Everything You Need to Know About Booking a Wedding Night Hotel

Photo: Esther Sun Photography

While not as integral to your wedding as the reception venue or caterer, the hotel you choose for your wedding night plays a part in the overall experience of your special day. Of course, a comfortable bed, luxurious amenities, and top-notch service are important, but it's some of the other details that can actually have a bigger impact on your wedding day before and after the ceremony and reception. Here are a few things you should think about when selecting the perfect place to lay your head after you've said "I do."

Will you get a discount if you reserve multiple rooms for your bridal party and guests?
Many hotels will offer the bride and groom a free night, discount, or upgrade if they fill a certain number of rooms with their guests. If the hotel doesn't offer, it's worth asking. If you're blocking off a lot of rooms or staying at a time when the hotel is less busy the hotel might be willing to sweeten the pot to ensure you book there.

How early can you check in?
If you're planning to get ready for the wedding at your hotel room, you'll probably want to check in earlier than the official check-in time (anywhere between 2pm and 5pm depending on the hotel). Make sure to find out if an early check-in is possible or if you'll need to reserve the room for the night before as well. Even if you aren't getting ready at the hotel, it can be helpful to check in early to drop of your stuff for the wedding night so you don't have to deal with it after a long day — and multiple glasses of champagne.

How big is the room and what amenities does it have?
If you're planning to have your whole entourage get prepped in the bridal suite, make sure you won't be overcrowded in a tiny room. At the very least, make sure there's plenty of counter space, multiple electrical outlets, and large mirrors. And if the hotel is older, double check that there's AC; the more bodies in the room, the hotter it will be.

How close is it to the venue?
No couple wants to be stuck in traffic on their wedding day or spend a bunch of time in the car at the end of a long, exciting day. Consider how far the hotel is to where the ceremony and reception will take place, how bad traffic will likely be at the times you'll be commuting, and what kind of transport is available in case you don't want to drive yourself. Consider your budget as well; a closer hotel can save you money by eliminating the need for a limo or other transportation.

Is there room service? How late does it run?
It's cliche but true: Many couples are so busy during the wedding that they don't get time to eat until after the festivities are over. It would be an unpleasant surprise to return to the hotel at 11pm dreaming of a cheeseburger and then find out that room service ends at 9pm. Consider the morning after as well. If the idea of breakfast in bed appeals to you, make sure the place you're staying can deliver.

See More: Here's How Wedding Night Sex Went Wrong for 3 Real Couples

What time is check-out and can you extend it?
Many brides and grooms rush off to the airport or to a day-after brunch the morning after they say "I do," but if you've got nothing to do but relax, make sure that the hotel's policies will allow it. Find out what time check-out is and see if hotel policy allows you to stay a little longer.

Is there transport to the airport?
If you have an early-morning flight and your relatives aren't exactly volunteering to wake up at dawn post-party and drive you to the airport, it's worth inquiring if the hotel has a shuttle to the airport. Even if it comes at a fee, it's likely cheaper than a cab — and your guests get to sleep in.

Is there a safe?
Chances are, you'll receive at least some cash as wedding gifts. Giving it to a relative who can safeguard it or take it directly to the bank is a great idea, but if you need to hang on to it overnight for any reason, make sure your hotel room has a safe so you can keep your cash secure.

BRIDES Southern California: The Most Luxurious L.A. Hotels To Spend Your Wedding Night

Photo: Courtesy of The London West Hollywood
 

After months of planning for one of the biggest days of your life, it goes by like a flash. So to soak up that newlywed glow, and finish out your big day in a luxurious suite on your wedding night. For Los Angeles brides, we've rounded up the most luxurious hotels for your first night as a married couple.

The London West Hollywood
For the fashion-forward couple, the Vivienne Westwood suite in this centrally-located spot. This is a suite you'll want to get ready in before your ceremony — and then come back to in the wee hours of the night. This grand room has its own private patio that is big enough to have an intimate brunch for friends and family the next day (yes, that big!). If you venture out of your room, The London also boasts one of the best rooftop pool areas in Los Angeles. And last (but definitely not least), because the room is an homage to the British fashion designer herself, everyone who stays in the suite gets a private shopping trip to its nearby namesake boutique on Melrose Ave, as well as a complimentary his and hers gifts. Read real brides' reviews here!

