Deal or no deal? Stay & Play package at Virginia's Kingsmill Resort

Virginia’s “historic triangle” of Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown boasts plenty of attractions, from colonial settlements to theme parks, that draw millions of visitors each year. But the area is also a golfer’s paradise, with undulating greens, scenic river views and world-class facilities. Kingsmill Resort is Virginia's largest golf resort, located on 2,900 protected acres along the James River, with three championship golf courses (including the family-friendly, nine-hole Bray Links), plus golf schools for adults and kids. The resort also has indoor and outdoor pools, biking and hiking trails, tennis, water activities, a kids’ camp and more.

Kingsmill is offering a two-night Stay & Play package that bundles lodging, breakfast, golf, tennis and a few extras. The promo is available through October 23 and starts at $469 for a family of four. But is the package really a good deal for families? We took a hard look at the numbers to find out. The package includes:

two-night stay (normally $338 for a resort double room on an October weekend)
daily Continental breakfast in Bray Bistro (worth $20 x 4 people x 2 days = $160)
unlimited play on nine-hole Bray Links golf course (worth $12/adult x 2 + $6/child x 2 x 2 days = $72)
golf club rental at Bray Links (always included)
access to the Tennis Center and complimentary play after 11 am (worth $16/adult x 2 x 2 days = $64; kids 12 and under are free)
golf clinic on Friday or Saturday (worth $20/adult x 2 = $40)
up to 60% discount off Plantation Course greens fees for play after 1 pm (worth $30/person x 4 people x 2 days = $240)
shuttle between resort and Busch Gardens and Colonial Williamsburg (always free for resort guests)

When we test-booked the package for an October weekend stay for a family of two adults and two kids under 13, we found a rate of $476 for the two-night stay. If the same room and extras were booked without the package, the total would come to $914. That's a savings of 48%. Yet the $240 discount on greens fees isn’t a flat-out savings because you have to spend some money to save. Without the greens fee discount factored in, the package still saves $202, or about 20%.

Deal or no deal? A great deal! Golf-loving families have an opportunity to get in a lot of golf for a lot less money.

Full payment is required at the time of booking, and there is a 72-hour cancellation policy. Call 800/832-5665 and mention the “Stay and Play” promo. To book online, click the “Select a Room Inclusive Package” tab and then select “Stay and Play.”