Hotel discounts for driving a hybrid

Don't sweat the high price of gas this summer -- if you're driving a hybrid car to certain hotels. Not only does that Prius or hybrid Civic save money on the way to your vacation, some hotels are offering discounts for hybrid-car drivers.

Low emissions, lower your stress, what a deal!

Check out these offers:

• The Onyx Hotel and Hotel Marlowe in Boston (both Kimpton properties) have Green Road Warrior packages that give $20 off for guests arriving in qualifying hybrid vehicles.


• Kimpton's 70 Park Avenue Hotel in New York City also has a Green Road Warrior deal for hybrid car drivers. You'll get a $20 gas card, plus complimentary parking (which usually costs $42 per day!) and a hosted wine hour.


• In fact, many of the Kimpton's boutique hotels around the U.S. have introduced some kind of perk for hybrid drivers, so keep an eye out.


• The Heathman Hotel in Portland, Oregon, gives free parking for those arriving in a "green-friendly" or hybrid car. Considering that other downtown hotels charge $15 to $25 per night for parking, this is a considerable savings.


• Fairmont Hotels and Resorts throughout California and Arizona (such as in San Jose) now offer free parking for overnight guests driving hybrid vehicles. Again, a nice deal in pricy downtown areas.


• The L.A. Times mentions two deals at California bed-and-breakfasts. The Colonial Terrace in Carmel-by-the-Sea gives $25 off the bill for those who drive up in a hybrid car. The Barretta Gardens Inn in Sonora offers $50 off.


• The Kings Inn Bed & Breakfast , in Summerville, South Carolina, gives hybrid-vehicle owners 10% off their stay in this historic area near Charleston.


• The Iris Inn in Waynesboro, Virginia, offers a 5% discount to guests who arrive in a hybrid car. Plus, two or more couples traveling in one vehicle can save 10% per room with the "carpooler" special. What a great way to go green and see the Blue Ridge Mountains.


• The Inn on the Alameda in Santa Fe, New Mexico, offers a Wholly Hybrid package if you drive up in your hybrid car. In addition to receiving $50 in cash, you'll get $20 for a car wash to remove that desert dust.


• Pilgrim's Inn in Deer Isle, Maine, thanks hybrid drivers for being eco-conscious by taking $40 of their stay at this Penobscot Bay bed and breakfast.


• Lookout Point Lakeside Inn in Hot Springs, Arkansas, takes off $10 per night for guests who arrive by hybrid car. That savings adds up.

As with all travel deals, make sure to confirm the details when you make a reservation because limitations, minimum stays, and blackout dates may apply.

These are just the top discounts we found searching the Web. Watch your local paper's travel section for new offers, and ask around at hotels, especially ones making "green" claims.