Shuttles & Hotels - how to choose?

tam427

Did anyone use a shuttle to transport guests from the hotel to the venue & back? How did it work out?

We're debating between 2 hotels. They quoted us the same price. Hotel #1 offers free parking, but we have to pay for the shuttle (probably around $200). The location of Hotel #1 is also preferred because it's off a major highway, so easier for our guests to find and closer to shopping & attractions.

Hotel #2 has paid parking for guests, but free shuttle service to and from the venue. The other thing we like is that FI's and my room is free, so it's much less out of pocket, since we would not have to pay for the room or the shuttle. While the hotel is nice, the location is less than ideal, and a little tricky to find.

What would you do? TIA!

carmen9311

i think this also depends on how many people you will have from out of town and who would even be comfortable driving, given the option. it may be nice to have the shuttle if people are unfamiliar so that they don't need to worry about getting directions

courtski2004

Is there any way that you could secure a block of rooms at both hotels and give your guests the option to decide? This is what we are doing, and the wedding website is where we listed the options and extras that come with the room at the respective hotels.
Here is a little of my thought process:
I imagine that the younger traveling crowd will opt for the hotel with the shuttle service since we are having an open bar (no drunk driving!!), and the older crowd may base their decision on the hotel that is easy to get to. The younger crowd will probably coordinate transportation to and from the airport to save money on rental cars and be okay with less access to a vehicle, whereas the older crowd will likely rent a car so that they aren't limited or at someone elses mercy if they want to explore/leave early/etc.

ETA: I negotiated free shuttle service from the hotel to and from the venue when I set up the room block, so cost was not an issue.

MsLaura31

$200 for shuttle service is AMAZING. Just FYI...

We're renting mini buses because our hotel is pretty far from the venue, and we are paying a lot more.

arlenejohn

I agree with PP, 200.00 for shuttle service is pretty reasonable...

tam427

Thanks for your input!