There's nothing like high gas prices to make families start recalibrating road trip plans, and nobody knows this better than hotels. With Memorial Day less than a month away and gas prices already topping $4 a gallon in many states, some hotels are hitting the panic button by offering gas credits to guests who spend a few nights this spring and summer.
Gas rebates have long been a summer fixture in the hotel industry, but they usually don't begin to appear in great numbers until mid-May. This year's gas prices are pushing some hotels into getting out earlier with gas credits of up to $100 per trip.
Here are some of the best early-bird gas rebates we've seen so far:
Spend even a single night in California's Riviera Palm Springs before the end of May and you'll snag a $50 gas card. Call tel. 866/588-8311 and mention the Pump Up Your Stay offer, or book online using promo code GASUP.
On the SoCal coast, the Hilton San Diego Del Mar is offering a $25 gas card plus breakfast for two with its Gas & Go offer. Book online with promo code CGY.
Do you know the way to Santa Fe's Eldorado Hotel & Spa? Book a two-night stay with the Fuel the Fun promo before June 30, and you'll be rewarded with a $50 gas card.
On Florida's Gulf Coast, the Wyndham Tampa Westshore is offering a $50 gas card with its Gas Up and Go promotion. The hotel is located near Busch Gardens, the Florida Aquarium and the Lowery Park Zoo. The offer is good all the way through Dec. 31.
The Acceleration Travel package at the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa starts at $418 for two nights and is packed with value-added bonuses, including a rental car, a $100 gas credit, a bike rental, a kayak rental, and free Internet. Book by July 1 using promo code ZJK, and travel by Oct. 1.
Also on Florida's Gulf Coast, Sterling Resorts (which has vacation rental properties in six locations from Florida to Alabama) is bringing back its Tanks for Staying package. Families can earn a $50 gas credit if they stay three nights before May 31, or a $100 credit if they stay seven nights. Mention promo code TANKS when booking.
For families that love the individuality of inns, BetterWaytoStay.com has rounded up 18 B&Bs across the U.S. and Canada offering gas rebates of up to $50 per stay.
