Staying In A Hotel With A Large Group
If you're traveling with a large group for a sports game, a competition, a conference, or some other big event, then you'll probably all want to stay together in the same hotel. Booking a hotel for this many people can be a bit cumbersome, but luckily, there are a few tips you can follow to simplify things.
Call the hotel directly
Trying to book enough hotel rooms for a large group on a third-party booking site can cause a lot of headaches. These sites are not really set up for that function. The easiest way to book is to call the hotel directly. This way, you can talk to a live person and tell them exactly how many rooms you need. This gives them a chance to ask you questions and clarify any details, too. Plus, hotels sometimes offer discounts for customers who book more than a certain number of rooms, but you usually only qualify if you book directly with the hotel.
Book more rooms than you think you'll need — depending on the cancellation policy
Ask the hotel staff how long in advance you will need to cancel a room in order to get a full refund. If you can cancel and get a full refund within a few days of your stay, then consider booking one or two more rooms than you think you need. This way, if a few extra people decide to join your trip, you'll have space for them. It's easier to cancel rooms you don't end up needing than to add extra rooms to your booking at the last minute
Ask for at least a couple of adjoining rooms
Chances are, the group will want to hang out and spend time together during the evening. Cramming everyone into one hotel room can get a little tight, but everyone will fit more comfortably inside a couple of adjoining rooms. You can open the doors between the rooms and just spread out. So, even if the hotel cannot give you all adjoining rooms, it's wise to ask for at least a couple.
Put all of the rooms under one name
If you book each room under a different name, you'll spend a lot of time sorting out who is staying where. It is generally easier to just book all of the rooms under one name. Just have the individual occupants pay you back if you are splitting costs.
Staying in a hotel with a big group can be a great experience. Follow the tips above, and above all else, remember to cherish these times. Contact a hotel at your destination for more information.