Hilton Launches Seven New Applications for iPhones

What’s a vacation without convenience? When you get off your flight and walk into your hotel room, you want to be able to toss your luggage and flop down on the bed – not stress about checking in, or quelling your starvation after a long flight. If you’re an iPhone or iPod Touch user, you might want to check out Hilton’s new applications that make all this easier with a touch of a button.

According to USA Today, the hotel chain will unveil seven applications for its brands in approximately two weeks, depending on Apple’s approval. Each one will allow users to find hotels in different cities using a GPS technology, and have the ability to book, cancel and change reservations from their devices.

You can also check Hilton HHonors loyalty points.

This Weekend Away: Cheap Travel to Las Vegas

Got plans this weekend? Even if you do, chances are they aren’t as good as the plans we’ve cooked up for you. No offense, we’re sure your dinner party would have been thrilling – but this is Sin City. So cancel your lovely little gathering, pack the most scandalous pieces of your wardrobe, and get on a flight to Las Vegas. We’re betting it’s far more memorable and quite plainly more fun.

We’re not, however, guaranteeing that you won’t get in trouble while you’re there. Hey, we just make the plans.

Weekend: Friday, Nov. 13 – Sunday, Nov. 15
Destination: Las Vegas

Hotel Deal: Starwood Hotels & Resorts up to 50% Off

This isn’t the first time Starwood Hotels & Resorts has offered major discounts on their rooms (and we hope it won’t be the last). The latest promotion offers guests up to 50 percent off and is good at Starwood Hotels and Resorts around the world for stays through early 2010.

Destinations include San Francisco, Aruba and Las Vegas. When searching for a room, pay careful attention to the valid dates for each location, as well as which holidays are included. For instance, The Westin in Las Vegas is offering sale rates for Thanksgiving and Christmas weeks. Sale prices are only valid for arrivals on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday.

Marriott Deal in Mexico, from $53 Nightly

Viva la Marriott! As the harsh summer temperatures wane in Mexico, Marriott Hotels is making it even more enticing (read: free margaritas) to book a hotel in Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and other Mexican hot spots.

The “Experience Mexico” package includes 25 percent off rooms at Marriott and JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts, two free margaritas and Mexican appetizer per room, per stay and upgrades based on hotel availability. Plus, guests will receive a recipe souvenir from Mexican chefs. Stay at a Courtyard or Fairfield Inn by Marriott and receive the same perks, minus the upgrades. 

Priceline Introduces Hotel-Bidding Application for iPhones

This week, we told you about Travelocity’s new appeal for hotel-hunters searching for a bargain. Not to be outdone, Priceline announced a new application for the iPhone and iTouch that allows users last-minute access to hotel bidding.

Using its “Name Your Own Price” campaign, the company’s new application allows you to bid on hotels while you’re out and about. Deemed the “Hotel Negotiator,” it lets you choose from the top 50 US destinations from a drop-down menu, and get more specific with your city area and hotel in the process. Once you pick a place, the bidding starts.

The Hotel Negotiator then displays the current average bidding rates (without taxes or fees) for hotels of your chosen star rating in your preferred area of the city, and you’re allowed to make bids once you enter your credit card number.

Travelocity Announces Refunds for Travelers Who Find Cheaper Hotel Rates

In an effort to compete with Orbitz, Expedia, and Priceline.com, Travelocity has made an announcement to please all travelers looking to save a dime on hotel rooms.

From now on, Travelocity promises that if you book a hotel stay through their site and then find a cheaper deal elsewhere up to one day before you stay, it will refund you the difference in price. For travelers who find a difference before Dec. 31, you’ll also get a $50 credit toward a future booking with Travelocity.

All you need to do is send a screen grab to prove the price difference.

M Resort in Vegas Offering Christmas Credits

Trade in snow for the Strip this Christmas season.  One of Las Vegas’ newest resorts is bringing holiday cheer to Sin City.

M Resort is offering their “Fa La La La Package,” which includes a $75 dining credit and room rates from $110 per night. Plus, guests will be treated to a winter wonderland scene on the resort’s pool deck. Check out the 100-plus foot Christmas tree, listen to carolers and sip on hot chocolate.

The package requires a minimum stay of two nights and the dining credit is good at several restaurants, including Veloce Cibo, Marinelli’s and Red Cup Café.  The offer is valid for stays through Dec. 29.

Discount Hotels: Ocean Maya Resort in Mexico, $45/ Night All-inclusive

A newly-renovated hotel usually means one thing: steep prices. That's not the case with the Ocean Maya Resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

The all-inclusive resort is celebrating its grand reopening with some of the lowest rates out there -- $45 per person, per night. The price includes all meals, beverages, taxes and tips. Plus, other perks are included: two kids stay and eat free, 10 percent off spa treatments and daily transfers to downtown Playa del Carmen.

The resort, which has more than 315 rooms, boasts two adult pools, one children’s pool, tennis courts, water sports, four restaurants and two pool bars. It’s located near Playa del Carmen, Cancun and Cozumel.

Discount Hotels: Marriott Resorts Gives $100 Credits Each Day

Don’t you hate it when someone tells you how to spend your money? Marriott Resorts wouldn’t dare, but they are giving guests up to $100 in daily resort credits to spend however they like.

Choose from 29 Marriott-family resorts (JW Marriott, Marriott and Renaissance) in the U.S., Caribbean, Mexico and Costa Rica. The daily resort credits can be used for a variety of things, including spa treatments and golf.

Note: Unused credits can’t be redeemed for cash. To get the $50 or $100 daily resort credit, book a room using promo code D50.  The offer is good for stays through Jan. 31.

Discount Hotels: Free Night, Room Upgrade, and Breakfast at the Hyatt

With Hyatt’s latest promotion, travelers have their pick of 18 resorts with three perks: a free night, a free one-category room upgrade and free daily breakfast for two.

It’s a lot of numbers, we know, but it’s easy to just remember it as “ Three for Free” and you can choose a beach destination like Aruba, a spa location like Scottsdale or a family-friendly destination like Orlando.

Travel is good through Dec. 18 at the 18 participating Hyatt resorts. It’s a good idea to check the minimum night requirement at your desired destination because they can vary from place to place.