FREE SLEEPS, PART II

Offering a free night or two to paying guests isn't the most original promotion from luxury hotels these days, but our deal-filled in-box signals a trend that's here to stay. Until the economy picks up and hotel occupancies bounce back, anyways. Here are few of the latest enticements to land in our lap this week: At the brand new 11-suite Tintswalo Atlantic on the ocean in Cape Town (where I'm seen--in the white top--enjoying breakfast with friends), stay for three nights and you'll only pay for two. Nightly rates from $710/room include a gourmet dinner on arrival, daily breakfast (check out the oceanfront spread!) and afternoon tea plus complimentary shuttle service to the V&A Waterfront. Extend your stay in South Africa and experience any of the Tintswalo properties (including Tintswalo Safari Lodge and Tintswalo Waterfall, a lovely 16-suite boutique hotel outside Jo-berg) for seven nights, while only being billed for six. Book through us and we'll get you spa treatments, wine and more thrown into the deal.

Enjoy a different style of posh (and surprisingly affordable) living in Vegas at Palms Place Hotel & Spa. This 599-suite pleasure palace not only offers a $259 nightly rate (inclusive of a one-way airport limo transfer and accommodations in a 1,200 square-foot suite) but kindly throws in the the third night gratis.

A fifth night free at Four Seasons Wailea at Maui could be just the remedy for early winter blues. Offered Jan. 4-17, Jan 23-Mar 12, and April 19-June 26 (and again on select fall '09 dates), this deal applies to all rooms/suites except the lowest-priced mountainside rooms and the ultra-swanky Maile Suite.

Sister property Four Seasons Costa Rica also has a fifth-night free program in play in 2009, as well as a "pay for five, get the 6th and 7th free" when booking a two- or three-room private residence Jan 5-March 12. Come summer, families who pay for one room will get a second for the kiddies at half the price. Exclusive: Book your Costa Rica stay through Elite Travel International, and enjoy VIP treatment and Preferred Partner perks such as daily breakfast and a round of golf!