Riu Palace Riviera Maya Review...tons of pics!

[luvdezi]

Hi I just got back from our wedding!! It was amazing!! I think the best advice I could give anyone getting married here is don't worry....this place is so beautiful and fun and the wedding planners are so thorough and sweet that nothing will go wrong on your day!!

our OOT bags were a hit!! They were $2 each including the iron-on transfer from cheaptotes.com. Everyone used them for the pool and excursions.We put welcome letters in them along with:

AlkaSeltzer,Pepto Bismal,advil,immodium,earplugs for light sleepers,fans for the ceremony, and clothespins to pin the curtains shut to keep out the sunlight and chips and snacks we purchased in Playa Del Carmen.

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn231/punsapaya/MikeDesiree-0.jpg

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We were married at the gazebo....it was beautiful. We hired the harpist and he was incredible.

 

We hired a videographer and a photographer from the hotel...both were fantastic. We also brought a friend of ours from home who is an artistic photographer who also took shots that I will post when I get them. Our friend was very complimentry in regards to the equiptment the hotel photographer had.

 

My favorite:

 

We had a private reception with a DJ and a 21/2 cocktail and h'orduerve with the trio and then the mariachi band. All of the musicians were amazing and

the DJ was fabulous. Basically we got everything we wanted and more here for $12,000. This includes:

A 7 day stay at the Riu ,our honeymoon on the Isle of Mujeres and a 2 day stay at the Palace there, and a final night in Cancun at the Me by melia, airfare and excursions, ground transport. A welcome dinner(no charge), a private reception for 40 people,h'odeurves, a harpist,trio and mariachi band, a DJ, massages and mani/pedicures for both of us , dinner reservations at the Japanese and steak restaurants for all of our guests, flowers arrangements for the tables, the wedding cake, 2 photographers, videographer ....you could never get that in The USA or Canada and our guests had the time of their lives. We parasailed, ziplined, snorkeled, partied downtown...it was simply a blast and I highly recommend it!!

I remember how worried I was before I got there because I had never seen the property and I was trying to plan everything and all of the details. Just know that everything will be great! I do recommend getting everything in writing and printing it out and putting it in a folder just in case you need it for reference. They change their prices every year. I also recommend getting a travel agent you trust to do everyones arrangements, so your guests aren't calling you every 2 secs!!

This hotel is large so you and your guests are not on top of each other but you can also hang out all day by the pool if you want. There is something for everyone here.

I hope this helps and I will post pics of the cake and the room etc when I get those!

[luvdezi]

ooops...heres a pic of one of my girls with the oot bag!!

[luvdezi]

also all pics that I posted were taken by the hotel photographer! I also met another bride on this forum and ran into her down there....she also loved her wedding!! and her photos!!

and I forgot to mention that we went to Tulum and swam with the dolphins!!

[Jen_S]

Congrats your wedding looks amazing!

[Aarica]

Great review! You looked great! I am getting married there in October. This really calms my nerves a little. I don't think we are having a private reception... What did you think about the steakhouse chilis? I think that is where our reception will be held. Let me know if there is anything else I should be aware of!

[Ana]

your pics are beautiful! thank you for the review

[luvdezi]

The Steakhouse was amazing...they serve you Caesar salad, crab, mussels and shrimp as an appetizer and you can have steak and lobster as well....very good!! The private restaurants are all amazing!!

In fact I liked Chilis the best!!! You will love it...and the ambiance is very light and airy...very Cuban! The tiles on the floor are blue and white checked and it has high ceilings and drop down white ceiling fans. They will give you white linens...and you have an ocean view!!They will section you off as well for more privacy!! I am so excited for you...you are going to want to go back again and again!! My hubby and I are going back in Jan!! We miss it already! If you have any other questions let me know...I know that when I was planning there was only 2 reviews of the Riu....and it freaked me out!! There were weddings there everyday and they were all gorgeous!!

[*Heather*]

Great pics! I love your dress...is it Nicole Miller?

[Carolena7]

congrats, your pics are beautiful, can't wait to see more!!!

[Aarica]

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvdezi The Steakhouse was amazing...they serve you Caesar salad, crab, mussels and shrimp as an appetizer and you can have steak and lobster as well....very good!! The private restaurants are all amazing!! In fact I liked Chilis the best!!! You will love it...and the ambiance is very light and airy...very Cuban! The tiles on the floor are blue and white checked and it has high ceilings and drop down white ceiling fans. They will give you white linens...and you have an ocean view!!They will section you off as well for more privacy!! I am so excited for you...you are going to want to go back again and again!! My hubby and I are going back in Jan!! We miss it already! If you have any other questions let me know...I know that when I was planning there was only 2 reviews of the Riu....and it freaked me out!! There were weddings there everyday and they were all gorgeous!!

Good, I feel so much better about Chillis! Thanks so much. What type of cake did you get? I am so indecisive on the flavor. Also, did you have a cocktail hour after the ceremony? Mine is at 4 and reception at 7... so I am thinking cocktail hour in the lobby bar could be a possibility!

Thanks!