Free Gas Tips

by Madelyn Miller, the TravelLady

AS SEEN ON FOX TV

There is no free lunch. But there may be free gas for your vacation travels if you look around for special offers and deals and gas cards that destinations and hotels and even grocery stores are offering as incentives.  

AAA and the Travel Industry Association note that gas prices are up 68 cents over last year and will undoubtedly continue to increase. The industry is confident that Americans will not give up their traditional summer vacations, but will adjust their plans to be more frugal. What might be better than finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow--getting a gas card or discount to ease the pinch.

WHERE TO FIND THE DEALS

ARIZONA

Scottsdale

Radisson Fort McDowell Resort & Casino in Scottsdale, AZ is offering free gas as part of its SunSational Getaways this summer.  Any guest who enjoys a SunSational Getaway at the resort, and chooses to come back for a second stay through September 1, 2008, receives a $10 coupon per night for FREE gas at nearby Baja Gas.

Radisson Fort McDowell Resort & Casino, 10438 N. Ft. McDowell Rd., Scottsdale, AZ  85264, 480/789-5300 or visit www.radisson.com/ftmcdowellaz 

Tucson

The two-night Summer on the Go Package at JW Marriott Starr Pass includes a $50 gas card redeemable at any local gas station.  Through Sept. 20, 2008. Details Does not include tax of 12 percent. Use promo code U29. Requires a two-night minimum stay. Contact 520/792-3500, jwmarriottstarrpass.com.

CALIFORNIA

Commerce

The rising gas prices are certainly making it more expensive for patrons to get to casinos all over the country, but Commerce Casino has a great surprise for 60 customers each day that will take some of the pain out of the pump. Six times during each Monday through Thursday in July, the casino floor managers will drop a $50 gas card into the pot at random poker tables around the property. So whoever wins the pot, will get an extra $50 bonus in the form of a redeemable gas station card.    

Commerce Casino's promotion will help "fuel" a hot summer full of new promotions, including daily No Limit Hold'em tournaments and guaranteed jackpots. 

www.commercecasino.com

Lake Arrowhead

Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa in Lake Arrowhead, California announces the "Free Fill-Ups" program, where guests will receive a gas credit for every night they stay….one-night stays earn a $25 gas credit, two-night stays earn a $75 gas credit, and three-night stays earn a $150 gas credit.  The offer is available until June 26, 2008 by calling 1-800-800-6792.  For more information, visit www.laresort.com.

San Diego

Marriott Gaslamp: the Summer Sizzle Package, with rates starting at $279, includes one entry for a drawing for a $1,000 gas card, a $25 gas card, complimentary valet parking, daily breakfast for two and a 10-15 percent discount at the major San Diego sights like SeaWorld and the San Diego Zoo. Promotion code EB5. www.marriott.com/sangl 

Paradise Point Resort & Spa on Mission Bay: the Fuel for Fun package, with rates starting at $249 per night, is offering visitors a $100 gas card issued at check-out and free parking with a qualified four night stay. Promotion code FREGAS. www.paradisepoint.com/packages&offers.

Hilton San Diego-Del Mar: the Gas & Go package, with rates that are $30 more than the best available rate at time of reservation, includes a $25 gas card issued at check-in, free parking and complimentary buffet breakfast for two. www.sandiegodelmarhilton.com/specials&packages

Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego Downtown: the Stay & Play package, with rates ranging from $204-$304 per night, offers a $25 gas card, issued at check-out, for each night of a guest's stay, with a minimum two-night stay. Promotion code ZZ1. www.residenceinn.com/sanph

Loews Coronado Bay Resort & Spa: the Money for Miles package, with rates ranging from $289-$429 per night, includes a gas credit of up to $50 off the hotel bill for receipts submitted at check-out that are dated during, or one day prior to, the stay, complementary self-parking and a list of the least expensive gas stations in the area. www.loewshotels.com/specialoffers

Santa Barbara  

Inn of the Spanish Garden: "Cruising the Coast" Package. A complimentary bottle of wine upon your arrival. $25 gas credit upon departure. Complimentary deluxe continental breakfast buffet served each morning . 915 Garden Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.  .805.564.4700,    800.564.4700, www.spanishgardeninn.com) 

Santa Monica 

Georgian Hotel: "Cruising the Coast" Package. Sunset Cocktail Coupon - 1 per adult per night, up to 2 adults. Complimentary valet parking for one vehicle.  $25 gas credit upon departure.  1415 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90401. 310.395.9945, 800.538.8147, www.georgianhotelcom

