Booking reception at a hotel before they open?

ChiCat007 · November 2009

Hi all! So this is my first post here on the knot, and I'm hoping I can get some advice. We're looking at booking our reception at a hotel in downtown Chicago for summer 2010, but of course it's not cheap, and we're trying to get the most for our money. We've found a beautiful hotel downtown that's owned by a large national chain, and is set to open in late spring 2010. Basically, in exchange for booking before the hotel is open, we'd be getting an great deal.So on the one hand, we're getting a much nicer venue and menu then we could get at any other place downtown for this price, but it could be a risk since the hotel isn't open and established yet. I don't think it's a huge risk because it's a high level national chain with a great reputation. Also, one of the building's owners has already booked the ballroom for his kid's wedding for the first weekend the hotel is set to be open, so it seems like that will be sure to push them to stay on schedule (and are wedding is set almost 6 weeks after they're supposed to open).Basically, I was hoping to hear from anyone who's had experience working with a venue that hasn't opened yet. Would you do it again, or avoid it?Thanks!

bharnett · November 2009

We were in that situation when we first started planning. We really wanted to do it at a Mandarin Oriental (which wasn't opening for a good year). However, being the paranoid person that I am...I decided to book something I was familiar with & planned to go back several times. It's a gut call at this point. Do you feel that the venue will make your wedding? Will you spend the next 6 months worrying about what may go wrong? Remember any new establishment (regardless of whether it has a good reputation in other places) will need to work out quirks in the beginning. That's something you may have to come to terms with if you proceed, however, if it were me...I'd keep looking if I wasn't 100% sold.

MeaghanandMichael · November 2009

If it is a large national chain perhaps you can make a gaurantee that if something goes wrong with that hotel you will be able to use another of their hotels instead. In either case I think a spring 2010 opening and a summer 2010 wedding are a bit too close for comfort. Maybe a fall wedding or a 2011 wedding might work better?

tenofcups4me · November 2009

It's risky. Opening dates get pushed all the time, even with large national chains, sometimes by weeks, sometimes by months. And late spring is awfully close to summer. It's also not uncommon for a hotel to have a soft opening, where they can do some events or fill some rooms before finalizing everything and opening up compleletey (unfortunately, those early days are also when the kinks are typically being worked out so you may have some service issues). I think it mostly depends on your personality and your ability to deal with risk. I personaly would worry about it too much for me to want to take the risk. But if you're relatively easygoing and able to adjust to changes easily if necessary, you could get a great deal. Tough call... good luck with your decision!

dsouldiva · November 2009

I think if you have a 6 week buffer you should be fine but you should be prepared for the fact that there may be lots of little things that are less than perfect.If it's only been open 6 weeks they may have a lot of new and/or inexperienced staff, things may not run like clockwork but if you are getting a great deal then you may be able to overlook little things.If the manager has to have the place open for his own child's wedding I'd say it's a pretty safe bet it will be open on time!I'd say go for it

Booking reception at a hotel before they open?

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