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Lifestyle
RSS Feed Of Lifestyle Tuesday, January 05, 2010
CHECK IN, DO GOOD
Hotels are offering altruistic hospitality, allowing guests to give while they get
Although the sleigh bells have ceased ringing and the New Year's ball has dropped, the charitable spirit of the holiday season refuses to be snuffed out. For those who have the chance (or need) to get away, the opportunity to realize their penchant for giving is now as effortless as patronizing the right hotels. The hospitality industry is paying heed to the modern "do something" mantra, making it easier than ever for travelers to donate while they spend their tourist dollars:
Guoman Hotels: Besides sparking flirtations with perfect strangers as well as ravenous cravings for salty grub, cocktails rarely give imbibers much more than a hangover. However, London's Guoman Hotels wants to give their drinkers something more meaningful. Offering their guests good karma in a glass, Guoman has partnered with heralded mixologist Andy Pearson to create a special collection of charitable cocktails. One-hundred percent of the proceeds from each of four drinks - which come in "His" and "Her" versions (and here we thought beverages were unisex) - are donated to The Household Cavalry Central Charitable Fund and Help for Heroes, two charities that aid injured servicemen and servicewomen returning from overseas conflicts.
Sage Hospitality Hotels: With 53 hotels under ownership or management across the country, Sage allows travelers to give back while indulging during their stays at cool boutiques like The Nines in Portland and The Oxford in Denver, as well as several Marriotts and Sheratons. The hotel network offers everyday deep discounts to those who might not get the recognition they so deserve. Its Best In Class and Half Price For Heroes specials give 50% off published room rates to teachers and administrators, and first responders, veterans, and active members of the US military, respectively. Sage also rewards civilians who give their time off the clock: Its Give A Day, Get A Night special offers those who volunteer eight hours to a registered non-profit organization before the end of March a complimentary night or a 50% off published room rate, depending on availability.
Hotel Burnham: Of the multiple pairs of jeans hanging in your closet, how many do you actually wear? Now you can give the ones that are past their prime a second, better life by just packing them for your next trip to the Windy City. There, in downtown Chicago, the Burnham Hotel has launched its Casual Blue Campaign - an effort initiated by the hotel's employees - to give those jeans you never wear to someone who will. For every pair of jeans donated (limit two), guests receive a $10 room credit, which should be enough to cover a few minibar snacks or drinks when room service can't get there fast enough.

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