As gasoline prices continue to climb, hotels are offering fuel cards, rebates and promos to entice travelers. Many offers are available, and we expect the deals to increase as the busy summer travel season approaches. It's the most popular time for road trips.
Nine hotels in Costa Mesa, Calif., are offering Drive and Dine packages for travel through Sept. 30. Guests will receive a $25 dining certificate for each night of their stay and a $25 fuel or airfare reimbursement. Restrictions apply. Call 866-918-4749 or go to travelcosta mesa.com.
Some bed and breakfasts have deals for travelers. Sample offers include $25 off your room rate with stays of two or more nights at the Red Bud Manor in Eureka Springs, Ark., through June 30, and 20 percent off two-night stays and 25 percent off three-night stays at Amelia Island Williams House in Florida from June 1 through Oct. 1. Restrictions may apply. Go to bnbfinder.com.
Bedandbreakfast.com also has Tanks a Lot promotions for travelers at select B&Bs; across the U.S. and Canada. Among the deals: Book two nights and receive a $25 fuel credit or book four nights and get a $50 fuel credit at Island Goode's in Hilo, Hawaii, for stays through July 31, and save $25 off room rates at the Inn on the River Walk in San Antonio for stays through Dec. 25. Go to bedandbreak fast.com and click on "Free Gas Promotion."
The Millennium Maxwell House Hotel in Nashville, Tenn., has a Family Fuel Package. Receive a gasoline voucher for up to $25 and buffet breakfast for up to two adults and two kids. The offer is valid for stays through Dec. 30. Call 866-866-8086 or go to millenni umhotels.com.
Marriott has fuel offers at properties in select cities. Sample deals include a $25 gasoline card, free self-parking and breakfast for two for stays at the Warner Center Marriott Woodland Hills near Los Angeles through March 1, 2009 (use promo code ARN). Get a $25 gasoline card with stays at the Renaissance Hotel in Portsmouth, Va., through Dec. 31 (use promo code P53). Call 888-236-2427 or go to mar riott.com.
Guests who stay at least two nights at Circus Circus in Las Vegas can receive a $25 Arco fuel card, $4 off the Adventuredome theme park and a Funbook with coupons worth $100. The offer is valid for travel through June 30. Reservations must be paid in full at the time of booking, and you must cancel at least 48 hours in advance to receive a full refund. Use promo code GAS25. Call 800-634-3450 or go to circuscircus.com/promotions.
Fuel is not the only expense to consider when driving during your vacation. Travelers should check rates for parking before booking hotels. Daily parking fees can add a significant amount to travel expenses, especially when staying at city-center hotels.