How do you manage relationships with hotels to secure the best deals for your clients?
It’s all about building strong relationships. With my background in hotels, I understand what drives their success, and I’m always seeking win-win solutions. We collaborate closely with hotels that provide family-friendly amenities, such as pools and team BBQs, which are ideal for our clients—traveling families with kids who want to transform a sports tournament into a memorable trip experience.
At Book Your Block, we aim to integrate ourselves into the hotels' teams, working together to help guests add nights, modify their stays, and understand hotel policies. We also send out a code of conduct to all guests to ensure a positive experience for both the hotels and our clients. We visit as many properties in person as possible and maintain strong communication, creating an environment where our hotel partners and guests can thrive.
A Dynamic Discussion with Rae Marie Ciavarelli: The New Force Behind Operations at Book Your Block
We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Rae Marie Ciavarelli, the newly appointed Director of Operations at Book Your Block. With six years of experience in hotel sales and operations in the Long Island market, Rae Marie is a true hospitality professional with a deep love for travel and a passion for creating unforgettable experiences
As our former Group Sales Manager, she has excelled and is now transitioning to the Director of Operations role. It’s exciting to hear about her experiences and the new strategies she will bring to Book Your Block!
Can you tell us a little about your background and how you got started in the hospitality industry?
Sure! Ever since I was a kid, I’ve had this natural “hostess with the mostess” attitude—I loved making people feel welcome. I actually started out with a passion for baking and dreamed of owning a bakery. But as I explored career options, I came across hotel management, and it just clicked. That led me to study Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management at Fairleigh Dickinson University. My first job was at the front desk of a hotel, where I got to dive into operations, customer service, sales, and revenue management. It was the perfect place to start!
What are families seeking from sports event accommodations?
I’m noticing some exciting trends in youth sports travel! As tournaments often last several days in fantastic locations, there has been a rise in families turning these trips into their main vacations or Staycations. This means they’re seeking accommodations that feel like home, complete with kitchens for meals, games rooms, hang out spots and laundry facilities.
It’s not just about the kids— as parents are treating these trips as their own holidays. They want accommodations with pools, bar and restaurant facilities to relax after cheering on their athletes. It’s all about creating a memorable experience for the whole family, blending sports with leisure, and we’re here to help them find the perfect spot!
How do you stay ahead of the competition in such a dynamic and competitive industry?
Book Your Block is committed to innovation, consistently launching technology to simplify group bookings and enhance communication with event operators, hotels, group leaders, and guests. We also prioritize staying personal. We make it a point to reach out to every single team at our events and work closely with group leaders, teams, and parents. It’s all about building relationships and creating a brand that people feel connected to. By being hands-on and attentive, we set ourselves apart from the competition.
What does a typical day look like for you in your role as Director of Operations?
My days are pretty fast-paced! I usually start around 7 a.m., and from there, it’s a mix of coordination and collaboration.
I work closely with event operators to achieve our lodging goals, review event inventory, and ensure our hotel partners are ready for families. I oversee our hospitality and customer service teams and address any escalated guest issues. I also participate in team calls, reach out to newly registered teams, communicate hotel options, and track registrations. It’s busy, but I love it!
What are your goals for Book Your Block in the upcoming year?
We’re excited to see our technology and hands-on customer approach gaining traction among venues and operators, leading to our rapid growth, especially from connections made at major sports conferences. Building hotel partnerships in new markets is a top priority for us, and that means me hitting the road for face-to-face meetings with hotel sales managers and CVBs. Each month, we’re thrilled to introduce new technologies and we’re growing our team with passionate individuals who genuinely care about providing outstanding service. Ultimately, we want to be the go-to name in youth sports travel, delivering memorable experiences that teams and families will love.