Sourced from a FatWallet Forums Travel Discussion
Planning a family trip to a popular destination like Sesame Place doesn’t have to break the bank, especially when it comes to overnight accommodations. While staying at hotels that offer “stay and play” packages directly on-site can seem convenient, these often come with a premium price tag that can exceed $120 per night.
If you are traveling with a spouse and multiple children and simply need a clean, basic place to sleep, there are more cost-effective ways to manage your stay and find adequate lodging.
The Strategy
The most effective strategy for slashing your lodging costs is to expand your search radius to about 20 minutes away from the main attraction.
By looking in neighboring towns rather than the immediate tourist zone, you can often find reliable, no-frills hotels for roughly half the price of those located right next to the park.
For those visiting the Sesame Place area, Lawrenceville, New Jersey (often referred to in booking systems as the Princeton area), is an excellent alternative. Located only about 15 miles away, the drive is a straightforward trip down I-95 that takes less than 20 minutes.
Possible Deals
Established chains like the Red Roof Inn in this area frequently offer “Red Hot” rates or similar discounts that can bring the price down to approximately $60 per night.
When booking these types of budget stays, keep an eye out for corporate or promotional codes that can be applied to your reservation.
By prioritizing a simple room over expensive on-site perks, you can save significant money that can be better spent on park experiences and memories with the kids.
