Friday Travel Deal

I receive quite a few press releases weekly announcing hotel deals for both groups and individuals. We don't often publish such offers in our print magazine because we receive them when the promotion begins and by the time we can get it into an issue, it's often too late for a planner to take advantage of it.

So starting today, I would like to introduce the Friday Travel Deal, which will serve as a forum for sharing some of these specials with our readers.

In an effort to reward eco-friendly travelers, the Renaissance Chicago O'Hare Hotel is offering complimentary, prime parking spots, a pair of CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) passes and a cup of Starbucks green tea to guests that drive hybrid vehicles. "It's important that we work together to become more ecologically responsible," says Mark Zettl, hotel general manager.

The all-suites hotel opened in February 2005 and offers 362 guestrooms, ranging in size from 535 to 915 square feet; 21,500 square feet of flexible meeting space, including a 5,000-square-foot ballroom for groups of up to 800; 13 luxury suites and the Club Lounge on the Club Level; complimentary Wi-Fi access in all public areas; a business center, indoor swimming pool and fitness center, all open 24/7; and free shuttle service to and from O'Hare airport, where guests can acces the public transit system.

Room rates start at $109 per night, and the promotion is valid now through Dec. 31, 2006. For more info, call (773) 380-9600 or visit www.renaissanceohare.com.