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Hotel room blocks explained: when groups should use one

Updated October 2026

A room block is an agreement with a hotel to hold a set number of rooms for your group at one rate. It is the standard way teams, weddings, conferences and companies keep everyone in the same hotel.

When to ask for a block

Many hotels treat 9 or 10 rooms per night as a group. Below that, booking individual rooms is usually simpler. Above it, a block can lock in a lower rate and guarantee your group stays together.

Terms to understand before you sign

• Cutoff date: the day unbooked rooms go back to the hotel's general inventory, often two to four weeks before arrival.
• Attrition: how many rooms you can release without a penalty. A contract might let you drop 10 to 20 percent of the block.
• Courtesy block vs. contracted block: a courtesy block usually carries no penalty for unused rooms. A contracted block offers better rates but makes you responsible for rooms you don't fill.
• Complimentary rooms: some hotels offer a free room for a set number of paid room nights. Ask.

How to request one

Send the hotel your dates, number of rooms per night, bed types, and any meeting space or breakfast needs. Ask for the rate, cutoff date and attrition terms in writing. Request quotes from two or three hotels so you can compare.

Who uses room blocks

Sports teams and tournaments, wedding guests, conference attendees, company offsites and family reunions. GroupVoy links you to group booking services when your plan has 9 or more rooms.