We already knew many Florida hotels are a bargain these days, but it looks like several just got even more affordable.

Several properties in Sarasota, Bradenton and Lakewood are offering 3rd and 4th nights free for travel through Dec. 15 and, in some cases, through the end of the year. You'll find the offer details for each participating hotel and resort listed on the Florida's Gulf Islands web site.

Meet the world's latest high-profile Caribbean hotelier: Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez. The controversial leader seized control of the Hilton Margarita on Venezuela's Margarita Island this week, reports the Wall Street Journal.

Room rates at Houston hotels saw a 30 percent drop this month, when compared with rates from this time last year. The sharp reduction in rates in this Texas town landed Houston in the number one spot on Hotwire's recent list of city-by-city hotel rate reductions.

For travelers, that means a 4-star Houston hotel booked on Hotwire can currently be had for an average of $83 per night.