Discover the rise of vegan hotels

At Saorsa 1875 in Pitlochry, Scotland, animals aren’t just kept out in the usual way.

While pets are welcome, this boutique hotel fully embraces veganism, eliminating all animal products from its décor to the staff attire. It holds the distinction of being the UK's first all-vegan hotel.

Veganism is spreading globally, and its momentum shows no signs of stopping.

Research by GlobalData reveals a staggering 600% growth in veganism in the US between 2014 and 2017, with vegans now comprising 6% of the population.

In the UK, The Vegan Society, the world’s oldest vegan organization and a registered charity, reports that the number of vegans quadrupled from 2014 to 2018, with 42% of those making the change in just the last year.

Brands are catching on: from plant-based burgers to cruelty-free fashion, restaurants and retailers are increasingly tailoring their offerings to vegan consumers, especially those whose values go beyond the dining table.

Hotels are now joining the trend, with some rethinking their entire business models to align with these changes.

At Saorsa 1875, everything, from check-in to checkout, follows a fully vegan philosophy,” says founder Sandra McLaren-Stewart, who launched the hotel this June.

Housed in a 19th-century Victorian mansion, the hotel offers 11 rooms, all featuring bedding made from organic cotton, and pillows and duvets free from animal-derived materials like silk and down. The vegan approach extends to toiletries and cleaning products, and even staff uniforms are ethically sourced. The hotel’s electricity is provided by Ecotricity, a UK-based green energy company that is vegan-certified.

The business cost of going vegan

Contrary to common belief, vegan furniture doesn't always come with a premium price.

“The idea that vegan products are more expensive is a major misconception,” says McLaren-Stewart. “Of course, we wanted to ensure that the items we use are ethically produced, which often means they’re not the cheapest on the market. However, materials like organic cotton and linen are frequently less expensive than animal-based alternatives like leather or silk.”

Naturally, Saorsa 1875’s restaurant menu is entirely plant-based as well.

“There were some challenges in ensuring everything we used was as ethical and environmentally friendly as possible. To meet this goal, we source all our produce either from our own vegetable garden or from local farms and smallholdings,” explains McLaren-Stewart.

Rather than serving a typical vegan salad, chef Luca Sordi creates inventive dishes like watermelon sashimi with lime mayonnaise and tapioca crackers, and hay-infused panna cotta with chamomile meringue.

At the Faodail bar, cocktails like the whisky-based Auld Pal and the gin-based Highland Tears are crafted with seasonal and foraged ingredients, including mint and verbena.

A judgment-free zone

“I believe there are still some misconceptions about veganism – it’s not the austere, hemp-wearing lifestyle that many imagine,” says McLaren-Stewart. “We want to create a stylish and comfortable environment where vegans can stay without feeling like they’re compromising their values. While we cater to vegans and vegetarians, we also aim to offer a judgment-free space for anyone interested in ethical living.”

Leading hotel chains are also enhancing their vegan offerings.

In January of this year, Hilton London Bankside introduced a fully vegan suite in partnership with design studio Bompas & Parr and The Vegan Society. 'Our guests asked why, with our excellent vegan menu at OXBO restaurant, we couldn’t take it a step further?' says general manager James B. Clarke. 'So, we decided to create a complete travel experience for those living a plant-based lifestyle.'

Vegan transformation

The 495-square-foot suite features vegan elements such as a headboard, chairs, and cushions made from Piñatex, a natural leather alternative derived from the fibers of pineapple leaves; organic cotton carpets; bamboo flooring; and eco-friendly toiletries with sustainable packaging.

The room service menu has been revamped with plant-based dishes like cauliflower steak and a hearty five-bean dhal.

“The biggest challenge in designing the suite was ensuring a truly vegan experience for guests from the moment they enter the foyer until check-out,” says Clarke. To achieve this, the hotel has even created a dedicated check-in desk made from plant-based materials, with keycards crafted from Piñatex.

Much like Saorsa 1875, Hilton London Bankside’s vegan suite has attracted interest from both vegans and non-vegans. 'The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with inquiries even coming from celebrity athletes,' says Clarke. 'While the suite is intended for sustainable travelers, we hope it can be enjoyed by anyone, not just those who follow a vegan lifestyle.'

Not yet a trend

Despite the excitement, both Hilton London Bankside and Saorsa 1875 are still among a small group of hotels adopting vegan practices – but this is expected to change soon.

“People are becoming more aware of how their choices affect the environment and animals, and I believe we’ll see veganism grow at an exponential rate,” says McLaren-Stewart, who plans to expand Saorsa 1875 to a second location.

“While food and fashion have seen tremendous innovation, the hospitality industry has been slower to catch up,” she adds. “We’re excited to see more companies embrace a plant-based ethos and we’re ready for the challenge.”

Saorsa 1875, located at 2 East Moulin Rd, Pitlochry, Perthshire, Scotland PH16 5DW; +44 (0)1796 475217

Hilton London Bankside, located at 2-8 Great Suffolk Street, London SE1 0UG; +44 (0) 20 36675601