BELFAST – The Comfort Inn Ocean’s Edge is offering free lodging to families who have children or relatives in the hospital over the holidays.

“Being with family and friends is important, especially during the holidays,” said Barry Asalone, general manager. “Our Home for the Holidays program ensures that the cost of a hotel room doesn’t stand in the way of visiting a friend or relative in the hospital during this special time of year.

“We hope that the program makes things a bit easier for those in need.”

The holiday season means sharing good times and laughter with loved ones, friends and family.

But for families with children or relatives in the hospital, the holidays may not be so full of good spirit. Lafayette Hotels, owner of 19 hotels in Maine and New Hampshire, instituted the Home for the Holidays program as a way to help those families, Asalone said.

The Comfort Inn, owned by Lafayette Hotels, is participating in the program. Other Lafayette hotels in Maine taking part in the program are: Best Western Black Bear Inn, Orono; Best Inn and Best Western White House Inn, Bangor; Best Western Waterville Inn, Waterville; Fireside Inn & Suites, Auburn; Best Western Merry Manor Inn, South Portland; and Lafayette’s Oceanfront Resort, Wells Beach.

Families may make reservations for Home for the Holidays by contacting their hospital or calling the hotel directly.

The program offers complimentary rooms for one night to families who have children or relatives in area hospitals when those families cannot afford to stay in a hotel. Discounts are available for longer stays.

Under the program, visitors are first screened by the hospital and then referred to the hotel. The program also is available to families facing an emergency or extreme hardship such as a death in the family or having their home destroyed by fire.

Dates covered by the program run through Dec. 29. The hotels may exclude or black out specific dates or periods during that time if there are special events or busy periods at the facility. The program is for room only and does not cover restaurant, lounge, telephone or other charges.

Reservations should be made by the hospital or Red Cross and approved by Barry Asalone or Gisele Chartier at 338-2090.