Group Rate Negotiations

[Raazzy5711]

I just heard back from my Miami coordinator on the group rate they are offering me and it is unacceptable!

 

I plan on having a minimum of 25 rooms booked next May and I am starting to get annoyed.  I heard from someone on tripadvisor that she was able to negotiate a lower rate for a birthday group but I am not sure how to go about it. 

 

If you have any experience or recommendations in doing this please post!  Thank you so much!

 

[TammyWright]

have you thought about contacting a Travel Agent.  We were with different suppliers to get the lowest rates possible as well as provide a service that you will not get by booking directly with the resort.  You can contact one of our TA's on the banner up top or here BDW Agent Inquiry 

[Chicago]

 

 

I tried to go that route.That is with a travel agency. So far I have just tried one booking through apple vacations. It ended up being astronomical which I expected in a way because they have to make money as well. I am thinking of having all my guests book individually on the apple website. Seems to be less expensive.

 

Any other recommendations are greatly appreciated.

[TammyWright]

travel agents can book the same packages through apple as well as compare prices to other wholesale companies that are not open to the public.  i actually very rarely use apple because i do not find their prices to be the lowest.

 

travel agents can also try to price match/price beat packages you may find.

 

Originally Posted by Chicago 

 

 

I tried to go that route.That is with a travel agency. So far I have just tried one booking through apple vacations. It ended up being astronomical which I expected in a way because they have to make money as well. I am thinking of having all my guests book individually on the apple website. Seems to be less expensive.

 

Any other recommendations are greatly appreciated.

[richarsd]

Ugh, coordinating a group rate was BY FAR the most frustrating and stressful part of the entire wedding planning process...rest assured, once you do that though it should be smooth sailing.

 

We went with a TA and it doesn't necessarily make it that much less stressful and we actually have a phenominal travel agent. I think part our hassel was that we needed rates for three different gateway cities. Anyway, in the end our TA found us a great deal price wise and nothing on the online discount sites has been able to compare...however, the catch is that because it's an early booking bonus everyone has to pay in full by October (the wedding isn't until April 2011!!). In hindsight, if I had to do it all over again, I'd be really, really tempted to just have all my guests fend for themselves and book however they wanna book...some people will likely do that anyway.

[MBBride]

From my experience, you need to shop around for TA's. Some had better rates than others. It was so frustrating b/c prices are typically higher than what you're used to seeing (seat sales). I ended up going with itravel2000.com and my TA has been fabulous! Good luck!

[MrsHemmings]

I am having the same dilema.  TA or no TA?  I started talks with the TA of a friend who she says is really good.  So far I am not impressed.  I think in the end i will just let people book their own.  Someone before me said it best.  This IS the most stressful part of my planning so far....

 

Thanks for sharing, it makes me feel better that I am not alone.

[bride.to.be]

Hi MBBRIDE,

i noticed you said you booked with itravel. did you have a large group or just a few people? im looking at booking 50 - 60 people, and my travel agent is being ridiculous, so i have requested a group quote from itravel but am a little hesitant to book that many people with an on line booking agency. just curious on your thoughts or how that all went. thanks!

[MBBride]

Hi bride.to.be,

 

itravel has been really great with communication. Everything has been over phone/email and they are quick to respond to my guests as well. Our group is about 40 people and they all booked with my TA at itravel. The rates there were much better than other places I've looked. Hope your experience with them is just as positive.

 

 

Originally Posted by bride.to.be 

Hi MBBRIDE,

i noticed you said you booked with itravel. did you have a large group or just a few people? im looking at booking 50 - 60 people, and my travel agent is being ridiculous, so i have requested a group quote from itravel but am a little hesitant to book that many people with an on line booking agency. just curious on your thoughts or how that all went. thanks!

[MsClarke724]

Anyone know what happens if I reserve 20 rooms and only 15 rooms book?  My TA says nothing, but I am skeptical.