COLORADO

Denver

JW Marriott Denver at Cherry Creek has put together the "Easy Escape" package which includes deluxe accommodations, a $50 gas card, free valet parking and a complimentary car wash. Plus they will even throw in JW Marriott cooler bag stocked with bottled water and snacks when you leave. Rates start at $239 a night and the package is available Thursday-Sunday nights from now through September 1. Use code SPJM to book

FLORIDA

Beaches of South Walton

Emerald Sun Beach Rentals: Pick from beach homes, cottages and condos located throughout Beaches of South Walton. Stay 6 nights and get the 7th night FREE! Packages start at $1,204 for a 3-bedroom property. Offer includes two beach cruiser bikes for seven days and a $100 gas card. It is not valid with any other offer and is for new reservations only. It is valid on most properties. www.emeraldsun.com

Largo Mar Beach House : Escape to a haven where the sun rises brilliantly and warm winds whistle through the palms. Book now through Nov. 1 and receive a $200 gas card, two beach houses with gulf views, 2800 square feet of combined living space comfortably sleeps 17, private heated pool and beach access. www.largomar.homestead.com

One Seagrove Place: We Got Gas! Book your stay at the Beach from June 14 thru June 27 and receive a $50 gas card to help you get home. Does not apply to existing reservations and cannot be combined with any other offer. Offer expires June 25, 2008. Call 1-800-368-9100.

Gainesville

 Only 45 minutes to the east of Gainsville, Steinhatchee Landing Resort in North Central Florida is offering visitors booking a two-night stay from June 1-28, 2008 a $50 gas credit towards their stay.  This offer is valid for any of the North Central Florida property’s one- to four-bedroom private cottage accommodations. www.SteinhatcheeLanding.com 

Merritt Island

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Restaurant is at 1450 N. Courtney Parkway is giving away $5 gas cards with every $25 in food.. (321) 455-6665

Naples

The  Naples Bay Resort "Drive & Save" promotion awards gas cards in $50, $75 and $125 denominations for stays of two days or longer.
Valid now through November 19, 2008, two-night stays are priced from $478 per room, including $50 gas card; three-night stays start at $717 (including $75 gas card) and four-night stays start at $956 (including $125 gas card)

call 1-866-605-1199 or visit www.naplesbayresort.com

GEORGIA

Atlanta

Mrs. Winner's Chicken & Biscuits for a limited time it is offering a "Free Gas for a Year" promotion.  Customers can come into any participating Mrs. Winner’s Chicken & Biscuits location in metro Atlanta and register for a weekly drawing to win free gas for a year. One weekly contest winner will receive a year’s worth of pre-paid gas cards valued at $2600 ($50 a week for 52 weeks).

HAWAII

Hilo

Island Goode's, an eco-friendly inn. Book two nights and get a $25 credit toward auto or travel expenses; stay four nights and get a $50 credit. Call for a free airport pickup, and ride green in the inn's 2006 Toyota Prius (47 mpg).

MAINE

Deer Isle

Pilgrim's Inn and Cottages.  This inn is working hard to reduce its impact on the environment and wants to reward guests who are doing their part by driving hybrid vehicles. Now through October 18, guests arriving in a hybrid vehicle will receive a deduction in their lodging bill up to $40 for a tank of gas

MASSACHUSETTS

Boston 

Receive a $20 gas card when you stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Boston Copley Square.  Use promotional code ME20 when booking.

MICHIGAN

Whitehall 

White Swan Inn.  Now through June, stay two nights, bring a grocery bag of non-perishable food items or personal care products for the local food pantry, and receive a $40 discount on the bill to help with gas. Mention "Fuel and Food" when making your reservation.

MINNESOTA

Minneapolis

-The Depot Minneapolis, a Renaissance Hotel: Gas Card Package: Includes one night deluxe accommodations for two, and a $25.00 gas card upon check out. 

NEW HAMPSHIRE

In Bradford, The Candlelite Inn's special midweek package pays for the gas. On two-night stays, Sunday through Thursday (through August 30, 2008) the discount is $25 off the bill; for more than two nights' stay, the discount is $10 per night. 888-812-5571, www.candleliteinn.com

In Dummer, Munce's Superior, North Woods Rafting and Great Northern Moose Lodge have joined forces on a $15 gas rebate. Book a stay for a minimum of two people and a half-day whitewater rafting trip and receive a a $15 gas card redeemable at Munce's Superior. Full day tours (mid-week) and multiple-night stays are eligible for a $20 gas card. www.northwoodsrafting.com and www.greatnorthernmoose.com.

