The new Embassy Suites Houston-Downtown, which opened in February, 2011, became the first hotel in downtown Houston to achieve LEED certification. Not only that, but this environmentally friendly property is the first in Houston to install charging stations for electric cars.

The 262-room hotel, which overlooks Discovery Green Park and the George R. Brown Convention Center, features a “smart switch” in all rooms that automatically turns off lights when guests leave. The property also has recycling and water and energy conservation programs. It earned the LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Two charging stations for electric vehicles were installed in the hotel’s valet-only parking garage through a partnership with ECOtality and the EV Project. They are available for complimentary use from now through December 31, 2012, for guests with electric cars. After that there will be a charge, but price has not yet been determined.

The hotel contains 6,000 square feet of meeting space and all guest rooms are equipped with free high-speed Internet access.