How to tell if a hotel is actually vegan-friendly
January 26, 2026
How to Tell If a Hotel Is Actually Vegan-Friendly The Vineyard Inn in Cape Town, South Africa offered numerous vegan food options
Hey there, wanderlust warriors and eco-conscious explorers! We’ve got good news for you. Get ready to pack your bags and embark on a care-free adventure because Vegan Hospitality is shaking up the travel game with its brand new global vegan certification process — the Vegan Hospitality & Tourism Certification.
Imagine this: You’re planning a trip to your dream destination, craving not just a getaway but an experience that aligns with your values and fosters consumer trust. Well, Vegan Hospitality hears you loud and clear! They’re on a mission to ensure that every hotel, resort, and lodge you check into not only welcomes you with open arms but also is trained to cater to your vegan lifestyle.
No more mixing up the terms “vegan” and “gluten free” and no more fries from the fish fryer or sharing with other non-vegan products. Hotels that get certified must offer the same level of quality service to their vegan guests as they offer to everyone else. Because that’s the simple truth that vegan guests have been asking for: to be treated fairly, equally, and not as an afterthought. And to be welcomed by staff that normalizes vegan requests with understanding and transparency.
That means your vegan vacation is going to get a much-needed upgrade. Now, you can stay at vegan-friendly hotels who are certified vegan. Our high standards equals getting to enjoy vegan-friendly products instead of packing your own. Plus, we make sure vegan options like vegan food and other vegan alternatives exist to meet the needs of vegans and plant-based consumers. It’s a first of its kind for the hospitality industry and designed to make guests feel comfortable and welcome with their lifestyle choices.
So, what’s the buzz all about? Let’s break it down.
From cozy bed and breakfasts to luxurious spa resorts, Vegan Hospitality’s certification program is an independent verification of quality. It sets the gold standard for vegan-friendly accommodations. Say goodbye to the days of settling for subpar dining options at a fine-dining restaurant. Or, feeling like your values are sidelined because hotel owners don’t understand vegan standards. With this certification, you can rest assured that you and your travel companions will be catered to with the same level of excellence as any other guest. That’s right — vegan consumers equals regular consumers now.
Sure, getting certified is a big deal, but for Vegan Hospitality, it’s just the beginning. Once a hotel earns their vegan-friendly badge, the education really begins. The certification mark means the staff have undergone professional training to understand not only vegan cuisine, but vegan lifestyle. From the front desk to the kitchen, everyone gets in on the action to make sure your stay is nothing short of spectacular.
Picture this: You’re scrolling through your favorite travel app, on the hunt for the perfect place your next values-aligned stay. A big part of Vegan Hospitality’s mission is to make finding truly vegan-friendly accommodations easier than ever. Certified hotels are not only promoted to the vegan travel community but also have their sights set on this third-party certification popping up on popular third party websites handling bookings in the future.
Let’s talk real talk for a sec.
We’ve all seen it – those token vegan-friendly options slapped onto menus without a second thought at a hotel restaurant. The plant-based burger with cheese and mayo on a non-vegan bun. Vegan Hospitality’s certification program is all about combatting ‘veganwashing’ and raising the bar for truly vegan-friendly properties worldwide. Gone are the days where you have to question every menu item or ask for detailed information on ingredients. Plant-based cuisine will always be on the menu at certified hotels based on our high standards of veganism.
If you’re as pumped as we are about leveling up your travel game, then make sure your favorite hotels and accommodations get certified! Applying for certification is a breeze, and with support available every step of the way, more hotels will be joining the ranks of vegan-friendly accommodations in no time.
For more info and to start the certification journey, hotel management can head over to www.veganhospitality.com/certified. If you’re vegan and want to see a hotel you’ve been eyeing get certified, send this to them. Let’s get more vegan hotels popping up with our international standards and training.
The vegan hotel industry has seen significant growth in recent years, driven by a confluence of factors. First, there’s the rising vegan population. Did you know that the number of people who identify as vegan has been steading increasing worldwide in recent years? In fact, a 2017 study by the Vegetarian Resource Group indicated a 600 percent rise in the US vegan population from 2014 to 2017, and this trend is expected to continue.
Additionally, there’s been expanding consumer demand. As more people go vegan, they seek travel experiences that align with their dietary and ethical values. Hotels offering vegan-friendly amenities and catering options are well-positioned to capture this growing market. Also, there has been an increase in demand for sustainable practices. Consumers are becoming more conscious of the environmental impact of travel. Vegan and vegan-friendly hotels often emphasize eco-friendly practices, appealing to travelers seeking a sustainable vacation.
Finally, there’s the growth of plant-based options on the market. Seriously, the explosion of delicious and innovative plant-based food has made it easier than ever for hotels to cater to vegans. High-quality, flavorful vegan meals are no longer a rarity but that cauliflower steak will be.
Over the last five years, more vegan hotels have popped up around the world. In the US, there’s the beloved Stanford Inn. But, there’s more. We’ve seen many mainstream hotels recognizing the demand for vegan options. In fact, Vegan Hospitality works with many to expand their menus, offer vegan room service, and stock vegan snacks and beverages in minibars.
If Vegan Hospitality has anything to say about it, the future of the vegan and vegan-friendly hotel industry looks bright. In the next few years, travelers can expect a wider range of vegan hotel experiences to cater to different budgets and travel styles, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly eco-lodges.
In addition, there will be an increased focus on wellness, particularly in the spa resort industry. Hotels may integrate vegan cuisine with wellness practices like yoga and spa treatments, creating holistic getaways for vegan travelers. And, finally, as veganism gains traction worldwide, expect to see a rise in hotel options in popular tourist destinations across the globe. While the hotel industry is still in its early stages when it comes to veganism, and the certification program is just starting, its growth trajectory is undeniable. As veganism continues to gain mainstream acceptance, hotels that cater to this market are well-positioned to thrive.
If you’re planning a trip or looking for great vegan food on the road, you’re in the right place. Vegans, Baby is a curated guide to vegan living and travel, featuring vegan-friendly dining, destination planning, hotels, and lifestyle resources to help you live and travel well as a vegan.
I share vegan-friendly hotel guides, destination insights, and travel planning tips to help you feel confident before you book. If Las Vegas is on your radar, start with my guide to the most vegan-friendly hotels on the Las Vegas Strip.
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