Shutters on the Beach
Is there anything more romantic than waking up to the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean the morning after your wedding day? Book the Pacific View Suite at Shutters in Santa Monica and that's precisely what you'll get. This quintessential beachfront hotel boasts a dedicated catering staff, complete with complimentary transportation using the hotel car (yep, it's a Tesla). If you're up for a little exercise the following day, you and your honey can borrow Budnitz Bicycles beach cruisers and peddle along the California coast — or just take some of the plush cotton towels and plop down in the sand right outside your room. Read real brides' reviews here!

The Culver Hotel
This hidden gem is ideal for any Old Hollywood fans, as this 1924 National Historic Landmark space has had a variety of celeb owners including Charlie Chaplin and John Wayne. Decorated in chic-but-cozy jewel tones, the best suite for newlyweds is 610 (make sure to ask for the champagne and truffles when you arrive). Since Culver City is a relatively central location, the staff will happily set you up with transportation for a morning hike followed by high tea in the Grand Lobby. Read real brides' reviews here!

The Line
If you're looking for more of an urban experience on your wedding night, this Koreatown hotel has great mid-century style and is located in a walkable neighborhood. The room to grab is the Hollywood View Suite — offering floor-to-ceiling windows (where you'll casually be gazing at the iconic Hollywood sign while you sip complimentary champagne from your bed). The hotel staff will also sprinkle your room with rose petals and even serve you breakfast in bed the next day. However, if you're a foodie, this hotel boasts the restaurant Pot, conceptualized by famed chef Roy Choi as well as one of Los Angeles' prettier dining rooms, The Commissary, which is set in a glass greenhouse right next to the pool.

The Hotel Bel Air
If the two of you want a little hideaway, this beautiful spot — tucked away in Bel-Air, one of Los Angeles' most exclusive neighborhoods — is your pick. With 12 acres of rolling gardens, this glamorous hotel houses a Wolfgang Puck restaurant and world-renowned spa by La Prairie. We suggest signing up for the Couple's Retreat Package the morning after your wedding, which includes a 1-hour couples' massage followed by an outdoor hydrotherapy bath — topped off with the hotel's signature outdoor picnic brunch. Read real brides' reviews here!

Things To Consider When Making Accommodations for Traveling Guests

Despite the checklists, apps, and overeager advice-giving friends available to most couples when planning weddings, there is one very important detail that is frequently overlooked– accommodations. If your guests are traveling in to join you on your big day, whether your wedding is local or considered “destination,” they must have someplace to stay.




It’s tempting to refer your guests to one of the many discount travel sites and let them choose their deal. This has dangers, though. You relinquish control over their guest experience and you lose the convenience factor of having your loved ones concentrated at one site, which can aid in providing amenities and transportation. Instead of falling back on the latest travel search engine, we recommend investing the necessary time and negotiate a room block contract that will not only keep your guests together, but keep them comfortable and happy from the moment they arrive for your special weekend.

What are the Priorities?
As hotels expand their lists of creative amenities, guests now expect more than just a bed and shower. Start by compiling a list of important factors beginning with how many rooms you might need. Don’t forget rooms where the wedding party will get ready and your own wedding night accommodations.
What kind of properties are your friends and family accustomed to, luxury, or budget?
Most guests want easy access to major transportation hub and to local attractions. Are there shuttles available? Can guests easily get to your wedding events? The cost of private group transportation dramatically impacts a wedding budget. Imagine being in your guests’ shoes and making the transfers they will encounter. Does one property offer a service that will make these transitions easier than another?

In terms of conveniences, what about a restaurant on-site, a hospitality suite during the day, or world-class fitness and spa facilities? Jot down every possible priority so you can rank the most necessary as your must-have list when you negotiate with your chosen hotels.

Room Block Contracts
Armed with this information, scrutinize any contract you receive. Compare online rates to the contract rates to be sure you’re getting the best deal. Ask about attrition – It is common for a hotel to hold you personally responsible for a percentage of the rooms (i.e. financially responsible) after certain cutoff dates. There may also be extra fees for gift bag delivery, wifi, parking, or breakfast. Are more rooms available to you at the rate if your guests pick them up faster than accepted? Can you reduce your room numbers, and can guests cancel reservations up to a cutoff date without penalty?
Who should you ask all of these detail questions? Your wedding planning, venue coordinator, or hotel sales manager are all good choices. You might also enlist the assistance of a wedding planner, or, a company with a decade of expertise that specializes in guest accommodations like Where Will They Stay?.

Extending the courtesy of making room block arrangements for your guests is just one way to thank them for celebrating with you on your big day. Make it the first of the many expressions of love that result from your new lives together.

