Hotels Giving Back Through Inspiring Initiatives

More and more travelers want to feel good about the hotel they stay in and the trips they take. They want to know their vacation isn’t harming the environment and local community they are visiting. These hotels go above and beyond when it comes to giving back to local communities, employees, the environment and more.

Jamaica Inn | Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Jamaica Inn, nestled east of Ocho Rios, prides itself on its sustainability efforts. The hotel has been mastering the art of combining discreet privacy with heartfelt personalized service for more than 65 years. The property has a longstanding partnership with The White River Fish Sanctuary, a marine association comprising local fisherman, hotel owners and local businesses. The team is dedicated to restoring the pristine beauty of the Caribbean reefs, facilitating new coral growth and encouraging the return of tropical fish. The Sanctuary, run by Jamaica Inn’s Belinda Morrow, works closely with the government, as well as local foundations, to gather support for coral planting campaigns and raise funds for reef warden salaries and SCUBA equipment. The hotel also created Jamaica Inn Foundation, a non-profit organization established to provide support to the local community by assisting with the education and wellbeing of youth as well as aiding with preservation of marine environments. The foundation supports a variety of local charities like the Debate Mate, The Oracabessa Bay Turtle Project and Fern Grove Basic School.

The Shore Club and The Palms

The Palms, located on Grace Bay beach, and The Shore Club in Turks & Caicos both offer an escape where travelers and the hotels can give back to the community. Karen Whitt, vice president of sales & marketing, Hartling Group, owner of The Palms and The Shore Club, hosts “In the Pink,” an annual fundraising event for breast cancer. The event raises funds for the TCI National Cancer Society. She also organizes the Hartling Group Girls Empowerment summit to empower island girls of all ages with opportunities to learn, dream and be inspired.

Tides Inn

Tides Inn has maintained a commitment to the Northern Neck region of Virginia as stewards of the area’s land and water. Surrounded by more than 3,000 migratory and wildlife species, including its two most famous residents, blue crabs and oysters, Tides Inn is a lead supporter of the restoration of the bay. In partnership with Friends of Rappahannock (FOR), the hotel launched a new “voluntourism” program where guests can volunteer while staying at the resort. Guided by representatives from FOR or the resident ecologist, guests can participate in activities like planting trees or wetland grasses in the area’s waterways.

Hotel del Coronado

This holiday season, Hotel del Coronado welcomes back its signature oceanfront ice rink for Skating by the Sea. The rink opens to skaters of all ages, offering a fun night with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the hotel’s iconic red turret on the hotel’s historic Windsor Lawn. Each year, the hotel partners with Make-A-Wish San Diego, a portion of the Skating by the Sea proceeds going back to the charity.

Pendry Chicago

Located in the heart of Chicago’s popular Loop neighborhood, Pendry Chicago welcomes human and canine guests for a luxurious stay. Pendry Chicago warmly welcomes dogs with treats and delights. Not only will you get to travel with your furry best friend, but a portion of every pet stay fee also gets donated to PAWS Chicago, the Midwest’s largest no-kill humane organization. The hotel partnered with PAWS Chicago for its Paws x Pendry offering, where dogs will be spoiled during their stay, starting at check-in.