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Just Said Yes October 2020

Hotel Blocks: The Do’s and Don’ts

riley, on October 17, 2019 at 1:49 AM Posted in Planning 0 7

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My fiancé and I are getting married 10.10.20 in Santa Barbara and trying to book hotels has been a bit of a nightmare. Apparently, every hotel in Santa Barbara requires a two night minimum stay in October, and their rooms (for the cheapest hotel near my venue) are $300 per night. Do I reserve the block anyway in hopes that my family stays at the same hotel as the bridal party or do I just tell my guests to book where they want? I don’t want anyone spending an arm and a leg for TWO nights at the beach. Any tips help!

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7 Comments

Latest activity by MOB So Cal, on October 17, 2019 at 11:34 AM

VIP March 2017
mrsanda · on October 17, 2019 at 4:35 AM
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I got married in Santa Barbara but we live in Ventura and a lot of family lives in Santa Barbara. Many guests found their own hotel so I didn’t do the blocks because the price and I didn’t want anyone to feel forced. No one had a problem finding accommodations. Some people also opted to stay in Carpentaria for a cheaper option. Don’t stress about it, let them figure it out. Happy wedding!
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Expert July 2022
Jmz · on October 17, 2019 at 6:43 AM
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It might be worth looking at homes on Airbnb! It could very well be cheaper to rent out a home for two days as long as enough people are interested and you are capable of organizing this. 😊
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Super February 2020
Jeanie · on October 17, 2019 at 7:32 AM
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I don’t know the area at all, but you could always find a hotel a little farther out that’s cheaper and then just get a shuttle for your guests so they don’t have to drive back and forth. You can always make a block wherever you’re staying and another somewhere else. It’s really not super important that everyone stays in the same hotel.
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VIP October 2020
Taylor · on October 17, 2019 at 8:30 AM
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Hey date twin!! I'd skip the block and let them book their own. When I spoke to hotels about blocks, there were a few that required a two day minimum. I told them on the phone that that wouldn't realistically happen because we have no events happening on Friday so there would be no need for people to stay two nights. The sales manager ended up going to corporate and they surpassed the policy. It might be worth asking? If they still say no, I'd send your STD's out early and mention something about making accommodations early on it.
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Super December 2021
Alyssa · on October 17, 2019 at 8:44 AM
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Yeah, I'd skip that. Our hotel has a 2 day minimum but we are doing a DW and our rate is nowhere near $300. I agree with AirBNB!
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Devoted March 2021
Emma · on October 17, 2019 at 9:23 AM
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I went ahead and got a block of rooms just in case. If they want to stay great, if not I included suggestions for areas that they may want to look for an AirBNB or hotel. Because of the cost of the hotel rooms though, we are planning on booking an AirBNB for our parents.
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January 2019
MOB So Cal · on October 17, 2019 at 11:34 AM
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Agree about skipping the block, but getting the word out EARLY (via STD/wedding/website and perhaps an email and/or text to OOT guests), that because there are so many options you're leaving it up to guests to book their accommodations. We lived in SB for years and still visit whenever we can; accommodations are always expensive and almost any weekend stay requires at least two nights. When we've wanted something less expensive, we've stayed in Goleta or Carpinteria, but cost & availability will depend on what events are going on that weekend. Love SB...just wish it wasn't so crazy expensive!
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