Hotel Block

When setting up your hotel block, did you have to guarantee a certain number of rooms? When I first spoke with this hotel they never mentioned that. They said I block the rooms and if by a certain date they are not booked they just let them go. When I received the contract it said I needed to guarantee 10 rooms and if they weren't filled I'd need to be financially responsible for them. They also wanted me to book four of the rooms now (2 are suites for me and FH the night before wedding since we live too far to sleep home and don't want to stay in the same hotel room). My wedding is 11 months away, I just feel like that's too soon. Is this normal?

Has anyone booked with Viana Hotel and Spa? Can you let me know what your experience has been and if the above is what you went through as well?

If that doesn't work out, the Roslyn Claremont Hotel is near my venue. Does anyone have any feedback for that Hotel? I hear it's very outdated, I haven't been to visit yet.

TIA!!

Hotel Block

Also, they charge to distribute gift bags upon check in. Is that normal as well?

Re: Hotel Block

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Posted by BrideToB

When I received the contract it said I needed to guarantee 10 rooms and if they weren't filled I'd need to be financially responsible for them.

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Run! Do not put yourself in a position where you have to pay for unbooked rooms!

We booked Fairfield by Marriott, and all we did was tell them about how many rooms (10 in our case - which is also the min) and how many kings or two doubles we would like. Rooms must be booked by a certain date; whatever is not booked in the block gets released so anyone can reserve it. We have absolutely no financial responsibility for unbooked rooms, and honestly I'd suggest looking around for another hotel.

Some OOT guests do not always go with the hotel block the bride and groom set aside because they may find other hotels in the area that are less expensive. Also, what if there are last minute cancellations from people who can't make it? You really don't want to assume the financial burden of paying for all that :/

Good luck!

Hotel Block

Exactly my thoughts. And I was also taken aback when I saw this all in the contract yet she never mentioned it when we were discussing everything. Thank you so much!!!

Hotel Block

We booked the Courtyard in Famingdale. They guarantee 10 rooms for now and if theyneed to add more they will. A month before the wedding any rooms that are not sold they let go to the public. If we book 10 room we get ours for free and if we book 15 we get a shuttle to and from the reception.

Re: Hotel Block

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Posted by scottsbride

We booked the Courtyard in Famingdale. They guarantee 10 rooms for now and if theyneed to add more they will. A month before the wedding any rooms that are not sold they let go to the public. If we book 10 room we get ours for free and if we book 15 we get a shuttle to and from the reception.

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I did this too. They are so easy to work with and there is no financial responsibility if your rooms don't book.

Re: Hotel Block

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Posted by BrideToB

Has anyone booked with Viana Hotel and Spa? Can you let me know what your experience has been and if the above is what you went through as well?

TIA!!

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We actually went to look at it last weekend and it is beautiful!! Our hall told us that Viana is the hotel that they work with and if we guarantee 8 rooms, they will provide a shuttle at two different times in each direction.

FH sister used them last year for her wedding and had no problems.

Hotel Block

I'm pretty sure with my room block (Fox Hollow), as long as I hit my minimum, (which I did quickly with the bridal party and family) I am not financially responsible for any unbooked rooms. As sure as I am, I will be contacting them tomorrow, as NYC schools will be closed and I am being evacuated from my home and will have ample time to stress over wedding details. LOL

Hotel Block

i'm booked at the Viana. I reserved 10 which was the max # of rooms you can book without any obligation. When you go above 10 rooms you need to guarantee 50% of them be filled. These rooms stay reserved until 1 month before your reservation date.

What you're saying doesn't sound 100% right. Maybe you should go and meet with someone at the hotel. The two ladies I dealt with there were very helpful. We booked the day we went to tour it.

Hotel Block

I booked at the viana, they are reserving 10 or 15 rooms got us up to one month before our wedding at no obligation to us. Also it's only $5 to deliver each bag I don't think it cost anything to distribute them at check in.

Re: Hotel Block

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Posted by LisaReyes

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Posted by scottsbride

We booked the Courtyard in Famingdale. They guarantee 10 rooms for now and if theyneed to add more they will. A month before the wedding any rooms that are not sold they let go to the public. If we book 10 room we get ours for free and if we book 15 we get a shuttle to and from the reception.

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I did this too. They are so easy to work with and there is no financial responsibility if your rooms don't book.

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This!! I spoke to Randi and she was so great! Def recommend them.

Hotel Block

i'm booked at the Viana. I reserved 10 which was the max # of rooms you can book without any obligation. When you go above 10 rooms you need to guarantee 50% of them be filled. These rooms stay reserved until 1 month before your reservation date.

What you're saying doesn't sound 100% right. Maybe you should go and meet with someone at the hotel. The two ladies I dealt with there were very helpful. We booked the day we went to tour it.


I also booked there and the above info which was posted is the same I have. there has been no problems....one thing about the shuttle they provide it but they dont tell guest till check in so I am adding a stick on the hotel card to tell my guest in advance

Hotel Block

That's a good idea. I am going to make a label and attach it the hotel card to inform guests about the shuttle.

Hotel Block

I spoke to Kim at the Viana. She also said they don't provide a complimentary shuttle. What I wrote came right out of the contract. She verbally didn't say any of this to me, you guys should review your contract just in case. Let me know if it doesn't say that. Maybe I can negotiate with them knowing that info. I also asked my wedding coordinator about it and she said that is their policy. Ah, so confused. My future brother in law stayed there for the storm and their power is out so I'm going to wait until it comes back on to call her to discuss. Thanks all!

Hotel Block

Hmm We are booked at the Viana and understand that there is no obligation and shuttle service. We are planning to really push Viana to our guests because of this and hold the after party there. I have lots of out of town guests and I wanted them to have a great spa experience. I'm also planning to book the bridal suite from Thurs to Sunday. I'm def calling tomorrow to check all this out!