Palace Resorts Room Blocks

[TheBHolders]

Hello Ladies,

 

From your experience is their anyway around putting an upfront deposit for room blocks? I want to hold 20 rooms and wasnt planning to put $100 a room on my credit card. I understand the deposit goes towards my stay, but I am planning for a 2016 wedding. I have a coworker who is a TA and said that through her each individual is responsible for their own $150 deposit, and one told me that I have 3 weeks to pay the room block deposit and anyone who pays their $150 deposit within those 3 weeks is deducted from my room block deposit. I was also told that i would pay a deposit of $100 per room for the room block which would go towards our stay and then our guests will have to pay a deposit of one night. I am just utterly confused on why there are so many differences. Also, each TA has provided me with different rates as well. This seems to be the most stressful thing for me along with all my family saying to wed home to get gifts and money . I am set to marry at Playacar Palace. Honestly, all this room block stuff has me considering other resorts and I definitely dont want neither I or my guests to go broke over this wedding. I have already decided which TA I would like to work with, but I am just trying to figure out if there is a way to save money. I am working with Teresa from Wright/vacations4less

[LauraM]

Hi @@TheBHolders ! I am also working with Teresa. However, I did shop around for TAs & also spoke with Palace Resorts directly about a room block.... Teresa offered the best deal and seemed the most knowledgeable. ALL of the options I investigated required a down payment in order to block the rooms. I would be shocked if palace is willing to block rooms for you without any kind of security deposit...

This is what my contract entails:
 

6% of total estimated room revenue paid at the time of the room block contract signing - this was just under $3,000 for the rooms I chose to block. That money will be applied to the cost of my room or refunded closer to our travel date (if we earn free room nights or if our stay is cheaper than the deposit paid).THEN, the guests pay a deposit of 1 night when the book their room, 50% of their total amount due about 4 months prior to travel, and the remainder by 2 months prior to travel.

 

I find this contract to be very fair and affordable for everyone. The best part is, the down-payment for the entire room block will eventually go toward paying for my stay. So, I've already paid for my room over a year in advance - I think this actually makes things LESS stressful.

[kmk2016]

Yes- I think the confusion here on BDW happens when brides see Canadians being able to do large blocks for 30-50 people with only a minimal deposit ($150 total).... But it's because our packages are done differently and are air/hotel/transfer combined and through a TA who sets up the deal with a tour operator. This is the Canadian system and not the same for US. Unfortunately I haven't seen many hotels for US customers NOT require this type of deposit/room.... I certainly would go with a block vs. hoping their is room when your guests go to book.... That would stress me out! Good luck! I'm sure it will be awesome- if stick with your current TA FOR SURE!

 

 

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Edited June 29, 2014 by kmk2016

[TheBHolders]

Hello @@laura yes Teresa does offer the best plans and rates. Which Palace are you planning for and when is your wedding? I chose Playacar, but with their 4 night minimum for guests it might be too much, I am now considering Beach. However, we love Playa del Carmen. We are shooting to get the free room nights and unlimited events as we would like to honeymoon in another country.

 

I wonder since we are planning two years in advance if I block 15 rooms and if I am able to add on to the room block if they book faster than expected.

I'm not sure @@kmk2016 I haven't looked up room blocks on this site, only knowledge I have is what I have been told by travel agents I spoke with. My coworker is a TA and said each person pays their own $150 deposit and a room block is not required. However, she has a VERY slow response time and I can see some harsh words being exchanged down the line, so I think it's best to save our friendship. Plus all though I'm sure she could use the money, I would rather invite her as a guest and not just be her customer because she has been really great to me over the years.

[LauraM]

My wedding is at Beach Palace in May of 2015. I've never been to the Playacar Palace, though I've heard good things (about all the Palace resorts, really). I have vacationed at Beach Palace and fell in love with the resort.

 

Teresa told me that it is possible to add additional rooms to your block at any time, assuming the resort has availability. You don't pay a penalty for canceling a portion of your room block until 64 days prior to your travel date. So, it's probably best to over-estimate your room needs for now, and cancel rooms as you approach your wedding date. You have plenty of time!

[TheBHolders]

Hi @@TheBHolders ! I am also working with Teresa. However, I did shop around for TAs & also spoke with Palace Resorts directly about a room block.... Teresa offered the best deal and seemed the most knowledgeable. ALL of the options I investigated required a down payment in order to block the rooms. I would be shocked if palace is willing to block rooms for you without any kind of security deposit...

This is what my contract entails:

 

6% of total estimated room revenue paid at the time of the room block contract signing - this was just under $3,000 for the rooms I chose to block. That money will be applied to the cost of my room or refunded closer to our travel date (if we earn free room nights or if our stay is cheaper than the deposit paid).THEN, the guests pay a deposit of 1 night when the book their room, 50% of their total amount due about 4 months prior to travel, and the remainder by 2 months prior to travel.

 

I find this contract to be very fair and affordable for everyone. The best part is, the down-payment for the entire room block will eventually go toward paying for my stay. So, I've already paid for my room over a year in advance - I think this actually makes things LESS stressful.

How far in advance did you do your room block? I'm worried that the resort will sell out

[LauraM]

We did ours about a year in advance - definitely don't wait, especially if you're wedding is peak-season. Palace Resorts will sell-out.