Can I "pre-poll" my guests to see who needs a hotel room?

At most hotels, no. But every hotel has a magic number that if you request more than that number, they will put you in a binding contract where you are responsible for 80% of the rooms if they don't actualize. This number usually floats around 25 or 30. Also, you should underestimate the amount of rooms needed because some people have military, AAA, or senior discounts that will end up being cheaper than the block. It's fine to poll your guests but probably not necessary.

Mrs.G - Do some searching around, some motels won't require you to pay for the other rooms, some will. I'm in the same boat with hotel rooms. I would definitely pre-poll them and see who wants to stay over.

I wouldn't. I'd just block rooms, and no, there shouldn't be any charge to you. If there is, keep looking because *most* hotels will not penalize you.

People's plans will be changing until the last moment. It's just the way it goes.

I agree with Paris!

MrsG - of all the hotels I looked at in our area, none made you responsible for rooms that weren't booked. they just go back into the public availability

Thanks Ladies! :-)