Group Rates at Barcelo, RIU, or Iberostar??

[Jaime]

I'm wondering if anyone has info on group rates at Barcelo Riviera Maya Palace, RIU RM Palace, or Iberostar Lindo?? I'm trying to figure out which hotel to get married at (Feb '09) and was hoping to make it as affordable for my guests as possible. Right now we are expecting around 75-100 people so I'm hoping that one of these hotels will have a group rate? Any info will be appreciated.

 

Thanks-

Jaime

[chonee]

Hi Jaime,

I'm getting married at the Barcelo and my TA told me that in order to get the group rate everyone would have to have the same travel itinerary. I don't know how true or untrue this is but I just left it alone after that. I would suggest you call the actual resorts and ask them about their group rate policies - I should have done this from the get go but I didn't.

[JenniferSS]

In February you will get better rates before Presidents day.

 

As far as everyone traveling on the same itinerary- it depends on supplier the TA uses, the hotel policies (and the policies may change depending on season (ie- less flexible during peak travel, perhaps more flexible during low season) and whether or not you're including airfare for the group rates.

 

When you are getting a group rate you are also holding the rooms out of inventory for your guests-this prevents anyone else from purchasing those rooms. The supplier and/or hotel needs to know what dates are available for them to be able to sell and what they need to keep aside strictly for you.

 

I understand that brides want to be as flexible with their guests as possible while securing the best rates but usually I have found that if you give too many options it causes alot of confusion for the guests- makes it harder to secure group airfare and schedule activities.

 

What I recommend is providing at most two options- one longer and one shorter if you have a large group. Then anyone who absolutely must deviate from the group gets booked seperately.

 

This also makes it easier on the bride and groom as you can greet everyone when they arrive ( and not spend everday-all day in the lobby greeting guests!) and can schedule your appoinments accordingly.

 

TA Jennifer

[Jaime]

Thanks for the info and suggestions, it will help!

 

jaime

[nikkianddean]

We are having guests stay at Barcelo Ixtapa over Presidents Day Weekend 09. Our guests are paying $650pp for 4 nights, double occupancy. It's expensive, but that's the weekend I picked. I think other w/e's in Feb 09 were cheaper, but that's what I picked

[nde062010]

good advice TA Jennifer