The InterContinental Tampa is a sleekly-styled city hotel with a very swish rooftop pool and a location that's convenient to Busch Gardens and the Florida
Aquarium. The hotel is offering a Florida Aquarium package through December 30, with advertised rates starting at
$161 a night. Is it
a good bet for families? We took a close look at the numbers
to find out. A family booking this package for an August weekend stay would get:
- accommodations (deluxe double room starts at $129/night in August with the best flexible rate)
- four tickets to the Florida Aquarium (worth $19.95/adult x 2 + $14.95/child x 2 = $69.80)
- a "Finding Nemo" audio CD (worth, let's say, $10)
- a "loaner pet fish" in a small aquarium, placed in guest room for duration of stay
When we price-checked a stay for a family of four in August, the package rate was quoted as $181 per night in a deluxe double room. If booking an identical room only using the best flexible rate, the cost would be $129 for the night. When you factor in the value of the aquarium tickets, the package delivers a value of $198.80. In other words, booking the package saves you about $18, or roughly 10%, on a one-night stay.
But keep in mind that if you book the package for multiple nights, you'll be charged the higher rate for each night. After the first night (when the rate covers the cost of the aquarium tickets), it makes sense to spend $52 less for each subsequent night using the best flexible rate ($129 instead of $181).
Deal or no deal? This package delivers guppy-sized savings. The rent-a-fish and CD add some fun but no genuine extra value. Think of it like this: Saving $18 is almost like getting one free adult ticket to the aquarium. But remember, if booking more than one night, you're better off paying the best flexible rate for the rest of your stay. You can book online or call 866/402-0758 and use rate code IKCT1.
