Free offers worth more at hotels than airlines

The Department of Transportation recently decided that airlines advertising free companion tickets had to add an asterisk and explain that taxes and fees still had to be paid. That was helpful, but begged the real issue.

Many free(*) companion tickets require the purchase of a fare hundreds of dollars more than the cheapest available. What the free(*) deal does is perhaps save $100 or so on two tickets. Always comparison-shop before booking.

But there are times when “free” can be used without an asterisk. Hotels that offer free added values and free nights are generally playing it straight.

Through Sept. 30, Hyatt’s Faster Free Nights deal provides one free night for every two stays (two actual checkouts). Redeem them through Nov. 30. You must be a Gold Passport member and pay with a MasterCard. Contact: www.goldpassport.com.

It also pays to join Wyndham ByRequest (through www.wyndham.com). The Wyndham El Conquistador in Puerto Rico offers members a three-night package with two-for-one offers: golf, spa treatment, water sports and airport transportation. You also get $100 food credit. Nightly rates through Oct. 17 start at $158. Contact: (866) 996-4320 and cite the ByRequest Summer Spectacular.

Concorde Hotels’ seven Paris properties are offering a free fourth night through Sept. 30. This is one of many promotions including low rates guaranteed in U.S. dollars. Check them out at www.concordehotels.com or call (800) 888-4747. The fourth-night-free offer can be found by clicking on “Paris More Attractive Than Ever” on the home page. The U.S. dollar guaranteed rate can be booked only by phone.

Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts and Visa have an offer that gives a free weekend night to cardholders who complete two stays by next June 30. Le Meridien Moments members can sign up at www.lemeridien.com/visa.

United passengers can get a free night at Marriott. Airfare must be purchased at www.united.com and hotel stays booked by Sept. 2, for check-in through Dec. 25. A minimum stay of three nights from Thursday through Monday is required. After the flight is purchased, contact a travel agent, or Marriott (866-775-5566; www.marriott.com) and request the United/Marriott offer.

Buy four nights at one of three Four Seasons and receive a fifth night free through Oct. 30. Locations: Costa Rica (rates from $290), Nevis (from $295) and Great Exuma in the Bahamas (from $275). Contact: (866) 424-2726; www.fourseasons.com.

The Fall into America’s Caribbean promotion offers a room upgrade and fifth night free on the U.S. Virgin Islands. Also get the fourth night free on a car rental and a $50 American Express traveler’s check. Available through Dec. 15. Bookings must be made by Nov. 15 through a participating travel agent. Contact: www.usvitourism.vi.