Imagine checking into a hotel that feels less like a towering skyscraper and more like a lush, living forest. Welcome to the world of urban vertical forest hotels—a new concept in sustainable architecture that’s redefining city skylines and giving travelers a greener way to stay.
The vertical forest idea, popularized by famed Italian architect Stefano Boeri, combines modern structural design with dense greenery. Rather than limiting plants to rooftop gardens or courtyards, vertical forests integrate trees, shrubs, and plants into a building’s facade. This creates a living, breathing exterior that not only looks stunning but also offers numerous environmental benefits. And now, this concept is making its way into hotels, offering adventurous travelers an unforgettable (and eco-friendly) experience.
What is Vertical Forest Architecture?
Vertical forest architecture is exactly what it sounds like—tall buildings designed to include a dense population of trees and plants as part of their structure. The concept gained global attention with projects like the Bosco Verticale in Milan, Italy, where two residential towers house over 900 trees and thousands of plant species along their balconies.
But vertical forests aren’t just about aesthetics. They serve a bigger purpose, including reducing pollution, improving air quality, and lowering the heat island effect that plagues many cities. Each tree and shrub acts like a natural air filter, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen back into the environment. The greenery also provides better thermal insulation, keeping buildings cooler in summer and warmer in winter, which reduces energy consumption.
When applied to hotels, this kind of sustainable design creates an immersive, green experience for guests, while also offering tangible benefits for the surrounding area.
Where to Travel
While the concept of vertical forest hotels is still relatively new, there are already impressive examples around the world—and a growing list of projects in the works. If you’re curious to see these eco-wonders for yourself, here are some must-visit destinations.
Milan, Italy – The Heart of Vertical Forest Design
The Bosco Verticale (which means “Vertical Forest” in Italian) in Milan isn’t a hotel, but it’s considered a landmark of vertical forest architecture. These two residential towers have inspired other projects nearby, like the Hotel VIU Milan. While the hotel isn’t a full vertical forest in itself, it incorporates a garden rooftop and greenery into its design, offering a nod to the city’s architectural fascination with living facades.
If you’re heading to Milan, make sure to visit the Bosco Verticale. Even if you’re not staying at Hotel VIU Milan, the area surrounding these lush towers feels like a glimpse into the future of urban design.
China – A Growth Leader in Green Towers
China has embraced vertical forest architecture in a big way, with several notable projects already underway. The Nanjing Green Towers, another creation from Stefano Boeri Architetti, are among the standout examples. These twin towers are home to over 1,000 trees and 2,500 shrubs, completely transforming their skyline.
Meanwhile, Guizhou Province is home to a vertical forest hotel that’s sparking widespread interest. Nestled in the countryside but designed with the same urban vertical forest principles, this property offers a remarkable blend of luxury hospitality and environmental stewardship. China’s rapid adoption of green architecture highlights its commitment to tackling urban pollution and promoting sustainable living through innovative design.
Singapore – Vertical Gardens Taken to the Next Level
While Singapore’s Oasia Hotel Downtown isn’t technically classified as a vertical forest hotel, its design offers much of the same impact. This stunning red-brick tower is wrapped in vertical greenery, with hundreds of climbing plants weaving their way up the building’s facade. Inside, open-air gardens and terraces make it clear that Oasia Hotel Downtown is a champion of biophilic design—a concept that integrates natural elements into urban spaces.
What makes this property a standout is how it blends luxurious hospitality with genuine environmental purpose. Singapore’s commitment to urban greenery makes it a prime destination for travelers who appreciate the harmony of nature and city life.
Conceptual Projects
The trend toward vertical forest hotels isn't stopping anytime soon. Architectural firms like Stefano Boeri Architetti, which pioneered this green approach, are constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Current projects aim to expand vertical forest principles to more cities and climates, with some designs even exploring concepts for desert environments and colder regions.
The demand from travelers for eco-conscious stays is driving more investments in innovative hotels. Publications like ArchDaily frequently feature these developments, offering a sneak peek into upcoming projects. For architecture enthusiasts, following these updates is an exciting way to stay informed about the future of sustainable travel.
Hotels with Gardens v. Vertical Forest Hotels
One thing to note is that not all “green” hotels can truly be considered vertical forest hotels. There’s a fine line between a hotel that integrates some greenery (like rooftop gardens or potted plants) and one where vegetation is a key component of the architecture itself.
True vertical forest hotels incorporate dense greenery along the building's structure—be it on balconies, terraces, or facades. The greenery must serve a functional purpose, such as reducing energy use or filtering air pollution, rather than just being for decoration.
That said, the growing popularity of green design in hotels of all kinds is a win overall for travelers and the planet. Whether it’s a full-blown vertical forest or a hotel with sustainable features, the trend is helping to change how we think about urban development.
