We did the math to see just how "almost free" this deal would be at the Cape Codder Resort, the most family-friendly of the group's three properties (think indoor wave pool and holiday family activities such as cookie decorating and bonfires).  The Cape Codder’s Enchanted Village Package, available through December 23, starts at $119 on weeknights and $169 on weekends. For that price, you get lodging and $100 in certificates:

• one-night stay in a deluxe room (normally $109 a night on weeknights)
• $20 toward meals at one of the two on-site restaurants
• $10 toward dinner at the restaurant in another property
• $10 toward spa services
• $10 toward purchases at the hotel's gift shops

The first thing we noticed is that the grand total value of these certificates is only $50.  The remainder of the $100 credit comes in the form of a voucher for 50% off the second night of a future stay. 

Next, it's important to realize that reducing your total spend by $100 is not the same as getting $100 back in your wallet. In fact, you'll need to spend much, much more (three meals, spa visit, gift shop purchase, another hotel stay!) to be able to get the full $100 value out of those certificates. 

The package is essentially the same at all three Catania properties. Note that the package rate costs just a bit more than the regular rate, so consider the wisdom of this scenario: On a weeknight at the Cape Codder, you would pay $10 more for the privilege of spending hundreds of dollars more to get back $50.

Deal or no deal? Almost free? That's almost funny. This is a textbook example of the old "spend to save" game, which means that the $119 package rate will be just a fraction of your total spend. It also means that marketing spin is alive and kicking in the Bay State.

More helpful strategies:
Hotel Deals 101