Portland, Ore.: Second-night discount at 23 hotels

Portland Perks is back -- with $72 off a second night at several cool hotels. Tourism agency Travel Portland regularly runs this promotion, but this is the first time I’ve seen such a deep discount on room prices. Why it’s $72 is unclear, but it’s a great excuse to kick it up a notch and try out a stay at a swankier hotel.

The deal: The Portland Perks package at 23 hotels comes with continental breakfast, free parking and a coupon book good for shopping, dining and attractions. The package requires a two-night stay, with the second night $72 less than the cost of the first night. You must book through Travel Portland to get the deal.

When: The offer is good for stays through March 31.

Tested: I checked on availability for a two-night stay starting Feb. 17. Here are some of the options I found (excluding tax):

--Vintage Plaza (Kimpton): $189 for the first night, $117 for the second;
--Hotel Fifty: $129 the first night, $57 for the second;
--Governor Hotel: $159 for the first night, $107 for the second.

I then checked the individual hotels and found these best available rates plus tax on the same nights: $199 a night at the Vintage Plaza; $159 a night at Hotel Fifty; $169 a night at the Governor Hotel. Add on free parking and other extras and this might make for a nicely affordable spring getaway.

Contact: Portland Perks package, (800) 962-3700