Black Friday is all about sales, but the key is knowing where to find the best ones. Read our ultimate guide on how to save big on Black Friday hotel deals this year.
Black Friday used to be associated with scenes of over-the-top consumerism. Think people lining up for hours in front of stores before they open, eager to take advantage of discounted prices.
If you’re a savvy traveler looking for a deal, this is your chance to visit your dream destination for less — whether that’s Las Vegas, Cancun, London, or an island in the Maldives. But, you’ll have to do a bit of research first. Below, we outline how you find the best Black Friday hotel deals when planning your next adventure.
Do hotels offer Black Friday sales?
Black Friday promotions have really gained momentum in the travel industry in recent years. Major hotel chains have gotten in on the action in the past, offering Black Friday hotel deals to their customers.
Here’s a peek at past hotel deals that major chains offered:
- Accor provided up to 25% off stays booked over the Black Friday/Cyber Monday period.
- Citizen M offered up to 33% off stays booked during the Black Friday window.
- Club Med advertised discounts of up to 60% off higher-tier room categories at various ski destinations during Black Friday.
- Marriott offered Marriott Bonvoy members up to 20% (15% for non-members) when booking during the Black Friday weekend (for stays through January of the following year).
- IHG offered deals and bonus points (up to 10,000!) on a two-night stay if booked by November 29.
- Hilton focused on Cyber Monday deals, offering up to 20% off advance purchases. They’ve also had property-specific deals, like the Hilton New York Times Square offering 25% off, plus breakfast! (Thinking of taking a solo trip to NYC? This post has all the tips for you!).
- Viceroy hotels offered a whopping 35% off on certain resorts.
These names cover some of the most well-known hotels and all-inclusive resorts worldwide, from Vancouver to Cancun. It’s not just the big chains that offer great deals, even boutique chains like Rosewood are getting in on the action.
Your perfect stay awaits at the lowest prices on Skyscanner. That’s because we search for deals with the world’s leading hotels and let you compare them all in one place, with no added fees. You can count on a transparent search experience when using Skyscanner to find the best Black Friday hotel deals.
How to find the best deals on hotels for Black Friday
While deals and offers change every year, previous years show a trend toward savings around Black Friday. Here’s how you can find the best deals:
- Start doing your research early. Start scoping out hotel deals in early November — you’ve already got a head start by reading this article! You can get an idea of what offers might be available this year by seeing what was available in previous years.
- Join hotel loyalty programs. In the past, some chains have prioritized savings for members of their loyalty programs. For example, Marriott’s Black Friday discount was 15% for non-members versus 20% for members. Sign up for hotel loyalty programs in advance to maximize savings.
- Sign up for newsletter alerts. Make sure you’re getting notifications about deals by signing up for loyalty program newsletters. And you can get the latest deals with Skyscanner’s newsletter.
- Read terms and conditions. While Black Friday savings can be great, they often come with fine print, which is why reading those terms and conditions is essential. Focus on details like blackout dates, resort fees, and cancellation policies.
- Bundle up offers. Make the most of savings by bundling offers. For example, special offers can be supplemented with promo codes for even more savings. That said, read the fine print. You can’t always use codes with pre-existing special offers.
- Use Skyscanner. Finding the best deals on hotels is made easy with Skyscanner. Learn more in the next section.
How to find hotel deals on Skyscanner
Simplify your hotel deal search this Black Friday with Skyscanner. How does it work? Just head to the Skyscanner hotel deals page, enter where you want to stay and your travel dates to get started.
Let’s say, for example, you’re looking for a hotel in Las Vegas with a pool or perhaps parking. Once you’ve clicked “search hotels”, you’ll be able to filter by hotels that offer specific amenities. For example, you can check “free cancellation” in the search controls at the top of the page to only see area hotels that offer free cancellation. You can also search or filter by neighbourhood in your hotel search, so that you can make sure you’re in the heart of the action (or in recluse, whatever your travel style!).
Skyscanner’s comparison tool makes it easy to compare properties and prices. When you click on a hotel property, scroll down to see offers from all the major sites — Booking.com, Agoda, eDreams, Trip.com — so you can make sure you’re getting the lowest rate. Don’t let your dream trip to New York City, Madrid, or Bangkok pass you by.
Understanding hotel loyalty programs and their perks
Hotel loyalty programs provide perks and discounts to members. For example, Marriott Bonvoy members get free in-room WiFi and special member rates. Higher-tier members (who stay more nights and earn more points) get perks like free breakfast, lounge access, and late checkout.
Being a member of a hotel alliance or group can mean being offered members only perks – such as bonus points – during the Black Friday sales period, or it might mean being first to know of discounted rates.
At Skyscanner, we understand the value of loyalty programs for frequent travellers. That’s why we’ve structured our service so that you don’t miss out on these benefits. When you search for hotel deals through Skyscanner, we compare prices from all major hotel providers to get you the best deal at no added cost.
Once you’ve found the perfect place to stay, we redirect you to the hotel provider’s website to complete your booking. This direct booking process allows you to enter your loyalty program details, so that you’ll reap all the rewards and perks your loyalty affords. So, not only do you save big on your accommodation, but you also continue to build rewards for future adventures. It’s a win-win situation for every traveller who seeks exceptional value and worthwhile loyalty benefits.
