hotel blocking questions?

justinnmandy

ALL of our guests are from out of town anywhere from 4-7 hours away.  How do I "block" hotel rooms? I've heard of this before just don't know what it means. I know I get a better rate, but do i pay anything?  If someone can just give me the info I need or direct me to a site that can inform me I'd appreciate it!

Beachy730

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_hotel-blocking-questions?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:6e7cf851-fc94-458f-8dd7-e0cc7585c854Post:9991c8eb-73ef-4ee2-8594-0ba32aa07524">hotel blocking questions?</a>:
[QUOTE]ALL of our guests are from out of town anywhere from 4-7 hours away.  How do I "block" hotel rooms? I've heard of this before just don't know what it means. I know I get a better rate, but do i pay anything?  If someone can just give me the info I need or direct me to a site that can inform me I'd appreciate it!
Posted by justinnmandy[/QUOTE]

Call hotels in the area and ask if they do hotel blocks.  Each hotel is different.  Ours only let us block 15 rooms to start.  We signed a contract saying that as long as we agreed to release the block 30 days before the wedding then we weren't responsible for unbooked rooms.  If we wanted the block until the wedding day, we had to pay for the extra rooms. 

I definitely suggest getting blocks at a few different hotels in the area.  Ask what the policy is for each. 

squirrly

Call the hotel(s) you'd like to have a block at and talk to them.  Tell them how many OOT guests you think will need rooms, for what nights, and ask what their rates & policies are.  Every hotel is different.

golden1215

No, you don't need to pay for guests hotel rooms.  Just block room- by simply calling the hotel and giving them a # of rooms you think you'll need- and give guests the info via your website, insert in the invitation or word of mouth.  Most hotels will have a set date guests need to book by in order to get the lower rate/saved room so let people know that as well.

waltzingmatilda13

You'll most likely need to speak with their sales representative. None of the desk clerks could help me when I called. And I highly recommend visiting the hotel and asking to see a room. Most lobbies are set up to look really nice because everyone sees it, but the rooms aren't always a match.

bellebride116

Yeah, what PP's say... and then if guests don't book by X date the hotel has the right to release the rooms to the public... 

Loopyseven

Call around to different hotels near your venue (convenient for guests) and see what they will offer you as a rate discount to block off a certain number of rooms.  You will need an estimate of how many rooms you think you might need.  

I set my block up at a Courtyard Marriott, in addition to about $15 off the online rental rate, they also included the breakfast buffet at no cost (usually $9.99 or something like that).  Sometimes they will throw in a free night in one of their suites for the bride and groom, if you want to stay there for the wedding night or something.  

I called 4 or 5 different hotels that were within 5 miles of our venue and just asked what they offered for room blocks and what their terms are.

If anyone tries to tell you that you must guarantee the rooms and pay for unused ones, run in the opposite direction.  

They will usually give you a discounted price if someone mentions your wedding block when booking their reservation.  They will hold whichever number of rooms you agree on until a certain date - usually 3 or 4 weeks before the event.  Sometimes they will throw in extras - like breakfast, free shuttle service to your venue and back, a hospitality room for people to gather in, a suite for the bride and groom - so be sure to ask about all that stuff, especially if you have a large number of guests who will be staying. 

TurtlesAllTheWayDown

Eh, I had to guarantee my rooms. Well, 90%. It wasn't a big deal, I just aimed low.

pearlaqua

You should find your local Convention and Visitor Bureau and you basically give the form or person you speak with the # of rooms and where you want to house your guests and the hotels bid for your business.  It's a nifty trick I definitely used!

I see you're in Indianapolis, here's a link that might be helpful:

http://visitindy.com/indianapolis-hotels

Good luck!!