Iberostar group rate question

[JillianS]

Sorry for the redundancy of posting this is two places but we had a question that we're looking for help answering: We are getting married in Riviera Maya next June at an off-site location but are planning to have our guests stay at the Iberostar Paraiso Lindo. We're in the process of gathering information on the stay and were wondering if anyone can give us some helpful advice/details on securing a group rate. In all likelihood, we'll be requiring 30-35 rooms from the Iberostar and were curious what the best plan of attack for securing a group rate would be. Through a travel agent? Through the Iberostar directly?

Please drop a reply line if you can help.

[beachbride08]

We are having our wedding at the Lindo, and most of our guests booked through the travel agent we used. Our TA offered a group rate, but we had to have a minimum of 10 people traveling on the same dates, and we had to pay a deposit of $100 per person up front to contract the group rate. The discount would have been around $100 or a little more per person, or one of the guests could have gone for free. We couldn't get enough people to agree on the travel dates or early enough to make us comfortable paying the deposit so we didn't end up doing it. If you just need a discount on the rooms, maybe contacting the resort directly would give you a room discount. FYI-The trip packages that were offered through FunJet were cheaper than Apple, and the prices online were a lot more expensive than what our TA offered.

[JaimeLynne]

Hi Jillian,

 

I was proposed to at that resort! It is very lovely and LARGE! Actually, too large for us. It is seriously like 2 football fields length distance from the front desk to the beach (if not more). Of course, I had mono while we were there so gotta take that into consideration!

 

If you're having a lot of kids/families I think it's a good place to stay..

 

Now, I *think* the Paraiso and the Lindo/Maya are 2 separate hotels, but it has been awhile! The Maya is the nicest and connected to the Lindo so y'all use the same awesome facilities (TONS of pools, etc.) but if you're looking for a nicer room I'd book on the Maya side. However, if you're wanting to save some money than the Lindo is also fine.

 

I don't know much about group booking rates since we quickly decided that just wasn't the resort for us...

 

The restaurants are pretty decent, beach is too, and the pools are like one giant waterpark!

 

I did a search for my review but I cannot find it - sorry!! I'm sure it's out there somewhere tho... lost in BDW wonderland

 

Good luck!

 

~ Jaime

[TammyWright]

Hi Jillian,

 

if you have 30-35 rooms i would def. consider a room block, even if it is just for say 20-25 rooms. room blocks are great because it guarantees that you are allotted x-amount of rooms and they are held for you at a group rate...if you are really on top of it (like ann and paul) you may get away with not having to do a group block BUT you do risk the chance of the resort booking up (and june is a very popular time to go to RM).

 

with most group blocks, your dates are very flexible when your guests can stay and groups get VIP treatment as well as priorities in case the resort oversells and people have to be moved to other locations.

 

i would use a TA than negotiate with the resort directly..TA's can usually match or beat the rate given by the resort and then you can also use the TA for other services (air tickets, transfers, activities).

 

also, if you have an issue with the resort the TA will be your advocate.

 

i myself do not work with iberostar but TA jennifer does...

[JenniferSS]

Hi Jillian!

 

I sent you a PM! I do work with the Iberostar properties in RM- love to help you out!

[LCBride2007]

Thanks, ladies, for helping Jillian out ... selfishly I want her to have a kick-ass wedding, because we hope to be there! Jill is a good friend of ours, so I'm trying to help all I can ... but I'm not familiar with the RM at all.

[JillianS]

Hi everyone!

 

Thanks for your help. We are definitely planning to use a TA...and just figuring out the best options for our guests.

 

I have to say, although this is a bit stressful, it feels so good to have a date and a place! Now, on to the save-the-dates...

 

Thanks again!

Jillian

[Chicagogirl]

Hi Jillian,

 

I see you are from Park Ridge! I live in chicago, in Lakeview!

 

Anyways, what offsite location are you planning? How did you find it?

 

I am also thinking about using a TA, let me know when/ where you find one!

 

We are planning on Fall of 09, but do not have a resort yet!!!

 

Talk to you soon-- Jen

[LCBride2007]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chicagogirl Hi Jillian, I see you are from Park Ridge! I live in chicago, in Lakeview! Anyways, what offsite location are you planning? How did you find it? I am also thinking about using a TA, let me know when/ where you find one! We are planning on Fall of 09, but do not have a resort yet!!! Talk to you soon-- Jen

BTW, there are several VERY talented TAs on this site (TA Jennifer who just responded is one of them, so is Tammy (host) who runs this site, each of them specializing in different areas/resorts. Many of them are DW brides themselves.

http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t10706