I bought a previous generation Macbook Pro from Apple on their refurbished website. I couldn't tell it from new. I saved quite a bit as I remember.
Mike

Nick, I agree with buying a refurbished Mac from the online Apple store.
I have a 2018 MacBook Pro 13 inch with Retina Display; these have had keyboard problems, and my keyboard was replaced. Despite that, I’m very happy with my choice.
The MacBook Air is also an excellent machine, a little lighter, a little less powerful.

I’d take reloader-1 up on his offer! More secure than having sent to a hotel in my opinion.

As others have stated, I would only buy a Certified Apple Refurbished unit directly from Apple's Web site.

Now with that said, I have often seen older generation units that are new in box selling for discounts from third party vendors at prices that are better than what Apple is charging for its Certified Refurbished units.

Apple just released new MacBook Pro models today. So its possible that you could find a good deal on a previous generation MacBook Pro that is new in box.