Need help deciding on a resort!

[dcheung1111]

Planning a DW is harder than I imagined! I simply cannot decide on a resort for the life of me! I've been on this site every day this week reading up all everyones reviews, but the more I read, the more confused I get. It seems like every day - i think i've narrowed it down - but I haven't!

Today: I've narrowed it down to Royal Playa Del Carmen and Paradisus Riviera Cancun. I've read some great reviews on both of them on this board too!

Would love any feedback you ladies have on the above resorts and other recommendations:

Here's what's important to me in choosing a resort:

1) Must be in Riviera Maya area - Cancun seems too commercialized and Tulum is just way too far from the airport. Ideally near Playa Del Carmen so guests can leave resort for other activity if they'd like to.

2) Medium sized resort - I like the idea of a more private wedding at smaller resort but don't want my guests to feel like they're on top of each other every day..

3) Nice ceremony/reception Areas - Most important above all other items!

4) Outside Vendors Allowed - I'd like to be able to bring in my preferred photographer.

5) Must be 4-5 Stars - If i'm going to do this - i'm going all out!

[Jennifer Davis]

Originally Posted by dcheung1111

Planning a DW is harder than I imagined! I simply cannot decide on a resort for the life of me! I've been on this site every day this week reading up all everyones reviews, but the more I read, the more confused I get. It seems like every day - i think i've narrowed it down - but I haven't!

Today: I've narrowed it down to Royal Playa Del Carmen and Paradisus Riviera Cancun. I've read some great reviews on both of them on this board too!

Would love any feedback you ladies have on the above resorts and other recommendations:

Here's what's important to me in choosing a resort:

1) Must be in Riviera Maya area - Cancun seems too commercialized and Tulum is just way too far from the airport. Ideally near Playa Del Carmen so guests can leave resort for other activity if they'd like to.

2) Medium sized resort - I like the idea of a more private wedding at smaller resort but don't want my guests to feel like they're on top of each other every day..

3) Nice ceremony/reception Areas - Most important above all other items!

4) Outside Vendors Allowed - I'd like to be able to bring in my preferred photographer.

5) Must be 4-5 Stars - If i'm going to do this - i'm going all out!

I stayed at Paradisus in 2006 for a vacation. It was very nice and I was extremely pleased. I saw about 6 or 7 weddings over the course of the 5 days that I was there. I would definitely consider going back to Paradisus but I am not a kid friendly person and there were a lot of them there. I think that for a family event where kids will be included, however, this place is a great choice.

sidenote: I am getting married at an adults only resort.

[SunBride]

One thing that has been mentioned a lot about paradisus is that they nickle and dime you for everything. I don't know if this is an issue for you (i.e. how generous your budget is).

Of course, as you probably know, the Royal is right in Playa del Carmen, so walking distance to shopping, nightclub, etc whereas the Paradisus is I think pretty much in between Cancun and Playa, so while it's pretty close to both people will still have to travel by car to do that stuff etc.