In Ashland, The Cheney House Bed & Breakfast "gas promotion" gives guests gas cards -- $10 for one night's stay, $20 for two nights in the 1895 Victorian inn. 603-968-4499, www.cheneyhouse.com

Also in Ashland, The Glynn House Inn is offering "Recreation, Romance, Relaxation & Gas Refill Rebates Too!" The package includes a $20 per night Gas Rebate on your room bill! Just stay any two evenings between June 22 & July 19. Not valid on previously booked reservations, or on any special promotion packages. 603-968-3775, www.glynnhouse.com

In Hebron, the Coppertoppe Inn & Retreat Center is offering a "mileage credit". Book two nights Sunday to Thursday or a third night added to a weekend and get back 15 cents a mile up to 200 miles ($30) cash on arrival. (603) 744-3636 or toll free (866) 846-3636. www.coppertoppe.com

In Sanbornton, the Ferry Point House Bed & Breakfast "Gas Up on Us" promotion includes a $20 gas certificate. Valid mid-week, July 23 -November 21, 2008, the package starts at $290 plus tax and includes TWO nights' accommodations for two, gourmet two-course breakfast and activities from bird watching to swimming in the lake. www.ferrypointhouse.com

In Nashua the Radisson Hotel Nashua offers a $20 gas rebate to overnight guests. The hotel extends its carbon footprint consciousness by planting a maple tree on its grounds, in the name of guests who reserve the special $99/night package. www.Radisson.com/Nashuanh

In Hampton Beach, the Ashworth By The Sea's "Get Here and We'll Get You Home" package includes an overnight stay in a newly renovated side view guestroom, a $20 gas card, $20 certificate for a future stay and a $20 certificate for the restaurant. 603-926-6762, www.ashworthhotel.com

Also In Hampton Beach, D.W.'s Oceanside Inn offers a $5 per night gas discount (to a maximum of $30) to anyone who mentions Visit New Hampshire promotion 603-926-3542, www.oceansideinn.com

In Portsmouth, the Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel's "Summer Road Trip: Gas and Go" package includes a $25 gas card. Starting at $238 per night for accommodations in a deluxe guestroom or $289 for a townhouse the package includes the $25 gas card, and complimentary parking. Available Sunday - Thursday nights, June 1 through August 31, 2008. 866-716-8120 and reference the SUMROAD promotion.

In Bethlehem, the Bear Mountain Lodge's "Gas Up On Us" package includes a $50 gas card with two-night stays through June 30th. Guests who stay for 3 nights, receive $100 in gas cards. Full country breakfast is included each morning, as well as afternoon snacks, sodas and complimentary local microbrews and wine each evening after dinner. 888-869-2189, www.bearmountainlodge.net

In Bethlehem, The Highlands Inn "Gas Credit" is worth 25 cents a mile (up to $50) rebate on the gas it takes to get there. The rebate is 30 cents a mile for hybrid drivers. This special has been extended through June 30, with a two night minimum stay. From July 1 - Sept 25, the gas credit will also be offered, with a stay of five or more nights. . 877-LES-B-INN (537-2466), www.highlandsinn-nh.com

Also in Campton, the Days Inn mid-week special deducts $25 in gas money from two-night stays, Mon-Thurs. For more than two nights, the discount is $10 off per night. Offer not valid during Laconia Motorcycle Week. 800-370-8666, www.daysinncampton.com

In Jackson, the Inn at Ellis River offers "We'll Fuel You Up!" Guests who stay two or more nights in a fireplace room (non-jacuzzi, non-balcony) between now and mid-July receive a gas refund up to $50 (calculated on the basis of distance traveled at 25 mpg fuel consumption).  800-233-8309. www.innatellisriver.com

In Lincoln, Beacon Resort offers a T.G.I.F. ("The Gas Is Free") package. The family resort includes a voucher for 10 gallons of gas with a three night meal plan stay, 20 gallon voucher with a seven night meal plan stay (the voucher is redeemable nearby at Wayne's Market). Starting at $209 pp/do, the package includes full breakfasts and dinners. 800-258-8934, www.beaconresort.com

Also in Lincoln, the Indian Head Resort rewards guests who stay three or more consecutive midweek nights with a $50 gas certificate.  Offer is valid Sunday - Thursday nights only, May 4 - August 2. and August 23 - Sept. 25, 2008. 800-343-8000, www.indianheadresort.com

In Littleton, Eastgate Inn & Restaurant's "Spring into Summer" promotion includes a $20 (per 2-night stay) gas voucher. Guests who book the package receive a gas voucher good at the local Littleton Irving. Offer available through May and June. 800-688-5379, www.eastgatemotorinn.com