9 Amazing Honeymoons (No Passport Required)

Who says you need to jet off to Italy for two weeks to have a proper honeymoon? Sure, we'd love to spend our vacation rowing down Lake Como with George Clooney, but let's get real. The last thing most of us want to deal with post-nuptials is a two-hour line at customs and the nagging fear that we bought the wrong converter for our hair dryer.

International travel doesn't always make sense. If you're short on time, a trip across the pond can quickly cut your weeklong honeymoon down to three or four days. If you're short on money, international currency is rarely your friend. And if you're short on patience, the pressure to see thousands of sites in Paris or Rome might just be too much. I interviewed six newlywed couples who honeymooned within U.S. borders (and did some research of my own) and found that, thankfully, you don't have to travel far for the vacation of your dreams. So put down your passport and consider these closer-to-home honeymoon destinations.

Bar Harbor, Maine
Hoping to avoid a vacation full of long flights and extra travel time, Ann Prowant, 25, and her husband honeymooned in the picturesque town of Bar Harbor, Maine after their Chicago wedding. "We loved walking around the little downtown and browsing the shops. We spent time hiking and even went on a whale-watching tour," says Prowant, "We wanted a vacation that involved the minimal amount of stress."

Bar Harbor is perfect for de-stressing with some outdoor time. Acadia National Park offers plenty of opportunities for rock climbing and camping, and the gorgeous waterfront provides a perfect kayaking location (and some of the best lobster in the country). Book a stay at one of Bar Harbor's many B&B's on the shore if you're looking for some old-fashioned romance.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts
"I'd recommend a Cape Cod honeymoon to anyone," says 27-year-old Lisa Rice (who honeymooned there after her 2009 Ohio wedding), "It's a quaint area with a lot of history, and the summer culture is very slow-paced and relaxed. We didn't feel pressure to go and do things, so we were able to spend a lot of time enjoying each other's company and decompressing after the stress of the wedding."

Charleston, South Carolina
Jill Lusk, 25, and her husband, Bill, were married in Pittsburgh and honeymooned in Charleston in 2011. The Southern city offered them a well-rounded trip in a laidback atmosphere. "Our honeymoon had everything we ever could have wanted: amazing food, gorgeous location, perfect weather, nice locals, great accommodations, and the freedom and flexibility to enjoy it all at our own pace," says Lusk.

However, that's not to say that basking in the Southern sun will completely slow you down, "Charleston offers a lot of amenities of a larger city, such as a very well-developed restaurant scene and a decently sized airport," says Lusk.

New Orleans, Louisiana
The Big Easy is home to some of the country's most famous food, music and history. Stay in century -old establishments (like the Hotel Monteleone, founded in 1886), keep close to your new spouse on a ghost tour, and make sure to stray from Bourbon Street to experience the real New Orleans.

California Wine Country
California's sprawling wine country offers romance around every corner (or, around every barrel of Meritage). The accommodations are intimate, the food is sensual, and the atmosphere is decidedly laidback. Los Angeles native Amber Lorentzen and her new husband planned a Napa Valley honeymoon for these reasons, but it was the Valley's proximity to their Calamigos Ranch wedding that sealed the deal. "The major benefit was the cost and time to travel," she says, "We didn't want to spend half of our one-week honeymoon flying to and from Europe."

For oenophiles dreaming of a trip to Italy on a limited budget, consider jetting off to the West Coast instead. "It was way more fun feeling like we could splurge on food and wine if we wanted to," says Lorentzen.

Lake Tahoe
Nestled on the California/Nevada border, this massive body of water is host to both luxury resorts and cozy cabins. Escape during the winter for prime snowshoeing, skiing and snowboarding conditions. The summer offers plenty of hiking excursions and an opportunity to experience water sports on the lake.

Hawaii
Katie Helfenberger, 24, married her husband in his hometown of Zurich, Switzerland, but chose to return to the States for a honeymoon closer to home. She offers a concise review of their 2011 trip to the Hawaiian Islands: "It is probably the closest thing to paradise one can reach without leaving the country ... Hawaii is a bit of heaven on earth."

It's time to stop thinking of Hawaii as a honeymoon cliché and start imagining it as the ultimate getaway. If the hustle and bustle of Oahu isn't your scene, look into the other, smaller islands for quiet romance. The island of Kauai hosts a little over 1 million visitors per year, while Lanai hosts only 94,000 (compared to well over 4 million visitors on Oahu).

The U.S. Virgin Islands
Even with a dead giveaway in the name (that little "U.S."), it's easy to forget about the U.S. Virgin Islands when planning a passport-free trip. Maybe it's because the islands feel so international. "It was the most gorgeous, tropical, sunny island getaway I could have ever imagined," says Chicagoan Jaime Straus, 35, who married and honeymooned on St. Thomas in 2010. "It was still an island destination without the hassle of international travel."

