Before I start, congrats to your daughters dance group! That's awesome!!
I don't know about the codes or anything, but I did work in a convention hotel before, and we often had people book their own rooms. A couple of things regularly came up with that that you might want to consider...
First, sometimes the groups had all the rooms blocked, leaving very few, if any, rooms available to those not in the group. Generally those that were left were at "rack rate" -- meaning no discounts.
Second, when groups contract for rooms, they are usually put together, wheras those who booked separately could potentially be put in a totally seperate section of the hotel. At the very least, the leaders received lists of what rooms people under that group code were in so that promotional things or special benifits could be left on the door and so that people could be contacted in an emergency or change of schedule.
Third, there are occasionally things that groups organize that are ONLY available to peolple staying in that block of rooms. If you opt to go on your own, you might not receive those same benefits.
I saw many an argument at the front desk because someone (who booked on their own and was told of the possibility of this happening) a)was far far away from the rest of the group, b)missed out on vitsl scheduling documents for the convention -- last minute changes, etc., and c)did not receive the special benefits of being with the group block.
So even if it seems pricy, I would encourage you to see what all is included in that and if the rooms are blocked together. I would also check with the dance group leaders to see what their advice would be. It may be that they need to have your daughter with the group for rehearsals, scheduling, etc. Your daughter might very much want to be with her friends on this special trip and the possibility exists that booking on your own *could* hinder this. I remember almost paying for a band trip out of my own pocket because my parents thought it would be nice to stay with my grandparents who lived in the same city. I knew that a)this would separate me from the rest of the band/my friends and b)my band director would in no way go for it. When that was explained, my parents understood.
On the other hand, if the rooms are not going to be together and your daughter is ok with it, certainly look around to see what's available! Hope things work out magically!!
