In today's travel section of The New York Times, the "Practical Traveler" recommends a time-honored tactic in every travel insider's playbook: Stay at a just-opened luxury hotel and get in at the low introductory rate. Typically, there are a few small drawbacks. The intro period is usually fairly short—perhaps just a few weeks. And you can expect that the property will still be working out some kinks. But these are quibbles next to the huge upside: you get to experience posh digs for, quite often, hundreds of dollars less than you'd normally pay. We've suggested this strategy in the past for new properties in Vero Beach, Florida and St. Martin.

As the "Practical Traveler" points out, these tougher economic times mean that introductory rates are not only becoming more plentiful, but they are staying on the table for longer. Lucky for us! Here are a few of the bargains mentioned in today's Times:

• On Maui, the Honua Kai Resort & Spa, scheduled to open January 28, is offering rooms from $195. That's 50% off published rates.
• In Boston, the new Inn at St. Botolph, a sister property to the upscale XV Beacon hotel, is offering rooms for $129, better than 30% off the $189 starting rate.
• The Nines, a new Starwood Luxury Collection property in Portland, is offering rooms for only $99 a night for 99 days through mid-April.