It’s the event most of us look forward to all year — the annual holiday gathering. This year, why not get the most glittering gala for your time and money by booking your holiday at a hotel? The Commons Hotel Director of Catering and Conference Services, Angie Combes, takes us behind the scenes to show planners how to get the most from their budget, while planning the holiday hit that turns into the talk of the town.
Q. Briefly tell me about your position and what you do at The Commons Hotel?
A. I am the Director of Catering and Conference Services, which means I lead the Catering Sales Team, Conference Services and banquet staff for meetings and events. I recently joined The Commons Hotel (A Noble House Hotel) in November of 2012, but in the business for nearly twenty years.
Q. What’s the most important thing a planner should consider when booking a hotel for their holiday event?
A. When considering a hotel, a planner should look for all-encompassing package deals. Packages are great because everything is tied up for them with a bow. Planners want to get the best bang for their buck, so it’s important to look for a property that’s obviously given thought to holiday parties by offering several holiday party packages. It’s more affordable and in the end, makes the planner’s job much easier.
Q. What should a planner have in place before they book?
A. They should visit the property and the hotel’s website first. They should also know what their key objectives are — space? View? Are they looking for something new and different? Of course, having their budget in place at the start helps with determining the size of the space and also with menu planning.
Q. What are the best money-saving tips you can offer?
A. Ask for what they want; they just might get it. Many hotels are going to be in position in the short term to offer concessions. Also, they should be sure to ask what is included in room rental. What does the hotel provide that they won’t have think about, such as specialty linens, centerpieces or other promotions for the holiday season. Also consider asking about a weeknight after work for your Holiday Party, the Food and Beverage Minimums are typically lowered during the week.
Q. What should they watch out for so they can avoid busting their budget?
A. They should feel comfortable enough with the hotel person with whom they’re working to ask about any hidden costs. Also, before booking, they should get an estimate that includes the cost of room rental, food and beverage service, along with taxes and fees. Ask what’s included? For example, at The Commons Hotel, we include a dance floor and linens. Some places up-charge for those things. A planner wants to be sure their hotel isn’t the type of property that will “ala carte them to death.”
Q. Anything else?
A. Ask the hotel if they would be willing to contribute a give away for the guests, such as a one night stay. It’s a low cost offer for the hotel, but great promotion for gathering future customers. At The Commons Hotel, we offer a reduced sleeping room rate for guests who want to stay the night of the holiday party. That makes it affordable, comfortable and in our case, brand new.
