Hotel deals urge travelers to stay in state, not at home

— -- Hotels across the USA are giving state residents special breaks to encourage vacations despite high gas prices and a weakening economy.

Floridians, Texans, North Carolinians and others can find state resident specials at almost every type of hotel, from historic spots to chic boutique lodgings to family-friendly beach resorts.

The in-state deals come with strings attached. Most are based on availability, require a minimum stay, apply to certain rooms or nights, and require proof of identification. Some properties, such as the Pomegranate House & Cottages in Granbury, Texas, don't advertise the deals but give them to people who ask.

Most of the deals are specific to individual hotels. But Marriott is testing the concept by offering 15%-25% discounts for stays of at least two days through Labor Day at 20 Florida hotels near destinations such as Disney World, which also offers special rates to Floridians. The test includes Marriotts, Courtyards and other Marriott brands. If the promotion boosts business, Marriott plans to expand it, says Mark Martens, a Marriott executive.

New York City has launched a citywide promotion that includes third-night-free specials at many hotels for New Yorkers. The goal is to "remind New Yorkers that people come from all over the world to experience what's in their backyards," says Kimberly Spell, spokeswoman for NYC & Co.

Deals are also being seen at:

•Beachfront resorts. Through Aug. 17, the Sheraton in Atlantic Beach, N.C., is offering state residents a four-night fishing package with fishing passes, use of fishing poles and bait for four people plus a $50 gas card. The package price, normally $796, drops to $556 for residents Aug. 18 to Oct. 26.

"Most people are going closer to home for vacations," says Tim Peters, the hotel's general manager.

•Historic hotels. The Biltmore in Providence is offering a nightly rate of $129 to any state resident who spends at least two nights through Sept. 30, better than the standard AAA discount of 10%.

•Luxury hotels. San Francisco's Huntington Hotel cut the price of its in-state-resident package to $499 from $625. The price buys Californians a night in a city-view suite and some limo service. Through Sept. 25, the Fairmont in Dallas is giving Texans 20% off the nightly rate, or 30% off for stays of three nights or longer.

•Boutique hotels. In Aspen, Colo., the Sky Hotel — a Kimpton boutique hotel — is offering a deluxe room and free valet parking for $109 a night to residents of Pitkin, Eagle or Garfield counties. The deal is available Oct. 6 to Nov. 25. In Denver, the upscale boutique spot Hotel Teatro is giving in-state residents 20% off nightly rates through Dec. 31.