Hotel Price Negotiations

emma82

Hi Folks,

Getting married in Donegal in 2011. We have made decision on our hotel and done a fair bit of negoiating so far- got free champagne reception (provide our own champers), free seat covers (we weren't going to go for them tbh but sure...) per head was €48.50 now €46. We've saved nearly €1000 so far but I still feel the per head is v exp.

Now I know there are people who will say I'm mad for even thinking on paying this but we live in a small area and competition between hotels is not an issue. I have been using the 'carrot' of we'll have a big wedding- almost 300 but we've paired back our numbers & are looking at 250 - 260 (yes again I know there are folk who think this is nuts but both have huge families)

I suppose I want to know how other people have negioated prices etc & how far to push- we are def getting married in this hotel (they don't know that yet) & know I will have to work them in lead up to wedding so don't want to push too far.

All suggestions would be very welcome....

tatli_lokma

emma82 wrote: »

done a fair bit of negoiating so far- got free champagne reception (provide our own champers)

how are they giving you a free champagne reception if you are providing your own champagne????? all they are giving you is glasses - big whoop!

I think the main thing to remember when negotiating is to consider what things the hotel can easily give you, at little or no cost to them. For eg, chair covers - these cost aprox €0.50c each if bought from China! so after the first couple pays €3.50 per cover, they are in PROFIT by over 600%!!! So this is not a cost to the hotel. Likewise, red carpets, flowers on tables, candles, cake stands, champagne receptions.....etc etc..... none of these things cost the hotel very much - if anything at all, so straight away deduct these costs from your offered price. You should not have to pay extra for things the hotel can provide themselves FOC. And if it is a 4 start or higher hotel, then it should be assumed that at that standard certain things should be included in their standard presentation. Don't cough up extra for it.

Then knock off other nonsenses such as bar extensions etc.

You say you are paying €46 per head - bear in mind that the cost of the meal will probably cost the hotel about €11-15 per head. Now you can get an idea of how much you can negotiate.

You should also insist that rooms are made available at VERY discounted rates, that you can use your bridal suite from the day before etc (makes it handy for getting stuff there before hand, less to worry about on the day). Also ask for other things that are easy for the hote - such as jugs of soft drinks on the tables for children and non-alcohol drinking guests. Tea and coffee on arrival, evening food included at a discount etc etc...

Perhaps look at some well known, 4 Star hotels in Dublin, and compare prices to what you have been offered - for eg I know of a couple who recently booked Jury's, with civil ceremony room and decor included, evening food included, champagne reception (! :rolleyes:), wine on tables and evening entertainment included (think its a DJ, but might even be a band) for €55 per head for a wedding of 120. This is as well as the usual flowers ont ables, red carpet etc etc.

Really, to know where to negotiate you need to look at the published prices for comparable hotels - I know location can't be compared but you can still get a good idea if a very posh hotel in Dublin is charging the same or less than your hotel in Donegal!

good luck and let us know how you get on!

emma82

Thanks. They were charging €450 for champagne reception- yes just for glasses. apparently it'll be manned, have candles lights etc- but yeah i knocked that one on the head straight away!!!

thanks for input.