There is no busier month of the year in our world than November, because that’s when our inboxes are hit with an avalanche of travel deals for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. This year is even crazier because the pickings have been slim over the last two years, and now every resort and hotel from Antigua to Zanzibar is making up for lost time. Needless to say, we have a lot of work to do.
Let’s start with Florida, as the Sunshine State always offers convenient tropical respite without the travel burdens of passports and switching airplanes multiple times. The weather is still warm, beaches are beautiful, and the hotels are cooler than ever. All that was missing was the right deal to get those booking fingers clicking, and these five offers will take care of that.
The Marker Key West Harbor Resort
The Deal: Surrounded by beautiful tropical greenery, this Key West favorite feels like its own little oasis tucked away from the liveliness of nearby Mallory Square, even if its location is one of the best reasons for picking this hotel. An even better reason is 50 percent off rates for all 96 guest rooms.
The Time: The Black Friday sale runs 11/21-11/28 with Cyber Monday right behind it, 11/28-12/7.
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
The Deal: A 50-year celebration is always a good reason to visit, but up to 50 percent off rates is even better. Of course, guests are rarely disappointed at this sprawling community, where variety is king. And the best thing about discounted rates is longer stays, and here that means more golf than anyone can handle.
The Time: Booking must be completed by 11/30 for stays between 12/1 and 10/31/23.
The Elser Hotel and Residences
The Deal: Who doesn’t love staying in a new property? Located in Downtown Miami, this 646-room luxury hotel is instantly one of the coolest spots in one of the coolest cities on Earth. The 19,000-sq. ft. sun deck alone is going to need its own image server on Instagram. Making it all the better is a 30 discount on rates.
The Time: Booking is already underway and runs through 12/1 for stays between now and the end of 2023.
The Shelborne South Beach
The Deal: Few South Beach hotels have a story quite like this one. Opened more than 80 years ago, the Shelborne, just like the celebrities who have stayed here over the years, has undergone some facelifts and makeovers, but it has always been stylish and cool. It also has amazing food and cocktails, as well as one of the best pools in town. And soon it’ll have rates starting at $169 per night.
The Time: Booking for this special rate opens on 11/19 and runs through 12/1.
Hotel Effie
The Deal: Few hotels have generated as much buzz in the last decade as Hotel Effie has in the last year. The rooftop pool alone instantly became the biggest hit of the Emerald Coast because it was the only one in town. But Chef Hugh Acheson’s quartet of dining concepts have ensured that this will be a Sandestin staple for years to come. There’s no better reason to discover this property than a 50 percent discount on rates for a minimum of two nights.
The Time: Book between 11/25 and 11/30 for stays through 12/30/23.
