Q & A – More on room blocks …

QUESTION:

I’m planning a wedding for May of 09 in Chicago. Was just reading your blog post on Room Blocks. Very helpful information.

My fiancé and I are planning to have our reception at a hotel and are doing some “venue shopping” this weekend. I was curious as to the average discount for room rates for blocks. Especially if we are also holding the reception at the hotel.

Trying to get as educated as possible before our meetings so we have some negotiating power. Any info you have would be helpful.

Thanks!

Bridget

ANSWER:

Hi, Bridget~

Good question!

The average rate discount on a room block in my experience is anywhere from 20-40% off the rack rate. Of course, I’m able to get these deals because (a) I’m typically holding large events with 20+ rooms blocked and event space rented in the hotel and (b) I’m willing to haggle with hotel sales staff until I get a rate I want. If you take the first price they give you, you’re the one losing!

You will have more negotiating power if you decide to hold your events in the hotel you’re looking for rooms at. Expect a smaller discount on room rates if you’re looking for rooms only, not event space (probably around 10-15%).

You’ll also get a better discount if you block a larger # of rooms. If you’re only looking to block 5 rooms, your discount will be small.

There’s an excellent article that addresses this exact issue by Heather Cross for About.com here:

http://gonyc.about.com/cs/hotels/a/oot_hotels.htm

I hope you have found this information helpful. Please let me know if I can be of further help.

Happy planning!

~Eve-Maridy Rice