Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Block Heads

Who knew it would be so difficult to get a hotel room block? Apparently, all the hotels have been scheming against unwitting brides, suckering them in and then blindsiding them. Hotels know you need them. It's a small thing, but as with most things in life, it's the small things that matter. What's the point in having a big shindig wedding if no one shows up? The guests won't make the trip without a place to stay, and in "destination" towns like Newport, you don't leave finding a room up to chance, especially during the "busy" season.

It's all a big racket, like a bad scene out of the Godfather. Before they do something for you, you must do something for them, and unfortunately guaranteeing at least 20 rooms of business isn't good enough. Oh no, you must also have some sort of "function" with them. A "food and beverage" function, to be exact, usually with a hefty minimum starting around $2000. Since we've already planned our rehearsal dinner and reception, that really only leaves the option of the day after brunch. Hotels know this, and they use it to their advantage. No regular continental breakfast will cover those fees. We're talking an elaborate "made-to-order" omelets and french toast brunch; one that will require at least one $65 chef attendant.

Having little choice, say we agree to this extortion. What then? We're guaranteeing 20 rooms of business, after all. That's worth something, right? Those rooms will be discounted significantly, right? And, we'll get a free room, a suite nonetheless, as the happy couple, I'm sure. Oh no! Think again. Our prize is the mere opportunity to stay there, the mere pleasure of being in their company. After all, it's their busy season. PLENTY of people would LOVE to have those rooms.

Well, fine then! Let other people have those $300/night rooms. You can take your fancy made-to-order omelets and shove them up that attendant's ... ok, a little over the top, perhaps, but you get the idea. We're not playing your game! We will not yield! I'm not exactly sure what we're going to do yet, but we'll think of something... I hope.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Have you considered a bed & breakfast for the wedding party. It would be quaint and they would get to see one of the mansions. I don't know if any have 20 rooms or not though.