Post # 1

Member
1220 posts
Bumble bee
We are looking at a destination wedding that would be held at a hotel. My dad wants me to ask the hotel to comp my mother and I one night at the hotel, this year, during the time frame that we are looking to host it in 2010 (it would be in May).
Has anyone done this and do you have any insight as to how I would word it in an email?
Thanks Hive!
Post # 3

Member
1423 posts
Bumble bee
At the inn we’re having our wedding at, they just offered to comp a room for us when we need to select our menu and take care of all the details. This was after we’d already visited once and put down a desposit.
I think it’s fairly standard practice, just ask! You could just mention that you’ve heard it’s the norm and were wondering….
Oops! I just re-read the title of your post. It might be a different story after you’ve signed a contract. It might be harder to pull off if you’re still ‘just looking’.
Post # 4

Member
1428 posts
Bumble bee
I spent 13+ years working in hotels & I can tell you from my experience we would not comp a room for someone coming to see the hotel for the first time for a wedding. Since it is a destination wedding, I would certainly ask (doesn’t hurt & hotels are hurting for business right now) but I agree with blugreenjean, you’re much more likely to get a comp if they know you are indeed coming to meet with the catering manager after you have signed the contract and they know they are getting your business.
In regards to how to word your email request…pour on the charm, ie:We LOVE your hotel & would love to visit to be sure it is the right location for us, however with the expense of travel we’d be ever so grateful if you could offer us a complimentary room for our visit.
Also, you may want to add, I completely understand given the economy if you cannot offer a comp, is there anything you could do in terms of a discounted room rate?
Hope this helps – good luck! 🙂
Post # 5

Member
1220 posts
Bumble bee
Thank you all for your candor. My dad’s part of an organization that hosts huge conventions once a year, and I was actually prompted by one of his guys to at least ask. Since we’re going to be spending close to 15/20K just at this one place letting us stay for one night (about $120 retail) is worth asking for.
Thank you also for the suggested language! I used it! Let’s see what she comes back with.
Post # 6

Member
360 posts
Helper bee
- Wedding: September 2009 - Westwind YWCA camp
I just wrote about our semi-destination wedding venue search on my blog. My fiance and I stayed at most of the venues, and we asked them point-blank if they could give us a discount on the room rate since we were there to consider them for our venue. Every place we asked gave us a discount. We’re talking 10-15%, though. If that’s fine with you also, don’t hesitate to ask for a discount!