Step 6: A Guide to Room Blocks

Let’s talk about setting up room blocks for your event hotels - a crucial step that helps you efficiently manage hotel room allocations. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to event planning, this guide makes it easy to understand and implement this feature.

Accessing Room Blocks

From the Navigation Bar: In the back office, click on ‘Manage’, located on the right side of the event navigation menu. Click on ‘Room Blocks’ in the dropdown menu.
From the Event Setup: In the event setup wizard, click on the ‘Room Blocks’ tab.

How the Room Block Step Works in Resiada

Adding and Editing Room Types: Click on "New Room" beside each hotel's name to add room blocks. To edit existing room types, simply click on the room type listed under each hotel.
Room Options: For each room type, you have the flexibility to add details such as room name, description, maximum guests, and even upload images.

Managing Contracted Nightly Rates

Rate Table: A rate table is used for each room type, with rows for occupancy levels and columns for contracted reservation nights.
Setting Availability: The topmost cell of each column in the rate table is where you add or update the available contracted room nights for each day, giving you a clear view of your inventory.
SmartFill Feature: This is where the magic happens! Use the SmartFill column for quick entry of nightly rates. Rates autofill systematically, making your life easier.
Customization: Need to adjust rates for specific nights? No problem. Click directly on the relevant cell for individual adjustments, allowing for flexible pricing strategies.

*Customization can also be completed on the ‘Allotment’ Step. Any rate adjustment on the ‘Allotment’ Step will override the rate set up on the ‘Room Blocks’.

Understanding Manual vs GDS Imported Hotels and Rooms

Manually Added or GDS-Imported Hotels: You can add hotels manually or import them from the Global Distribution System (GDS). This allows you to customize room types, descriptions, rates, and capacities.
Open Block Hotels: For open block hotels, room details and rates are fixed and provided by the GDS, offering a flexible inventory but with less control over specifics.

Key Considerations for Effective Room Block Management

Balance Flexibility and Control: Choose between manually added or GDS-imported hotels for control, or open block hotels for flexibility.
Accuracy in Room Details: Ensure that the details for manually added or GDS-imported hotels are accurate to avoid confusion.
Rate Adjustments: Pay attention to the autofill feature, especially for contracted hotels, to maintain consistent pricing.
Understanding GDS Limitations: Be aware of the limitations when working with open block hotels, as details are fixed by the GDS.

Setting up room blocks in Resiada is a dynamic process that requires understanding the functionalities and limitations of different hotel addition methods. By mastering these along with the SmartFill feature, you can effectively manage room blocks, ensuring a smooth accommodation strategy for your event. Remember, it's all about making the process seamless for you and comfortable for your attendees!