Discount hotel websites are under assault as the big hotel chains fight to get travelers out of the habit of booking at third-party sites. In most cases, their weapons are one or another form of low rate guarantee.

Ramada's version is called the Guaranteed Best Available Rate or It's Free. Those who make reservations at www.Ramada.com or call 800-272-6232 and then find a lower publicly available rate for the same hotel accommodation and date on another website, receive their first night free.

There are terms and conditions, detailed online. For example, the offer excludes rates that require membership, association rates or other negotiated rates.

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