Nabbing travel deals, from hotel discounts to free companion flight

If you're in the market for a hotel room, you can get some pretty good deals. The hotel industry is suffering in the current economy, and discounts and incentives are being offered to fill those empty rooms.

Many hotels are trying to keep their prices up by offering guests freebies and perks instead of discounted room rates. For example, you can get a Lion King Package at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas for $276, which includes two nights at the hotel, tickets to "The Lion King" ($64 value each), a free child's admission to the Shark Reef Aquarium when you buy an adult admission, $25 resort credit and 25 percent off a spa treatment. This promotion runs through Feb. 28. See www.mandalaybay.com/ (click on "rooms" and then "promotions").

Sometimes it's the country itself that subsidizes the incentives. The last time I went to the Caribbean, I received a Visa gift card that I could spend during my vacation. Currently, if you travel to the Bahamas and stay in selected hotels, you can get a companion fare and pay only the taxes and fees on that companion ticket. This offer is valid when buying an American Express vacation by March 3, with a four-night minimum package for travel now through March 18, and April 19 through June 23. www.americanexpressvacations.com/offers/bahamasfreeairfare.htm. Don't overlook hotel-loyalty programs. Travelers might think of hotel frequent-stay programs mainly as a way to earn free nights, but these free programs can offer more than that. Members often receive special rates, and sometimes additional perks such as free breakfast or a room upgrade, just for being part of the club.

These loyalty programs can pay off for business travelers, but even if you don't travel very often, it's worth your while to sign up, which costs you nothing.

Many programs have airline partners, so you could earn miles instead of points if you don't think you'll accumulate enough points to redeem them. These programs also offer bonus periods when you can earn additional points.

Hotels offer a variety of exclusive rates for members of their loyalty programs. Sample deals include free breakfast for two, $50 in Bonus Bucks and a pair of mittens for Thursday through Sunday winter stays in Canada for Marriott Rewards members. For stays at Hyatt through February, members get 30 percent off rates, 50 percent off food and beverage purchases and 1,500 Gold Passport bonus points. Details: www.marriott.com/rewards and www.goldpassport.hyatt.com.