Have you ever done a hotel buyout–or curious how it works?

Not all buyouts are created equal! Just because you secure a buyout doesn’t mean you have full control of the property. Hotels define buyouts differently, and it’s critical to understand the nuances so you can set the right expectations.

Here’s the breakdown:

? A Buyout – You have exclusive access to most (but not all) of the hotel. You can brand almost everywhere except the lobby. Some restaurants and bars may still be open to the public, and certain spaces might have restrictions. The hotel might also require you to book a specific percentage of the guest rooms—this could be 80%, 90%, or another threshold based on their policy.

? A Full Buyout – The ultimate level of control! You have every guest room on the property, no outside guests, and no public access to restaurants, bars, spa, or lobby. You can brand everything, adjust operations (close the kids' club, move furniture, extend event hours—within legal limits, of course).

?? Real-World Examples: ?? In New Orleans, we managed a buyout where our client could brand everywhere except the lobby. One restaurant had to remain open to the public, and the lobby bar was accessible to outside guests.

?? In Mexico, we’re executing a full buyout, giving our client total control—from branding to dictating which restaurants operate and even adjusting how late events can run.

?? Key Takeaway: Not all buyouts are the same. Knowing the difference ensures your vision aligns with the hotel’s policies and avoids surprises for your stakeholders. There is also typically contract-specific language included in full buyouts, so understanding the fine print is crucial.

Thinking about a hotel buyout for your next event? Let’s chat—I’d love to help you navigate the process and create an unforgettable experience.

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