Chain Reaction to Hotel Discount

Seniors have been getting discounts on hotel rooms since at least 1974, when the Days Inns chain of budget lodgings began offering 10% off their published room rates for travelers 50 and over. The Days Inns program, called September Days Clubs, now has more than 300,000 members who can select from 1,425 participating hotels worldwide.

Membership provides discounts of 15% to 40% off Days Inns room rates, which are already modest. In addition, there are discounts of 10% off meals at the hotels, plus up to 50% off at participating entertainment attractions across America, including Cypress Gardens and Gatorland in Florida. There are also preferred member rates on Alamo rental cars, travel and health insurance, free local calls and check-cashing privileges (limit of $50). There are also special rates for trips and tours organized for club members.

Memberships can be for one, two, three or five years, and range from $12 for one year to $40 for five years. To receive an application for membership and more information on benefits, call (800) 241-5050.

Following Days Inns’ lead, many other hotels and hotel chains now offer discounted room rates for seniors. Some recent offerings are highlighted below.

* Visitors to San Francisco can take advantage of a Mature Traveler package offered by the Villa Florence, located in the heart of the city on Union Square. The deal, which is available to AARP members or other guests 60 and over, includes a deluxe guest room for two. Each person also receives a disposable 24-exposure Kodak camera, a Pier 39 Value Pack with coupons for discounts in restaurants and shops, and passes for the city’s cable cars. Regular room rates at the Villa Florence are $129; the Mature Traveler package is priced at $110 per night for two persons and is good throughout 1994. For information and reservations, call (800) 553-4411.

* A good deal for golfers is the Fall Senior Special at the Handlery Hotel and Country Club in San Diego, which is offering a $66 rate for two persons ($59 single). Regular rates range from $75 to $95 per room. The deal includes a daily continental breakfast and an evening beer and wine reception with hors d’oeuvres. A discount book for San Diego attractions is also included. The Handlery’s 27-hole golf course is a private-membership club that hotel guests are permitted to use at a special rate of $45 for cart and green fees. In addition, the hotel has eight tennis courts and three heated swimming pools. For more information, reservations and a brochure, call (800) 676-6567.

* Seniors who enjoy the winter season may want to try the Inn by the Lake at South Lake Tahoe. The Inn is actually in California, two miles from the Nevada border. A complimentary shuttle transports hotel guests to and from the casinos. Regular room rates cost from $84 to $138, the higher rates being for lake-view rooms. Members of AARP receive a 25% discount on published rates year-round, seven days a week, including holidays, on a space-available basis. For more information, call (800) 877-1466 or write Inn by the Lake, 3300 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, Calif. 96150.

* Another break for AARP members is at the elegant St. Moritz on the Park in New York City. Regular room rates, for one or two persons, are $129 for a standard room, $169 for a room overlooking Fifth Avenue and $199 for a room overlooking Central Park. AARP members receive a 25% discount. Call (800) 221-4774.

* The Dana Point Hilton has an attractive “55/55” package. If you’re 55 or older and reserve from Sunday through Thursday, you pay only $55 per night (regular rate is $99) and receive a two-room suite with VCR, microwave and refrigerator. Complimentary beer and wine is served each evening from 4 to 6 p.m., with free continental breakfast each morning. The offer is valid until June 15, 1994, and seniors will be upgraded to ocean-view rooms when available. Call (800) 445-8667 or (714) 661-1100.

* Seniors visiting Albuquerque, N.M., can get a good rate in the newly redecorated Le Baron Inn & Suites. AARP members receive a 30% discount, which results in significant savings. Standard rooms usually cost $59 per night for two persons; with the discount, the price is $41.30. The big bargain is on the two-room Family Rooms, which can sleep six people (two doubles or king-sized beds plus double pullout sofa bed) and includes a refrigerator and microwave. Regularly priced at $66 per night, the discount brings it down to $53.20.

Guests also receive free transportation to and from the airport, free local phone calls and a daily continental breakfast. The offer is valid until April 1. For more information, call (800) 444-7378.