A Treat to Sleep Cheap

Hotels have their own kinds of Super Saver programs modeled, to some extent, after airline versions. While the conditions may vary, the principle is the same: You get a price break by booking early.

One of the latest in this vein is Holiday Inns’ “Great Rates” program.

Until March 1, you can get discounts from 20% to 80% off selected rooms--which means they are capacity-controlled--at participating hotels in California and Florida. About 80% of Holiday Inns in the two states are participating, according to a Holiday Inns spokesman.

The program, with the same range of discounts and on the same capacity-controlled basis, will be expanded nationwide on March 1. Approximately 1,500 hotels in the United States will be participating.

The types of rooms offered and the amount of the discount varies from hotel to hotel. However, you should get at least a 20% discount off regular rates.

You have to make your reservations at least a week in advance (but not more than four months in advance) and guarantee it by a credit card. But there is no minimum or maximum stay.

However, many of the hotels are likely to offer the discounted rates only during their off-peak periods, which might be weekdays or weekends (with the latter more likely) depending on the individual property and its location.

The discounts can’t be used with any other promotional programs.

If you cancel or change your reservation within 72 hours of your arrival date, a $25 cancellation charge will be levied against your credit card. Cancellations have to be handled through the individual hotel. If you cancel earlier than 72 hours before arrival, there will be no charge.

There is no cut-off point for this discount program, the Holiday Inns spokesman said.

For more information, contact the individual hotel or phone (800) HOLIDAY.