Zagat Survey says hotels are responding to the economic downturn, accompanied by a 30 percent decline in business travel, by offering reduced rates and increased promotions to leisure travelers.

The 2009 guide covers 1,001 hotels, resorts and spas nationwide. It found resorts from Florida to Hawaii were offering free-night deals, along with meal, spa or golf credits. “We’re now in a buyer’s market,” said Nina Zagat. “Never have we seen the scales tip so fast.”

The survey found New York City was the most expensive destination with an average room cost of $593.98, while Las Vegas was the cheapest of major cities with an average of $252.38.

The favorite cities for leisure travelers were, in order, New York, Hawaii, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Miami, Orlando, San Diego and Chicago.

Expedia and TripAdvisor were voted the best websites for travelers.