DDR vs CMR Comparator
Two hotels quoted the same conference: one with a €95 DDR, the other with a €245 24-hour rate. Both look reasonable in isolation. Neither tells you which is cheaper for your specific event. The answer depends on how many delegates stay overnight, how many days, and what's bundled
. This calculator does the math both ways so you compare apples to apples — the one number European meeting buyers want and almost nobody gets quoted in a uniform format.
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Results
How to read your result
If CMR wins on total cost AND most delegates stay overnight, the bundle is the simpler, lower-risk choice. If DDR wins, you have flexibility — book hotel rooms separately (sometimes cheaper via corporate codes), and use the DDR only for the day part. Watch break-even overnight %: if it's above your actual overnight %, the bundle is over-priced.
3 next steps
- Ask both hotels to quote BOTH formats — most will.
- If overnight % is uncertain, lean DDR (more flexibility).
- Confirm what's bundled in CMR (AV, breaks, dinner?) before signing.
Related reading on Easy RFP
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between DDR and CMR?
DDR (Daily Delegate Rate) bundles meeting room + meals + AV basics for one working day. CMR (or 24-hour rate / DDR overnight) adds the hotel room. CMR is common in the UK and Germany.
Which is cheaper?
Depends on overnight %. If <50% of delegates stay overnight, DDR + separate room rate is usually cheaper. Above 70%, CMR often wins.
What's a typical DDR in Europe?
€60-€120 per delegate per day in 4-star city hotels. London, Zurich, and Paris run higher. Source: range from MICE planner interviews and city DDR benchmarks.
Does CMR include dinner?
Often only lunch is included — confirm in the proposal. Some properties bundle dinner in 'residential' packages.
Can I switch from DDR to CMR mid-event?
Pre-contract: yes, freely. Post-signing: hotel will quote the difference, usually at a premium.