Beyond Green: Sleep in a Recycled Hotel

For a classier option, check out the four wine-cask rooms at Hotel De Vrouwe van Stavoren, in Stavoren, Holland. The Swiss casks -- each of which is now equipped with two beds, a TV and a private bath -- once contained Beaujolais wine. Wine-cask rooms start at $135 a night, double occupancy. (Your dog can stay with you for an additional $9.)

For a more traditional-looking hotel, book a stay at the new Travelodge in Uxbridge, England. The hotel is made entirely of used shipping containers but looks just like any budget hotel. Rates start at $29 a night.

Finding Your Own Green Lodging

To find more eco-friendly options, talk to your travel agent or check out the following Web sites:

• "Green" Hotels Association lists member hotels worldwide.
• Environmentally Friendly Hotels rates hotels on a scale of one to seven green trees. The ratings are based on a number of green attributes including the use of alternative energy, the presence of guestroom recycling bins and options for eco-friendly or organic food.
• Eco Hotels of the World uses a green-star ratings system to evaluate a hotel's efforts in energy conservation, water conservation, waste reduction, environmental action and production. To be evaluated by Eco Hotels, a hotel must first fulfill a series of criteria including ecological sustainability, a proven contribution to conservation, an economic and cultural commitment to the local community and the availability of environmental-education programs.