Thinking about a Karisma Hotel?

[Matt Adcock]

Originally Posted by MrsV-to-be

okay...I'm starting to panic a wee bit

Just an update... read my first post in this thread.

To sum it up,

I worked at Azul Beach last night(one of my most favorite resorts in the RM).
This is the 3rd time I have been there, love it every time! The hotel is a Karisma hotel however it has a different owner from that of the El Dorado.

Originally, Lomas Travel (representatives of all Karisma hotels) asked me to pay a 500 fee to work at any Karisma Hotel (or a fee to our clients for wanting the photographer of their dreams).

Surprisingly enough, the wedding coordinator at the Azul Beach told me that this $500 fee was NEWS TO HER. The WC nor the owner of Azul has authorized this.... hummmm...

We recommend a word of caution when dealing with Lomas Travel folks. These people have represented unprofessional business practices (we would consider them shady).

If you are planning anything at the Eldorado, watch out!

A word of advice. There are many travel agencies that have LOTS of power to change this. One of which, that we trust very much, is Luxe Destination Weddings. .

Hope this helps :)
cheers!
matt

[AmyInMI]

I am a little late to this thread but thanks for pointing this out Matt! I was really interested in El Dorado Seaside Suites but have not been the happiest with Lomus. I just think it is just another hassle and hurdle to jump when you have to deal with an additional third party to plan your wedding. That only leads to more lapses in communication and more confusion and problems.

I sent an email to the Karisma website requesting wedding info. I was then sent an email from Lomus stating that they needed a deposit to book my wedding and what not, but never explained WHO they were or why I would pay them instead of the resort. I went round and round trying to figure out if they were soliciting or if they were legit. Hopefully they will straighten up they business practices soon!

[starchild]

Wow that's unfortunate/ridiculous! Here's hoping things turn around soon.

[Rebecca041908]

We are getting married at the EDR next April - And I have to say I'm now a little worried. Besides the $500 photographer fee, has anyone heard any other complaints that we should be aware of?

[jfwolfe72]

I'm also getting married at EDR next April and I've just learned of this crazy fee. I heard from another forum that three brides recently got married at EDR and had some complaints about Lomas Travel/Karisma, but I don't know what they are yet. I'll keep checking the forum to see if/when their issues were posted and will post them here.

[Rebecca041908]

Thanks! I will also let you know if I hear anything else