East coast travelers take note: this July, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor will play host to the city’s first LEED-certified hotel, which is taking up residence in the former Baltimore Brewing Company. What makes this project so exciting? I pulled on a hardhat for a tour with general manager Patrick Leary to find out. (photo #2: below)

Chic eco suites. Solar-tracking skylights. Organic coffees. A massive rain collection tank taking center stage as the light-glinting feature in an urban courtyard.

This is no independent, high-end boutique. It’s a Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott, which, in my humble, hardhat-wearing opinion, makes it even more intriguing. There’s no doubt that green is mainstream, but the effort going into Marriott’s “moderate tier” Fairfield Inn is a brilliant result of consumer demand.

The 154-room hotel, striving for LEED Gold, is slated to open July 9 and will showcase a variety of eco efforts (think biodegradable cups, bike rentals, electric hybrid car docking, bike storage, and more). Want to plan a green getaway to walkable Baltimore? Bookmark the Fairfield Inner Harbor Website and check back shortly for actual photos and guestroom availability.

To find out more about eco-conscious travel in Baltimore (including the must-visit slow food Woodberry Kitchen and local-focus Spoons Café), check out baltimore.org.