Newbie needs MAJOR help!! About to scream!

[beachbride18]

Im so confused!!! Can anyone help me? It seems like when I think I have a resort picked something isnt quite right!!! I am about to scream!

 

I am 26 he is 30 and we are getting married mid April 2008 in the Maya Riveria area, prefer near to Playa Del Carmen (short walk or shuttle/cab ride). We anticipate around 30 people. We want a nice resort with a beautiful beach/pool area and enough day/night activity to keep our group of 25-35 year olds happy. There would posibly be only one child involved if at all so we dont really care if it is Adults Only or not, but tons of kids may distract me a bit. I am considering a few resorts including THE ROYAL, El Dorado Royale, Iberostar Lindo/Maya, etc. I was considering Secrets Capri but I hear it is a "quiet" resort and I dont think that would fit well with us. I am OPEN to ANY suggestions!

 

THE ROYAL has been my top pick until this week. I have seen many good reviews but not too many wedding photos. I like that we can have a reception or fun night in Playa Del Carmen since the resort is so close to 5th street; however this also concerns me that the wedding will not be private at all on the beach. The only beach wedding photo I saw had a big volleyball net in the background! This resort was my top pick until I talked to my Travel Agent who said he was not impressed with it at all and heard people had problems with the wedding coordinators turing over frequently.

 

Any suggestions?

Thanks!!

[CourtneyV]

I just came back from the El Dorado Royale two weeks ago.. I wasn't there for my wedding, but I saw a number of them while I was there. I LOVED this resort, and if I didn't have children attending my wedding, I'd have it here in a heartbeat. I also spoke with the WC while I was there. I was a little bummed out that I couldn't have my wedding there by the time I left!! I'll be happy to answer any questions you might have about EDR!

[LCBride2007]

Welcome to the site! I don't know much about the resorts around PDC - but many girls on here will. Good luck - and take a deep breath!

[MrsV-to-be]

WOW - well first off congrats! and welcome to the site - you are at the right spot;

Second - you basically just described the exact predicament I had!

I want exactly what you want and I had almost the exact same short list

 

I decided to go with the El Dorado - I think it is simply stunning.

My second close choice was The Royal - but like you, I did not like that the beach may be busier, and thus it may not be as private.

Another thing you could consider is staying at the Royal - but having the ceremony off site, or having the whole wedding off site.

 

There are a few locations listed in the RM folder where you could have the wedding off site.

For example check out this thread posted my Itsme

http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t3844

 

Good luck-let me know if you have any more questions.

Can't wait to hear what you decided!

[beachbride18]

Thanks for your quick responses!

 

Nini_Bride:

How was the beach at the El Dorado? I am a beach lover and I want my pictures to be nice and be able to walk the beach

 

Did you have problems with reservations at the resort? Vie heard unless you have a Casita you have to make all dinner reservation before you get there in order to be accommodated, seems very inconvenient.

 

I am concerned that they do SO many weddings per day it would be like a wedding factory. That is one thing I liked about the Iberostar complex, they only allow one wedding per resort area (with the new Grand, that mean 3 weddings total and it is a huge complex so I doubt you even see the other wedding parties).

[bride2be]

Hi and Welcome!

 

I will be getting married at the Moon Palace in Feb 2008. It is not close to PDC but it does have really private wedding ceremonies in gazebos that overlook the ocean. As for PDC, I have heard some great things about the Riu hotels and they have one that is minutes away from PDC.

 

Hope that helps!

[CourtneyV]

Quote:

Originally Posted by beachbride18 Thanks for your quick responses! Nini_Bride: How was the beach at the El Dorado? I am a beach lover and I want my pictures to be nice and be able to walk the beach The beaches were nice - the giant (and I mean GIANT - I'll post pictures if I can tonight) sandbags were a bit of an eyesore. When we were there the resort was at 100% capacity, but there were still plenty of beach chairs - it honestly didn't FEEL that busy! Also, if you choose the gazebo for your ceremony, there aren't any sandbags on that part of the beach so it won't ruin your pictures! Did you have problems with reservations at the resort? Vie heard unless you have a Casita you have to make all dinner reservation before you get there in order to be accommodated, seems very inconvenient. Yes, this is definately a complaint for a reason. You can only book your first 3 nights BEFORE your arrival - we did this, and they messed it up and we had to rebook. All other bookings are through your concierge... and even this isn't the greatest system. We ended up going back to our concierge a number of times to reconfirm bookings. Make sure to get the little print out for every single meal. We put in a formal complaint about this, and were told that they're trying to change it (by maybe even eliminating the reservation system, which would be the best I think) I am concerned that they do SO many weddings per day it would be like a wedding factory. That is one thing I liked about the Iberostar complex, they only allow one wedding per resort area (with the new Grand, that mean 3 weddings total and it is a huge complex so I doubt you even see the other wedding parties). When I was there I really wanted to see how they did the weddings, so we tried looking for some - and couldn't!! I ended up asking Sandra (I think thats her name - the WC) if we could casually stroll by one, she told me locations and times. They have enough locations for the ceremonies and receptions that I honestly had to be at the right place at the right time to see everything. I don't think multiple wedding is a problem for EDR - You might want to contact the WC (I think I have her e-mail and phone # at home) and ask her how they time everything. The plus to having multiple weddings at the same locations is you might be able to contact the other bride(s) and split the cost of decorations!

I think tonight I will post a complete review, I just can't now because of coworkers who keep walking into my office!!

[anaderoux]

Welcome!! I'm getting married in cancun and I'm staying at The Royal for my honeymoon!! the resort is gorgeous!!

[mexicobride]

We are having our's at the Riu Palace Mexico. Have you looked into this? It seems to have all that you're looking for for your guests.

[beachbride18]

I haven't really looked at the RUI properties but I will.

 

Since we dont have children going would it be crazy to look at the Iberostar Lindo? It has such great reviews! It seems to have the "action" that we are looking for (late night options). Im not sure if in mid April if there would be tons of kids.