In August 2025, the Stanford Inn was named one of the country’s top 10 eco-friendly hotels in the USA Today 10BEST Readers’ Choice awards. This was the property’s second consecutive year of on the list, and Team DogTrekker couldn’t be more excited for the entire Stanford Inn pack. (Fun fact: in 2021, the Stanford Inn was also runner-up for best pet-friendly hotel!)
Plenty of lodging properties talk about sustainability, but not all make solid, lasting commitments to positive environmental impact. A panel of experts nominated the Stanford Inn for USA Today competition – the list of nominees included national brands and large resorts – and readers voted for properties based on their own guest experiences.
The 2025 award article celebrated the Stanford Inn’s on-site organic gardens and robust recycling and composting programs, while also calling out efforts to engage and educate. “Classes offered include a range of topics like healthy living, gardening, and foraging, so guests leave as better stewards of the environment after their stay,” said the USA Today team.
Of course, repeat guests know that sustainability has been central to this resort’s ethos for more than 40 years. Eco-friendly growing practices help plants flourish across 10 wildly beautiful dog-friendly acres. Vegan dishes get paired with wines from organic or biodynamic vineyards. Housekeeping professionals use plant-based cleaning products, and eco-minded amenities are chosen with care. The Stanford Inn also operates biodiesel and electric vehicles, and inn and restaurant guests are invited to use nine EV chargers at no cost.
