Alicia415

Hey girls...sorry you can't see the pics...not sure if it has to do with the # of post policy in seeing them, but I can email them to you if you're interested!

My fiance and I just returned from our site visit to The Royal. I will start by saying that I was even more impressed with The Royal than I was ever expecting. The hotel is absolutely gorgeous, the food is delish and the staff is extremely accommodating and polite. I apologize in advance if I get too detailed, but hopefully it’s helpful. We were there from Thursday 11/29- Sunday 12/2. Check-In Check in was quick and easy. We arrived at the hotel around 11:30 and were gretted with champagne, water and cool towels. We were able to go into our room within 15 mins…I expected we would have had to wait longer considering it was early. The hotel was not as full as it likely isin the peak months, so this may be why we were able get into our room earlier. I imagine it is not always the case in the peak months. Hotel Lobby Rooms/Hotel We stayed in the Royal Junior Suite, which is the basic room at The Royal. It was big, gorgeous and very very clean. As others mentioned, all of the rooms are ocean view, so you really can’t have a bad room. I was pretty impressed that this was the standard room. For those of you that haven’t seen the hotel in person, it is more gorgeous (if possible) than what the pictures show. It is extremely clean and well kept. The beach is gorgeous and very big. There are tons and tons of lounge chairs as well as cabanas so we never ran into an issue get chairs. Again, this m ay be because the hotel wasn’t completely full. The pool is equally stocked with chairs and cabanas and is also extremely clean. I usually get a little skeeved with resort pools but I had no problem going in. Each day we usually split the day at the beach and the pool. View from Pelicanos Royal Junior Suite View from our room Hair/Make-Up Trial I got my hair and make-up trial done, which came out amazing! I’m using Fernando Fuentes for my make-up and he works with a hair person ( I don’t remember his name, but if you use Fernando for make-up and want hair done as well, this is who is usually works with). Fernando and the hair guy came to the hotel for the trial. They had offered for me to go to The Hilton (I believe) which is where the hair guy works so I wouldn’t have to pay for guest passes, but prior to actually being in cancun and meeting them in person, I was a little hesitatnt in going there. I would have no problem going now though after being there. For my hair I had a couple of pictures of what I wanted and he repliated it perfectly the first time. He asked if I wanted to make any changes but honestly I loved the way it came out. For my make-up I didn’t have a picture and figured I w ould just let Fernando try things and let him know what I liked/didn’t like. I loved what he did the first time around ( I only asked him to add eyeliner on the bottom, since I usually wear it) which he did. He only uses MAC products. After we were all set with my hair and make-up for the wedding day Fernando and the hair guy re-styled me with a more “going out†look, since we were going out later than night and so my fiance wouldn’t see what I looked like. I loved the way my hair and make-up looked for that also!! Overall, they both did an excellent job and I HIGHLY recommend them! My trial was $180 in total for both hair and make-up. For the wedding day, It will be $280 for me and $150 for my bridesmaids/mother/mother-in-law. It usually a bit higher but tehre are going to be 11 in total for hair and make-up so he gave us better prices per person. I belive for the bride it’s usually $330 and for bridesmaids it $100 for make-up and between $60-$80 for hair. I think the prices are pretty comparable to NY prices for hair and make-up. Fernando is extrmely easy to communicate with with and is very responsive to emails. Photographer/Videographer We are using Photos in Cancun (Derek Campbell & Lorena) for both photography and videography. Derek and Lorena do the photography and 2 others do the videography. We didn’t meet with the videographers but they work with them exclusively. We are doing an all day package for both which is up to 10 hours. They are absolutely amazing to work with and such genuinely nice people! We met with them on Thursday afternoon at our hotel. We sat in the lobby and didn’t have to pay for guest passes. They are very familiar with the hotel and the guest pass policy and they did not want us to pay for guest passes. We discussed what we liked/didn’t like for pictures ect. We wound up asking other questions on all different topics about the area and vendors and they provided such helpful information for everything. They were more than happy to answer any question we had. We actually wound up scheduling a session to take engagement pictures which we never even thought of doing there! They picked us up at hotel Sunday morning at 9 am and went down the block to the public beach where we took our pics! They came out absolutely amazing! They are just fun and easy to work and made the whole experince relaxed and enjoyable! They took us to a little taco stand/bar which their friend owns for a “Loaded Corona†which was amazing and fun! We were unfortunately leav ing that afternoon