Help Dealing with a centralized sales team.
 

I am planning a meeting in San Antonio. Attendance will be 100 people for 4 nights (Mon. - Thur). The FS Marriott hotels there all work through a centralized sales office that handles group meetings and sales for the River Center, River Walk, Plaza, and JW Hill Country resort. We have come to an agreement on the room rate, but they are not willing to negotiate off the list prices for a meeting later this summer. Unfortunately, this prices them about $14K higher than their competitors, Hilton, Westin, Omni, etc. Since I can't justify that kind of price difference, it looks like the Marriott is out. I am not sure what, if any, communication this team does with the specific hotels regarding events.

Any of you have experience dealing with this? Would you call the GM at the specific Marriott in question and ask him if he is willing to lose approximately$45K in room revenue during a low demand week because the centralized sales team won't negogiate?


Any help or advice is appreciated,


Regards,


RIP...

You can always contact the GM, but his hands may be tied.

I have a contact for you OP
 

OP:
I have a personal contact at the San Antonio River center, a family member is the Resident Manager. I told him about your situation and he said to have me send your info to him and he will put you in touch with the property sales team director in order to see what they can do for you. Send me a PM with your e-mail and Phone and I would be glad to forward onto him. Hope this helps!