Hotel Room Block

junelley

What is the best way to find the lowest prices for hotel room blocks?  Should I call each hotel individually or should I try to find group rate quotes online, if so, what websites?  I am clueless about how to go about it. We just got a couple of quotes from hotels that my venue recommended, but the prices aren't as low as I thought they'd be, considering we are blocking ~20 rooms.

We are looking for hotels in the Waltham area, if anyone know any good/affordable places, please share!

Thanks!

ashleykelly

I used hotelplanner.com and was able to negotiate some decent rates. Nothing super cheap, because there is no guarantee all of the rooms will actually be booked. But I thought the site was helpful.

ShaboAE

Try this site: http://www.hotelplanner.com

I see their ad on facebook all the time. They might be the easiest way to get good deals.

In the Waltham area, you won't find too many cheap places. You could always suggest places a little further away from Boston for your guests if you don't find anything in the immediate area.

jilliannoel88

I narrowed the search down to three and then visited them. After visiting I had a better idea of what each hotel offered for the price and what the rooms/lobby/restuarant area looked like, so I knew what I was getting for the money.  Then I sent emails and negotiated the price down at the place I chose based on the responses from each hotel. 
GL!

BostonBride919

I called each individually. And I bargained with them - They will budge if you tell them you prefer their hotel but someone else is giving you a better rate!

LMKINSER

We are in this process also.  I called our venue and asked if they had a list of preferred hotels.  They gave me a list of 12 with in 20 minutes.  I called each one and narrowed it down to 3 that I went and visited.  Then I called back to renegotiate prices, and amenities.  our room prices are $79 a night right off of 495.  And with 10 rooms booked, the hotel will offer a free shuttle to bring the guests back and forth.

kimka83

We called individually.  I found places were more willing to negotiate a lower rate if you use the hotel for some part of your wedding festivities.  Even if you aren't getting married in the hotel, consider having the rehearsal dinner or an after-wedding brunch at their restaurant.  We were able to get lower room rates this way, since they are making more money off our group as a whole.