so had to end the day too early! I can’t say enough about them! They go abaove and beyond for all of their clients and HIGHLY recommend them as well. For our wedding day a full day package for photography and is $4,950. This includes a 10% discount for using both services. They have different hourly packages as well, but I wanted to be sure to capture the full day. Menu Tasting We chose to taste the below items. Overall everything was really very good and the presen tation was absolutely gorgeous. Each salad was delicious and very different from anything you would normally see. I think we are going to go with the Avacado stuffed with Crab. That was our favorite. The spring salad and goat cheese is a stack of sliced tomato and goat cheese, that was also delish! The Caribean sald is a a layer of pineapple, a layer of crab, a layer of avacodo and cavier on the top with a few shrimp on the side. I did love that as well, but I didn’t love the cavier. The entrees were actually a bit dissapointing which I was surprised about. Anything else we ate at the hotel was delicious, but for some reason the 3 options we chose were not the greatest. The chicken were 3 pices of chicken rolled up likea sushi roll and stuffed with salmon and mushroom. It was OK, a little bland. The beef was again, just OK, a little over cooked for what we liked so we asked Diana if our guests could choose their temperature of their steak and she said no, but we could request to have it cooked medium for everyone. The salmon was good, standard salmon I guess. Again, I just was not blown away by any of them. We are going to go with the chicken and beef dishes, which I think would appeal to most people. The desserts, however, were abolsulely amazing. Each and every one of them were better than the next. I think we are going to go with the cannoli trio, which are 3 chocolate shells in a cannoli shape stuffed with hazelnute chocolate mouse and raspberyy sauce on the side. It was a tough call to pick one of the 3. Salads Spring Salad with goat cheese and almond oil (PE-1) Carribean Salad with shrimp, smoked pineapple & jasmine flower pesto (PE-3) Avacado stuffed with crab pulp au fresh dill vinaigarette (SP-2) Entree Bellavista chicken breast stuffed with salmon & mushrooms (RD3-1) Beef fillet with dijon mustard varnished with provencal herbs (PE-1) Salmon fillet varnished with sauce bernaise au red chilli (PE-4) Dessert Cheesecake with chocolate (PE-1) Paris chocolate shell stuffed with fruit au white Cinzano flavor (SP-2) Cannoli trio stuffed with praline & raspberry coulis (SP-3) Coco Bongo We went to Coco Bongo one night, which literally about 2 minutes down the road. We took the public bus which stops just outside the hotel and cost $1 USD/$9 pesos per person Prior to going I had a little concern about taking public transportation, but honestly it was completely safe. Coco Bongo was awesome! I was expecting a club, but it’s actually not really. They actually put on performances throughout the entire night, which were soo good! In between the performances the DJ plays awesome music which you can dance to. On the weekends (which is when they do the shows) it is$70 per person for entry and open bar all night. Once inside you are kind of stay in one spot and there is a water/waitress assigned to your area, so they bring you drinks all night. We got a 10% discount for booking it thorugh Olympus at the hotel so it came out to $63 per person. Overall, we had an absolute blast their and want to set up a night for everyone to go our wedding weekend. It’s good for all ages, not necessarily just the younger crowd. US outside of Coco Bongo Our Lady of Guadalup Chapel The chap is really even more gorgeous in person! I absolutely LOVE it and can’t wait to be walkign down the aisle in it! We were lucky enough to see a wedding going on to! Other Details My only gripe with everything, is that that the wedding coordinator/hotel really does not go out of their way to throw in or include anything additional, even for having a wedding there. For instance, since we are having a wedding and bringing down at least 75 people for at least 3 nights each on top of the cost of the wedding, you would think maybe they would upgrade us or even give us a break on the price for the site visit. There was none of that. I also think the guest pass policy is a bit absurd. We luckily got out of paying for our photographers, but were not so lucky with the hair and make-up people. What would it be for them to throw in 2 guest passes at $60 each. They were not using any of the hotel amenities or eating any food, so I don’t think it was really very necessary to have to pay. Additionlly, we were told by Diana that my niece/flower-girl would not be able to come into my room to get ready and take “getting ready†pictures at all. I understand the whole no-children policy at The Royal, but again, she would not be in any other area besides my room. We just kind of agreed with her and said OK, but I know that we will somehow get my nice in my room. I just feel like they could be a bit more accommodating for couples that are giving them a huge amount of business. I hope this was helpful! I could honestly write a ton more, but I think I’ve hit on some of the major points. Feel free to ask me anything specific though!

