Eco-hotels for allergy sufferers
Mites in hotel beds are a nightmare for allergy sufferers. The European Centre for Allergy Research (ECARF) ( https://www.ecarf.org/ ) is dedicated to improving the quality of life for allergy sufferers. It is the only internationally oriented foundation in the field of allergies. The foundation is located at the Allergy Center Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin and is represented in eight European countries by leading dermatologists and allergists. Prof. Dr. med. Dr. hc Torsten Zuberbier is Chairman and Managing Director of the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology at the Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin.
Better quality of life for allergy sufferers
Through education and research projects, ECARF aims to improve the quality of life of allergy sufferers. Since 2006, the foundation has awarded a quality seal for allergy-friendly products and services.
More information about the seal can be found at https://ecarf-siegel.org/
ECARF-certified hotels
Numerous hotels (including many organic hotels), guesthouses , holiday homes, and vacation apartments in Germany , Austria , Switzerland , and other European countries have already received the certificate. The foundation has not only recognized individual hotels, but even entire vacation resorts in Germany as allergy-friendly. More than 1,500 products and services have already been awarded the certificate.
Allergy-friendly rooms
A stay in a hotel often presents a health challenge for people with allergies. For example, if a room previously housed a dog or cat, people with respiratory allergies may immediately experience symptoms when they come into contact with the pet hair. Especially in carpets, pet hair cannot be completely removed even with the best vacuum cleaner. Therefore, only a room that has not been home to pets can be considered an allergy-friendly room .
Allergy-friendly rooms
Organic hotels for allergy sufferers are specially equipped and do not allow pets in allergy-friendly rooms.
People with food allergies, on the other hand, require special dining options ( allergy-friendly kitchens ) to be able to eat without discomfort. However, pet-free rooms and floors are not enough for many people, as people with dust mite allergies require special rooms, preferably without carpets and with special protective covers (allergen-proof encasings) for the mattresses and bedding.
Definition of allergy-friendly room
An allergy-friendly hotel room is specially equipped to ensure that people with allergies – especially those to house dust mites, pet hair, pollen or certain chemicals – have as little discomfort as possible.
Typical features of an allergy-friendly hotel room:
- 🛏️ Mite-proof bedding: Mattresses, pillows, and blankets are covered with special encasings that keep dust mites away.
- 🧼 Carpet-free floors: Instead of carpets, there are smooth floors (e.g. parquet, tiles, vinyl) that are easier to clean.
- 🐶 Pet-free rooms: Pets are not allowed in these rooms to protect those allergic to pet hair.
- 🚭 Non-smoking rooms: Smoking is prohibited to accommodate smoke allergies or sensitivities.
- 🌬️ Pollen filters in the air conditioning/ventilation system: Special filters prevent pollen from entering the room.
- 🧽 Cleaning with low-irritation products: Use cleaning products that are as fragrance-free and hypoallergenic as possible.
- 🪟 Windows with pollen protection grilles (if necessary): Especially useful during pollen season.
Examples of allergy triggers (allergens):
- House dust mites are the main cause of indoor allergies. They live in mattresses, carpets, curtains, and upholstered furniture. Typical symptoms include nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, and asthma.
- 🐕 Pet hair/pet dander: Even if pets weren't in the room, residue from previous guests may still be present. This is especially problematic if the hotel allows pets. Cat allergies are particularly common.
- 🌾 Pollen: Enters rooms through open windows or on guests' clothing. This is especially problematic during pollen season (spring/fall). Symptoms are similar to hay fever.
- 🧴 Fragrances and cleaning products: Many hotels use scented cleaning and laundry products. Room fragrances, scented candles, and disinfectants can also trigger allergies or chemical sensitivities.
- 🚬 Cigarette smoke / stale smoke: Even in non-smoking rooms, residues can be present. Smoke can linger in curtains, carpets, and upholstery (so-called "third-hand smoke").
- 🍽️ Mold: Possible due to poor ventilation in the bathroom or air conditioning. Mold is a strong allergen – and can be unpleasant even for non-allergic people.
- 🥣 Latex (rare, but possible): Some people react to latex (e.g. in mattresses or cleaning staff's gloves).
Allergy sufferers can breathe a sigh of relief here:
- North & Baltic Sea (Germany) Stimulating climate, low pollen air, ideal for respiratory problems.
- Alpine regions (e.g. South Tyrol, Tyrol, Allgäu) High altitude with low pollen levels, fresh mountain air.
- Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, Finland) Clean air, lots of nature, few environmental stimuli.
- Canary Islands (e.g. Tenerife, La Palma) Mild climate, sea air, suitable for skin and respiratory diseases.
Allergy-friendly facilities
Allergy-friendly hotel rooms should be smoke-free, contain no allergenic plants, and allow potted plants only in hydroponic cultures. They should also have window ventilation or an externally controlled air conditioning and ventilation system. Rooms should be cleaned with skin- and respiratory-friendly cleaning products.
Hotels with allergy-friendly cuisine
In the restaurant of an allergy-friendly hotel, the staff should be able to list the ingredients of the food used if allergy sufferers, such as those suffering from celiac disease ( gluten intolerance ) or lactose intolerance , ask for them.
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