There’s nothing like a Bible-inspired hotel sale to get people into the holiday mood, is what I always say.

(ahem)

It appears that the folks at the UK’s Travelodge chain do always say that, or at least they’re saying it this year. They’re offering a free one-night stay at any hotel in the chain (that’s more than 300 hotels in the UK) to couples whose names are Joseph and Mary. The pairs have to reserve their free night for between December 24 and January 5, and they have to produce proof not only of their names but that they’re in a long-term relationship. Apparently, there are at least 30 couples taking advantage of the deal so far.

I don’t know how Travelodge is defining “long-term relationship,” but something tells me that getting a quickie name-change and speeding through the drive-through Vegas wedding chapel in the next few days probably isn’t worth the trouble just for one free night at a Travelodge…