Hotel Blocks, WOW!

@Future Mrs. C, no, this is not normal. Although different hotels and different areas give you various packages, it's not normal that they basically give you - nothing.

Typically they give you a group discount. Some require a credit card on file, others don't. It's obviously better if they don't. Then it's the question of what they give you. We got an upgrade to a bridal suite and a free shuttle to our venue for our guests. But that was also all we asked for.

We never gave them a credit card number. That was a good call because 3 of our OOT guests cancelled last minute. It was enough that we paid for their meal and OOT bags that were NOT cheap, let alone the room.

I work in the hospitality industry in Ft Lauderdale and I think that is a great deal! 20% off rack rate is one of the best discounts you will get. And only paying $25 for each room not booked is a deal too! I am responsible for 2 nights of all 18 rooms at the hotel we are getting married at in the keys.

I'm with Mrs S, this is not normal. Although I think some Best Westerns are franchises (my family is obsessed with Best Western hotels) so this might not be typical for the chain.

20% off rack rate is great but not at 90 days out - the only person from our wedding who reserved a room that far out was my mother and shes' the type of person who's already bought her Christmas presents for this year.

If they won't budge I would look elsewhere. People can usually get a 10% discount at Best Western with AAA or Military or a variety of other affiliations so I just don't think you're getting much here. Unless the rack rate you're locking in is super low, or hotels are truly scarce that time of year in your area.

That is rediculus!

Our venue put as many rooms aside as I wanted at no charge and will hold them until 30 days prior to the wedding, then they are released to teh general public. They are also giving us the executive suite with a kitchen, living room, two bathrooms, office, boardroom table and bedroom FREE of charge even if NO one books a room. (would it have been different if you were having yoru actual reception at the best western?)

That is kind of ridiculous., You would think that at least a 10-15% discount would be available for a group block of rooms. After all, without a discount why would anyone book under the block. And no one blocks 90 days out other than family since people plans change. I think you did the right thing by putting up some B&B's near your venue. Not sure if you tried this but you can also calls hotels inside of 15 miles and see if they offer shuttle service to your venue. Many hotels do that. Here is more information on this topic: http://grouptravel.org/wedding/how-to-get-free-shuttle-service-to-a-wedding-when-you-block-hotel-rooms/