So pissed! Hotel block more expensive than current rates

The $70.00 is for your wedding night as well? My only thought is the $99.00 price is because it's a Saturday, but if you're seeing that price for that night, get someone from the hotel on the phone ASAP and find out why.

How long ago did you book the hotel block? Maybe that was the going rate at the time, but that seems really outrageous to me. I would absolutely keep calling, that is so unreasonable! Say that you demand the going rate (if not cheaper than the rack rate), or you'll suggest other accommodations for your guests. That may not actually be a feasible option, but they don't have to know that!

The extra two nights may be a midweek rate?

So it's $70 for Wednesday and Thursday nights, and $79 for Friday and Saturday nights. Sorry that wasn't clear.

ETA: words are hard

Are your guests getting an upgraded room, more amenities or a shuttle service? Something? Anything? Not disagreeing with you, you are so spot on especially in matters financial. Looking at it from the (former) travel agent view

I just had this pointed out to me as well by my FMIL for our hotel! I hope you post what you find on here.

That seems very odd to me. Is there language about price fluctuations in the agreement with the hotel? In the meantime, I'd let it spread through word of mouth to check both rates before booking...

@Angela, the block was booked when we signed our contract for the ballroom, so like June 2015.

I found the same thing when I researched hotel blocks, and thus decided not to do one! None of the hotels offered free shuttle service to and from the venue anyway (would have been an extra $1300!). So on our website we listed several hotels nearby at difference price points, and suggested people look on budget web sites for the best deals. People are adults and can figure out how to get a room and transportation. This whole room block thing is new. I figure people have been doing fine without room blocks for decades.

Hotel rates fluctuate all the the time. If you blocked off the rooms almost a year ago, the hotel has to predict what the demand will be. So, the hotel may not have artificially inflated the rate. It all depends on demand and supply.

If you have a website, mention on the accommodations page, that it's come to your attention that your guests may secure a better rate without referring to the block. Or, spread the word.

ETA: I had to do a hotel block, because I'm getting married on a long weekend and I know of other events in the area. I'd be shocked if my guests can get a lower rate.

Hmmmm - Perhaps it's just what they predicted the going rate would be at the time you booked it then? I would keep calling until you can speak with someone, it's such a valid concern/question. If you're unlucky, I would spread the word like others have suggested.

Got him on the phone! He was shocked by the prices. He claims that the prices he's seeing are $139/night for the weekend so he's going to contact corporate about it. After we hung up, I called the front desk and asked for their rates: $79/night for weeknights and $99/night for the weekend. Website still says $70/night for weeknights and $79/night for weekends. I think he lied to me since his own hotel gave me a different rate than the one he mentioned.

To those who mentioned updating the website or something similar, almost everyone has booked. Our wedding is in two weeks, so I don't think that'll work.

Bail on the hotel blocks already. Adults know how to book hotel rooms. Don't make it your problem unless your wedding is in Superbowl City in Feb.

Sometimes the difference is due to refundable vs non-refundable rates. The same thing happened with my hotel block. The room rates of the block were refundable (therefore more expensive). If you booked online they were non-refundable, and cheaper. I mean,,, family who was flying in for the wedding wasnt going to cancel their room! So they booked on their own, not using the hotel block. I kind of set it up for nothing.

@Kristy, all the rooms on their website specifically say that I can cancel up to May X.

If you think he is lying you should contact corporate as well, just to be sure. He may try to cover his ass by lying even further.

That's really annoying!

My venue is at a hotel, too, but they don't do room blocks. They offer a "discount" rate. I put that on our website, then I went to an online booking site and the rooms are $20 a night cheaper, so I put that information on our website, too. Plus, I will tell OOT people about it. It does make you mad!