RCBlondie

Quote: Originally Posted by spatzle I still not sure but i got two options for the mayan riviera Fire works or "cold pyrotechnic" (if fire works are not allowed in your hotel) starting both from 500 usd. plus tax. Who did you find them through? Is there an outside vendor that will do it or is it through your wedding package? It is a great idea for sure, one that all your guests would remember. We are currently thinking of the Fire Dancers.

Hi Everyone, Thanks brandynd - good idea to watch the travel websites. I assume some of your guests are taking care of the trip themselves? Our TA will probably have a block of rooms but I think this means that the rooms are only available in the block until a certain date and also a deposit will be required. If anyone know differently please let me know. We are not overly concerned with having everyone together in the resort. One of the reasons we are looking at something that has a total of 500 rooms (some resorts look like they are 500 rooms but they are part of a BIG resort, like the Iberostar(s). Beautiful, but easy to get lost and never see your guests. We figure it is a holiday for them too so they may very well like to have a bit of space too. Barcelo for $600 is a great deal! Where is it flying from?

Quote: Originally Posted by CaraW Wow 125 people!!! I think we invited somewhere around 70+, and ended up with 55. LOL Ya, we are having a difficult time separating our invite list. Thank goodness we will not do the actual wedding in Vancouver! My FI and I both have large extended families (3 sets of parents and he has two siblings I have one and three step-brothers - all with their own families!). We will not expect that many people to show up though...hopefully

Quote: Originally Posted by CaraW AWWW that is so great to hear!!!! I got goosebumps when I was reading this, I'm getting so excited!!! I can't believe we have that many guests. I didn't think we were even going to have 30. lol Thanks so much RCBlondie! Where are you getting married? Hi CaraW - we are getting married June 3, 2010 in the Mayan Riviera (resort yet to be confirmed). The invite list is getting a bit out of control, just over 125 pp! Yikes! But I think we will have about 40-60 people; you never know until the book though. I have some pictures of our trip to Barcelo back in Dec 2006. If you would like to see them send me a PM and I can forward you a link to our site.

Quote: Originally Posted by soon2BMrs.Prince Congratulations! I also have my travel agent looking into this resort for me. Do you have any additional information on the resort? There is a new thread that has combined the previous three (hoping this thread will be added soon too). It is: Dreams Riviera Cancun - Brides post here (new thread) There is some information on there and a couple of brides that have already booked for 2010. Good luck on your planning.

AshleyBrendan - that was a great post! It is nice that you had a number of holidays to check out different resorts. Congrats on your decision. It is a tough one for sure! And no, we have not yet booked, but "think" we have made our decision.

A short list of one's I know One wedding per day: Paradisus Riviera Cancun Hotel Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort Multiple Weddings: All Dreams (Tulum, Cancun & Riviera Cancun) Grand Palladium Blue Bay Grand Esmerelda Catelonia There are so many resorts in the area of Cancun and Mayan Riviera. There is a thread that is the map of the area and has a number of the resorts in the area. A great resource. Hope this helps out and good luck with your planning

Quote: Originally Posted by cait713 Hi Rachelle- I haven't decided yet, but the process is coming along. Right now, we're thinking that realistically, people probably won't be bringing their kids, so we're starting to include adult-only resorts in our search. The front runner for them is hands down the Valentin Imperial Maya-where we stayed a month ago and LOVED. If we do decide to invite the kids, we're thinking about the Iberostars, Barcelos (Colonial or Palace), and Rius. I also looked at the Dreams Tulum, and like you, I decided it was a bit too far for us. I would absolutely be interested in their new resort, but I don't think I could wait until the fall to book-we're planning a late June/early July wedding, and I'd like to give as much notice to my guests as possible. I will check out the Hotel Marina El Cid, though-thanks for the tip! Best of luck in your search-keep us updated! Hi cait - do you know for sure if children are coming to your wedding? Because I have read that there are some that will permit children for the day of the wedding, which would mean that they would have to stay elsewhere. Did you look at the Excellence Riviera (? think this is what it is called - has big white almost southern looking building for their lobby), it looks amazing and if we were an adult only group I would certainly look at that resort...just some food for thought! Why not add another resort in to the search, right hehe

There is a new thread for DRC to post in if you like...who ever merged the other threads together, is it possible to put this one in there too? Thank you!

Quote: Originally Posted by amynjoe Hi Ladies! We are getting married at the Barcelo Maya Palace on Feb 25,2010. After reading the great reviews about this resort, we have finally booked our trip! We are using a travel site Wedding Destinations and Planning | Destination Weddings .com, and are working with a travel agent who also happens to co-ordinate everything with the wedding co-ordinator at the resort. I would highly recommend this web site as they work with you to find the best prices and even offer a interest free payment plan for you and your guests. Anyways, Congrats everyone!!! Amy And CaraW - you both chose a very beautiful resort! My FI went to Barcelo Maya Colonial (it was the newer one when we were there in Dec 2007) and absolutely loved the place. Would have booked our wedding there but decided we wanted to be between Playa and Cancun, to appease our ADHD friends (hehe). The beach is so beautiful; light posts on the beach make for a very romantic evening walk. The pool is to die for and the buffet was probably the best I have ever had at an AI. Never got sick of it, surprisingly! Well, congrats to you both! And CaraW, wow, 55 people booked already, that is going to be so fun!

