Did you know you can get free perks with a destination wedding? Many times destination wedding room block contracts include concessions from the resort or tour operators. These could be in the form of complimentary cocktail hour events, wedding decor credits, and even free rooms. The free rooms earned in a room block contract are referred to as comps or room comps. But what are room block contract comps and how do they work?

After working with many, many destination wedding groups, I’ve become nuanced in the intricacies of room block contracts and all of the details along with it, including the perks and comps. So I have a thing or two to share to help you understand them better. For these instances, we are speaking about contracts with all inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean.

What is a room comp? 

Essentially, these are free rooms or room nights you earn based on your contract terms. Room block contracts will often say things like Every 10th Room Complimentary or One Free Night for Every 7 Nights Paid. These are almost always based on the lowest value room and number of nights booked and less taxes and fees. So, for simplicity’s sake, let’s focus on the Every 10th Room Complimentary example. Let’s say you have 20 paid rooms,you have 2 rooms booked at the lowest value at a cost $1900 for 3 nights–you would earn 2 free rooms at $1900 each less taxes and fees.

Why is the calculated amount less?

It is important to remember that comps are almost always based on the lowest value room booked for the least number of nights (almost always 3 nights which is the typical minimum night stay for an all inclusive resort). However, you must deduct taxes and fees, which are not disclosed by resorts in the room block rates. I recommend deducting 10-20% to allow for those taxes and fees. With our example, you can estimate to receive $3040-$3420 back.

How do I get the money from my earned free rooms?

Many resorts offer couples perks like complimentary cocktail hours, room upgrades, and even free rooms. We call these “comps.” Comps are earned based on the terms of the contract. Typically calculated a couple of weeks before travel, with payment after the last of the group checks into the resort and up to 6 weeks after. The amount can be paid out however you wish–allocated as refunds to guests or refunded to you, the wedding couple, directly. 99% of the time, my couples choose to utilize this money to cover wedding expenses. These free perks can elevate your celebration and help cover wedding expenses, but try not to count your chickens before they hatch. 

Hopefully this breakdown helps you better understand room comps and how they work. Maximize the possibilities of your destination wedding with those valuable free perks often included in your room block contracts with all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean. These freebies can significantly enhance your celebration, especially with complimentary events like cocktail hours.

Did we help answer your questions of what are room block contract comps and how do they work?

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