Hi Wedding 14...I'm not sure about the MAC store, but I am using an outside vendor for my make-up, his name is Fernando Fuentes and he works for MAC so they only use MAC products if that's what you're looking for. I'm actually going down this weekend and getting my hair and make-up trial done so I will let you know how it goes. This is their site with some info http://the-makeup-pros.com and his email address is [email protected]. He has been very easy to communicate with and is very sweet. He even called me to talk in person after I booked him. Also, for anyone that has any specific questions to ask my WC let me know..I would be happy to get any questions answered. I have a bunch myself but I'm sure there are some more I could ask. We're meeting with the WC Diana Rodriguez.

I'm planning on bringing down all the OOT supplies and making the bags there too!! I figured it would be just about one suitcase dedicated to these supplies.

I will let you girls know what they say about the flowers! The hot sauce is a cute idea! I was concerned about packing liquid items going through customs because I was thinking of doing mini champagne bottles, but I guess we will try our best!

I also hate their flower choices for centerpieces. When I go down for the site visit I am going to bring pictures of what I actually want and see if they could make centerpieces more to our liking. I'm sure there will be an extra cost, but I want to see what they say. What are people doing for their favors? I have no clue what to do. Is anyone shipping things to the hotel in advance?

I am estimated having about 70 ppl and it isn't a problem to accommodate that size group. Different areas can cold different number of people but I know the albatros terrace hold hold up to 150 and the ballrooms could hold a lot as well. SO the venues are def not an issue size wise. I am having a catholic ceremony so we purchased the royal catholic package, but I don't see why you would have to go with the ultimate luxury.

Hi txbrideinmexico...welcome to this forum! You will find so much info on this that will be so helpful! I'm getting married July 27 2013! We still have plenty to do but have gotten lots done thanks to BDW! We're going down the end of November for a site visit! So excited! I'm also getting my hair & make-up trial done too! I'll definitely post helpful things after we visit!

My fiance and I are going down the end of november and we are doing a menu tasting...so I can ket you know what we tried..what we liked and didn't like!

O really! Thank you! Maybe i'll do the same! I wanted tall ones, but that wasn't really an option!

We are also deciding on a Welcome Party for everyone. Since we are not doing a beach reception I would really like to have the Welcome Party on the beach. We have been discussing what we should do...if we should do a dinner or just cocktail party. We are going down the end of November to do a site visit so I was hoping to get more insight into this as far as pricing and stuff...but you seem to have the prices already! What's everyone's thoughts on the in-house florist? I think I'm going to use them, since they have gotten pretty good recommendations on here.I just wanted to know as far as centerpieces go are they flexible in the design of what you want? In looking through the catalogue they don't seem to have anything that I love, but if they are willing to work with you than that's fine.

I would personally want to include my bridesmaids if it was sort of like a welcome event. Maybe do it on the Thursday but early so it doesn't end too late the night before your wedding. I realize that's when your bridesmaids would be getting in but if they are getting there early enough hopefully that could work out. But ultimately it's up to you! It sounds like a really fun idea!

