the Nob Hill area, the highest point in the entire city. As one might imagine, such a location makes for fantastic views -- in fact, the Lexus Suite provides a stunning look at many of San Francisco's chief points of interest, including Alcatraz, Coit Tower, and the Golden Gate Bridge. It also serves as a fantastic central location for sightseeing, with Chinatown and North Beach a short walk away, and the city's famous cable cars zipping up and down the adjoining street should guests wish to visit more distant sights.

Within the suite, many efforts were taken to create a room that minimizes its impact on natural resources. The black floors are constructed of bamboo -- an environmentally sensitive and rapidly renewable plant -- while designer furniture by Kelly LaPlante and the Kenneth Cobonpue collection is of organic, long-wearing materials. We found the dcor to be classic, yet modern, and with a distinctly San Francisco feel.