LOS ANGELES— A promotional war launched this week between two top hoteliers when Marriott International announced an aggressive deal to lure business travelers similar to one put forth last week by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. Under Marriotts deal, visitors who stay three times at any of the companys hotels, which include the Marriott, Courtyard and Renaissance brands, will receive two free weekend nights. The promotion came less than a week after Starwood, whose brands include Westin, Sheraton and W, offered two free Friday nights after five nights at any of its hotels. Analysts said the promotions appear to target business travelers, who have been slower than leisure travelers to return to the road after the Sept. 11 attacks.
