Hotel Promotions

Inducements by hotels to build business continue to gather steam.

For example, Red Lion Inns has enhanced its promotional program by offering guests coupons for each night stayed that provide a 5% discount off future weekday stays (Monday through Thursday nights) and 10% off on weekends. Previously, the program just covered weekends.

The coupons, issued per room and not guest, will be provided through March 31 and can be used through June 30. Reservations are required at least 48 hours in advance, and there are blackout periods over some holidays.

Red Lion Inns include 54 hotels in nine Western states: Washington, Oregon, Montana, Colorado, Idaho, Nebraska, Nevada, Arizona and California. Information: (800) 547-8010.

Gift certificates are used as perks at Beverly Heritage hotels in San Jose and Costa Mesa. On a per-room per-night basis, guests paying regular rates will receive a certificate worth $10 off purchases at any Nordstrom store for each night stayed at either property.

The certificates, which you must request at check-in, will be given to you when you check out, until Jan. 15. There is no expiration date for use of the gift certificates. Information: Beverly Heritage at (800) 443-4455.

Shilo Inns, another hotel chain with properties throughout the Western states, is offering guests free continental breakfasts, fruit and popcorn at most of its properties, as well as complimentary shuttle transportation to and from local transportation centers. Guests also get free room-delivered newspapers and room satellite TV programs. The chain operates hotels in Washington, Oregon, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Arizona and California.

Information: Shilo Inns at (800) 222-2244.

Ramada Inns has a Traveling With Children program that provides a Parents Survival Kit containing a family bonus-plan coupon worth $5 off of the first night’s stay at more than 250 participating Ramada properties. Under the family plan, up to four people can stay in one room at single-occupancy rates. Children younger than 12 can also get gratis breakfasts and dinners when dining with a parent at the hotel restaurant each day of the stay.

The Parents Survival Kit also contains a paperback book, “Coping With Kids and Vacations,” a six-page game book, crayons, a washable marker and a Ramada directory.

To obtain the kit, contact Ramada Hotel Group, Parents Survival Kit, Marketing Dept., Box 290004 BG, Phoenix, Ariz. 85038. One kit is allowed per family, with the offer expiring Dec. 31. Delivery of the kit can take several weeks.