Deal or no deal? Build-a-Bear package at Embassy Suites

All-suite hotels are a smart option for traveling families, and Embassy Suites is a reliable brand. With more than 200 locations across the US, its hotels offer spacious layouts, in-room refrigerators, and free breakfasts. Taking aim at families with young kids, Embassy Suites is offering a Build-a-Bear Workshop Explorer package that bundles lodging and a few bear-related goodies. The promo is available through 2011 at participating properties across the US, but is it a good deal? We crunched the numbers at a Washington, DC property to find out. The package includes:

overnight accommodations (normally $199/night for a two-room suite on a November weekend, using the best available rate)
two "explorer" packages per room, which include bear-sized clothing and a $5 gift card for use at a participating Build-a-Bear Workshop (value of $15 per package x 2 packages = $30)

When we test-booked the Build-a-Bear package for a November weekend stay for a family of two adults and two kids, we were quoted a nightly rate of $214. Without the package, you'd pay $199 for the hotel stay plus $30 for the Build-a-Bear gear, or a total of $229.

Even a bear could do the math on this one: the package saves you $15. There's no price cut on the room; instead, Embassy Suites is essentially passing on a small savings on the bear goods. We think you’d be better off paying $199 for the suite and bagging the package. If your kids have their hearts set on a stuffed souvenir, take one of the ubiquitous $5 Build-a-Bear Workshop gift cards and let the kids pick out something they'd really like. Or better yet, if your travel plans are set in stone, opt for the advance purchase rate and shave another $10 off the room rate.

We also checked the Build-a-Bear package rates at other participating properties, including Dallas and suburban San Francisco, and found similarly scant savings.

Deal or no deal? Keep exploring other options.

Note: The offer is valid into 2011, but the end date varies by property. As usual, this package is subject to availability and blackout dates.