The Sanderling  is offering a Spring Time at the Beach package, available March 26 through April 11. When you pay for a two-night weekend stay, you get a third night for free, plus you can choose from a list of complimentary activities for two people.  The promotion touts savings of 60% for a three-night stay, but is this a real deal for families? We did the math to find out. The package includes:

• three-night stay in a North Inn room (regularly $235/night x 3 = $705 on an early-April weekend)
• beach chairs, umbrellas, sunblock and refreshments for a day (chairs and umbrellas are always free; let's say the sunblock and drinks have a value of $25)
• choice of one activity for two adults:  tennis lesson, wild horses guided tour, guided kayak tour, or bicycle rental (worth $80-$100, depending on activity)

With this package, a family of four on an early-April weekend would spend $470 for lodging ($235 x 2 nights + free night), plus about $45-$50 in activity fees for two children.  If the family chooses the bike rental (worth $80 for two adults), there would be an additional charge of $50 ($25 x 2 kids), bringing the total spend to $520 for the three-day stay.  Without the package, the same stay would come to $705 for lodging ($235/night x 3 nights) and $130 for the bike rental ($40/adult x 2 + $25/child x 2). In this example, the package saves $315, or about 38%. 

Deal or no deal?  There's no fancy footwork with this offer; you get a straightforward free night with no inflated room rates. Plus, you'll save on the cost of an activity for two people.  The overall savings doesn't reach the 60% mark, but it is enough to count as a deal in our book.

Book online or by calling 877/650-4812.