ADR planning strategy/help

[medicjch]

I'm in a bit of a dilemma as to how to handle my ADRs for an upcoming trip. We are taking friends with us and while I know that we want to do certain restaurants, I'm not sure they are going to want to do as many. We would be a party of 8 and that is what I have reserved, but I'm wondering if they decide not to go at the last minute......I'll be stuck with the $10/head cancellation fee at some of the places. Would I be better off just making 2 ADRs for 4 each? I guess my bigger concern is that if they decide to cancel, even if I am over 24 hours out......if I cancel our party of 8 then I might not be able to rebook for a party of 4. Or maybe if I was outside the 24 hour "penalty phase" at worst case I could just call and have them change my party from 8 to 4? Sorry, kinda thinking (typing) out loud on this one. Any thoughts are appreciated.

 

[h2odivers]

I Would cancel at the last minute and immediately rebook party of 4 through the CM I'm talking to on the phone.

 

[minnie mum]

Have you discussed any of this with the friends that you are going with? Have you explained the consequences of late cancellation for CC reservations to them? If they don't want to eat at any of the restaurants that you have booked then it would be better to know now, rather than the day of.
And there's nothing wrong with you having a few days with separate/different dining arrangements. Sometimes a short break in the togetherness is a good thing!

 

[Hopefully]

I Would cancel at the last minute and immediately rebook party of 4 through the CM I'm talking to on the phone.

The chances of doing this are slim and none.
They are only requiring Credit Card guarantees on the most popular meals where people have historically cancelled at the last minute or been no shows. If your friends decide not to go to an ADR, even more than 24 hours in advance, when you call they would cancel your reservation for 8. You would only be able to rebook if there was availabilty for a party of 4. This is not likely at popular restaurants.
If you don't cancel and only show up with 4, you will be charged for the no-shows.
You need to have a heart to heart with the other family and come to some consensus. Otherwise you will either be disappointed, or paying a penality
Good Luck

 

[B-Ride]

Have you discussed any of this with the friends that you are going with? Have you explained the consequences of late cancellation for CC reservations to them? If they don't want to eat at any of the restaurants that you have booked then it would be better to know now, rather than the day of.
And there's nothing wrong with you having a few days with separate/different dining arrangements. Sometimes a short break in the togetherness is a good thing!

I agree. The best approach is to discuss it and come to an agreement before you make any reservations.

 

[emmysmommy]

I agree with discussing ahead of time and determining some "must do" ADRs that you can do together. If there is a agreement ahead of time if one of the parties of 4 is a no show that they would incur the $10pp penalty, it may result in less last minute change of plans.

Not sure if the restaurants would be able to always seat two parties of 4 together without some delay.