Hotels have different policies on the number of rooms they’ll reserve for a block — and also what they require from you as the host. Your customized proposal from us will outline your best hotel block options, but here is a short summary of the difference between hotel courtesy blocks and guaranteed/contract blocks:
- Courtesy Room Definition: A courtesy room is defined as a block of rooms held for your group with a cut-off date (usually 30 days prior to check-in). On that cut-off date, the hotel releases any unbooked rooms in your hotel courtesy block back into their inventory without financial obligation for you.
The Pros: A courtesy block hotel offers no financial obligation, which saves you money if you don’t have as many bookings as you expected. In other words, you won’t have to pay for those unbooked rooms yourself. Courtesy room blocks are particularly popular for weddings.
Cons: Rooms are held, but not guaranteed. The hotel can sell out and/or offer them to another group.
- Guaranteed or Contract Block Definition: This type of block is used for a guaranteed number of rooms. Your group will be required to pick up a percentage of rooms, also known as a hotel attrition rate (typically 70% to 90%). For example: If you contracted for 20 rooms x 2 nights, and the attrition clause’s rate is 80%, then your group would be responsible for filling a total of 32 room nights by the cut-off date (usually 30 days prior to check-in). If those 32 rooms aren’t filled, you can be charged for those unbooked room nights in your block.
The Pros: Rooms are guaranteed for your group and can’t be given away to others outside of your group. Hotels offer more upgrades and special promotions for guaranteed room blocks. These blocks are great for high-demand destinations and dates.
Cons: You are obligated to fill a percentage of the rooms.
The various types of blocks depend on your dates of stay, preferred hotels and event location. No matter what, your room block expert will explain your final hotel agreement, and answer any questions along the way.
How Where Will They Stay Can Help
Where Will They Stay is a complimentary service that sources a selection of room blocks for any event, such as weddings, bachelor/bachelorette parties, family reunions and corporate events. We take this time-consuming task off your plate so you can focus on event planning. Plus, the entire process is turnkey and requires zero effort on your part.
When an occasion calls for friends and family to gather together at the same hotel, our team can find hotel properties that offer your guests a wonderful experience at an excellent price – all with minimal demands on your time. Additionally, we can ensure our suggested properties satisfy your needs in terms of amenities, price, location, etc. Then you select the hotel(s) that are right for you!
We have two packages you can choose from:
OUR SIGNATURE SERVICE: FREE
This service level covers 95% of our clients. At this level, we identify rates at up to five hotels – these options can include specifically requested properties or ones we identify based on your parameters. The more information you give us to start, the more we can customize your proposal.
OUR PREMIUM SERVICE: $249
Want more options? The premium service includes a report of 6-15 additional hotel options. It’s ideal for clients who want more than two final hotel blocks for their guests. Let’s discuss your needs and see if the service upgrade is right for you.