Motel Question

em01092

I talked with the manager of the motel we'd like to use to block off rooms for our guests. I tried to make it clear that guests will pay for the rooms when they call to book. He said we need to give him 10 days notice to release any unbooked rooms. He also asked for my credit card number, "for guarantee"?

All this communication has been done via email (we checked out the place a few months back so I know it's nice) but I don't know how I feel about giving out my credit card info through an email though, nor do I understand why he needs it. I guess he wants to be able to charge me for the rooms if I don't call him 10 days prior to release the unbooked rooms?

What do you ladies think? Sketch or the norm? And is the 10 days notice thing normal too? I was thinking that he would want to know sooner, like a few weeks prior. 

laurenpm

I would call to do the credit card. It is very normal to have them hold the rooms on a credit card (kind of like they do for any normal hotel reservation).  And the 10 days prior is exactly what my policy with my hotel is as well.  It's basically so they have those 10 days to book any rooms that you didn't use. 

juliebug1997

Call, but the whole procedure is pretty standard here in the Dallas area. 

Allycat11

10 days notice is actually more last minute than a lot of hotels.  Having worked in hotels for awhile in college, it isn't unheard of for them to need a credit card on file to guarantee the rooms.  Some places require this, others don't.   If possible I would try to go in in person with the credit card, I would feel more comfortable that way. Also, be sure to get all of this in writing in case you are charged.

If you don't mind me asking, what hotel is it?

mica178

I purposefully did not give my credit card number out for my hotel blocks.  If someone asked for it, I decided to go with another hotel.  But that was the choice I made.  Because I didn't give my credit card or sign a guarantee that a certain number of hotel rooms would be used the block expired 4 weeks before my wedding.

Celles

Our hotel asked for a credit card too. It's not unusual, but I would recommend asking for a written contract or agreement specifying the exact circumstances under which the card can be charged. You don't want to end up charged for any released rooms that weren't rebooked, etc. A contact will clear up any confusion and give you leverage to dispute any charges you don't agree with through the credit card company (in the unlikely event that they occur).

jessicabessica

None of our hotels (we blocked at 4) required us to pay anything, but they are also releasing the rooms earlier than 10 days before our event.  If you're comfortable giving your credit card number, that's up to you (but call, don't do it over email, like PPs said), and as Celles said, definitely have a written contract that clearly states under what circumstances the motel may charge your credit card. 

Brandiewine11

If you give your card, make sure to get a contract. I did not have to do this. Our block releases rooms 14 days out. Make sure you aren't guaranteeing that a certain number of rooms will be reserved and that they are not charging you a deposit fee. If either of those is the case, go to another hotel.

em01092

Ok thanks ladies. 

It's an EconoLodge in Elberton, GA, a little town east of Atlanta and Athens. There are two other motels in the city, one of which is known for shady stuff (rates by the hour type stuff) and the other is further away from our venue and is not as nice. 

I don't think English is the first language of the manager, so we may be having some translation issues. I'm having a hard time getting across to him that a) I am not paying for the rooms, the guests are, and b) I don't want to be responsible for rooms I can't fill. I'd be more than happy to call him 14, 21, 30 days prior if I could, and if that would prevent me from having to give my card. 

I'm heading over that way in a few weeks to visit my FMIL, so I'll just handle it then. I'll be sure to get the agreement in writing. 

Thanks!

MelissaAnne88

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_hotel-question?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:d4e5c648-bf00-49c1-a9d4-cb66197c7bdfPost:e063164c-350a-45c9-93c9-88e19d690846">Re: Motel Question</a>:
[QUOTE]Ok thanks ladies.  It's an EconoLodge in Elberton, GA, a little town east of Atlanta and Athens. There are two other motels in the city, one of which is known for shady stuff (rates by the hour type stuff) and the other is further away from our venue and is not as nice.  I don't think English is the first language of the manager, so we may be having some translation issues. I'm having a hard time getting across to him that a) I am not paying for the rooms, the guests are, and b) I don't want to be responsible for rooms I can't fill. I'd be more than happy to call him 14, 21, 30 days prior if I could, and if that would prevent me from having to give my card.  I'm heading over that way in a few weeks to visit my FMIL, so I'll just handle it then. I'll be sure to get the agreement in writing.  Thanks!
Posted by em01092[/QUOTE]
Oh Elberton...the Granite Capital of the World. :)

I doubt anyone in Elberton will rip you off.

jessicabessica

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_hotel-question?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:d4e5c648-bf00-49c1-a9d4-cb66197c7bdfPost:e063164c-350a-45c9-93c9-88e19d690846">Re: Motel Question</a>:
[QUOTE]Ok thanks ladies.  It's an EconoLodge in Elberton, GA, a little town east of Atlanta and Athens. There are two other motels in the city, one of which is known for shady stuff (rates by the hour type stuff) and the other is further away from our venue and is not as nice.  I don't think English is the first language of the manager, so we may be having some translation issues. I'm having a hard time getting across to him that a) I am not paying for the rooms, the guests are, and b) I don't want to be responsible for rooms I can't fill. I'd be more than happy to call him 14, 21, 30 days prior if I could, and if that would prevent me from having to give my card.  I'm heading over that way in a few weeks to visit my FMIL, so I'll just handle it then. I'll be sure to get the agreement in writing.  Thanks!
Posted by em01092[/QUOTE]

Could you also just agree that he'll release them 30 (or however many) days prior, regardless of whether or not you call him?  That's how our blocks work.  The agreement in writing does not need to be complicated at all.  Just simply write up what you want, make sure you both understand, and sign--it might be better for you to write the first draft since it sounds like the manager doesn't really know what you'd like. 

hmcchesney

I wouldn't give him your credit card information at all.

There are plenty of hotels in my area that will block off rooms without a guarantee, and then release them 2 weeks before the wedding.

smokeybailey

If you are concerned, contact the home office to make your booking.

For group reservations of ten or more rooms per night, please complete the following form. A member of the Group Reservations Team will e-mail you with availability, rates, and policies.

If you prefer to speak to us directly, contact 1-800-544-4444 for Group Sales or fax 602-606-5222. Contact 1-877-240-AWAY (2929) for Sports Groups (in the US and Canada). Sports teams can fax their schedules to 1-877-249-AWAY (2929) (in the US and Canada). Sports groups and teams can also book reservations for 1-9 rooms online by going to choicesportstravel.com.

http://www.choicehotels.com/en/group-travel?sid=xBhxJM.msF2OgqX4.10