Building on that foundation, Benchmark Resorts & Hotels is making it easier than ever to give back while traveling. This month, a new partnership with Dress for Success, a global nonprofit that provides professional attire and career support for women entering or returning to the workforce, invites guests staying at 16 Benchmark properties to donate gently used clothing during their stay. Items are then distributed to local network members in the communities they’re visiting, where a blazer, a handbag, or a pair of shoes can find a second life. Additionally, as a small added incentive, guests who donate will receive an exclusive discount on a future stay.

Sure, it may sound simple, but the idea reflects a broader shift in how people think about travel: not just where they go, but how they show up when they get there.

More Ways to Give Back Across the U.S.—and Where to Stay

Looking for other ways to get involved in the local community? While travelers in the destinations below can support Dress for Success through Benchmark’s partnership, there are plenty of other ways to make a meaningful impact where you’re visiting.

Charlottesville, Virginia

Set against the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this lively college town is shaped by history, agriculture, and a strong sense of community—and offers easy access to Virginia wine country just beyond the city. There are plenty of ways to pitch in, from supporting local food efforts with the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank to volunteering with conservation groups like the Piedmont Environmental Council. You can also spend time on the ground at places like Morven Kitchen Garden or with the Rivanna Master Naturalists, offering a closer look at the region’s farms and vineyards.

Where to stay

The newly opened Virginia Guesthouse Hotel & Conference Center offers a sophisticated stay on the University of Virginia Grounds, with a thoughtful, community-oriented approach that reflects the area's character.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Few places make the connection between community and culture as clear as New Orleans. Opportunities to give back often center on supporting the people and traditions that define the city, whether through food access programs with Second Harvest Food Bank or neighborhood revitalization efforts led by Rebuilding Together New Orleans. In fact, even a few hours spent volunteering here can offer a more layered perspective—one that reflects the city's resilience, creativity, and community spirit at its heart.

Where to stay

Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery is a thoughtfully restored warehouse in the Warehouse District, known for its artistic edge and proximity to local galleries and restaurants.

Portland, Oregon

Portland has a creative, community-driven feel that’s easy to tap into. Volunteer opportunities are as varied as the city itself, from food distribution with the Oregon Food Bank to river and neighborhood cleanups with environmental nonprofits like SOLVE, and support for the city’s arts scene through organizations such as the Regional Arts & Culture Council. These are just a few of the many hands-on ways to experience the city—less about checking off sights and more about understanding the people behind it.

Where to stay

Housed in a 100-plus-year-old building, Hotel Lucia mixes historic character with a modern edge, best known for its museum-worthy photography collection, plus thoughtful extras like free bike rentals and a nightly craft beer hour.

Scottsdale, Arizona

Set in the Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale offers a natural entry point into conservation and community-focused initiatives—and a way to experience the landscape while engaging more directly with the people and ecosystems that sustain it. Volunteer opportunities with the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy support trail maintenance and desert preservation, while the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center offers hands-on experience in wildlife rehabilitation. Community outreach programs led by Scottsdale Community Partners also offer ways to support local food banks and family services.

Where to stay

A Scottsdale staple since 1956, Hotel Valley Ho pairs retro design with a lively, social atmosphere and an easy base for exploring the surrounding desert and community initiatives.

Programs like Benchmark’s Dress for Success partnership make it easy to give back—no extra planning required. Guests can drop off donations during their stay, and the items will go directly to local organizations. It’s often the simplest parts of a trip that linger.

Explore more news & press and destinations across the Benchmark Resorts & Hotels portfolio, a collection of distinct, independent properties by Pyramid Global Hospitality. Located in diverse destinations across the globe, Benchmark’s resorts and hotels reimagine immersive travel, inspiring guests to create memories born from meaningful exploration, authentic moments, and innovative experiences – no matter the occasion. Benchmark guests can earn complimentary gift cards, on-property perks, and destination experiences through the collection’s signature Mosaic Rewards program.