Excel spreadsheet to compare resorts

MikkiStreak · 03-02-2007, 08:04 AM

Ok, I'm *way* too into all this planning stuff....

I've been driving myself crazy looking at all these resorts and trying to keep the information straight. Even having it written down on paper drives me crazy because I'm constantly flipping back and forth between the papers to find what I need.

So, I created an excel spreadsheet that (pat on back) I think is pretty cool. Basically, it has one worksheet where I can list up to 15 resorts that we considering and check columns for items that are important to us. On that sheet, I can also put in the price of the package that most interests us.

Then, there are worksheets included that list specific a la carte items. For every resort I've named on the first page of the spreadsheet, that resort name will populate to the appropriate worksheet that itemizes the a la carte items. I can enter the price of the item and quantity and it totals the amount for me (with subtotals for each category and a final total estimate). The final "total" for the estimate then automatically logs itself into the main page of the worksheet where I'm listing all the resorts and features.

Hopefully, that doesn't sound too confusing. But basically, I have this at home and if anyone wants a copy, let me know and I'll post it....

NATASHA · 03-02-2007, 08:35 PM

Are you going to do a site visit. I did the same thing you did and thought my decision was really clear - then we got there! My husband and I both knew the location the second we stepped on the grounds - turns out the paperwork didn't mean much then.

One good point, though, is to think through how much you want to spend per person for dinner, etc. as you can definitely negotiate that (before you sign an agreement) and it's a HUGE expense (unless you go with an AI). Also, I showed my spreadsheet to the hotel as we were negotiating room costs. I showed them that they were higher than our next runner up AND the one after that and got the rooms for $100 less per night - they matched our second runner up.

MikkiStreak · 03-02-2007, 10:59 PM

I don't think we'll have time to do site visits. We had planned on getting married in St. Thomas until about a month ago. Once we switched to Mexico, started working on getting passports. We just got our birth certificates and next weekend will take everything in with the application. So it'll be a couple months before we even get them back. We can't wait that long to decide where to have the wedding and still keep it on track for Dec/Jan. So we're making our plans based on input from our TA as well as family and friends who have been down there and the research we're doing on different resorts.

CourtneyV · 03-02-2007, 11:05 PM

We originally planned on St. Thomas as well, but it was waaay more expensive. At least there are lots of reviews of plenty of destinations to make the decision a little easier!!

MikkiStreak · 03-02-2007, 11:12 PM

I know--- St. Thomas is *way* expensive. Altho, I wish we could still do that.... I'd still like to just sneak off with him and get married over there by ourselves the way we had planned (beach wedding, private sunset cruise on a yacht and then dinner at Havana Blue).... But he'd be a widow once we set foot back on the mainland because his family would *kill* me for going without them....

lolo2772 · 05-03-2007, 04:17 PM

I would love a copy of your spreadsheet! I am so confused on my destination. My FI really wants St. Thomas (he grew up there), but I think it will be hard for a lot of my guests from the West coast. We have time though! Thanks

-Lara

LadyP · 05-03-2007, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikkiStreak

I know--- St. Thomas is *way* expensive. Altho, I wish we could still do that.... I'd still like to just sneak off with him and get married over there by ourselves the way we had planned (beach wedding, private sunset cruise on a yacht and then dinner at Havana Blue).... But he'd be a widow once we set foot back on the mainland because his family would *kill* me for going without them....

Where were you looking in St Thomas. In comparison to some of the budget quotes Ive seen on this site St thomas was the cheapest. Air fare was teh most expensive but Cruise ships were cheapest. My WC is wonderful.

yea angela

MLBURK · 05-07-2007, 11:23 AM

I would LOVE to have a copy of your spreadsheet....we are going for a site visit on THURSDAY!!!! (YEA!!!!) It sounds like the spreadsheet would be a great tool for negotiations, that is so cool that natasha got the resort to take of $100/night! Please send me one! THANKS!!!

carly · 05-07-2007, 12:09 PM

I would also love a copy of the spreadsheet you are talking about, sounds like a great tool!

Michelle&Steve · 09-22-2007, 07:09 PM

me too! a copy of that spreadsheet would be wonderful!