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Hotel Room Blocks: The Ultimate Guide for Your Wedding

Planning your wedding is a big adventure, and there’s a lot to juggle along the way. Booking a hotel room block is one simple step that can make things easier for you and your guests. A hotel room block means your guests get comfy accommodation close to your venue, often at a discounted rate. With Joy’s concierge service, sorting out hotel room blocks is a breeze. From special group rates to a friendly concierge team, Joy takes the stress out of organising accommodation, so you can focus on enjoying your big day.

But what actually is a hotel room block, and why does it matter for your wedding? Let’s break down how hotel blocks work, the different types out there, and how Joy can help you lock in the best options for your guests.

What’s a Hotel Room Block?

A hotel room block is a group of rooms set aside for your wedding guests at a special rate, often with extra perks like free upgrades or added amenities. These blocks are a lifesaver if you’re having a destination wedding or expecting lots of guests from out of town. By booking a block, you make sure your guests have easy access to nearby accommodation, so no one’s left scrambling for a room at the last minute.

When you reserve a hotel block, you usually lock in a discounted group rate for a set number of rooms. Your guests can then book these rooms individually, so everyone has a comfy place to stay while celebrating with you. Plus, reserving a block makes transport planning easier, letting you organise shuttles or shared rides without the hassle.

Tailoring Your Hotel Room Block to Your Wedding

There’s more than one way to reserve hotel room blocks for your wedding. Whether you’re tying the knot close to home or planning a destination do, knowing your options can make all the difference in making sure your guests have a comfy stay.

Local Weddings vs. Destination Celebrations

For a local wedding, convenience is key. Most couples book room blocks at nearby hotels that are easy for guests to get to from the venue. If you’re expecting a bigger crowd—say, 20 or 30 rooms—it’s worth looking at a few different hotels. Offering a range of price points means your guests can pick the accommodation that suits their preferences and budget. And if your reception is at a hotel, you can often secure a block of rooms there as part of your wedding package.

It’s a similar approach for destination weddings, just with a few extra perks. Since your guests are probably travelling from further afield, staying at or near your chosen resort or hotel can make the whole celebration feel more connected. Many resorts include room blocks in their wedding packages, so everyone has a spot to unwind and enjoy the festivities. If your wedding spot has a few different places to stay nearby, it’s a good idea to offer more options—especially if you’ve got a bigger guest list. That way, guests can pick the stay that best matches their travel style.

Courtesy Blocks vs. Contracted Blocks

Hotels usually offer two types of room blocks: courtesy and contracted.

A courtesy block is a no-strings-attached option—rooms are held for your guests, but you’re not on the hook if they don’t all get booked. This is a great choice if you’re not sure how many guests will need a place to stay. Some venues even include a courtesy block in their package, especially for destination or resort weddings.

A contracted room block, on the other hand, comes with a bit more paperwork. You might need to meet certain conditions, like booking a set number of rooms or paying a deposit. This option can be handy if you’re confident about your guest numbers and want to lock in the best rates, but it’s important to read the fine print before you commit.

Why You Need a Hotel Room Block for Your Wedding

Booking a hotel room block comes with a bunch of handy perks:

1. Convenience for Your Guests: Your guests won’t have to stress about finding somewhere to stay—they’ll have a spot sorted at a hotel close to your venue.
2. Discounted Rates: Hotel blocks usually mean special group rates, so your guests save a bit of cash while still getting top-notch accommodation.
3. Streamlined Coordination: When everyone’s staying in the same place, it’s much easier to organise transport, coordinate events, and make sure everyone’s on time for your big day.
4. Enhanced Guest Experience: Giving your guests a wedding hotel block makes their stay smoother and more enjoyable. Lots of hotels throw in extras too, like welcome goodies for your guests or upgrades for the couple.

