By Lookout Staff

November 15, 2019 -- Santa Monica hotels are making it easier to heed the call of health experts who are urging workers to take much-needed vacations.

Monday marks the launch of Santa Monica Travel and Tourism's (SMTT) annual Extra Bedroom Program, which offers residents access to deeply-discounted room rates at 22 local hotels.

The discounts can be used to accommodate visiting friends and family or take advantage of time off with a staycation, tourism officials said.

To take advantage of the program, residents should mention the program while making the reservation over the phone, then showing proof of Santa Monica residency at check-in.

The discounted rates are subject to availability, and blackout dates may apply, officials said.

“The holiday season is a time for giving back and reflecting on all there is to be grateful for,” said Misti Kerns, President/CEO of SMTT.

“Thanks to the generosity of our neighborhood hotels there’s even more for Santa Monica residents to be thankful for with this opportunity to make the most of unused vacation days and experience our renowned accommodation offerings at deeply discounted prices.”

Studies show that although taking sufficient time off from work plays a large role in wellbeing, more than half of American workers failed to use all their time off last year.

“Vacations offer important potential health benefits, including stress reduction, prevention of heart disease, improved productivity and better mental health, relationships and sleep,” said Michael A. Rodriguez, Professor and Vice-Chair for UCLA Department of Family Medicine.

“We all should use available vacation time to rejuvenate ourselves.”

The launch of the Extra Bedroom Program comes ahead of National Plan for Vacation Day, held every January as an important reminder to Americans to take their well-deserved time off, tourism officials said.

For the first time this year, SMTT is offering residents 30 percent off merchandise at the Main Street Santa Monica Visitors Center at 2427 Main Street.

To receive a discout on creative gift items such as t-shirts, beach balls and notebooks, mention the “Extra Bedroom Program.”

The program ends January 17.

For more information, visit santamonica.com/extrabedroom or visit one of SMTT’s four Visitor Center locations.