Hotels

About 54 percent of hoteliers who participated in a recent American Hotel & Lodging Association survey said they expect 2009 to be worse than 2008. Those fears will translate into better deals for consumers, according to Kitty Bean Yancey, USA Today travel writer and Hotel Hotsheet blog author. “We're now seeing fire-sale rates in popular Las Vegas hotels -- you can stay on the Strip in a decent room for less than $50 a night and in the usually-pricey Bellagio for $129 on certain dates. Manhattan, where it was difficult to find a decent room under $250 a year ago, is more affordable, too. Expect under-$150 rates at some Midtown hotels in January. Even luxury lodgings are bestowing meal and spa credits or complimentary extra nights.’’