Joy’s Hotel Room Block Service: Exclusive Perks and Benefits

Joy makes booking hotel room blocks a breeze, giving you a dedicated travel concierge, exclusive group rates, and top-notch perks. Here’s what makes Joy’s hotel room block service stand out:

• Exclusive Group Rates: Save up to 30% on hotel rooms with Joy. Whether your guests are after a luxury resort or something more budget-friendly, Joy makes sure they get the best deal going.
• Risk-Free Reservations: Book blocks of rooms with zero financial commitment. No credit card needed, and you won’t cop any cancellation fees if the block doesn’t fill up.
• Personal Travel Concierge: Joy’s concierge team takes care of the hard stuff, helping you lock in hotel blocks and making sure your guests have a smooth booking experience. From helping with bookings to answering guest questions, Joy’s concierge takes the stress off your shoulders.
• Premium Perks & Upgrades: With Joy, you might score premium perks like free bridal suite upgrades, spa experiences, and extra-special in-room treats for your guests.
• Streamlined Communication: Joy gives your guests one easy point of contact, so booking their rooms is simple. Your dedicated concierge can help guests weigh up their options and answer any questions along the way.

Types of Hotel Room Blocks

When booking hotel blocks, it’s important to know the different types on offer. Each has its upsides and downsides, so it’s worth picking the one that fits you best:

1. 
   Courtesy Block
   
   A courtesy block is the most flexible option. You can reserve rooms for your guests without any financial strings attached. The hotel will hold a set number of rooms for a certain time, and your guests can book them at a discounted rate. If the rooms don’t get snapped up, there’s no penalty or cost for you. Just keep in mind, once the hotel fills up, those rooms aren’t guaranteed.
2. Guaranteed Block
   
   A guaranteed block, on the other hand, means you’re making a financial commitment. You agree to a certain number of rooms; if they don’t all get booked, you might have to cover the difference. This option suits bigger weddings where you’re pretty sure most rooms will be taken.
3. Attrition Block
   
   With an attrition block, you need to fill a set percentage of the rooms (usually 80-90%). If you fall short, you’ll need to pay for the gap. This type is more common for larger events, where there’s a good chance most rooms will be filled.
   
   Knowing your options helps you pick the right hotel block for your wedding. With Joy, your concierge can help you work out which block is the best fit for your plans.

How to Reserve a Hotel Room Block with Joy

Booking a hotel room block with Joy is simple, saving you time and hassle. Here’s how it works:

1. Share Your Hotel Preferences: Let Joy’s concierge team know your wedding dates, venue, and where you’d like your guests to stay. If you have any special requests—like being close to the venue or certain amenities—just mention them.
2. Receive Tailored Options: Joy’s team will do the legwork and send you a handpicked list of hotels that fit what you’re after. You’ll get discounted rates at different price points, so you can pick what suits your guests best.
3. Confirm and Reserve: Once you’ve chosen your hotel(s) and room block sizes, Joy will take care of the booking. That means securing the rooms and setting up a special link just for your guests.
4. Share with Your Guests: Easily share the booking link on your Joy wedding website, so guests can book their rooms in a few clicks. Or, send it out via email or message—whatever works for you.
5. Enjoy Peace of Mind: With Joy looking after your room block bookings, you can relax knowing your guests’ accommodation is sorted.

Tips for Reserving Hotel Room Blocks

Booking hotel room blocks can be a breeze with a bit of planning. Here are some handy tips to help things go smoothly:

• Start Early: The sooner you get started, the better. Hotels can book out fast, especially during peak wedding seasons or long weekends. Getting in early gives you the best shot at good rates and availability.
• Estimate Guest Needs: A good rule of thumb is to book rooms for about 30–40% of your total guest list. For example, if you’re expecting 100 guests from out of town, booking 30–40 rooms should do the trick.
• Consider Multiple Hotels: If your guests have different budgets, think about reserving blocks at two or more hotels. That way, everyone can pick a spot that suits their wallet and still stay close to your venue.
• Negotiate Perks: Lots of hotels throw in extras like suite upgrades, free brekkies, or welcome goodies for your guests. Don’t be shy—ask what perks they can offer when you’re booking your block.
• Communicate Clearly: Once your blocks are sorted, make sure your guests know how to book their rooms. Share the booking link on your wedding website or in your invites, and remind everyone to book early to lock in the special rate.

Conclusion: Make Your Wedding Day Stress-Free with Joy

Booking a hotel room block is key to making sure your wedding guests have a comfy, convenient place to stay. With Joy, you’ll score exclusive group rates, risk-free bookings, and top-notch perks. Our concierge team takes care of all the details, so that’s one less thing on your plate.

Whether you’re celebrating close to home or planning a destination wedding, Joy’s hotel room block service makes things simple and keeps your guests looked after. Get in touch with the Joy team to book your hotel room block today.