Passbook to Pleasure

Hotel Pass International, a Vancouver-based outfit, offers a 1987 “Britain & Ireland” passbook listing discounts said to range from 10% to 60% at more than 700 properties including hotels, country inns, pensions and other accommodations.

The pass costs $25 and is good from Jan. 1, 1987, until March 31, 1988.

The passbook lists accommodations by city or geographical area with the regular rates by season and the discounts available. The discounts cited are for one night, but in some cases additional discounts may be offered for longer stays.

Several relatively small chains, with 30 to 40 properties, are participating in the program. Among them are the Swallow, Anchor, Ladbroke and Embassy groups of hotels. About 85% of the properties have private bathrooms in the guest rooms, according to Hotel Pass International.

The pass can be used by two people or on a family basis. Travel agents are not paid commissions on bookings under this program, but if a travel agent is handling your air connections and other land arrangements such as car rentals, the agent might also book your accommodations (though a service fee might be imposed).

Reservations have to be made directly with the individual property, which do not generally have U.S. sales outlets. At least set up your first night’s stay before departure. Indicate that your reservation is through Hotel Pass International at the time you make your reservation.

Contact Hotel Pass International, 1159 W. Broadway, Vancouver, B.C., Canada V6H 1G1, phone (604) 736-7447.

Budget Host Inns is offering bonus coupons in its new fall/winter directory that provide discounts of 5% to 10% or $1 to $5 off regular rates at participating properties. Some of the discounts may apply only to the first night, during certain time periods, or only to food and beverage outlets. In addition, discounts may only be available if you pay in cash, or may be higher when cash is used instead of a credit card.

The coupons can be redeemed when you check in, with more than 100 inns participating in the program.

Free copies of the directory may be obtained from Budget Host Inns, P.O. Box 10656, Fort Worth, Tex. 76114, phone (817) 626-7064.