The Conscious Check In

Staypineapple Chicago: Reinventing the Urban Hotel Experience | Beth Anne King


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How sustainable hospitality elevates luxury at Staypineapple Chicago—inside a certified, dog-obsessed boutique icon.

Host Amy Wald sits down with Bethann, General Manager of Staypineapple Chicago, to explore how a historic Loop landmark delivers sustainable luxury without compromise. From Green Key certification and adaptive reuse to plastic-free water programs, elevated in-room amenities, and digital ops that slash waste, this episode shows how boutique hotel sustainability can boost guest experience and business results. You’ll learn practical ideas for sustainable hotel certification, guest-centric green amenities, and how to communicate impact authentically—plus a peek at Staypineapple’s beloved “Naked Experience” bedding and dog-obsessed culture.


Who this episode is for

Conscious travelers and hospitality leaders seeking actionable sustainable hospitality strategies that enhance guest experience and ROI.


Timestamps / Episode Breakdown

00:00 — The “Naked Experience”: European-style bedding and why guests love it

01:21 — Inside Staypineapple Chicago: sustainable luxury in a historic Loop skyscraper

01:49 — Location advantage: theaters, business district, lakefront access + borrow-a-bike

02:52 — Seamless transit: Blue Line from O’Hare to the hotel in minutes

03:41 — Why meeting planners care: sustainability in corporate RFPs and traveler confidence

04:07 — Green Key certification: third-party verified standards that matter

05:13 — Adaptive reuse wins: Burnham Building history, steel-frame windows, natural light

06:49 — Heritage details: original mosaic floors, office doors, physical keys

07:46 — “Beyond the beige”: unique design with lower embodied carbon than new builds

08:29 — On-property sustainability: composting, in-room recycling, K-Cup recycling

09:27 — Plastic-free water: branded reusable bottles + lobby refill stations (still, sparkling, hot)

10:24 — Sustainability as a value add: enhance guest experience, reduce footprint

10:53 — Cutting paper waste: new tech stack, digital audits, housekeeping boards on devices

12:10 — Culture shift: behavior change, team engagement, and data security benefits

13:10 — Certification clarity: measurable composting, lighting, and onsite verification

15:30 — Discoverability: OTAs now surfacing certified green hotels

16:40 — Luxury where it counts: Serta Black mattresses, durable high-quality linens

18:27 — The “Naked Experience” expanded: super-clean linens, two-duvet comfort

20:11 — The Everything Button: one number, full-service guest resolution

21:37 — Elevated F&B touch: yes, there are chocolate chip cookies

22:04 — Rethinking luxury: dispensing eco friendly toiletries hotels love (Tommy Bahama)

22:59 — Hygiene and security: locked, cleaned dispensers; daily maintenance

24:14 — Rolling out refillables: facing fears, winning guests, major bottle reductions

26:13 — Real impact: thousands of plastic bottles avoided across 10 hotels

27:20 — Teaser: new conservation partnership coming soon

27:43 — Advice to hoteliers: start small, use available resources, iterate what works

29:34 — Staff buy-in: ask, listen, co-create—adoption is easier than expected

30:34 — The future of boutique hotel sustainability: nimble, guest-led, business-smart

32:12 — Dog-obsessed hospitality: pets as VIPs with beds, treats, and Pup Cups

34:13 — Meet Dash: the brand mascot with a mission (donations to local rescues)

35:01 — “Live your dash”: the meaning behind Dash and brand ethos

36:31 — Parting message: fall in love with Chicago like the team does

37:24 — Innkeeper mentality: complimentary welcome beverage and true hospitality vibes


Key Links

Connect with the guest(s): Beth Anne — General Manager, Staypineapple Chicago


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About the podcast

The core mission of The Conscious Check-in is to inspire travelers and hospitality leaders to embrace sustainability, showing how conscious choices in travel and luxury hospitality can create meaningful experiences for guests while driving positive impact for people, planet, and business.

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The Conscious Check InBy Amy Wald