Picking a Resort

[VariaStudio]

From what I can see - here are some popular resorts in Punta Cana:

Majestic Colonial
Melia Caribe Tropical
Paradisus Palma Real
Ocean Blue/Sands Beach and Golf Resort
Dreams
Gran Bahia Principe Bavaro
RIU Palace Punta Cana

[newfiebride]

One of the biggest problems I found when trying to choose a resort in Punta Cana was that when I found one that I really liked they couldnt accomodate my wedding as all their wedding slots were booked b/c there is only one judge in PC

[nat4crim]

When I was picking my resort, I did tons of research on tripadvisor and debbiesdominican and I not only focused on general travel reviews but how the weddings turned out.

Although the Majestic Colonial is very popular and gets high ratings I would suggest avoiding it. I was originally looking into this resort but came across so many reviews were couples had several problems with their weddings and the prices are way overpriced. Also, recently a girl claims to have had her engagement ring stolen from the safe deposit box.

[Excited_Ottawa]

Wow, I didn't realize that...thanks for the info, we've been on Debbie's Dominican quite a bit, but it seems like all resorts have just as many good reviews as bad ones!! I appreciate the info, and am going to keep note of that for sure.

And PC only has one judge?? We were considering doing our paperwork here in Canada a few days earlier and then going, but I wasn't too sure how I felt about that....now I may consider it more seriously!!

Thanks so much for your help and resort reviews....!!!!

Andrea

[cheribeth]

Im getting married at Gran Bahia Punta Cana, so far the communication with them has been discouraging.

Ive read a lot of good wedding reviews and a handful of not so good ones. I am getting married March 31st 08 so I will tell you how it goes.

I think probably one of the biggest decisions we had to make is whether to translate our wedding docs, or get married at the court before we flew to the island.

[JeniFroh]

Hi, I am in the same dilemma - having a terribly stressful time trying to narrow decision of location down..... All the advice here is helpful. But how do you find out what the costs of rooms are going to be when there are different rates posted on different sites? And apparently there are sometimes special rates for groups? Ahhhhh! I wish there was a big spreadsheet comparing different resorts' amenities AND the actual costs of the rooms and wedding options. Anyone know of any tools like this? Or has anyone created their own and would be willing to share?

Thanks!
Jen

[Debs]

we are getting 'married' at city hall before we go down, doc fees and stuff were rediculous!

We decided on OB from a couple of good wedding reviews on Debbie's, and it fit in our price range.

Since we booked though, there's been more brides going here and the reviews for the most part have been fantastic!

[Debs]

Jen, get in touch with a travel agent! That's their job to get you the best price!!

My TA gave me prices for 3 or 4 different resorts, with pricing for 1 week/2weeks, regular room, upgrade room etc.

Make them do the work!!

[Excited_Ottawa]

Originally Posted by JeniFroh

Hi, I am in the same dilemma - having a terribly stressful time trying to narrow decision of location down..... All the advice here is helpful. But how do you find out what the costs of rooms are going to be when there are different rates posted on different sites? And apparently there are sometimes special rates for groups? Ahhhhh! I wish there was a big spreadsheet comparing different resorts' amenities AND the actual costs of the rooms and wedding options. Anyone know of any tools like this? Or has anyone created their own and would be willing to share?

Thanks!
Jen

That was very overwhelming for us too. We did end up finding a travel agent here in our town who specializes in Destinations Weddings...only problem is she's crazy busy, so we can meet with her for another few weeks...getting very anxious to hear what she has to say. As soon as I hear any good advice about how to narrow down the search, I'll let you know for sure.

[JeniFroh]

We have been thinking of contacting a travel agent, too..... I guess I thought it would be best for us to narrow down the search first, then go to the travel agent when we had a better idea of possible places. But the more I look, the more confused I get - so maybe we should just go ahead and make an appointment NOW! I think I will do what others have recommended, tho - write down a short list of 'must-haves' for our meeting with travel agent.

How did any of you decide on adults only resorts or family? I don't have children - some of my friends do - so I am not sure what to do. My first thought is to go to an adults only as I don't really want loads of screaming kids splashing in the pool - but I also don't want to exclude people with children. Thoughts??