Next time you stay at a Westin hotel, you may be able to rent workout clothes and New Balance shoes. The program is currently being tested in 10 properties and it’s been so successful that there are plans to roll it out to more locations over the next few months. I’m not sure the germaphobe in me could do this, but it’s an interesting offering. Of course, the clothes are washed after each use and the sneakers come with brand new socks and disposable insoles.

Westin Workout

Members of the Hilton HHonors program can earn a complimentary ticket to a concert when with every stay at a Hilton hotel through September 30, 2009. Participants who enroll in the promotion will receive the ticket as a promo code redeemable on Live Nation after they complete their stay. If you are not yet an HHonors member, you can sign up online for free. For more information and a list of participating concerts please visit:

Hilton HHonors Rock n’ Roll Summer

Have you ever loved something you used at a hotel? Many actually have online stores so you can buy products you enjoyed during your stay from the toiletries all the way up to the beds. Here are a few from popular chains:

W Hotels

Ritz Carlton

Westin Hotels

Hilton Hotels

Hyatt Hotels

Radisson Hotels and Resorts

Sofitel

Although many hotels are offering unheard of deals to lure in customers during these tough economic times, some are pricier than ever. According to a 2008 survey by the Hogg Robinson Group, the following cities have the highest average prices for a hotel stay, listed in order from most expensive:

1. Moscow
2. New York
3. Paris
4. Mumbai
5. Abu Dhabi
6. Milan
7. Geneva
8. Dubai
9. Stockholm
10. Zurich

It costs an average of $500/night to stay in Moscow which tops the list and NYC is close behind at just over $400/night. While it may seem like the worst time to visit any of these places, with the record low airfares I’ve seen for some of them you may still end up paying less for your trip than you would in a better economy.

In yet another effort to “green” travel, many hotels located in cities are offering the use of bikes to their guests for free. The Ace Hotel in Portland Oregon offers Dutch bikes while the Gansevoort South in Miami stocks glow in the dark Pumas. In Chicago, The James has Paul Frank bikes and all properties in the Westin Element chain carry trek bikes.

Source: National Geographic Traveler

Through December 31st, Kimpton hotels will reimburse guests for any airline’s second checked bag fee, up to $25, when they travel to one of the chain’s properties. The refund will be presented as a credit to the traveler’s hotel room when proof of the charge is shown at check-in. Kimpton’s aim is to help their customers travelling with extra luggage during the holiday season save some cash.

Kimpton Hotels “We Got Your Bag” Offer

I love staying in 4 and 5 star hotels but I usually can’t afford their normal rates. Even the swankiest place have sales, but they are often last minute and you don’t want to end up with no room because you were waiting for a deal that never came. Here’s the strategy I always follow for getting the best hotel for my money:

-When I schedule a trip, I immediately book the nicest hotel I can afford for my stay. I rely heavily on Tripadvisor and other reviews of hotels on the web. I always read the reservation policy carefully and make sure I book a rate that can be cancelled.

-If the hotel is a top place, I’ll leave it at that. If I’m hoping to stay someplace nicer, I’ll check out the hotel deals for the city I’m headed to every couple of days leading up to my trip. To do this, I’ll visit Travelzoo, click the “Hotels Only” button at the top of the page, type in my destination and search it. If there is a particular hotel I’m hoping to stay in, I’ll sign up for e-mail alerts on their website so I’ll get notified right away when they have a sale.

-If I find a good price at a better hotel than the one I’ve already booked, I’ll reserve a room at the new place and cancel at the old one. If I never find a better deal, I’ll stick with my first reservation. Either way, I have a place to sleep and I know I’ve found the best deal I could get.

Many people suffer from allergies severe enough to affect them when they stay in hotels. Whether they require completely dust free rooms or special bedding, it can be tough for them to find a place to get a good night’s sleep on the road. Thankfully, many hotels are catching on and accommodating this group. Wyndam Hotels has announced plans to reserve at least 25 rooms per hotel as allergy friendly. Nylo Hotels are designating an entire floor at each of their properties. Manadarin Oriental, Four Seasons and Peninsula are also getting in on the act by setting aside rooms with special air filters and hypo-allergenic bedding.

If you have special needs because of allergies, always call your hotel ahead of time to see if they can accommodate you. If they can’t, I suggest calling or e-mailing their customer service and letting them know about your issues. The more requests a hotel gets, the more likely they’ll be to address them.

Source: Travel and Leisure

Now through March 31st, guests of any Intercontinental Hotel in the U.S., including Puerto Rico, will receive a $50 Visa gift card when they pay for their room with a Visa card. A Friday or Saturday night stay is required and you must be a member of their Priority Club. Membership is free and you can join instantly on their website here.

Source: Global Traveler

We always end up forgetting something when we go on vacation. If that something is a bathing suit, it may not be a problem any longer. Many hotels and spas worldwide are now stocking disposable swimwear. While not the most stylish attire, they are chlorine and seawater resistant for up to nine uses. The best part? No wet suit to take home! When your trip is over, you can toss it in the trash.

Hyatt and Four Seasons are among the chains participating, but you should check with the front desk at any hotel if you find yourself in need of swimwear before spending time and money buying something new.

Source: Travel and Leisure