Still not sold? Check out a cruise.
Many cruises that depart from (and return to) an American port no longer require a passport to travel. Check the regulations of your favorite cruise line, and you could be sailing down the coast of Mexico quicker than you can say, "Cerveza, por favor."

Foodie Weekend

What a weekend of Food that Scott and I had... Here is where we begin.

Friday Night, Scott found a recipe for Shrimp Scampi and decided to give it a try....

It was yummy for sure!


Saturday was a true Food Day because we had Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.... If anyone knows me they know that it is rare that I have all 3 in one day, bad I know but that's my busy life. Breakfast was Mini's Cafe where Scott experienced for the first time Eggs Benedict

I have a strong feeling that this will be a Cameron Breakfast Favorite for years to come....


Later in the afternoon, we went over to our wedding venue, The Doubletree by Hilton, for our WEDDING TASTING....YAY!!


Adrienne took Scott and I on Wedding Food Adventure and I must say, IT WAS SOOOOO GOOD.

We started with Salads:

The Salads we got to try was:

FIELD GREEN SALAD WITH RANCH OR ITALIAN DRESSING

SPINACH SALAD WITH RASPBERRY VINAIGRETTE

YING’S SALAD WITH GINGER SESAME DRESSING

All the salads had their own flavors but we LOVED the Spinach Salad (As you can see was the one that is mostly gone) and that is what we will be going with that day.

Adrienne also gave us a chance to try out their Crab Cakes and they were very good.

Next The Entrees:

This is Chicken with an Orange Citrus Sauce with Rice Pilaf anf Grilled Vegetables.

 This is Halibut with a Cream Sauce with Bashmati Rice and Grilled Vegetables

This is Skirt Steak with a Peppercorn Demi Glaze with Mashed Potatoes and Grilled Vegetables

We got to pick 2 for our menu so here is what we went with...

We are going to do the Chicken but instead of the Orange Citrus Sauce (Which was a little sweet) We are going to do it with a Lemon Thyme Sauce instead. We are also going to have the Steak with the Potatoes (Which I was all about).

And our treats for choosing our menu.... DESSERTS!!

 MSISSISSIPPI MUD PIE...YUM

Doubletree's Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies

After all that food, we went home and took a nap... Yeah I know what you're thinking, all that eating and a nap?? Yep we did that.

Saturday Night, We met up with our friend Esther and headed over to Animal Restaurant for a Dinner Experience like no other...... Here is what we had:

foie gras terrine, blackberry jam, black pepper gastrique

pig tails, “buffalo style,” celery, ranch

marrow bone, chimichurri, caramelized onions

 flat iron, artichoke hash, truffle parmesan fondue

barbeque pork belly sandwiches, slaw

bacon chocolate crunch bar, s&p ice cream

All the food was EXCELLENT and we had such a great experience that we have already made reservations to go back next month for another round of food. Here are some other highlights from the dinner:



Wine and Sparking Water (Water was on .20 cents for unlimited water)

 Scott and Chef Mike

 Sous Chef Mike.... Very cool guy

And as you can see below, the sliders were his favorite... So Good we ordered them twice!

Other than the Food extravaganza... we survived the weekend. A lesson to take away for everyone:


Every relationship - family, friendship, love and marriage - is about growth and development. We come together to share, learn and grow.


159 days until We come together... Forever!

Room Block is SET!

So, for those that don't know, Scott and I are getting married at a hotel. I know some will say, everyone does that but I thought about Pros and Cons for Hotel weddings and here is my lists:

Pros

1. One Stop Shopping - No driving from one location to the next for guest
2. All Inclusive- Don't have to worry about too many vendors
3. The Space is AWESOME

Cons

1. No church wedding... I'm good with that


So after a looking at a few venues that were in our Price range that were , to put nicely, Were run down (Seriously, one place had a hole in ceiling the size of Texas) we came to the Doubletree, which was The Radisson at the time and was SOLD.



The space is BEAUTIFUL and for the rate we got and all we got with it... It worked out in the best possible way for us. Our consultant Adrienne has been the best since day 1 and answered every crazy question I have emailed her. Now that we are less than a year out, I got a email from her team this morning telling me that the Room Block link was set and I could send it out to my guest...YAY!! This is another one of those things I can cross off my list of a million things for our special day.

I am happy that everything is coming together and that I will be Mrs. Jasmine Cameron

207 till party Time....