I just put a similar post on another Dreams Riviera Cancun thread...wondering, does anyone know how to merge the DRC threads together? I think there are three in here and I cannot keep track on which one I have posted comments too. TA Jill - Do you have the name of the person you are working with at DC? How long should I wait before emailing again? You may also know this answer, do they charge a fee for using outside vendors? I am thinking specifically about the photographer. I have seen other photo's from Dreams Tulum and they look fantastic, but have not figured out if those are from the photographer in the wedding package? :-)

Quote: Originally Posted by TA Jill I spoke to the regional director of sales last week and they are on track to open October 2009 and are now accepting reservations. I did ask if the hotel would be fully operational at that time and he said that the construction would be done and there would not be construction crews all over the place, but that some of the buildings may not be fully operational at that time. Obviously, they want to increase their business as quickly as possible, so they're going to be working quickly to get everything up and running, so I wouldn't foresee their being a problem with a 2010 wedding. They do have the pricing now and as I mentioned are accepting reservations. Very exciting, I can't wait to go check out the new resort! Thanks TA Jill. I am leaning more towards this resort based on the info you received. I love the location of the resort but one thing my FI keeps asking me is about the WC. Will they use someone brand new to the position or someone experienced. Would you by chance know? Based on another post (I think it was your post) reviewing a number of resorts, it takes approximately 3 months to work out the kinks? We would have at least 7 months so figure that would give us a good buffer. This whole booking a resort is a tough decision, but we think we are close. Oh, one more questions TA Jill - have you ever heard of the Hotel Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort (Puerto Moreles)? If you have, any comments on it? Thanks!

Hi Marija, I have been spending the last two days scouring this forum for another Marina El Cid bride. Although I am not one as of yet I was hoping someone else out there would be able to provide some feedback on the resort. I did find a recent bride on Trip Advisor and sent her an email but no response yet (but only sent the email yesterday so...). Did you end up marrying there? If so how was it? You can send me a PM if you like, if that is easier. Thanks!

We too are considering this resort due to the fact its' location is great. Our TA also warned us that although the resort may open on time, you have to consider that perhaps not all the amenities will be completed and there could be on-going construction. If you are on Facebook, there is a Dreams Riviera Cancun group you can join and get updated information. Not sure how reliable the info is but it does look very much like the official website. Dreams Tulum was one of our picks but because it is so far away we decided to do more research. Either way, I am sure it will all work out for you!

Just wondering Cait, did you book one yet? We too are in this predicament. First we thought of the Palladium, but it is just too large. Then we thought about Dreams Tulum and then read they do 3 weddings a day, and they are a little further away from the action than we wanted. Then (yes, my list keeps growing) we found the Paradisus Riviera Cancun. Has some really great packages (like the Chill-Out-Chic) which were more what we were looking for. Then I discovered the package does not include a legal wedding, to have it legal they charge another $1000 or $1500 - either way, it would have been about $10,000 total for the wedding package. Too expensive. So, we went back to looking at the Dreams Tulum and found out they have a new resort between Cancun and Playa Del Carmen that will be opening this fall (2009). Depending on when you get married I would suggest looking at it. Just give them about 8 or 9 months to work out the kinks. We are getting married in June 2010 and worry that will not be enough time to have things running smoothly or everything completed, so we are back on the hunt again. Now we are considering the Hotel Marina El Cid Spa and Beach Resort website: Riviera Maya Hotels- Hotel Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort- Riviera Maya Cancn/Riviera Maya Deals and the prices for the guests seem to be very reasonable. Anyway, hope you are enjoying this research adventure. Keep us posted on where you book.

Hi SDbeachgirl, I have not been to the Paradisus Riviera Cancun but there are a number of girls who have been married there and they have done really great reviews. We too were considering this resort but when I discovered that the wedding is only symbolic (can be legal but you pay an extra $1000 possibly more). The Barcelo is a great hotel. We were there about 2 years ago and the pool is huge and beautiful. Our favourite pool for sure! The rooms at Barcelo are nice, clean and the food was great. We really enjoyed the buffet at Barcelo and often comment that we have yet to find another resort that does as good a buffet. The beach at Barcelo is really nice and clean. They have a very romantic set-up of light posts on the beach that are lit at night time. Could be a great setting if you are planning a beach reception. Oh, and the kids pool is really great too. Makes me wish I were a kid again. Best of luck in your planning.

Not sure if you have decided on this resort yet or not. My FI and I were there last August (200 and although it was a nice clean hotel, it did not feel that "mexican" to me. The one really great thing about this resort is the two open bars, one in each reception but on the lower floor. A good gathering place for your guests to meet and have drinks. The pools are okay, in comparison to Barcelo Maya Colonial/Beach resort. If you would like to see some photo's of the resort you can search through mine that I have posted. Send me a PM and I will forward the link to you if you are interested. Good luck with planning.

