Hotels Attract Guests With Free Gas

Recent polls show high gas prices are forcing people to change summer vacation plans. But that trip doesn't have to break the bank - and you may actually get some of your gas for free.

Some Bay area hotel managers know high prices at the pump may make getting away more difficult. That's why they're getting creative with ways to help travelers and help their businesses at the same time.

Becky Fox, marketing and sales manager at the Hampton Inn in Ybor City, says that starting in June, her hotel is giving $25 gas cards to those who stay there two nights or more.

The hotel hopes that a little free gas makes travelers from St. Petersburg, Clearwater or even Orlando more likely to take an overnight trip to Tampa.

Fox says she has seen business slow down some, so the hotel has lowered summer rates by $60.

"The accommodations are reasonable ... and on top I get an incentive for gas? It's a no brainer," said guest Keith Mitchell.

The hotel even offers a free shuttle, so guests don't have to pay for gas to ride around historic Ybor City.

Other hotels are also in on the incentives game. If you plan on visiting the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino during June, you could win a $100 gas card.

"It's a hundred dollars each time in gas that we're giving away," said Doug Hoppe, of the Hard Rock. "That'll absolutely pay for a tank even if you drive a big SUV."

So at a moment when money could stand in the way of a vacation, hotel managers hope their gas giveaways will grab your attention.

Hotels offering gas giveaways:

The Hampton Inn & Suites - Ybor City will offer guests who stay for 2 nights at a discounted rate a $25 gas card.

The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino will give away one $100 gas card every hour from 2 to 6 p.m. every Sunday in June.

The InterContinental Hotel in Tampa will give guests a $40 gas rebate with a 2-night weekend stay from May through September.