This is because the cost of meeting rooms is balanced out with the sleeping room costs. So you might have to spend a few dollars more on the actual hotel room, but we are spending less on our meeting rooms because of it. So if at all possible, please book within our block using our quoted rates. FYI, this year I have booked less rooms within the block than in the past. However, do ask about the cancellation policy.
Some hotels are more flexible than others.