An overnight stay at the Old Rectory in Broseley near Ironbridge will invariably involve a number of niceties. In their rooms you'll find private Jacuzzis, four-poster beds, antique furniture, and the wares of various local artists on the walls. And now, they're throwing in five litres of diesel or unleaded. Don't worry, not in the Jacuzzi.

"It's our little bit of Dunkirk spirit," explains owner David Hoyle, who has seen a general fall off in custom over recent months which he attributes to rising fuel costs and inflation. "We live in a rural area and are very dependent on tourism, and we don't want to give up on our staff, or those who want to come and visit but feel the effects of the crunch stopping them."

Their solution sits stored in on-site jerry cans, and is provided via funnel. For every night's stay at the Old Rectory, guests will have their car topped up with five litres of diesel or unleaded per room.

"People are increasingly looking for great value when selecting where to stay," says Kathy Gwinnett of LateRooms.com, "and free bath goodies and a mint on the pillow won't cut it any more – savvy guests are demanding more from hotels, be it free petrol, luxury shopping vouchers or tickets to local attractions as part of the deal." One of their clients, the pricey 41 Hotel in London, is now throwing in travelcards and the option of a three-course meal, champagne or a £50 Harrods voucher with every two-night booking.

Despite expectations of a domestic holiday boom due to rising fuel costs putting people off flying, hotels offering extra incentives to entice people onto the roads, let alone the skies, suggests that the price increases could equally be hitting the home market.

So, with belts tightening and hotels more eager than ever to get bums on beds, is this the beginning of the great hotel giveaway?

"Sorry, but probably not", says Miles Quest of the British Hospitality Association. "Although some hotels and guesthouses in rural areas may be feeling the pinch as their guests' journey costs are affected by petrol prices, the bigger picture isn't that bad. Generally, we have seen a surge in domestic holidays as a result of the crunch; Lastminute.com's domestic bookings went up 16% last quarter. Premier Inns are up too. The home market is doing well."

Oh well. Despite the Old Rectory's generous offer, we probably shouldn't expect free mortgage contributions with every room booking anytime soon.