Boutique travel company, Journeys Within, has created a new rating system for Southeast Asia hotels. The new "Hotel Karma Ratings" measures and rates hotels based on the effectiveness of their policies to improve the world. The new rankings will help travelers who are interested in philanthropic work (in addition to amenities, services and location) select the right hotel.
To find a hotel with a "Good Karma" rating visit www.journeyswithin.com/hotel-reviews.html and look for the "Good Karma" symbol.
The rating system is as follows:
Nirvana: These hotels have taken on a project or projects to support and then do so in a sustainable manner. They also take the initiative to involve their guests in the projects.
Enlightened: Enlightened hotels, similar to Nirvana ones, find and support projects that change lives or save the planet, but have not yet gotten their guests involved.
Novice: These are newbies to the game. They hire locally and give guests the option to not change their sheets and towels, but the buck stops there. While they have the right idea at heart, they have not taken the big step to become a community leader.
Non-believer: These properties have not made the effort to benefit their communities and did not even respond when asked about their practices.
