Hotel packages that include museum or theme park admission are only a good deal if they deliver great savings, and that often depends on how long you stay. For instance, the Days Inn Chicago is offering a Field Museum Hotel Package that includes a family pass to the science and natural-history-rich Field Museum, home of SUE, the world’s largest and most complete T-Rex skeleton. The package includes an all-access pass that inculdes the museum’s special exhibits and 3-D theater (which usually cost extra), as well as 10% off in the museum gift shops. This Days Inn—which touts itself as a boutique hotel rather than a motel—is located in Lincoln Park, two miles from downtown, and is walking distance from the both Wrigley Field and Lincoln Park Zoo. Guests get free breakfast and wifi, as well as access to the neighboring Bally’s Fitness.

The package promises double-occupancy rates starting at $129 a night, with kids always staying free. When we checked early June dates, we landed a rate of $167 a night with the package, compared to the $131 regular rate.  

Normally the all-access museum admission would cost $98 for a family of four. With the package, you save $62 if you stay just one night—a 27% savings—which makes the most of that bundled cost of one day at the museum. But stay two nights and you only save $26 with the package compared to booking on your own. 

The package is available through early 2012. To book online, look for the Field Museum package after entering dates, and use promotion code lpfm. Or, mention the package when calling 888/576-3297 (LPN-DAYS).