The Allison Inn and Spa is a Luxurious Green-Roofed Getaway in Oregon Wine Country

Oenophiles traveling to Oregon wine country are in for a true green treat at the luxurious <a href="http://www.theallison.com/">Allison Inn and Spa</a> - and we're not just talking about the vino. One of only twenty hotels in the world to be awarded with LEED Gold Certification and a <a href="http://www.cntraveller.com/magazine/the-hot-list-2010">Conde Nast Travelers Hot List</a> 2010 pick, the boutique resort is as committed to sustainability as it is to pampering its guests. We were lucky enough to stay a few nights at this Willamette Valley gem and came back <em>almost</em> too relaxed to even write this article! Step inside our photo gallery to see all of the Allison's amenities - from its multiple green roofs and solar panels to its world class cuisine and chef's garden.

The Allison Inn and Spa is nestled in Newburg, Oregon's <a href="http://willamettewines.com/">Willamette Valley</a>, which is quickly becoming a choice destination for wine-lovers.

The boutique hotel has 85 deluxe accommodations including 8 suites as well as a terrace, a spa, and a penthouse centralized around a dramatic four-story glass enclosed staircase.

It is currently rated as the <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g51991-d1232247-Reviews-Allison_Inn_Spa-Newberg_Oregon.html">#1 hotel in Newburg by TripAdvisor</a>, and with its perfectly manicured rose and flower gardens and immaculate rooms, it's easy to see why.

While it's a world-class hotel in its own right, The Allison Inn and Spa has also been recognized as a premier <a href="http://inhabitat.com/index.php?s=%22eco+hotel%22">green hotel</a> and boasts a bevy of sustainable considerations and practices.

The solar panels on the hotel's roof produce hot water and electricity for a projected 13% energy cost reduction and the green sedum roofs on the meetings and events wings allow slow rainwater runoff and keep the interior of the structure cool.

One of the Allison's colorful planted roofs.

Additionally, you won't find any plastic bottles of water in this resort as the staff provides free, daily in-room delivery of glass bottles filled with fresh drinking water.

Emerald-green glasses made out of recycled wine bottles by Forest Grove-based<a href="http://rebootle.weebly.com/"> Rebootle</a>.

Amenities like this not only reduce the hotel's carbon footprint, they also help to educate guests who might not be as environmentally savvy.

Instead of simply taking something away like other accommodations might (leaving a card informing people not to throw their towels on the floor if they plan to reuse them), the Allison adds these special touches to show patrons that sustainability doesn't have to equate to "less."

But green roofs, solar panels and refillable water bottles are just the tip of the green iceberg at the Allison.

They also take care to use environmentally-conscious and locally-sourced retail selections and cleaning supplies, use energy-efficient appliances, light bulbs, refrigerators and computers and provide recycling stations in meeting areas and rooms.

They also use programmable thermostats, motion sensors and other controls to reduce electricity, provide cloth napkins and recycled paper products, utilize water efficient sinks, showers and water closets and purchase food and beverages from local growers whenever possible.

The hotel's signature restaurant, Jory, <a href="http://www.opentable.com/jory-restaurant-at-the-allison-inn-and-spa">which receives an almost perfect 5-star rating on Opentable</a>, also uses produce from the half-acre chef’s garden located right across the street.

If you're in the <a href="http://willamettewines.com/">Willamette Valley</a> area, definitely consider The Allison Inn for your accommodations.

We think you'll be impressed with the well-appointed rooms, the warm staff and the thoughtful design. And, of course, sampling the wonderful wines won't hurt either.

All of the Allison's accommodations have gas fireplaces, a terrace or balcony, window seats with throws, spa-like bathrooms with sliding panels and double vanities.

A view of one of the room's terraces.

Many rooms also have a cozy window seat.

One of the Allison's roomy tubs.

The interior design palette pays tribute to the rich colors of the countryside: lichen, bark, berry, pear, beet and squash.

The rooms also feature original artwork by local artisans.

Large windows ensure you will enjoy either hillside or vineyard views.

The soothing entrance to the Allison's spa.

An indoor pool in a greenhouse-like setting allows for all-weather swimming.