How to find Black Friday & Cyber Monday hotel deals

When I think of Black Friday deals, one terrifying image comes to mind: I’m standing at the front of a line the minute the doors are unlocked, and thundering crowds trample me as they are reaching for the latest iPhone. This may seem hyperbolic, but last year people actually died on Black Friday.

That’s just stupid.

For the record, I would never participate in such hedonism. There’s always the more civilized Cyber Monday if you’re looking for a deal.

That said, last year, I scored an amazing deal (60% off!!) at the Chicago Athletic Association for our stay in Chicago last February and I was pumped. Before then, I didn’t pay attention to these types of sales, but with the rising popularity of the American post-Thanksgiving shopping tradition in Canada, I discovered there are tons of hotel deals to take advantage of.

Here’s a heads up on how to find the best hotel deals on Black Friday through Cyber Monday.

First things first: do your research

Before getting online and booking a bunch of hotel stays — which will probably be non-refundable — do a little poking around. If you have a set destination, great! Do a little comparison shopping: Make sure you get an idea of what hotels in that area cost on a typical weekday and on a weekend. Otherwise, how will you know you’re getting a good deal?

Expedia is advertising over 1000 Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals (up to 90% off) so you’ve got work to do!

If you don’t know where you want to go, no sweat! Let the deal dictate you destination for a winter escape or your summer vacation. Found a $99 per night beachfront property in Miami? Book it!

Don’t forget: Always check review sites like TripAdvisor once you find a hotel deal. If only to make sure it’s not a gross hole in an awful location.

Check multiple websites

Most OTAs (online travel agencies) like Expedia and Hotels.com will be advertising Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales with savings 75-90% off. Do a quick check on several to make sure you are getting the best deal, and don’t worry if you see the dubious “only 3 rooms left at this price.” That’s just a tricky little mechanism to get you to book quickly.

Be sure to check the hotel’s direct website as well. Many hoteliers, especially smaller boutique spots, won’t always advertise their best deals on OTAs .

For the big chain hotels, Starwood‘s properties have a deep discount on cyber Monday off while Marriott is offering 25% starting on November 23rd.

When to book

Unlike deals at physical stores stores, many hotels and airlines promote sales for a full week, on now through Cyber Monday, November 27. Keep in mind the best deals will only last for a short time on Black Friday or Cyber Monday, sometimes for only for a few hours.

Make sure to stay connected all day, via your phone or by computer. Many hotels have flash sales with ridiculously good savings — I’m talking $10 room nights for central London, UK hotels — that only last for an hour between 6am-7am on Cyber Monday.

Being flexible with your dates also helps find a better deal.