Choosing The Right Hotel For Group Travel

I recently returned from a trip to Culver Stockton College in Canton, Missouri where we watched our daughter compete for Central Methodist University in the Heart of America Conference Cheerleading Championships.

On the drive home, I could not compare our trip to the VISA commercials of late…
8 hour in the car, two tanks of gas, overnight stay in a hotel, and 5 meals on the road for the family. Doing all this for two 3-minute cheer routines: Priceless!”

Those of you that have children in cheer, gymnastics, dance, and other sports know what parents do to support our kids in their endeavors. All our efforts, time, and money spent are simply in the hopes that our kids will say to their children, “I remember when my mom and dad came to see me do this.” Needless to say, it is worth it.

You cannot put a price tag on being present at all those special moments in life. But, as most parents know, you can sure put a price on getting yourselves to those momentous occasions! We all are witnessing rising gas prices, and please let me know if you hear of a movement for restaurants to lower menu prices across the board. Combine these fixed costs with events that can span 3, 5, or even 7 days. Now more than ever before you want to be confident in your choice of hotel.

Here are some things to look for when you are booking a hotel for your group:

• Space – A good size lobby and pool area that opens to the outside where your people can hang out and not be confined to rooms or hallways during your stay.
• Conveniences- Hotels that provide FREE refrigerators in their rooms, spare toiletries, and other amenities will be a lifesaver and save you money when something is forgotten.
• Internet Capabilities – In our ever-growing digital world, FREE high speed and/or wireless internet will prove invaluable when passing the time and allowing mom and dad to stay current with their responsibilities from the road.
• Comforts of Home- Guest use washers and dryers with free detergent can be the difference between a trip to the department store for a new shirt, or saving some money while still looking good throughout your trip.
• Local Attractions & Services- A hotel’s proximity to department, grocery, and drug stores should never be overlooked when traveling with the family or a group. Invariably, someone will leave something behind or be in need of a convenience item at some point in your travels.
• Parking – Let’s be honest, group travel usually means a lot of coming and going in your personal vehicle. Ample, well-lit, safe, and FREE parking is a must.
• Hotel Room Proximity- When traveling together, most want to stay together. Group rooms in close proximity are needed…..no one wants their group spread out amongst multiple floor and wings of the hotel.

No matter what hotel you choose for your next group travel event, be sure and give some consideration to the facility features listed above. The Courtyard by Marriott in Blue Springs is proud to offer our guests all of these services and amenities. We understand what group leaders are going through when assigned the duty of finding a host hotel for their group or team. We are dedicated to one thing: ‘Making Things Easier!’

Contact the group sales office at the Courtyard by Marriott of Blue Springs at 816-220-4400 for help arranging affordable and convenient group travel.

Barth Burgin, General Manager
Courtyard by Marriott - East
Blue Springs, Missouri