Corrections & Clarifications: A previous version of this article misstated the discount for Kaimana Beach Hotel.
Every year, The Arizona Republic publishes a roundup of travel deals available for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Readers have loved the chance to gift their family and friends leisure time together in places they normally couldn’t afford to visit.
Putting together this list every year is a gigantic undertaking but one I thoroughly enjoy. Our culture, sadly, often looks at booking a vacation as excess. But what I know from talking to readers is that is not the case for them. People save up for years to have both the money and time off to enjoy quality moments with their loved ones.
Other people look forward to scrolling through this list if only to dream of the places they might go.
This year presents a challenging landscape. In the midst of a global pandemic, a rising number of cases worldwide and the limited number of ICU beds at home (and likely at the destination you might travel to), it felt irresponsible to suggest booking travel deals without flexibility or the opportunity to get your money back.
Why we’re rounding up refundable travel deals in 2020
The U.S. has awful protections for consumers regarding travel and many travelers this year have found themselves without the peace of mind they thought their travel insurance provided. Others are stuck with thousands of dollars in travel credits they can no longer use.
So much can change in this unpredictable environment. From joyous events like finding out you’re expecting a baby to struggles like finding out someone in your travel group was diagnosed with cancer, what may have been possible at one point may suddenly be infeasible. And, those life changes might mean you need that refund money in cash, not a travel credit.
Yet, a lot of us are craving an escape and half the joy of travel is dreaming and planning where you might go.
That’s why after careful discussion, we decided to move forward with our deals list, but to only feature offers that are refundable. For each deal, I’ve not only included the fine print and travel dates but also the cancellation policy. If you book the deal, I suggest adding a calendar reminder in your phone to make sure you cancel by the designated deadline.
Also, I urge you to continue to follow the advice of public health officials, and if you feel sick, do not travel.
Now, without further ado, here is our 2020 list of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals.
Nationwide deals of note
Marriott resorts
If you don’t want to be tied down to a specific date, Marriott has an excellent Cyber Monday deal. On Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, the global hotelier will offer 15% off its e-gift cards.
How to get the deal: Go to https://gifts.marriott.com on Nov. 30 or Dec. 1. Purchase your gift card.
The fine print: The cards are available for purchase online only, not at hotels. These Marriott brands are not participating: Bvlgari Hotels and Resorts, Design Hotels, Homes & Villas by Marriott International, the Ritz-Carlton Destination Club and the Ritz-Carlton Residences.
FlixBus
This offer is not fully refundable, but I decided to include it because the fares are so low. The leisure bus line will offer $4.99 fares to any of its U.S. destinations for Cyber Monday.
How to get the deal: Book at https://www.flixbus.com on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 for travel Dec. 2 and beyond.
Fine print: Christmas and New Year’s rides are excluded from the promotion.
Cancellation policy: There’s a fee if you cancel within 30 days of your trip and the rest of the fare is returned to you as a voucher for a future booking.
- Cancel 14-29 days before departure: $1 fee.
- Cancel 3-13 days before departure: $3 fee.
- Cancel fewer than 3 days before departure: $5 fee.
Hertz rental cars
The company’s Thrifty and Dollar brands will offer Cyber Monday deals on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. Dollar customers can save 25% off the base rate; Thrifty customers save 20%. These are “pay when you get there” offers.
How to book: Go to https://www.thrifty.com or https://www.dollar.com on Nov. 30 or Dec. 1 to book.
Fine print: Valid on rentals picked up through Feb. 15, 2021.
Refundable hotel deals in Arizona
Mountain Shadows
The Paradise Valley resort has a couple of great deals. If you reserve two nights you’ll get the third night free on stays through Jan. 24, 2021. You also can get a $20 resort gift card for every $100 you spend on gift cards, which can be used for dining, tee times and guestrooms. You’ll need to designate in the notes section of the website if you want to put the whole amount on a gift card, or put the promotional $20 on a separate gift card.
How to book: Book or buy Nov. 27-30 at https://www.mountainshadows.com/black-friday.
Travel dates: Through Jan. 24, 2021, for the third night free offer.
Fine print: There is a resort fee of $37.
Cancellation policy: Reservations can be canceled up to 48 hours in advance without penalty.
Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale
Hotel Valley Ho is making the same offers as Mountain Shadows. Reserve two nights and get the third consecutive night free on stays through Jan. 24, 2021. Or buy a gift card. They’ll add in a free $20 gift card for every $100 you purchase in gift cards. The cards can be used for dining, spa treatments and stays at the hotel. If buying online, make sure to put in the notes section whether you want the promotional dollars on a separate gift card or on the same card.
How to book: Book or buy Nov. 27-30 at https://www.hotelvalleyho.com/black-friday.
Travel dates: Through Jan. 24, 2021, for the third night free offer.
Fine print: There’s no resort fee but parking costs $10-$20.
Cancellation policy: Reservations can be canceled up to 48 hours in advance without penalty.
Refundable hotel deals in California
The Hollywood Roosevelt Los Angeles
Established in 1927, The Hollywood Roosevelt dates to the golden era of Hollywood. For Black Friday, it’s offering up to 40% off, with rates starting at $179 a night. The rate includes daily breakfast for two and valet parking for one vehicle. All suites are also eligible for 40% off.
How to book: Book Nov. 26-30 using the promo code CYBERDEAL at https://www.thehollywoodroosevelt.com.