Tips for smart ways to save on hotels over this sales period
While Black Friday hotel deals can help you save, they aren’t the only way you can cut travel costs. As you look at your options, consider these best practices as a way to save even more:
- Check out off-peak travel. Yes, everyone wants to go to Italy in the summer and hit the slopes of Whistler in winter. But going off-season with your trips will usually mean the best-available rate — and there’s still plenty to enjoy in beautiful locations even when it’s not peak season. Plus, you won’t have to deal with huge crowds, which can mean a more unique experience.
- Evaluate the entire package. Don’t always assume that the lowest price is the best deal. See what comes with each offer, such as resort credits, inclusive airport transfer, or free breakfast. In some cases, you might come out on top paying more for a room but getting other perks that save you money elsewhere, like on food.
- Consider alternative locations. There are certain locations that unfailingly attract lots of visitors like Barcelona and Tokyo. As a result, they tend to cost more. Look for alternative options to the tourist highlights. For example, instead of Split, try Sarajevo. Or instead of Los Angeles, try nearby Ventura. Check out these underrated city trip destinations for inspiration.
Why you should consider researching flights and hotels together
Focusing on the total cost of your vacation by researching hotels, flights, and car rentals together is the best way to know that what you’ve saved on hotels isn’t cancelled out by pricier flights or rental cars. A more holistic look at what you’re spending allows you to balance the costs and find the most budget-friendly option for your vacation.
Investing time in research will help you make the most out of potential travel deals. Our platform simplifies this process by providing our travellers with a one-stop shop for comparing prices on hotels, flights, and car rentals, making it easier to weigh your options and choose the most cost-effective arrangement for your adventures.
Tip: Our guide to Travel Tuesday flight deals is a good starting point.
Inspiration for where to go
Now the big question is: Where to go? The world is your oyster, and there are a lot of options to choose from. According to previous research by Skyscanner, some of the top-value-for-money five-star stays include:
- Kuala Lumpur. Peninsular Malaysia’s buzzing international city features modern skyscrapers, beautiful parks (Butterfly Park is a highlight!) and stunning rooftop views. Leave plenty of time to sample the street food – Malaysian food is truly underrated!
- Hoi An. Jump back in time with a visit to Central Vietnam’s Hoi An, an ancient town full of historic sights and natural landscapes. From the early-morning markets to nearby An Bang beach, Hoi An is a place to rest and rejuvenate.
- Chiang Mai. Pass on Bangkok this time around and head north to Chiang Mai. This historic city is famous for its shining temples and spicy bowls of Khao Soi soup. Be inspired with a visit to the Elephant Nature Park, where you can observe elephants ethically and from a distance in their natural habitat. Support local vendors with a trip to the Sunday Night Market, and recluse in a cafe by the riverside on a sunny afternoon.
Exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations
Sometimes the key to saving — and to seeing something new — is going off the beaten path. Skip Western European cities like Amsterdam and head east to destinations like Tirana, Albania, or Brno, Czech Republic. Take the cable car in Tirana and hike nearby Gamti Mountain. In Brno, visit the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul and marvel at the Spilberk Castle.
There’s plenty to see in these less popular bucket-list destinations, plus, you won’t have to deal with all the crowds. Enjoy a more authentic experience by looking beyond the usual tourist highlights and exploring alternative options.
Ready to discover the unseen and save big on your accommodations? We’ve curated a list of hotel deals in these unique destinations just for explorers. Unveil exceptional hotel deals and start planning your next adventure to the lesser-known jewels of the world!
Use Black Friday hotel deals as gifts or for special occasions
With the holiday season on the horizon, use Black Friday hotel deals as unique gift opportunities. Give your loved ones an experience they’ll never forget — like a ski trip in Colorado or a tropical getaway to the Bahamas to escape the winter chill.
You can gift a Christmas or New Year’s stay, for example, or get a head start planning a romantic Valentine’s Day escape. Wellness retreats, spa hotels, and all-inclusive beach resorts can be a great option, allowing you to give someone the perfect relaxing vacation so they can rest and recharge.
Planning a long-weekend getaway in your own backyard? Use our hotel search tool to find the best deals on hotels in Toronto and Calgary.
Making the most of Black Friday hotel offers
Black Friday deals aren’t just for getting the latest flat-screen TV or household appliances. The travel industry also caters to value hunters, with hotels offering discounts and perks for globetrotters booking around this time of year. From discounts on rooms to free breakfasts and extra points, bargain-hunters have a lot to look forward to during Black Friday.
To make the most of Black Friday hotel deals, do your research and prepare in advance. Joining hotel loyalty programs can maximize discounts, while best practices like booking during off-season can get you even better deals.
Our top tip? Start your hotel search early. Sign up for newsletters and check websites regularly for the latest updates on deals. Skyscanner’s hotels portal is a great place to get deals and discounts compiled in a single place.
Our hotel deals page rounds up the best offers to ensure you’re presented with unbeatable prices whenever you’re planning your getaway. Whether it’s the holiday season or a random weekend in spring, we’re committed to bringing you the best deals to help you save and travel in style! Catch the latest offers and embark on a journey that’s as budget-friendly as it is luxurious.
Skyscanner can help you find the best flights, hotels and car rental deals for your next trip.
