Get A Room: Hotel Block Booking Tips
Featured Photo by Tags Photography
Whether you have guests traveling from out of town or you opt for a destination wedding, your loved ones will need a place to stay. And not just any place, you want their accommodations to be comfortable, easy and able to set the overall tone for the weekend ahead. One great way to ensure comfort and ease is to secure a hotel block.
It’s likely that you don’t have past experience in booking hotel blocks though. What is it? Why should you do it? How do you do it?
We asked Jacqueline Vizcaíno, founder and lead visionary of Tinted Event Design, Production and Planning, to share her expertise on all things hotel blocks. As a well-versed Atlanta event planner, Vizcaíno knows how important it is to have such details ironed out so that you are set up for success.
WHAT IS A HOTEL BLOCK?
Before we get into the benefits, let’s start by defining what a hotel room block is. A hotel room block is
a grouping of hotel rooms set aside for a specific event. By securing a room block, you also secure a group rate for your attendees and, oftentimes, other special perks. Some hotels throw in a complimentary room for the couple, access to a hospitality suite, welcome bag distribution at the front desk and flexible check-in/check-out times.
BENEFITS
By reserving hotel room blocks, you can ease transportation woes, streamline timelines and provide a luxurious experience for your guests.
In a weekend full of detailed coordination, you want to work smarter, not harder. A room block can make things trouble-free for you and your wedding planner. You can easily coordinate transportation and activities by having all of your guests in one place. Trust us, your wedding planner will thank you for making their job easier!
TRANSPORTATION
Rideshare services can be spotty, and cabs can be expensive. Having a room block at a hotel near the wedding venue and/or reception venue allows for guests to carpool or you can take advantage of a trolley, shuttle or other stylish event transportation methods. Having a singular pick-up and drop- off location for your guests will also help keep your aunt from texting you “Where am I supposed to be?” When everyone is in the same spot, these questions answer themselves.
THE HOTEL THANKS YOU
Not only is a hotel block convenient for guests and the planner, but it also is beneficial to the hotel to be able to plan ahead and make accommodations for your party. Knowing that a whole group of hotel guests are attending the same wedding festivities, the hotel staff will ensure all needs are met. In contrast to just suggesting your guests stay at a certain hotel, official group bookings enable the hotel to properly prepare and ensure your guests have a room.
REST AND RELAXATION
Perhaps most importantly, a hotel room block can give your guests a place to relax and unwind after a long weekend of celebrating. Yes, your wedding is for you and every detail is something you’ve carefully curated. But a wedding is also for your guests, and you want them to have a stress-free weekend so that they can properly celebrate with you. By having a room block, you can give your guests a place to stay where they can relax and recharge before heading home. Plus, it’s a great way to keep the party going after the reception or even into a brunch the next morning.
Top Three
Superb service is the hallmark of Atlanta. So when booking a hotel room block for your wedding, you want to ensure you have all the information you need to make the best decision for you and your guests. Here are our top three tips for booking a hotel room block:
1. MAKE A LIST OF YOUR MUST-HAVES
What amenities are important to you and your guests? Make sure the hotel you book can provide them.
2. DO YOUR RESEARCH
Not all hotels are created equal. When looking for a hotel to book your room block in, read reviews and compare rates. You’ll want to find an affordable hotel with a reputation for providing excellent service.
3. START EARLY
The earlier you look for a hotel room block, the better. This will give you more time to compare prices and find the best deal. With so much happening in Atlanta — sports, concerts, conventions, social and charitable events — room blocks fill up fast! Having your hotel block booked before you send out save-the-dates is helpful, as your guests can begin to plan their travel arrangements ASAP.
