Plan your dream wedding with ease by securing room blocks in the Big Easy.
New Orleans is one of the most sought-after wedding destinations in the world, offering a blend of historic architecture, world-class dining, and a celebratory atmosphere that is unmatched. However, the logistical challenge of coordinating accommodations for a large group of guests can be daunting. Securing a wedding room block is the most effective way to ensure your guests have a centralized place to stay while often securing a more favorable rate than individual bookings.
Understanding Room Blocks in the Big Easy
A room block is essentially a set of guest rooms held by a hotel for a specific group for a defined period. For weddings, this ensures that your family and friends are not scattered across the city, which simplifies transportation to the ceremony and reception. In a city as vibrant as New Orleans, where boutique properties and large-scale hotels coexist, the options for these blocks vary significantly.
Depending on the size of your wedding party, you may be looking for everything from a handful of luxury suites to dozens of standard king and double rooms. Some planners prefer the intimacy of smaller properties like Prytania Oaks Hotel or the unique atmosphere of Inn on St. Peter. Others may require larger-scale accommodations or specialized layouts, such as those found at The Jung Hotel & Residences.
Types of Room Block Agreements
When negotiating with hotels, it is critical to understand the difference between a guaranteed block and a courtesy block.
Courtesy Blocks
A courtesy block allows you to hold a set number of rooms without a financial commitment from the couple. If the rooms are not booked by the guests by a certain date, they are released back into the hotel's general inventory. This is a lower-risk option for couples who are unsure of their final guest count.
Guaranteed Blocks (Attrition)
A guaranteed block, or a contract with attrition, requires the couple to pay for a certain percentage of the rooms if they are not filled. While this often secures a lower group rate, it carries a financial risk. When reviewing contract terms provided by hotels, pay close attention to the "cutoff date," which is the deadline for guests to book their rooms before they are released.
Coordinating Accommodations for Different Guest Needs
Not every wedding guest has the same requirements. Some may be traveling with children and require double rooms, while others may be looking for high-end luxury or larger communal spaces. For those seeking more expansive or non-traditional layouts, properties such as Loft 523, 4BR Group Trip 2 Blocks from Bourbon St | The Mayfair, or New Orleans Condo Close to Bourbon Str provide different styles of lodging that can cater to specific group dynamics.
When submitting a request for a room block, it is essential to specify the exact number and type of rooms needed—whether that be kings, doubles, or suites—to ensure the hotel can accommodate the entire party in one location.
Streamlining the Booking Process
The traditional method of calling hotels individually to check availability and negotiate rates is time-consuming and often leads to missed opportunities. To simplify this, event planners and couples can use a centralized platform to manage their requests.
On grouprooms.org, planners can submit a single Request for Proposal (RFP) and receive multiple competitive bids from hotels. The platform serves 377 hotels in New Orleans, providing a comprehensive overview of the available inventory in the city. By specifying the city, dates, room types, and any special requirements, you can receive tailored responses including group rates, amenities, and contract terms.
The process is designed for efficiency. For a fee of $3 per request, you can cast a wide net and compare the responses side-by-side. This allows you to weigh the amenities of a larger hotel against the charm of a boutique property without spending hours on the phone.
If you are unsure of how to start, you can review the How It Works page to understand the workflow from RFP submission to final booking. For a transparent look at the costs associated with sending requests, visit the Pricing page.
Finalizing Your New Orleans Room Block
Once you receive bids from the 377 hotels available in the city, compare them based on location, price, and the flexibility of the contract terms. Ensure that the hotel's amenities align with your guests' needs—such as proximity to the French Quarter or available parking.
For those who prefer to browse the available options before submitting a request, the New Orleans Hotel Directory provides a useful starting point for identifying potential venues.
Submit your group room request on grouprooms.org and compare rates from multiple hotels to ensure your wedding guests have the perfect home base for your celebration in New Orleans.