Group Housing & Overflow FAQ’s

Q: How do I contact aRes Travel for Group Housing and Group Overflow services?
A: Contact Wayne Blum in our Group Sales Department directly at 888-559-2570. Or complete the Group Housing Request Form and an aRes Travel sales rep will contact you within 24 hours.

Q: Do third party housing companies receive commissions on bookings?
A: No, all reservations are booked through our normal channels and all commissions are paid back to aRes Travel.

Q: Do we pay Affiliate Commission on these reservations?
A: Yes, all reservation will fall under the existing aRres Travel contract with the Affiliate.

Q: What are the costs to the Affiliate?
A: There are no costs to the Affiliate or Meeting Planner for this service.

Q: Do we set up special blocks for groups?
A: No, all rates and inventory are pulled from our Extranet or GDS and is the same as what we use for the general public.

Q: Can a hotel offer a special block for a conference?
A: No, rates and inventory are pulled through our normal channels only. If a hotel works with us through the Extranet, they can adjust rates in the Extranet for the group, but that rate would be available throughout the aRes Travel Network.

Q: Is there a minimum number group size to be able to use this service?
A: No, this service is available for any size group, from single property to full citywide conventions.

Q: Do we work with the Affiliate, Housing Company or Group contact?
A: aRes Travel Group Housing department works with whoever the Affiliate designates. Each Affiliate requirements are unique. (Example, DMO “A”, aRes Travel works with the Affiliate where DMO “B”, aRes Travel works with the Housing Company or client)

Q: How long does it take to set up a group link?
A: Setup is a simple process and any of the Account Managers can set this up within hours.

Q: How are reservations and attendees tracked for the group?
A: aRes Travel will provide a weekly and final rooming list as well as a day-by-day pick up report at the conclusion of the convention.

Q: Can the group booking engine be branded to the convention?
A: The header can be branded to the group if provided a secure image URL that will not interfere with the check out process of the aRes Travel booking engine.

Q: If guests have questions about the convention or previous reservations with housing blocks, who do they contact?
A: Guest can call the dedicated telephone number and aRes Travel call center agents have been given general information telephone numbers for the group and housing department. They can direct the guest to the appropriate department.

Q: What do I do if the Affiliate, Housing Company or Group contact has questions that I cannot answer?
A: Direct all questions to the Affiliate Support Team at support@arestravelinc.com .