''We recently recalculated our actual budget," says Carol White, ''using $2.25 as the average price over the same 37,500 miles, and it only moved the expense to 8 percent of the total cost, and still the fifth-largest expense." (More at www.roadtripdream.com.)
Not only that, but hoteliers know a gimmick when they see one, and some are offering ''rebates." Here are three examples:
Guests of Loews Hotels in Annapolis, Chicago, Washington, and New Orleans will receive a $20.25 discount when presenting gas receipts with dates that correspond to their stay. Nightly rates are $155-$199. The offer at Loews Denver is a little different: Guests get a rebate equaling the current cost of a barrel of oil (somewhere around $55) when they book a two-night stay under the Loews Best Rate plan.
To book the Fuel Up special, call Loews Annapolis at 800-526-2593; the Jefferson, a Loews Hotel in Washington, 800-235-6397; the House of Blues Hotel in Chicago, 877-569-3742; and Loews New Orleans, 866-211-6411. For the Loews Denver Fuel Rebate, call 303-639-1653. Mention the offers when booking, and for information on the hotels, visit www.loewshotels.com.
In sunny Santa Fe, the Eldorado Resort & Spa offers a $50 credit to weekend travelers (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) who, upon arrival, present a dated gas receipt that corresponds with their check-in day. Rates start at $199 a night and the offer is good through Sept. 15. Visit www.eldoradohotel.com or call 800-955-4455.
In Ithaca, N.Y., home of Cornell University and Ithaca College, La Tourelle Country Inn is taking 15 cents a mile off nightly rates of $129 for every mile traveled from home to hotel and back. The Gas Pass program is valid for two-night minimum stays Sunday-Thursday through Dec. 15, with proof of gas receipts that correspond to the inn visit. (The fine print: Maximum mileage is 750, and proof of home address is required.) Visit www.latourelleinn.com or call 800-765-1492.
