Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, Autograph Collection - Orlando, FL [Master Thread]
May 23, 2021, 3:14 pm
#80
Join Date: May 2011
Programs: BA Gold, Bonvoy Platinum
Posts: 14
May 24, 2021, 6:09 am
#81
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Formerly Box 350, Boston Mass, Oh two one three four. Now near Beverly Hills 90210
Programs: Loyal Order of Water Buffalos
Posts: 3,937
May 24, 2021, 8:48 am
#82
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Posts: 3,360
As a former hotel Revenue Manager, my educated guess is that they are purposely blocking booking because of Spring Break. When demand is uncertain for a very high-demand period (i.e. first Spring Break season after the pandemic), one strategy is to let your competitors fill up first. Theoretically, once you open reservations you will get people who are more willing to pay higher rates because availability at nearby options is limited.
Of course, this strategy isn't fair for people looking to book early. But from the hotel perspective, they don't care too much about being fair. They simply want the highest rate possible. And since waiting to open reservations doesn't have a downside during a very high-demand period, that may be what they are doing. (Again: Just an educated guess.)
You will need to call the hotel directly and ask for the "onsite Reservations Office" (if they have one). Calling Marriott Central Reservations won't help because they always see the exact same availability as the official website.
Of course, this strategy isn't fair for people looking to book early. But from the hotel perspective, they don't care too much about being fair. They simply want the highest rate possible. And since waiting to open reservations doesn't have a downside during a very high-demand period, that may be what they are doing. (Again: Just an educated guess.)
You will need to call the hotel directly and ask for the "onsite Reservations Office" (if they have one). Calling Marriott Central Reservations won't help because they always see the exact same availability as the official website.
May 29, 2021, 4:05 pm
#83
Join Date: May 2011
Programs: BA Gold, Bonvoy Platinum
Posts: 14
As a former hotel Revenue Manager, my educated guess is that they are purposely blocking booking because of Spring Break. When demand is uncertain for a very high-demand period (i.e. first Spring Break season after the pandemic), one strategy is to let your competitors fill up first. Theoretically, once you open reservations you will get people who are more willing to pay higher rates because availability at nearby options is limited.
Of course, this strategy isn't fair for people looking to book early. But from the hotel perspective, they don't care too much about being fair. They simply want the highest rate possible. And since waiting to open reservations doesn't have a downside during a very high-demand period, that may be what they are doing. (Again: Just an educated guess.)
You will need to call the hotel directly and ask for the "onsite Reservations Office" (if they have one). Calling Marriott Central Reservations won't help because they always see the exact same availability as the official website.
Of course, this strategy isn't fair for people looking to book early. But from the hotel perspective, they don't care too much about being fair. They simply want the highest rate possible. And since waiting to open reservations doesn't have a downside during a very high-demand period, that may be what they are doing. (Again: Just an educated guess.)
You will need to call the hotel directly and ask for the "onsite Reservations Office" (if they have one). Calling Marriott Central Reservations won't help because they always see the exact same availability as the official website.
Before I got chance to call, availability opened up for all the blocked off dates. So now all booked up to try it next year!
Jul 22, 2021, 8:15 pm
#85
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: DCA
Programs: DL DM, AA EXP, various hotel
Posts: 2,227
As a former hotel Revenue Manager, my educated guess is that they are purposely blocking booking because of Spring Break. When demand is uncertain for a very high-demand period (i.e. first Spring Break season after the pandemic), one strategy is to let your competitors fill up first. Theoretically, once you open reservations you will get people who are more willing to pay higher rates because availability at nearby options is limited.
Of course, this strategy isn't fair for people looking to book early. But from the hotel perspective, they don't care too much about being fair. They simply want the highest rate possible. And since waiting to open reservations doesn't have a downside during a very high-demand period, that may be what they are doing. (Again: Just an educated guess.)
Of course, this strategy isn't fair for people looking to book early. But from the hotel perspective, they don't care too much about being fair. They simply want the highest rate possible. And since waiting to open reservations doesn't have a downside during a very high-demand period, that may be what they are doing. (Again: Just an educated guess.)
Jul 24, 2021, 4:52 pm
#89
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Posts: 3,360
First, most hotels have a ton of corporate rates for local companies that aren't public. Those rates tend to be much lower than public rates. If you open up only your highest public rates ($$$), you still might end up with a slew of low corporate rates ($).
Second, it gives your Sales Department extra time to nab a large group booking. Certainly, many large groups book years in advance. But, it's not unheard-of to book a group that needs virtually the entire hotel. Having no other reservations on the books makes that process much easier.
Third, it's a hassle to watch the inventory to ensure your strategy is working. The only group that really benefits are the early-booking guests. Assuming the demand is indeed very high, the hotel probably won't see any real financial benefit.
In the hotels where I was Revenue Manager, that first reason was the main one. Our biggest corporate clients had rates under $100 compared to rack rates in the $300+ range.