In North Conway, the Farm by the River Bed and Breakfast with Stables has a "Tanks a Lot" special. Stay three nights and they deduct the cost of five gallons of gas from the bill (up to $4/gallon). Guests who stay five nights get the equivalent cost of 10 gallons of gas deducted. 888-414-8353, www.farmbytheriver.com

Also in North Conway, the Old Red Inn offers a gift certificate for $25 to a local gas station for guests who stay 3 nights or more. 800-338-1356, www.oldredinn.com

In Pinkham Notch, the Mt. Washington Auto Road announces "$2.99 Weekends" during the month of June. On the four weekends in June, visitors who drive their own vehicles on the Mt. Washington Auto Road may purchase gas at the Auto Road for the price of $2.99 per gallon. Gasoline is only available to customers who have purchased entrance to the Mt. Washington Auto Road. Individual gas containers will not be permitted; gasoline must go directly into the tank of the vehicle. Gasoline will be available for purchase during regular operating hours: 7:30a.m. - 6:00p.m. daily, weather permitting. Call 603.466.3988 or visit www.mtwashingtonautoroad.com.

In Sugar Hill, the Sugar Hill Inn "Road Less Taken" package, rewards guests with $30 in gas money. The Inn's two-night promotion is applicable to Sun-Thurs stays in May or June. 800-548-4748, www.sugarhillinn.com

NEW JERSEY

Park Ridge

"CARS EAT FREE" AT THE PARK RIDGE MARRIOTT. Weekend Package Includes Free $25 Gas Card For Each Night Of Stay

NEW MEXICO

Santa Fe

The Eldorado Hotel & Spa is offering the Santa Fe Gas Rebate. To obtain their $50 food and beverage credit, travelers need to present a dated gas receipt upon arrival that corresponds with the date of check-in to receive the credit.  The Santa Fe Gas Rebate honors all receipts upon arrival from now through September 6, 2008.  Room rates start at $219 per night. Rates are based on double occupancy, do not include tax or service charge and discount cannot be combined with other promotional rates.  One $50 food and beverage voucher per room per stay.

For reservations or information please visit www.eldordadohotel.com or call (800) 955-4455 and mention Santa Fe Gas Rebate when booking.

NEW YORK

New York City 

New York City's historic Algonquin Hotel is offering a 15 percent discount off their best available rate to all guests driving into the Big Apple this Spring.

Guests will receive the 15 percent discount by presenting their parking ticket upon check-in, and the discount will automatically be applied to their nightly rate.  Guests are then encouraged to leave their vehicles parked for the remainder of their stay and discover New York City car-free. Offer good until June 30,2008 www.algonquinhotel.com

NORTH CAROLINA

Saluda

The Oaks B&B. To ease nagging gas pains, book a stay between now and June 15, and receive a $25 gift card upon your arrival redeemable for fuel, bottled water, snacks or Gas-X.

OKLAHOMA

Oklahoma City

-Renaissance Oklahoma City Convention Center Hotel: Drive OKC - Escape Transportation- SUITE $199/ Standard $159; 2 night minimum, $25 gas card. www.marriott.com

TENNESSEE

Nashville

The Tank Saver Trip to Music City vacation package includes a free $30 gas gift card, a Summer Travel Fun Pack, a free 20% off merchandise coupon for the Nashville Visitor Information Center and a minimum of one night in a Nashville Hotel. Add on some of your favorite Music City attractions to make your trip complete! www.visitmusiccity.com/visitors/vacationpackages

TEXAS

Austin

Renaissance Austin Hotel:  Receive a complimentary $50 gas card at check-in. Book this two-night stay at $159 per night for any Friday-Saturday or Saturday – Sunday stay over and receive a $50 gas card.

Bedford 

Marriott Courtyard DFW West on Airport Freeway in Bedford is giving away a $25 gas card for each night 's stay.
Courtyard at DFW West (Bedford) valid Thursdays thru Sundays until 9/15/08. Marriot.com

Grapevine

Gaylord Texan Resort. Package starts at $199 plus tax, includes self parking, resort fee, breakfast for 2 adults and 2 children and one-time $50 travel credit for at least two-night stay.
Book through Texas & Oklahoma AAA offices, or call 800-457-6338 for more info.

VERMONT

Waitsfield

Wilder Farm Inn. Vermont is French for green mountain, and you can keep it that way by carpooling or driving a hybrid to Wilder Farm. Stay two nights at the regular price now through July and each additional night is $100; save an additional $10 if you drive a hybrid or carpool with friends who are also staying here, then put your savings right into the fuel tank.