Quote: Originally Posted by amynjoe Hi Ladies! We are getting married at the Barcelo Maya Palace on Feb 25,2010. After reading the great reviews about this resort, we have finally booked our trip! We are using a travel site Wedding Destinations and Planning | Destination Weddings .com, and are working with a travel agent who also happens to co-ordinate everything with the wedding co-ordinator at the resort. I would highly recommend this web site as they work with you to find the best prices and even offer a interest free payment plan for you and your guests. Anyways, Congrats everyone!!! Amy (and CaraW) You both will love Barcelo Maya. My FI and went there in Dec 07 and had a great time. The kids pool area was so great, made me wish I were a kid again. The food is great and the grounds are so beautiful. Congrat's to you both and enjoy your special day.

Congratulations! Your review is great. Sorry to hear about the luggage but you seemed to take it all in stride and your day was wonderful despite that hiccup. Going to look at the photos now. Based on the one you have on your review I am sure they are beautiful. Thanks for the review.

Quote: Originally Posted by badrianne One good thing about the beach being rocking is that there is good snorkeling right by the resort. As for picking the new dreams resort, it will be nice and new but it takes time for the resorts to work all the kinks out. When Dreams PA reopened people had many complaints, but now 7-8 months later it seems like everyone is happy. Thanks for the reply ladies. I will keep an eye out for info on here and when I get an email back I will start another thread. Good point about the snorkeling. We are planning to get married in June 2010 so hopefully if we do book there the 7 months from opening to our wedding will be enough time to work through the kinks. Thanks!

Hello everyone, So we were about to book at the Dreams Tulum and then found another resort that we were very interested in. A few hiccups with the other resort so we are back to the Dreams Resorts as our fav option. We discovered that a new Dreams is being built and should be completed in Fall 2009, the Dreams Riviera Cancun. I have sent an email request in to them but have not heard anything. Wondering if anyone has any info on the resort or who the WC will be? Thanks,

Hello everyone, I had read a number of the posts in this thread as my FI and I have been bouncing between Dreams (Tulum and PA) as well as another resort, Paradisus. We were almost ready to look into booking at the PA Dreams but read a number of comments about the beach and the rocks. So we decided to start the search again. Then...we found out that there is going to be another Dreams in the RM area, near Paradisus resort actually. It is the Dreams Riviera Cancun. Wondering if anyone has tried to get any info for the new Dreams resort or if you know who the WC will be for this resort? Thanks!

Hello ladies, last night I started to review the pages of this forum (for a second time) and only just realised that the ceremony in the package is not a legal one...! I know we could have a legal ceremony but at a very steep cost, $1000 USD. After a long discussion with my FI we had decided that we may need to review our resort options. The cost of Paradisus may be a little more than we had planned. The fact the resort only does one wedding a day is very attractive, but their costs are just so high and they really do seem to charge for every little thing. It is tough because we may not know exactly what we want to change to a package for the next couple of months and then the cost of our destination wedding is too much for us to attend! Thank you all for your wonderful comments and all the information. I will stop by and try to read your posts even though I may have to join a new thread elsewhere. LAURENANDBILL - have a wonderful day and I will watch for your review and photos! It has been great chatting with you all and Missy, I too refer to you all as my Forum Friends/People when chatting with my FI! hehe ;-)

Hello ladies, last night I started to review the pages of this forum (for a second time) and only just realised that the ceremony in the package is not a legal one...! I know we could have a legal ceremony but at a very steep cost, $1000 USD. After a long discussion with my FI we had decided that we may need to review our resort options. The cost of Paradisus may be a little more than we had planned. The fact the resort only does one wedding a day is very attractive, but their costs are just so high and they really do seem to charge for every little thing. It is tough because we may not know exactly what we want to change to a package for the next couple of months and then the cost of our destination wedding is too much for us to attend! Thank you all for your wonderful comments and all the information. I will stop by and try to read your posts even though I may have to join a new thread elsewhere. LAURENANDBILL - have a wonderful day and I will watch for your review and photos! It has been great chatting with you all and Missy, I too refer to you all as my Forum Friends/People when chatting with my FI! hehe ;-)

Hello ladies, last night I started to review the pages of this forum (for a second time) and only just realised that the ceremony in the package is not a legal one...! I know we could have a legal ceremony but at a very steep cost, $1000 USD. After a long discussion with my FI we had decided that we may need to review our resort options. The cost of Paradisus may be a little more than we had planned. The fact the resort only does one wedding a day is very attractive, but their costs are just so high and they really do seem to charge for every little thing. It is tough because we may not know exactly what we want to change to a package for the next couple of months and then the cost of our destination wedding is too much for us to attend! Thank you all for your wonderful comments and all the information. I will stop by and try to read your posts even though I may have to join a new thread elsewhere. LAURENANDBILL - have a wonderful day and I will watch for your review and photos! It has been great chatting with you all and Missy, I too refer to you all as my Forum People when chatting with my FI! hehe ;-)