Hotels have really been trying hard to get your business. A recent survey by hotels.com found that room rates in the U.S. dropped about 17 percent during the first half of the year, averaging about $115 a night, down from $139 in 2008.

What’s better than a low rate? Free, of course. And free nights are just about everywhere you turn, often of the BOGO type. But Sheraton is offering a freebie outright to celebrate the $4 billion renovation of its U.S. hotels. All you have to do is register in advance and then go at the site on Oct. 6 for the hotel you want. The offer includes taxes and fees, too, so you don’t have to fork over any cash. Bonus.

However, the free night can be used only on Oct. 23 – that’s a Friday night. And there are only 2,100 rooms available and it’s first come, first serve. Last time I heard about one of these offers, the hotel’s Web site crashed within minutes. May happen again. I don’t know. Sheraton says those who get there too late will be offered a coupon for a discount on a future stay.

So hire a babysitter and plan a romantic night at the Sheraton Baltimore, Sheraton Baltimore-Washington or Sheraton Baltimore North (Towson). Or what about a shopping spree with your girlfriends at the Sheraton Tysons Corner? Enjoy it now because once the economy stops looking so sluggish (soon by some predictions), these deals will begin to fade.