Travelers are all too familiar with leaving behind half-used hotel shampoos and soaps after a hotel stay. Ever wonder “what happens to the reduced bar of soap and unused portion of shampoo at a hotel when a guest is done using it?” Do they go anywhere beside the trash? Could some good come from the leftover hotel soaps?
Clean the World (CTW), a non-profit, charitable organization founded in March 2009, has come up with a savvy social responsibility solution to left-over hotel toiletries. Its operating model is all about sustainability and …

People across the globe have started to adopt “greener” ways of living, including the hotels that they stay in..

BudgetTravel.com unveiled their list of the most affordable new hotels around the globe. We’re not sure what criteria was used for the hotels to make the cut except that all the hotels are under $150. Sometimes it’s difficult to define affordability because to some $150 is very affordable, others not so. Sometimes a cheap hotel is just that — cheap. We reviewed the list and further refined it –  taking into account hotel aura and amenities, location, and cost. We’ve identified 12 hotels on the list, with fabulous design and …

The good news for travelers these days is that you can find tons of hotel deals. Many travel industry experts expect these deals to continue in 2010 and some even think they will persist until 2011. All agree that prices will not go up until there is a solid pick up in demand. Promotions such as buy a night or two and get one free offers are becoming plentiful around the country, with discounts for dining, the spa and even the gift shop. Many hotels are offering incentives that provide …

Voluntourism may sound unappealing to some simply because it conjures up stereotypes of trips to undeveloped, amenities-deprived, third world country. For some it’s too much creature comforts to give up on a vacation even if they have altruistic intentions. For others, it’s too hardcore, especially for first timers who are looking to combine service and vacation.

The answer — hotel voluntourism — a soft introduction to voluntourism without having to sacrifice vacation amenities. The Ritz Carlton, an early entrant through its “Give Back Getaway” program, offers volunteer vacation packages at …

This year all RockResorts in the U.S. and Caribbean along with the Breckenridge, Keystone, and Vail Resorts are offering you the opportunity to give back to the environment, and in return for your volunteer efforts, you will receive:
1) A reduced rate on a stay at a luxurious RockResort
2) Complimentary gifts like a reusable, durable hydration pack, soothing hand lotion and more!
The Give & Getaway package is centered around guests volunteering in the community they’re visiting. The resort will arrange an environmental conservation project for you such as recreational trail …

On the heels of the D.C. hotel promotion we mentioned a few weeks back, another hotel group is supporting volunteerism. Sage Hospitality, with a portfolio of 53 hotels including Marriott, Starwood and Hilton, is offering half-price rooms and even a complimentary night (limited availability).
With occupancy rates down dramatically at hotels, this promotion is an alternative to slashing room rates and one that builds goodwill in tough times.
At check-in, guests show a letter from a registered non-profit organization that proves they’ve done 8 hours of voluntary service. This …