Hotel chains offering free extra nights

Hotels are tempting travelers with free nights and other promotions.

• The Intercontinental Hotels group is offering a free night after two paid nights at participating properties worldwide with the Biggest Free Nights promotion. The offer is valid for stays at Intercontinental, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, Staybridge Suites or Candlewood Suites through July 3.

The two qualifying nights don't have to be consecutive or at the same brand of hotel. Travelers can earn up to four free nights, and the free nights may be used for travel July 3 through Dec. 26. Guests must be members of the free Priority Club Rewards program; register before travel at www.getafreenight.com.

• Starwood brand hotels are offering one free weekend night after every two paid stays through July 31. The offer is valid for stays at Sheraton, Westin, W Hotels, Four Points, the Luxury Collection, Aloft, Le Meridien, Element and St. Regis. There's no limit to the number of free nights that may be earned, and the awards may be used for consecutive night stays. Awards are valid at participating properties for Friday, Saturday or Sunday stays through September. Register for the SPG Free Weekends promotion before travel. www.spg.com/freeweekends.

• Best Western is offering a $50 gift card to be used toward a future stay when you stay two times at a qualifying rate through June 14. Guests must register before travel. The gift card is valid through July 31, 2010. Guests can earn up to 500 bonus points each time they book their qualifying stay online at www.bestwestern.com. To register, go to www.bestwestern.com/jump.

• Marriott is offering double credits to Marriott Rewards members for paid stays May 11 through June 26 at participating properties worldwide. Register before travel at www.marriott.com/rewards.

Tom Parsons is publisher of BestFares.com