Yes, I definitely planned on doing something like that too!

Thank you so much for sharing your experience Labebita! My fiance and I will do our best to make it work like you by having a big welcome dinner either on the gran caribe side or off the resort property! Thank you again for your input

Thank you so much for your opinion and experience Brianne and Emily! From what I've read it didn't take away from the wedding weekend for anyone else, so I'm just hoping it is not too big of an issue! I feel like we can make it work, it's just when other people raise it as a concern it stresses me and my fiance out! Thank you again for your input

Also, I just re-read your review and I saw that you had your reception in one of the ballrooms. Would you mind sending me pictures if you have any available? I just wanted to see how it looks decorated because honestly the pictures they have online do not make the ballrooms that appealing. I booked the Villas Terrace, however I think I want to have it indoors now 1) because I think people will enjoy the AC more and in the event of bad weather we we would already be set in there 2) I want my reception to me more than 3 hours and can't extend it outside during the season! Thank you again!!

Thank you Almah, I appreciate you sharing your experience and honesty! I know that it can't work out as perfectly as I would like it to (having everyone together at the time same). I was thinking of either doing a big welcome dinner one night on the Gran Caribe side like what you did or doing like a boat ride/cruise off the resort grounds which could easily include everyone. I will probably have to split my time between both places during the day as well, but oh well. Meeting on the beach is a feasible option too. Thank you again

Hey Girls! One question for those of you who have visited and/or already had their wedding! I would say a majority of our guests are going to stay at The Royal but there will definitely be some that stay at the Gran Caribe (including my sister who is my MOH) since she has children. I just wanted your opinion if you felt it was a problem or hassle to see those guests during your stay. I know that it is a different resort and the policies associated with visiting but wanted to know the reality of it. This is probably the biggest stress for me. Please let me know your thoughts/opinions/experiences with this!

Hey Girls! One question for those of you who have visited and/or already had their wedding! I would say a majority of our guests are going to stay at The Royal but there will definitely be some that stay at the Gran Caribe (including my sister who is my MOH) since she has children. I just wanted your opinion if you felt it was a problem or hassle to see those guests during your stay. I know that it is a different resort and the policies associated with visiting but wanted to know the reality of it. This is probably the biggest stress for me. Please let me know your thoughts/opinions/experiences with this!

Thank you for the pics Soltamargo! They look beautiful!! Are you part of Del Sol Photography?

I'm debating whether to have my reception indoors in one of the ballrooms or outdoors on Albatros Terrace, as well. Besides the heat being a factor, we are getting married in July and there is a 9 pm restriction for outdoor events (for turtle nesting season). I would want my reception to go beyond 9 and my WC, Elsa, said the only way to extend the reception was to do it indoors. Is anyone else running into this dilemma? Has anyone seen the ballrooms in person? I haven't yet, but we're doing a site visit in Oct. or Nov. Emily- if you have pics of the ballrooms let me know! I would actually love to see any pics you have!

If there could be The Royal/Gran Caribe Cancun, that would be great!

Thank so much for sharing the info! That's definitely helpful!

@ scottandmel..thank you! We're getting married 7/27/13..what about you?? @ catish11...I emailed DJ Doremixx yesterday about DJ and lighting since he advertises that he does lighting. I'm just waiting to hear back from him! Did you book him?? I had also emailed 2 event planning companies Alquimia Events and EW Cancun. It looks like they both do beautiful work, I'm just not sure if I need to go as far as hiring an separate decor company.

I believe the guests from the Gran Caribe will have to buy a day pass to stay at the Royal for the day, but I am not exactly sure of the pricing. I have heard that it is best to buy the day passes in advance of going though. I will likely have the same issue (with some guests staying at the Gran Caribe) so let me know how it woks out for you! Is any using or has anyone used a separate decor company or event planning company to add lighting and additional decor besides flowers? I'm debating weather or not it is necessary to do this? My reception is going to be on the Albatros Terrace. Please let me know if anyone has!