Loews Miami Beach

Don't get me wrong -- discounted room rates are great. Like a moth to a flame, I'm drawn in by percent-off promotions when I shop for a hotel deal. And these enticing deals are everywhere -- 25% off! No, no wait, there's another one -- 40% off! Wait - 60% off!

And then I stop to think -- 60% off what, exactly? If you don't know the starting price of a hotel room, the discount may not mean much to you.

Personally, I like my discounts in dollars. Resort credits offer a specific dollar amount for you to spend while you're at your hotel on cocktails, food, spa treatments -- you name it. It is one of the most popular hotel trends in a down economy and, depending on the amount, can add a great deal of value to your vacation. Here are three  resort credit offers available right now:

Loews Miami Beach: Luxury hotel in South Beach offers up to $500 food & beverage credit, based on nights booked. Book two nights, get a $50 credit; three nights, $100; four nights, $150; five nights, $200; six nights, $300; seven nights, $500.

Puerto Rico: This destination-wide summer promotion includes $200 off your vacation package, every third night free, and a $100 debit card for use in Puerto Rico only.

Mexico: Two resorts offering $200 in resort credit: Banyan Tree Mayakoba in Playa del Carmen and Dreams Los Cabos Suites Golf Resort & Spa All Inclusive.