Black Friday and Cyber Monday: Shop for hotel bargains without leaving home

You don’t need to drive to the mall to take advantage of Black Friday (Nov. 26) and Cyber Monday (Nov. 29) hotel deals. But you may need to get up early because many of these offers “start” in other time zones. These deals often come with lots of caveats and blackout dates too, so read the fine print before you make a reservation. Then set your clock if you plan to open your wallet – and happy bargain hunting!

Here’s a sampling of offers from Southern California:

Surf & Sand Resort, Laguna Beach: This is a high-end hotel on the beach where January rates usually start at $375 plus tax per night. Book between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. PST on Black Friday and rates start at $199 plus tax per night, including free parking and resort fees. Stays are good from Dec. 1 through Jan. 31. Contact: Surf & Sand Resort, (866) 860-6154. (When I called reservations Wednesday night, the agent knew about the deal, although it was not apparent as yet online.)

Viceroy Hotel Group: Cyber Monday means a sale on rooms at Viceroy Santa Monica ($215 plus tax) and Viceroy Palm Springs ($95 plus tax). Stays at each are good through Jan. 5. To get access to the codes for special rates, you have to go to Viceroy’s Facebook page, become a fan and follow the directions on how to get the one-day-only rates. Sale starts 12:01 a.m. Monday. Contact: Viceroy Hotel Group, online deal only.

Hotel Solamar, San Diego: This Kimpton hotel has the following offer: 50% off a four-night stay, 30% off a three-night stay, 20% off a two-night stay and 15% off a one-night stay. To get the deal, you must book between 12:01 a.m. PST on Black Friday and 11:59 p.m. Cyber Monday for stays from Monday through Dec. 27. Use the code “BLACK” to get the deal. Contact: Hotel Solamar, online offer only.