There have been a rash of "third night free" hotel deals lately, which is just fine by us—after all, it's the same as getting a 33% discount. Even better, sometimes these deals come bundled in packages that add in some nice extras. Universal Studios Hollywood is offering a third night free package that starts at $559 and includes:
- three-night stay at one of four hotels near Universal: Beverly Garland's Holiday Inn, Renaissance Holiday Hotel, Sheraton Universal Hotel Universal City, or The Sportsmen's Lodge (value of free night depends on which property is selected; a family of four staying at Beverly Garland's Holiday Inn could expect to save $278 in June)
- two days of theme park admission for the price of one (two-for-one tickets are available to all visitors, regardless of whether they book this package; tickets cost $67/adult and $57/child under 48" tall, so a typical family of four saves $248)
- complimentary shuttle service between the hotel and Universal Studios Hollywood (already available to guests staying at these participating hotels)
- one 5" x 7" souvenir photograph (worth $15)
Want to max out your savings? Stay at Beverly Garland's Holiday Inn, where kids 12 and under always eat free. We figure that this saves about $50 per child per day ($50 x 2 kids x 3 days = $300).
Deal or no deal? While some of main components (the two-fer tickets and free shuttle) are available even to folks who don't buy the package, let's not quibble about technicalities. When you add up the free night (worth, say, $278) plus free day of theme park admission (worth $248) plus free kids' meals ($300), we're talking about an $826 savings over three days. Nice!
This package will be on the table for a long time. To take advantage of this offer, book online or call 800/769-8667 before August 31 and travel between now and September 30.
