The hospitality industry is no stranger to fluctuating occupancy. Every week in the UK, approximately 1 million hotel rooms go unsold. Whether it’s a seasonal downturn or a temporary dip in demand, there are times when hotels find themselves with a lot of unused rooms. However, instead of viewing these vacant rooms as a lost opportunity, hotels can transform them into resources for social good! THis has the double benefit of contributing to local causes while enhancing the hotel’s ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) profile.
Instead of viewing these vacant rooms as a lost opportunity, hotels can transform them into resources that serve the community, creating a dual impact: contributing to local social causes while enhancing the hotel’s ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) profile.
This is where Carefree comes in. We enable hotels to donate their vacant rooms and reach their ESG targets while supporting the UK’s unpaid carers.
For millions of unpaid carers across the UK, a 1-2 night break is a luxury they can rarely afford. They dedicate their lives to caring, a role that saves the UK economy an astonishing £184 billion each year, more than the entire NHS budget. However, this profound commitment often comes at the cost of their own well-being, leading to burn out. A hotel stay offers more than just a change of scenery; it provides a chance for them to reclaim their identity, to rest, and to simply be themselves again.
The impact is undeniable:
95% of carers said a Carefree break improved their wellbeing.
88% would never have been able to take a break without us.
86% felt more able to cope with their caring role after a Carefree break.
By providing these breaks, hotels are not just filling a vacant room, they are actively participating in the core purpose of hospitality by giving a moment of peace to those who need it most.
Have vacant rooms to donate? Sign up here become a hotel partner
A Low-Cost, High-Impact Strategy
By donating vacant rooms, hotels can make a significant social impact without a significant financial burden. The beauty of this model is its simplicity: the only real expense is housekeeping, a cost that's already built into daily operations. Since these rooms would otherwise go unused, donating them is a powerful, low-cost way for a hotel to give back to its community.
Thanks to the generosity of our partnered hotels, Carefree has been able to offer over 16,000 1-2 night breaks to unpaid carers. That’s over 16,000 breakfasts eaten and over 16,000 truly restful night’s sleep.
Stephanie, an unpaid carer who stayed at The Elvetham Hotel
Aligning with ESG goals
For hotels with a strong Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy, turning unused rooms into a force for good is the perfect way to meet social impact goals. This simple act directly addresses the "social" pillar of ESG by providing a tangible way to support the local community. By offering rooms for unpaid carers, hotels are not only helping those in need but also making a powerful statement about their commitment to giving back.
Instead of leaving rooms empty, hotels are putting a valuable resource to use, thereby minimising waste and maximising their positive impact on the community. It’s a win-win for both people and the planet.
“...The partnership is a no-brainer. Carefree handles the administrative burden, providing all necessary data for reporting, right down to exact break numbers. All that raw data is very easy to put into your quarterly reports," - Andrew the Director of ESG at St Giles Hotels
Read Andrew’s full interview here
Conclusion
By repurposing unused inventory, hotels can become vital community partners, addressing local needs and building strong relationships. This simple, scalable approach aligns perfectly with today's focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals, turning vacant rooms into a powerful force for good. In a world where both customers and employees are increasingly looking for companies that make a positive impact, embracing purpose isn't just a trend—it's a smart business strategy. It positions your hotel as a leader not only in hospitality, but in creating a better world.
Who are Carefree?
Carefree is a tech-first charity with a mission to transform vacant hotel rooms into vital breaks for full-time unpaid carers.
80% of home care in the UK is provided by full-time unpaid carers who sacrifice their own health and wellbeing to look after their loved ones. We believe getting carers a break when they need it, is the first step to creating a more sustainable social care future, that shares, cares and enables us all to thrive.
HOSPA x Carefree
We're thrilled to announce a new partnership between Carefree and HOSPA (The Hospitality Professionals Association). This collaboration is a perfect match: Carefree is a tech-first charity that transforms vacant hotel rooms into much-needed short breaks for unpaid carers. HOSPA, a professional association for leaders in hospitality, is committed to supporting its members and the broader community.
We’re starting by sponsoring HOSPA’s Great Green Balloon Debate – and that’s just the beginning! Watch this space to find out more.
