When tasked with bachelor/bachelorette party planning, people often book Airbnbs for a sizable group. As a recent groomsman, I suggested the idea of having the bachelor party at Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach, a highly-rated oceanfront hotel. My buddy, the groom, is a laid-back guy who loves the beach. The initial idea was to book an Airbnb in Malibu, which would have cost over $3k for two nights, fitting up to 12 people. This is just the accommodation cost. Of course, as a Hyatt Globalist, I was optimistic about getting two suites, the best chill bachelor experience for the groom, and the best deal for every guy attending. In the end, we had 10 guys confirmed to attend, which was optimal and perfect for the two suites I strategically booked for the weekend.
How we booked two suites for 10 guests at a standard room rate
Planning a bachelor party for 10 people can be a logistical puzzle—especially when you’re trying to keep costs down without sacrificing comfort or quality. But with a little creativity and a few insider tips, we managed to pull off a memorable weekend stay at one of the best hotels in Huntington Beach while keeping the cost per person surprisingly low. Here’s how we did it.
Step 1: Understanding Hotel Pricing
Many hotels charge extra for more adults in a room. For example, at our chosen hotel, a standard room for two people cost $300 per night, but for four people, the same room was priced at $400. Instead of going with the higher rate, we booked the $300 rate for two people and then made a strategic move.
Step 2: Upgrading to a Suite
Here’s where the magic happens: I called Hyatt and used a certificate to upgrade the standard room to a suite. Suites often allow for a higher maximum occupancy, and in this case, we were able to change the occupancy to five people per suite. By doing this, we maximized the number of guests while paying the lower base rate. It’s an excellent hack for getting more value out of your stay.
Step 3: Maximizing Breakfast Benefits
Hyatt’s Globalist program offers complimentary breakfast for up to two adults and two kids per room. In our case, this meant we had a daily breakfast credit of $140 per room, or $280 total for our two rooms. Over our two-day stay, that added up to $560.
Now, here’s where things got interesting: with 10 hungry men, our breakfast bill came to $918—more than $350 over our limit. After a few friendly conversations with the front desk team both during and after our stay, they graciously wiped out the entire breakfast charge, including tax and gratuity. Talk about incredible service! Thank you, Hyatt!
Step 4: Extra Perks
As an added bonus, the hotel also waived the valet parking fees for both of our cars. This saved us even more money and made the experience even sweeter.
The Final Breakdown:
Let’s do the math:
- Room Cost: $300 per night x 2 rooms x 2 nights = $1,200
- Breakfast Cost: $918 (fully comped)
- Parking: Waived
When you factor in the complimentary breakfasts and parking, EACH OF US PAID LESS THAN $40 PER NIGHT. And we weren’t crammed into tiny rooms either; we stayed in two spacious 1,140-square-foot suites with stunning views.
Being on an oceanfront property meant that our beach-loving groom was walking distance of his favorite place, the ocean, every day. We played basketball nearby, walked to an excellent taco spot, ordered in takeout and watched football on TV in the spacious suite, biked down the beach path… Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach was the perfect place to be.
Key Takeaways for Booking on a Budget
- Leverage Loyalty Programs: Elite status and upgrade certificates can significantly enhance your stay while reducing costs.
- Ask for Adjustments: Don’t be afraid to politely negotiate or ask for leniency with charges. A friendly demeanor goes a long way.
- Maximize Occupancy: Booking rooms strategically and adjusting occupancy later can help you avoid inflated rates.
- Know the Perks: Complimentary breakfasts and waived fees add tremendous value to your stay.
By thinking outside the box and taking advantage of every benefit available to us, we turned what could have been an expensive weekend into an affordable yet luxurious celebration. So, the next time you’re planning a group getaway, remember these tips and get ready to enjoy the best value for your money!
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