How does the blocking process work for hotel rooms?

Question

We need to block some rooms for our wedding and I've never blocked any before. Are there any things to keep in mind to get a good rate? How many rooms will they let you block? Do you need to give some kind of committment on the number of rooms you'll actually use? Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

I work in a hotel so I can give a little scoop. First of all know approximately rooms you will need. This is very important. The number of rooms determines the possible rate. For instance, if you think you will need twenty rooms, let them know. However, do an underestimate because if you fall short of that estimate given, you may be charged. Once you have figured out the number of rooms, call the hotel and ask to speak to sales, not the front desk, not reservations. You will have better luck finding a rate working with the sales department, that is part of their specialty. When you hold a block of rooms, they do not charge you, they just secure the room for. Good luck.

Answer 2

Yes in order to do room blocking you normally need a minimum of rooms, say at least 10. You can get good rates by booking more rooms then less and also get them to throw in perks say get the honey moon suite for free. Contact the events coordinator at the hotel you are interested in.

You are comitted normally to cover say 80% of the cost of the unbooked rooms, one way to avoid this happening is block rooms at two different hotels (one high end one more afforadble) after getting a rough count from firends and family of who would be willing to stay there at that rate.

You can always add more room to the block as the date approaches and may be a good idea to make mention of it in the invitation details so you will know how many to book. Hope this helped!

Answer 3

Keep in mind when you block hotel rooms, you are not paying for them. It just keeps a certain amount aside for your guests who may be coming out of town. Try to pick hotels close to the Church or reception hall so people don't have far to travel. You need to block pretty far in advance. Depending on how many people you invite will depend on how many rooms to block. Just ask the hotel on what they would suggest.

Answer 4

really it all depends on the hotel. they all have different policies.
my hotel sets up group blocks the following way:
you come/call and tell me what dates the people will be coming and staying. so i will need a check in/check out date. ask the hotel if someone would like to check in prior to the blocked off check in date, would their be rooms available, if so, would they be able to have the group rate.
lets say you need 15 rooms, decide which room types you need (one bed, two beds, suites etc)
we will set those aside for you (guaranteed availability for your guests)
you don't need to put your credit card down. the rooms you blocked off, that are not reserved by your guests, will be released a month prior to scheduled check in rate. that gives us a chance to sell those rooms just in case you don't fill your rooms. you don't get charged, we sell the rooms, its a win win situation.
the only perk is that your guests have to call and make their own reservations prior to the release date.

some hotels don't give discounts no matter how many rooms you book, your only benefit of blocking off rooms with a hotel is that your rooms are guranteed to be available for your guests only.
so you will need to give your contact info, have # of rooms, room types, check in/check out dates, pass on the info to your guests letting them know that they need to call prior to release date or the rooms might not be there.
hope this helps

Answer 5

It would depend upon the hotel(s) you will be dealing with. Call or go and ask for all the information.