Room Blocks and Deposits

[krsmith]

Hi Ladies!

 

So I just wanted to see what everyone's experience has been with room blocks through a TA. We are getting married at Moon Palace, and are using Vacations For Less TA. We were planning on blocking 20 rooms (not sure exactly if that's too many or not enough).

 

This is what she said:

 

"You can increase number of room if needed subject to availability at time of request. 

 

The group deposit is usually paid by the wedding couple as the hotel requires it upfront in order to confirm the room block.

Based on 20 rooms for 4 nights the deposit amount would be $2,050.00.

This deposit is applied to the cost of your stay and/or any other rooms you may be paying for and if any overpayment it is refunded back to you once the group is finalized about 30 days prior to arrival date.

 

The dates and room categories can be changed as actual reservations are made, however, any nights and room categories outside of the group block are subject to availability at time of request.  Same group rates would apply.

 

The hotel will not guarantee room location in advance, they do try to accommodate wedding groups in the same general area of the hotel and most wedding groups are in the Nizuc section."

 

Is this normal? I guess I wasn't really expecting to have to spend such a big chunk of our savings for something like this up front. Is there a way around this? We have so many other things to put deposits down for (photographer, ceremony package) that this would really make things difficult!

 

Thanks in advance!

[TammyWright]

The deposit goes toward your stay and travel costs.

[MDLady]

1 night stay per room is usually a required deposit.  We had our guests put down their own 1 night deposit so we didn't have to do so for everyone.  That way we knew who was serious about coming and who was not.  But that wording looks pretty standard to me.

[emnicole]

We only had to put down our deposit (bride and groom, $200each) and she held a block for us.  Once people decided whether they would make it or not, they had to put down their own deposit.

[krsmith]

I like the idea of them putting down there own deposit. I understand it goes towards our room in the end, but I just wasn't planning on paying for that JUST yet! Especially now that I am not going to be working for a few weeks...that money will be needed. Hmmm I guess I will just have to wait and see... I want to get a better idea of how many will come before I put a large chunk like that down!

[wendyL77]

My group rate was through my hotel and they required a $500.00 deposit, 30 days prior.

[TigerLily]

Krsmith, I'm on the same boat. I know that deposit gets credited towards your wedding or stay, but I just wasn't expecting to have to put that much money up front, right now. I guess what's throwing me off is that in browsing through other bride's invites/std's, I've seen some that write something like "please put down a deposit of $$ by this date, so you will be included in our room block."

 

I was under the impression that the TA would give you a date when the deposit was needed by, and if your guests want to be included in that rate, they would put down their own deposit by that date. I'm finding out that's not the case. Maybe it differs by resort? Either way, I was surprised by this too.

[downtownlagirl]

We aren't doing a deposit for rooms - we have 25 rooms held for three nights each and if we don't release 60 days before we owe a portion (that is a LOT of money!) - but we are for sure releasing 60 days before! I don't like the upfront deposit unless you aren't paying any deposit for the venue or food.

[SummerDawn]

I was also suprised by this... I would prefer each couple to put down their own deposit - I dont want to pay for everyone elses!

[Lizzdee]

My TA told me the same thing for Beaches Turks.....I am not holding rooms for anyone. When we put our deposit down, i sent out an email to my friends and family and told them that we booked at a certain price, and they could tnow, or if they want to wait they can but we cant guarentee they will be at the price they are now. Everyone appreciated the heads up, since it is a year in advance.  Also, we are getting married at the end of Jan 2011, so i doubt the resort will sell out.