So I was wondering if I should bother to block hotel rooms for my out of towners. Most of them consist of mine and FH's family, and the liklihood of them actually going to a hotel is rather slim considering the fact that they know they can crash at our parents house for free. I would prefer if they stayed in a hotel to alleviate the stress of our parents having to house all these people, but I don't even know how many will actually come... or agree to stay in a hotel.
So how does this whole hotel blocking thing work? Do I have to guarantee a certain number of people? and do I have to pay for this? Also, should I block a hotel near our venue, or the city since people will be making a vacation out of this?
Any feedback would be much appreciated
MrsSx2
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Re: Blocking hotel rooms
I would block anyway just in case! I blocked at La Quinta Garden City and Hilton Garden Inn in Westbury. Theres no financial obligation. They will hold a certain # of rooms up until 1 month before the event. la Quinta even offers your guests free breakfast and free shuttle to the wedding (if you book 15 rooms). It can't hurt to block, so I suggest to do it! Plus, if your guests see that you have blocked, they may take a hint and lay off staying at your parents!
MayBride2010
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Re: Blocking hotel rooms
We blocked rooms for our OOT guests and also anyone else who wanted to stay over as we are having an afterparty within walking distance of the hotel. We had to give the amount of rooms for the block, and then we must book at least 80% of the rooms or we will be charged (which wont be a problem as we know we will easily make that amount). FH and I are also staying at the same hotel, and we will be having a shuttle service from the hotel to the reception and back so people do not have to worry about driving. Also - our hotel is about 5 miles away from our reception hall...and the proximity of the hotel from the RH was important in our decision.
hth!
Nina1010
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Re: Blocking hotel rooms
We're at WCC too. We blocked rooms in blocks of 10 at Melville Marriott for $109 per night. You call or visit the hotel you're interested in. We asked to look at the rooms and the size of the suites to make our decision. You sign a contract and basically if your rooms aren't booked by a certain date, they release them. No penalty to you. Some places ask that you guarantee at least 10 rooms. It varies on the hotel.
I would also suggest looking at the Homewood Suites b/c they offer breakfast. The woman and I kept playing phone tag so we went out there and ending up booking with MM.
When considering this, my advice would be consdier a shuttle. Although no expected by everyone, its nice to offer, but costs more $$$.
barbtony
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Re: Blocking hotel rooms
I'm at NRC - just down the block from WCC - I blocked my rooms at the Marriott Residence Inn in Plainview. I didn't have to pay anything if the rooms weren't booked.
bluj786
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Re: Blocking hotel rooms
i have booked 10 rooms so far at the marriot at airport plaza in farmingdale. The riveria reconmends them and they supply a shuttle if 10 rooms are booked., if people book more then 15 rooms FHB and i get a room free. They dont charge for anything. it cant hurt.
Suzie4
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Re: Blocking hotel rooms
with most hotels there is no financial obligation if you don't meet your block by a month b4 the wedding they release the rooms...however, you have to look into the hotels b/c some do require $ It doesn't hurt to block them just in case you never know they may stay
astorc
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Re: Blocking hotel rooms
We booked our rooms at the new Hyatt Place in Garden City. It actually just opened in January. We had 10 rooms blocked off at a rate of $129. They will also continue to add rooms to your block if they keep filling up! Similar to the other posts, if there are any open rooms a month before the wedding they release them.
whispersamethyst
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Re: Blocking hotel rooms
Thanks! I'm glad to hear there are no financial obligations in many of the hotels. It's definitely worth a shot, and I hope my family takes the hint and stays at the hotel instead of jam packing themselves in our parents house.
Do you guys think I should look into hotels in the city too? Some people are making a week vacation out of it, and I doubt they'll want to stay in long island for that duration.
