Come stay and they promise to help you at the pump
'Round and 'round they go - the dials on the gas pump, that is. As prices pass $4 a gallon en route to a predicted $5, many are considering vacations closer to home. Travel providers, meanwhile, are coming up with ever more creative offers that profess to give you a break at the pump. What you must gauge is whether your total savings will be best with a gas offer, some other discount, or a similar property with no offers but a lower price to start. Here are some offers from places not too far away:
- In Ashland, N.H., the Glynn House Inn covers many bases by calling its package Recreation, Romance, Relaxation & Gas Refill Rebates Too! The package includes a $20 per night gas rebate on your room bill if you stay any two evenings between June 22 and July 19. Prices range from $139 to $279 a night, depending on the room. (The offer is not valid on previously booked reservations or packages.)
Visit glynnhouse.com or call 866-686-4362 or 603-968-3775. For more New Hampshire gas offers, go to visitnh.gov.
- Book a June cruise and Maine Windjammer Association members will include a $50 gas card. All-inclusive prices range from $400-$995 for a three- to six-day cruise. (One gas card per reservation, and the offer cannot be combined with any other discounts.)
Visit sailmainecoast.com or call 800-807-WIND (-9463) and ask for the Sail Away Gas-Free promotion.
- When you reserve a room at the Westin Boston Waterfront through Sept. 1, the national retail average price of gas as quoted weekly by the US Department of Energy, is recorded with the reservation. When you check in, if gas prices have risen, the guest receives $1 off the standard room rate for every penny the amount has increased since the date of the booking. If gas prices have dropped between the time of reservation and check-in, you get $2 off the standard room rate for every cent the amount has decreased.
Call 617-532-4600 or 800-937-8461 and ask for rate code FUEL. The website is westin.com/bostonwaterfront.
- People booking two nights at Stowe Mountain Lodge in Stowe, Vt., get a $25 gas card, and a three-night reservation includes a $50 card. Guests staying four or more nights get a $100 gas card, and hybrid vehicles valet-park for free (a savings of $17 per night). The Relax and Refuel offer is valid June 20-Dec. 30. Summer rates are $299-$1,199 and autumn prices are $399-$1,599, depending on the room.
Visit stowemountainlodge.com or call 888-4-STOWE-VT (478-6938).
- An all-inclusive Summer Unlimited package is available at five lodgings in New Hampshire's Waterville Valley: Golden Eagle Lodge, Town Square Condominiums, Black Bear Lodge, Village Condominium, and the Snowy Owl Inn. Prices range from $135-$145 a night, and units accommodate two to eight people. If you stay four nights or more, and book your stay on the Waterville Valley Resort website, you can download a voucher valid for $40 at the Waterville Valley gas station.
Go to visitwatervillevalley.com or call 800-GO-VALLEY (800-468-2553).
- In New York, the Road Warrior package at the 70 park avenue hotel includes a $20 gas card, wine hour, and complimentary parking. Prices start at $289 a night through September.
Visit 70parkave.com/specials.html or call 877-707-2752.
- If you are still thinking about canceling a trip because of gas prices, put things in perspective and consider these strategies from Carol White, co-author of "Live Your Road Trip Dream: Travel for a Year for the Cost of Staying Home" (RLI Press, 2004): "When you add up all the expenses of a vacation, fuel only counts as about the second or third highest expense. Typically, food and lodging will cost more than fuel. If you need to cut back, consider RVing or eating more meals in, or renting a slightly less expensive lodging."
When not included, hotel taxes can add significantly to the price. Most prices quoted are for double occupancy. Offers are subject to availability and there may be blackout dates. Richard P. Carpenter can be reached at carpenter@globe.com. 