2013 Newbie Grand Palladium Jamaica Bride Needs Help! How do you get 2013 hotel rates?

CourtandMatt · January 6, 2012

Hi, All!

My fiance and I have decided to get married at the Grand Palladium Jamaica in April of 2013. We are ready to put the deposit down, except the hotel claims that they will not have the room rates (including group rates) until June or July of 2012. I don't want to book a hotel that is too expensive that no one could stay at. What do I do? Did anyone else have these issues and, if so, how did you resolve them?

Thanks,

Courtney Mara

LCBride2007 · January 6, 2012

have you tried working with a travel agent that specializes in destination weddings? i think they can often get the rates a little sooner, or at least tell you what typically happens. and i'm not sure but perhaps if you locked in now you might be able to lock in at a certain rate.

this forum has several travel agents that can help, and you can contact them here.

http://www.wrighttravelagency.com/leads/inquiry/

MrsDesz · January 6, 2012

Hey CourtandMatt,

I initially ran into the same problem when I was planning my wedding last summer (2011) for 2012. I was too early to get reasonable rates, and I got quotes that were close to $2000 for 7days once taxes were added. I contacted a wonderful TA about 1yr and 1month ahead and she gave me a wonderful quote.

I compared this rate to the last minute rates in 2011 and the quotes of other TAs.

To make a long story short, it became evident that I got a great deal for the resort I had chosen.

The only skeleton in the closet right now is that the flight times are not confirmed this early in advance. Hopefully there are no stopovers.

I think a great TA makes a world of difference!

Good luck.

CourtandMatt · January 6, 2012

A TA contacted me so hopefully she is able to find me some prices. I also took my brother's advice and called the resort and asked for the average group rate for past Aprils. The woman told me that in April 2011 the price was $127/pp/pn/do and in April 2012 it is $126/pp/pn/do. She did not know the prices before 2011. I decided to go ahead and put the deposit in for 2013 off of that and hopefully it works out. I am waiting for the TA to get back to me about if she can start negotiating rates.