So does the Marriott offer a comp rate to a group block? For example if i was needing 100 rooms per night for 2 nights would I get let says 4 of those rooms for free or any room for free?

I have heard multiple times that Marriott properties don’t generally release their blocks or give a comp ratio to a group block. I just find it hard to believe that Marriott does not or is less likely to offer this.

Hi Winn,

Welcome to FT!

Hearsay is always a bad thing to go on. Each individual Marriott property can deal with a block request the way they want.

If you have a block of rooms to book, call the properties directly and ask for the sales team. They will be able to propose a deal for you.

Cheers,

GenevaFlyer

This is probably the best advise though in reality if you try to call the hotel, they may route you to Marriott's general "meetings & events" team. They will tend to be less flexible and not negotiate much.

I've found that Marriott's Meeting & Event team tend to be more "flexible" if you are purchasing not only rooms but conference space and catering. That is where they really make money and where they will start working with you.

If you really ONLY want rooms and nothing else, I've found other chain's
"event" coordinators to be more flexible than Marriott's. In fact, more than a few times I was able to find cheaper rates (with much less restrictive cancellation polies) by just reserving the rooms through the Marriott website. The Meetings and Events team will want you to sign a contract and have fairly draconian attrition clauses, etc. So be careful if you go that route.

A trick here is to NOT mention the word "reservation" when calling the property. That will be the only word they hear and transfer you to the central number. Many properties will not have a staff of agents taking reservations. However, if you ask for the Sales or Revenue Manager, there is a better chance of getting someone on-site or handling things for the franchise and they may be willing to offer a better deal. Especially if you bundle in food and/or meeting space.

Good luck.

Amen to this.

There are so many factors involved in setting group room rates and perks. When I was a Revenue Manager, one of my tasks was figuring out the point where a group block becomes profitable.

Most people booking groups believe that they are always beneficial to the hotel. They assume that they should get a discounted rate and things like the OP's comped rooms. Yet, if you want to stay in my hotel on a night where I will sell out without your group, there's no reason to offer a discount and/or comped room.

Conversely, if you want stay in a typical business hotel on a quiet Sunday night, I'd gladly offer a big discount and comped rooms.