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Hotel Room Blocks: The Ultimate Guide for Your Wedding

Planning your wedding is an exciting adventure, but it can be a bit of a juggling act with all the details to keep track of. Booking a hotel room block is one simple way to make things easier for you and your guests. A hotel room block means your guests get comfy accommodation at a discounted rate, all close to your venue. With Joy’s concierge service, sorting out hotel room blocks couldn’t be simpler. From exclusive group rates to a dedicated concierge team, Joy takes the hassle out of accommodation, so you can focus on enjoying your big day.

But what exactly is a hotel room block, and why is it so important for your wedding? Let’s take a look at how hotel blocks work, the different types available, and how Joy can help you find the best options for your guests.

What is 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 complimentary upgrades or added amenities. These blocks are especially useful if you’re planning 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, without the last-minute scramble for rooms.

When you reserve a hotel block, you usually secure 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 simpler, letting you organise shuttles or shared lifts with less fuss.

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 celebration, 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 to get to from the venue. If you’re expecting a lot of guests—say, 20 or 30 rooms—it’s worth considering more than one hotel. Offering a range of prices means your guests can pick accommodation that suits their preferences and budget. And if you’ve chosen a hotel for your reception, you can often secure a block of rooms there as part of your wedding package.

It’s a similar story for destination weddings, but with a few extra perks. Since your guests are probably travelling from further afield, staying at or near your chosen resort or hotel can help your celebration feel more personal. Many resorts include room blocks in their wedding packages as standard, so everyone has a place to unwind and enjoy the festivities. If your wedding destination has several accommodation options nearby, it might be a good idea to offer more choices—especially if you’ve got a larger guest list. This 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, and you’re not obliged to fill them. This is a great choice if you’re not sure how many guests will need somewhere 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 more formal agreement. You might need to meet certain conditions, like booking a set number of rooms or paying a deposit. This 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 small print before signing up.

Why You Need a Hotel Room Block for Your Wedding

Booking a hotel room block comes with several key perks:

1. Convenience for Your Guests: Your guests won’t need to stress about finding somewhere to stay; they’ll have a reserved spot at a hotel close to your venue.
2. Discounted Rates: Hotel blocks often include group discounts, saving your guests money while giving them quality accommodation.
3. Streamlined Coordination: When everyone’s staying in the same place, it’s much easier to sort out transport, coordinate events, and make sure everyone’s on time for your big day.
4. Enhanced Guest Experience: By offering your guests a wedding hotel block, you’ll make their stay more enjoyable. Many hotels throw in extra perks, like welcome treats for your guests or upgrades for the happy couple.

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

Joy takes the hassle out of booking hotel room blocks, 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 fancy a luxury resort or a budget-friendly stay, Joy makes sure they get the best deal going.
• Risk-Free Reservations: Reserve blocks of rooms with Joy, no strings attached. No credit card needed, and you won’t be hit with cancellation fees if the block isn’t fully booked.
• Personal Travel Concierge: Joy’s concierge team does the legwork for you, sorting out hotel blocks and making sure your guests have a smooth booking experience. From helping with bookings to answering guest queries, Joy’s concierge takes the stress off your shoulders.
• Premium Perks & Upgrades: With Joy, you could enjoy premium perks like complimentary bridal suite upgrades, spa treats, and brilliant in-room extras for your guests.
• Streamlined Communication: Joy gives your guests a single point of contact, making booking rooms simple and straightforward. Your dedicated concierge can guide your guests through their options and answer any questions along the way.

Types of Hotel Room Blocks

When booking hotel room blocks, it’s important to understand the different types available. Each has its own pros and cons, so it’s key to pick the one that fits your plans best:

1. 
   Courtesy Block
   
   A courtesy block is the most flexible option. You can reserve rooms for your guests without any financial commitment. The hotel will hold a set number of rooms for a certain period, and guests can book them at a discounted rate. If the rooms aren’t taken, there’s no penalty or cost to you. Just bear in mind, once the hotel fills up, availability isn’t guaranteed.
2. Guaranteed Block
   
   A guaranteed block, on the other hand, does require a financial commitment. You agree to a certain number of rooms; if they’re not booked, you may need to pay for the unused rooms. This type is better suited to larger weddings where you’re confident most rooms will be snapped up.
3. Attrition Block
   
   With an attrition block, you’re expected to fill a specific percentage of the rooms in the block (usually 80-90%). If you don’t meet that target, you’ll be responsible for the difference. This option is more common for bigger events, where there’s a good chance most rooms will be filled.
   
   Getting to grips with these options helps you choose the right hotel block for your wedding. With Joy, your concierge can help you work out which block makes the most sense for your plans.

How to Reserve a Hotel Room Block with Joy

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

1. Share Your Hotel Preferences: Let Joy’s concierge team know your wedding dates, venue, and preferred hotel locations. Don’t forget to mention any specific requirements, like being close to the venue or certain amenities.
2. Receive Tailored Options: Joy’s team will research and send you a handpicked list of hotels that fit your needs. You’ll get discounted rates at different price points, so you can pick the best options for your guests.
3. Confirm and Reserve: Once you’ve chosen your hotel(s) and room block sizes, Joy will take care of the booking. This includes securing the rooms and setting up a dedicated guest booking link.
4. Share with Your Guests: Easily share the booking link with your guests via your Joy wedding website, making it simple for them to book their rooms. Or, send the link by email or message—whatever suits you best.
5. Enjoy Peace of Mind: With Joy handling your room block bookings, you can relax knowing your guests’ accommodation is sorted.

Tips for Reserving Hotel Room Blocks

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

• Start Early: The sooner you start, the better. Hotels can fill up quickly, especially during peak wedding seasons or bank holiday weekends. Booking early gives you the best chance of securing good rates and availability.
• Estimate Guest Needs: As a rule of thumb, reserve rooms for around 30-40% of your total guest list. For example, if you’re expecting 100 guests from out of town, booking 30-40 rooms should cover it.
• Consider Multiple Hotels: If your guests have different budgets, consider reserving blocks at two or more hotels. This way, everyone can choose a place that suits their budget and still stay close to your venue.
• Negotiate Perks: Many hotels offer complimentary perks, like suite upgrades, free breakfasts, or welcome treats for your guests. Don’t be shy—ask about these extras when 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 secure the discounted 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 can enjoy exclusive group rates, flexible bookings, and extra perks. Joy’s concierge team will sort out all the details, so that’s one less thing on your plate.

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