Hotel Blocks

We have set up a block of rooms at the hotel where the wedding is being held. A number of our guests are from out of town so it would be essential for them. It also allows anyone who doesn't want to drive home after the option of staying there, even if they are locals.

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HI, can you tell me which hotel this was?

I would set up a hotel block just in case, it doesn't cost you anything and any guests who will need a hotel room for the wedding would really appreciate it.

We blocked rooms, but most of our guests booked at Airbnb’s. It is still nice to have that option, although the savings were only about $20-$30 per night

Room blocks are a great option for guests to be in one place. The prices provided are discounted and the rooms under your name so its easier to be there with you.

Definitely call around and ask about rates/group discounts!

Our wedding is at a hotel so we got a room block there. They hold the rooms for guests to reserve at the discounted rate up to a month before the wedding. After that any unsold rooms go back in the general inventory and guests would have to pay regular rates.

We have quite a few OOT guests, so a room block was preferred. That being said, we didn't want the financial burden of blocking rooms.

We found this hotel, downtown Ottawa (YAY!), that would offer a discounted price but it would be at a "first come first serve" basis until all rooms are sold for the dates around the wedding. This way, we aren't financially responsible if a certain % of rooms aren't booked and we have an option available for guests.

I would definitely ask around to see if the hotels you're looking into have that option!

That being said, it's totally acceptable to list a couple of hotels that are pretty close, without blocking rooms.

I would call to see what rate(s) they offer, like others have suggested. It may save your guests some money (and guarantee they'll have a place to stay given they book by a certain date). Additionally, you can request that the rooms be blocked off together so your guests aren't scattered across the hotel.

Like others said, call around and see which ones have the best rate

I am getting married in Toronto and EVERY hotel had a minimum number of hotels we had to book, and if they didn't book up we would have to pay a fee. I did however find a hotel that has a special wedding code to enter when booking which would save my guests $25 (which I figure is better than nothing) and the hotel said I can use that as it costs me nothing- so that is the hotel we recommended for our guests

I listed different hotel's in the area and their pricing on my website. Also told them how far away as well.

View quoted message Thank you!!! I will do that 😀

Yes definitely call around and ask! Some hotels have a minimum (the Delta told us min. 15 over two nights) so you'll know if it is worth it. Otherwise if it is only a few couples the idea of putting a few down on your website is a great idea. Also depending on the timing of your wedding the hotels can tell you how busy they anticipate being.

I’d call around and see which hotel gives you the best rate. Then you can tell your guests that there’s a group rate available at so and such hotel. It gives your guests the best rate, plus if people need to Uber or take a taxi, they have the option to do it together.

ALSO, room blocks shouldn’t cost you anything, so it doesn’t hurt to call around and check out prices.