Cherie
Room blocks can be stressful to deal with so it’s always recommended to have a destination wedding travel agent handle the contracts for you. I have 15 years of experience in booking room blocks for groups large and small. I know the terms, what to watch out for, and deadlines that have to be met to release rooms so couples don’t have penalties. Working with a travel agent with experience makes the process for you much easier than trying to keep track of all of this on your own.
Benefits of a group block include guaranteed rooms for all of your guests, locked in rates that all of your guests will receive, and free rooms, upgrades, and other extras for you (these depend on resort but can add up to thousands of dollars of savings for you).
Group blocks are flexible and guests can stay any dates that work best for them, as long as it is a minimum of 3 nights. Room types can be changed as long as they are available. Guests are able to pay a small deposit and can make additional payments any time up until the final balance is due. There will be a deadline that guests need to reserve by to guarantee the rate and room type and extra rooms are released with no penalty by that deadline. Extra rooms can be added after that final date but the rate would no longer be guaranteed.
Group Block Deposit – Typically $100 per room that you want to hold in the group is required. This deposit is applied to your room or refunded back to you once the free nights are applied. Some resorts have lower deposit options for $500 to $1000.
Keep in mind that there are dates for room releases, attrition, cancellation, and benefits to apply so it is very important to work with someone that understands how group blocks work.
I am happy to help you even if you have already reserved your wedding date. I work with many different resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean. Please reach out to me for information or assistance. There is no fee or extra cost for my services!
