How to Get Group Hotel Rates

Most hotels will work with groups because it's an easy way to get more rooms filled. That's why so many of them offer group rates. Hotels will usually knock down the price if you can guarantee a certain number of rooms. Follow these steps to get group hotel rates.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Find a group-booking search engine. Enter your check in date, city and number of rooms and the website will look for the best rates.

2. Go to a specific hotel's website. Look on there for information planning an event.

3. Call the hotel and ask the reservations associate about their group policy. If you're planning a wedding, for instance, the hotel will secure a reduced rate for a block of rooms and hold those rooms up until a few weeks before the event.

4. Ask whether there is a contract to sign. Some hotels require you to sign a contract which holds someone financially responsible if the minimum number of rooms are not booked.

5. Shop around for the best rates. In some cases, regular hotel rates are better than group rates and they don't require you to sign a contract.

6. Play around with your arrival and departure dates if your travel is flexible. You'll get a better price if you check in on a weekday than on a weekend.

7. Get the group rate in writing. Book the rooms.

Resources

• Hotel planner for groups
• Group travel planner
• Group hotel reservations