Travel dates: Nov. 26, 2020, through Dec. 31, 2021.
Fine print: Offer does not apply to groups. Blackout dates apply.
Cancellation policy: Guests can get a refund if they cancel at least 24 hours prior to arrival.
Rancho Bernardo Inn
For Phoenicians looking for a San Diego escape, Rancho Bernardo Inn offers a full-service spa, championship 18-hole golf course, tennis courts and biking trails. Black Friday deals are offered every Friday in November. Book on a Friday during November, and you can get 50% off the best available rate, including no resort fee, no parking fee and no cancellation fee on stays though March 31, 2021.
How to book: Book on Fridays before Nov. 30 at https://www.ranchobernardoinn.com.
Travel dates: Valid for stays through March 31, 2021.
Fine print: You need to set a calendar alert for Friday because you can only book on that day of the week.
Cancellation policy: Cancellation fees are waived with a minimum of 24 hours notice.
Refundable hotel deals in Hawaii
Kaimana Beach Hotel
The Waikiki resort is offering 30% off its panoramic oceanfront rooms, which means you can snag spectacular views from your private wraparound balcony at rates starting at $239 a night.
How to book: Book between Nov. 26 and 30 using the code BLACKFRIDAY at https://www.kaimana.com.
Travel dates: Dec. 1, 2020, through Nov. 30, 2021.
Fine print: The daily resort fee, called the Kaimana Club Fee, is $22.99.
Cancellation policy: One night’s deposit plus taxes is required. You can cancel 72 hours prior to arrival without penalty. Special cancellation policies may apply for year-end stays.
Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club
Waikiki’s boutique Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club, a pet-friendly hotel with a retro vibe, will offer 30% off its rooms starting on Black Friday.
How to book: Book between Nov. 27 and 30 using code CYBER2020 at https://surfjack.com.
Fine print: Three-bedroom units and penthouses are excluded. Blackout dates are Dec. 25, 2020, until Jan. 1, 2021. There is a $25 daily resort fee that includes a $10 dinner credit at the resort restaurant Mahina & Sun’s.
Cancellation policy: Cancel at least 72 hours prior to the arrival date to avoid penalty of one room night and tax.
Hyatt Regency Maui
The Hyatt Regency Maui, oceanfront on Ka’anapali Beach, is wrapping up a multimillion-dollar renovation of its 810 guest rooms. The resort is offering 20% off stays through April 4, 2021. World of Hyatt members get 22% off.
How to book: Book through Dec. 6 at https://www.hyatt.com.
Travel dates: Good on stays through April 4, 2021.
Fine print: The resort fee is $36.61 daily.
Cancellation policy: A one-night deposit required at booking, which is fully refundable if the reservation is canceled 24 hours prior to arrival.
Refundable hotel deals in Las Vegas
Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas has a “Meet Curiosity Halfway” promotion, which is a book one night, get one night free deal. The resort said it will show up as a discount of 50% applied to each night of your stay.
How to book: Book through Dec. 1 at https://www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com.
Travel dates: Valid for travel through Feb. 28, 2021.
Fine print: Blackout dates apply. The daily resort fee increases from $39 to $45 on Jan. 1.
Cancellation policy: A representative for the Cosmopolitan said, “As we continue to monitor the impact of COVID-19, we’ve updated our cancellation policy from 72 hours to 24 hours prior to arrival. Cancellations less than 24 hours before your arrival will result in a forfeit of the initial deposit.
“While our standard cancellation policy remains in effect, if you are traveling from a region impacted by the coronavirus, we will review your cancellation request on a case-by-case basis.”
Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino
The Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino will offer a discount depending on how long you decide to stay. You’ll get a discount of 50% off of a five-night stay, 40% off four nights, 30% off of three nights, 20% off two nights and 10% off of one night.
How to book: Book by Nov. 30 at https://www.downtowngrand.com.
When to travel: Good on stays through June 30, 2021.
Fine print: Excludes May 21, 22, 28 and 29, 2021. There is a resort fee of $33.84 a day but parking is free for hotel guests.
Cancellation policy: The offer is refundable if canceled up to 24 hours in advance.
Venetian Las Vegas
Venetian’s deal must be booked by Nov. 25 — before Black Friday! Those booking a two-night stay receive up to 25% off room rates plus a $50 food and beverage credit. Those booking three nights receive the discount and a $75 food and beverage credit.
How to book: Book by Nov. 25 at https://www.venetian.com/offers/best-offer.html.
When to travel: Valid for stays through May 31, 2021.
Fine print: Blackout dates apply and there is a $45 daily resort fee.
Cancellation policy: Fully refundable if canceled 72 hours before arrival.
Refundable hotel deals in Mexico
Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal
The posh Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal resort is offering 30% off and the deal includes breakfast and a 20% discount on “Luxplorations.”
How to book: Book by Dec. 6 at https://www.waldorfastorialoscabospedregal.com.
Travel dates: December 2020 through Dec. 18, 2021.
Fine print: Blackout dates include Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend, Presidents Day Weekend, Valentine’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas, and 50% of the total must be paid at time of booking.
Cancellation policy: Cancel up to 1 day before arrival to avoid penalties.
You can connect with Arizona Republic Consumer Travel Reporter Melissa Yeager through email at [email protected]. You can also follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
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