As a holiday purist, I lament the day that “Black Friday” and its sister “Cyber Monday” supplanted Thanksgiving as November’s most anticipated event. But as a shopper, in particular a seeker of travel deals, I always look forward to seeing what kinds of discounts I can gobble up.
This year, quite a number of hotels are offering flash sales on Black Friday (November 25), Cyber Monday (November 28), or both. Here is a sampling of some of the deals that came across the wire at Gadling Labs. Discounts are not limited to U.S.-based hotels; there are also deals in Canada, Mexico, and Costa Rica. All times listed for the deals are Eastern Standard Time (EST) unless otherwise noted.
Charles Hotel, Cambridge, MA
This smart hotel a few steps from Harvard University is offering a one-hour flash sale on Cyber Monday. From 11:28am to 12:28pm on November 28, the Charles will offer a 50% discount off all of its room rates, including suites, good for a stay between December 3, 2011, and March 31, 2012. Booking a room during the flash sale will also net you a $50 gift card at the hotel’s new Corbu Spa & Salon. Click here on 11/28 at 11:28am and use the code CYBER11.Kimpton Hotels – DC, Maryland, and Virginia
Twelve Kimpton hotels in the Mid-Atlantic will be on sale during a 72-hour spree beginning at midnight on Cyber Monday. While upgrades last, the boutique hotelier will offer suites at standard room rates at its properties in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia. As dates of travel are limited between December 15 and December 30, 2011, Kimpton’s flash sale is a great opportunity for families looking for a place to stay over the holidays. For example, the specialty bunk room at the Hotel Rouge in DC will be on sale for $119 per night, down from its typical rate of $299. Deal-seekers should visit the website www.kimptonhotels.com/cybermonday and use the code SALE72.
Shore Hotel, Santa Monica, CA
Travelers with plans to vist Santa Monica between November 28, 2011, and February 28, 2012, can snag a Cyber Monday deal from the Shore Hotel, Santa Monica’s newest LEED-registered hotel. For 24 hours on November 28, the Shore Hotel will offer 30% off of a partial ocean view room. Note, however, that the hotel takes the “cyber” out of Cyber Monday by offering this deal by phone. Call 310-458-1515 to book.
Shell Vacations – Resorts in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico
From midnight on November 25 through 11:59pm on November 28, Shell Vacations Hospitality is offering 50% off resort rates for 25 properties in North America. Travelers who visit www.shellhospitality.com/Black_Friday next weekend will find rock-bottom rates for ski retreats in Canada‘s Horseshoe Valley, golf resorts in Scottsdale, and beach-side inns in Hawaii. A sample Black Friday/Cyber Monday rate from Shell Vacations is a room rate starting at $65 per night at San Francisco’s Inn at the Opera.
Z NYC Hotel, New York
For those with plans to travel to New York City over the first half of next year, the Z NYC Hotel in Long Island City is having a super flash sale centered around the number 28 (Cyber Monday takes place on November 28). Beginning at noon on November 28 and running for 28 minutes until 12:28pm, rooms at the Z NYC Hotel will go for $128 per night. Guests will be able to book stays that take place over the 28th of the month for the first six months of 2012. A two-night minimum stay is required. If this isn’t enough to convince the hoards to check out revitalized Long Island City, Z NYC is also throwing in two-for-one cocktail deal. To book, call 1-877-256-5556 and use the code CYBER.
Monte Azul Luxury Boutique Hotel, Costa Rica
The deal on offer at this Costa Rican eco-resort lives up to the spirit of Black Friday. From midnight to 11:59pm on November 25, Monte Azul is offering guests two nights for the price of one. Travel must take place between January 4 and May 31, 2012. Visit www.monteazulcr.com/en/hotel/reservations and add “Black Friday Deal” in the notes section to take advantage of this discount.
JW Marriott Hotel, Chicago
Marriott’s Cyber Monday-only deal at Chicago’s JW Marriott is a chance to snag significant savings on a hotel room next month. Beginning at 8am CST on November 28 until 7:59am CST on November 29, rooms at the JW Marriott will go for $149 per night for the month of December (excluding Friday, December 2, and Friday, December 31). Visit www.jwmarriottchicago.com or call 312-660-8200 to book.