Someone talk me back into the RIU...or should I switch?

Jacqueline · 06-25-2008, 06:46 AM

I have stayed there before and it was awesome, I had no issues, at all. Everything from the food, to the workers, to our room was great.

HOWEVER I'm not sure how the wedding stuff goes at that resort, so that might be different. Sorry, not much help but I did want you to know I had a great experience there while on vaca.

BEACHBRIDEMA · 06-25-2008, 06:48 AM

Its a hard call, both are beautiful resorts. I am a Riu bride and had an amazing experience, however hearing all issues with the new WC I would be nervous to book my wedding there now. In my opionion the WC at Dreams is much better. I would try contacting Daniela and talk to her and see how you feel about her and then make your decision. That would be my advice.

Lagen · 06-25-2008, 12:14 PM

I have to say the idea of an outside WC is a good one. I have a WC in the US that I used. Everything together it is costing me $1800 (that's her work in the US, flight, and 3 nights hotel). She did a lot of the comunicating with the WC in Cabo and I believe she got a faster and more direct response than I would have gotten. And, for $1800 I don't have to stress out, make the phone calls, or fill out a lot of the paperwork. We have had no complaints about the resort as of yet.

Let us remember, it's a big day and every woman wants it to go perfectly. So, our expectations are high....so, every review is subjective and based on a person's perspective and experience. Also, we must remember the culture is more laid back. No one is in a rush there. 3-7 days to respond to an e-mail is "normal" there. Not everyone carries a blackberry in other countries! And, it's ok to call them everyday until you get your answer. We learned with the Riu WC that stalking her via e-mial and phone showed motivation and drive which facilitated timely responses. The WC came to learn that if we did not get an e-mail response within 24 hours, she would then be getting a follow-up call. It didn't take much before we shaped her behavior. *Big tip to others who want a better resposne*

Also, you are not able to swim in most of the beach in Cabo - unless the conditions are ideal. And, even then it is not an ocean for beginners. They do have private wedding areas at the Riu for the wedding and for the receptions.

Good luck with the choice. There are a ton of wonderful resorts out there. I'm sure you'll make a good decision either way!

Cabobride09 · 07-18-2008, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Natashak

I thought that Paola Flores was the WC, am I wrong?

Paola Flores is the Sales Coordinator.
Daniela is the WC for the Palace and Erika is the WC for the Santa Fe.

abbygirl · 07-24-2008, 05:47 AM

Hello!! I know of someone that got married at the Palace in December and she said everything was fantastic!! It was bit unorganized but I think you will get that anywhere in Mexico...everyone is so laid back there.
I think you should take a little trip down there before you decide...thats what I did. I am going to get married at the RIU Santa Fe May'09. The Palace does have a couple private gazebo locations.
Someone said it as well, the water is a little rough in Cabo and you will get that no matter where you stay. It is very beautiful there though.
I hope this helps a little.

dinogomez · 07-24-2008, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abbygirl

Hello!! I know of someone that got married at the Palace in December and she said everything was fantastic!! It was bit unorganized but I think you will get that anywhere in Mexico...everyone is so laid back there.
I think you should take a little trip down there before you decide...thats what I did. I am going to get married at the RIU Santa Fe May'09. The Palace does have a couple private gazebo locations.
Someone said it as well, the water is a little rough in Cabo and you will get that no matter where you stay. It is very beautiful there though.
I hope this helps a little.

I don't agree with you, most coordinators I work with are extremely organised and their weddings are flawless, as vendors, we work really hard to make things perfect for you so you can relax and enjoy your big day. Sorry for those of you who have had bad luck, but that's an exception, not the rule.

goalie8 · 07-30-2008, 02:40 PM

I have gone to Cabo twice for vacation and I love it down there. I have stayed at the Villa del Palmar, which is the property next to Riu Sants Fe, and the hotel in the Marina Tesero. Anyway both places were beatufil to stay in. The marina is neat but you have to walk to the beach which is about a 15 minute walk from the marina but the beach is nice with several beach clubs, water is a little calmer but not too many people in the water. Villa del palmar was gorgeous grounds with a great beach but the water is rough. I have stayed at many Riu's in the DOminican Republic (both Punta Cana and Puerta Plata) and never had a problem at any of the 4 we stayed at there and I stayed at one in Spain. For the most part they are well organized on the grounds and keep the hotels clean, but if you are unhappy with something let them know they will accomidate. I have stayed at many AI's and the Riu is the best but then again that was in Punta Cana and Puerta Plata I haven't stayed in Cabo yet. I chose the Riu for my previous experiences knowing that I have not had problems with the Riu. I have a friend that stayed at the Riu in Puerta Vallarta and said it was gorgeous and the service was great.

It's up to you to feel comfortable. But these are just my personal experiences with the Riu. I am getting married at the Riu Santa Fe in October and I have not had a single problem with contact my WC. I know you may want the palace but if you are nervous about the WC look at the Santa Fe it is newer and the hotel has had many good reviews from previous travellers since it opened last November. I myself was nervouse because they didn't receive great reviews at the beginning but now I have read more reviews and they are good. I know how you feel about being nervous, I was too but I kind of decided the reason we were doing this is to not stress and I relaxed and went with what I wanted. I have traveled all over the world 22 countries and you make your own experience. I have stayed at crap hotels based on good reivews and foudn them to be crap and vice versa. I have stayed at nice hotels that got good reivews and wasn't that great and nice hotels with bad reviews that were some of the most amazing trips.

Dont' always go by opinions of others regarding hotels because everyone's level is different. If you can visit it set your own opinion because ultimately you are the one that has to be happy.

I hope I helped and good luck picking. I can tell you Punta Cana is amazing and the Riu there, wow one of the best properties in Punta Cana and the beach is awesome food is great and the Palace Macau is nice my parents siad they loved staying there and the new Palace that opened last year I was there the year before when it was being built and looked gorgeous. Cabo is great too and it is a classy place with classy people, not that the DR isn't but just saying there is a lot of money that comes to Cabo so there is a different type of tourist. But the DR are my favorite beaches and water, even in April, May, September, November and December. Cabo I have been to in April and May with perfect weather and great beaches.

Good luck.

ericaandsy · 07-30-2008, 07:36 PM

Hi Ashley,
I say if you are worried sick about it, change resorts. Just think about having to worry about that all year?? The same thing happened to me I knew someone who went to the resort that I wanted for a wedding and they had a bad experience, then I started hearing reviews on the wc. My fi and I switched our resort and I have felt so much better...word of advice GO WITH YOUR GUT FEELING!!
Best of luck to you in your planning!!