Post # 1
Member
681 posts
Busy bee
We are getting married in May in Philadelphia. The wedding is on a Friday but a few of his family members will be coming in Wednesday night to see the city a bit before the rehearsal dinner and big day.
My question is, how much is too much to ask people to pay for hotel rates for a room block? There are only a few hotels very close to the venue and they’re pretty expensive. The least expensive one quoted us at $159 per night, which sounds like a lot to me, but they’re only 6 mins from the venue and have shuttle service (for a cost) to the airport and its v. nice. I found another hotel outside of the city that is so-so for much cheaper, around $79 per night, and it has a free airport shuttle, but it is 20 mins from the venue.
I’m thinking we’ll just block a bunch of rooms off at each (after we verify that we won’t be charged for unused rooms…) and let out-of-towners decide on there own? What would you do?
Post # 3
Member
1042 posts
Bumble bee
I think that’s a good plan. People like having a choice on where to stay. I am having an out of town wedding and intend to do something similar.
Post # 4
Member
398 posts
Helper bee
I am not from Philly but $159 seems reasonable in the city. The hotels we selected for our Out of Town Guest ranged in price from $89 – $149. Interestingly enough almost all of our guest stayed at the most expensive which was also the location of our reception. We had a few that decided to find their own deals.
Anyways, the right solution is as you suggest, offer several options. You may find that people take the more expensive but less travel option because of the cost of renting a car and such.
Good Luck!
Post # 5
Member
24 posts
Newbee
Thats reasonable. My wedding is in San Francisco 9-26-09 and our discounted rate at the hotel the reception is at is $209/night. But then again, very convenient.
Post # 6
Member
186 posts
Blushing bee
Is it in Philly or in the outskirts of Philly – e.g. King of Prussia area? The hotel we are getting married in Malvern, PA is charging only $126 a night.
Post # 7
Member
2004 posts
Buzzing bee
We gave our guests a choice between rooms at $79 a night and $99 a night. Our guests ended up split evenly between the two. Remember, your hotel block is just a suggestion. People who don’t want to stay there will make their own arrangements just fine. The number one thing is don’t stress about it!
One thing to account for is if the hotels charge for parking. City hotels often charge upwards of $30 a day for parking and that can be a very unwelcoming surprise. I think people with cars are much more willing to drive a little ways if they can save a few bucks overall. Good luck!
Post # 8
Member
203 posts
Helper bee
I think it’s reasonable. I’m in Philly Labor Day weekend at its $209 a night at the Omni and $159 a night at the Holiday Inn. But it’s only a suggestion. You’ve given your guest options and that’s the most you can do
Post # 9
Member
95 posts
Worker bee
i would book both places so your guests will have a choice. that way they can’t complain! those that want a nice hotel can get it and those that would like to save money can!
Post # 10
Member
681 posts
Busy bee
Thanks so much everyone for the suggestions and reassurance!
El Capataz – Our venue is on the Main Line, the more expensive hotels are on City Line Avenue, not far from St. Joes University. I think options will work out well.
Wow, you guys are so much nicer than the ladies over at theknot! haha
Post # 11
Member
813 posts
Busy bee
My hotel rooms are pretty expensive. But I think it depends on your guests. I think you should offer a few options at different price ranges. Most guests will do some research on their own to see what fits best into their price range.
Post # 12
Member
186 posts
Blushing bee
Coincidence? I went to St. Joe’s! Check out the hotels near that strip on City Line. It’ll be convenient for them with all the restaurants in that area. Good luck!
Post # 13
Member
1428 posts
Bumble bee
$159 a night for a hotel in major east-coast city is fantastic for that time of year…. I spent the last 14 years in the hotel business. As mentioned by other bees, if that does happen to be too expensive for some of your guests just give them some less expensive options that are a little outside of the city.
Post # 14
Member
199 posts
Blushing bee
i pondered about this as well- we choose the sheraton society hill in philly for where we’ll stay, and where we’ve blocked off rooms. yes, it’s $169/night- which is not budget- but i listed out cheaper hotels nearby. it’s people’s choice- convience vs price. everyone’s priorities are different, but i could not cater to everyone’s price point.
