Has anyone had experience with the HalfPrice HotelCard? Just received an offer and am looking for the "fine print." Do reservations have to be made through the Cendant Company? Does this company have other similar marketing programs? (We often have 50 or 60 nights a year in motels--thus our interest.)

It's not the fine print that I have a problem with in these promotions, it's what's in the big print. Namely, the list of motels you're getting at "half off". Compare the price you'll pay versus the price you pay if you simply stay at budget motels like Super Eight or Days Inn (both offer discount programs of their own, at no cost whatsoever to you). 50% off a motel that normally charges $120 a night is no bargain if you can get 10% off a $50 a night motel next door when the latter has just as many amenities as the first.

And no, I have no interest in promoting these budget motels other than I think all smart travelers should be using them.

The fine print alway says or "really means" - 50% off of the hotel RACK RATE. This is an inflated rate that almost no one ever pays. Try calling one of the hotels anonimously and asking for their "very best deal" (don't mention this card) then call back and ask for the rate using your discount service or card. I think you'll find that the "best deal" rate is always better.

I use the half-price card when I can plan in advance and it does work. Motels that provide service that you can't get in a (budget) type want to have revenue on slack days like weekends and holidays. You get better amenities like vans to the airport and vice versa, cereals and fruit for breakfast instead of doughnuts and better security in the parking lot, etc.d My experience with the half-price system has been positive. I have found that half of rack-rate is usually less than the across-the-counter price when you want a nice place to stay.

NOT impressed...with our experience with one of those half-off cards. It's "based on availability" (or ours was) and I had a difficult time finding a hotel that would honor the rate. Did not renew after our first go-round.

As for "budget" motels....they call for some caution too, unfortunately. We've crossed Motel 6 off our list, after experienceing some pretty sad dumps and bed linen so thin you're not quite sure it's been changed. And our recent Red Roof Inn experience -- (in a reasonably well-to-do chicago suburb) -- on Christmas nite, where drugs were being dealt out of a nearby room, sure gave us a bad feeling about that chain too.