ROR Beach Gazebo Warning

[ccunningham]

I was married on 10/31/08 at ROR. I already posted my review (http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t31909), but thought some brides might find the following photos interesting, so I decided to do a separate post specifically addressing the beach gazebo.

 

We had chosen the beach gazebo, as we had seen other brides' photos and thought it was beautiful. However, when we arrived, we were disappointed to see how tattered it looked. Perhaps the stormy weather during our stay has also negatively affected my view, but even on the sunny days, I thought it looked drab. The stairs are totally chipped and there are rusty spots. It looks very weathered, but nothing a good coat of paint couldn't fix. We decided that we'd rather use the lawn gazebo, as we were quite disappointed, but Chandlyn said that it was already booked for a rehearsal. That was OK, as we still liked the idea of the sand beneath our feet, so we said the beach gazebo was fine.

 

If you notice in the photos, we had many uninvited guests, and I don't mean fellow RIU guests. These people sit at the edge of the resort and sell drugs or other wares. They approached us various times to buy ganja as we went to check out the gazebo and as we went to watch other weddings. In fact, our wedding guests told us that DURING our cermeony, they watched a deal go down. Not exactly what I had pictured for our wedding! It makes me sad that our guests had to be distracted by that during our vows. You may luck out and maybe only one or two will be standing around, but of the three other weddings we watched, there was always someone standing there. They don't come any closer, as that is the property line, but it's still disturbing. Yes, Michael can photoshop them out, but I can't erase them from my memories! I just thought some of you might like to know when choosing the beach or the lawn gazebo. Also, the earlier ceremonies didn't seem to have as many of them standing around.

 

 

 

[sunstarsmoon]

You would think that the resort would try to move the unwanted guests during a wedding. I am so sorry that you were disappointed. The gazebo in pics does not look bad. But pics can hide certain defects. You do look beautiful in the pic and yours dress is really pretty.

[shanol]

We just got back yesterday from a wedding at ROR - my girlfriend chose the beach location, but did the tropical arch. I agree that the gazebo looks quite banged up ... that would have bothered me also!

However - you can be grateful that you only had the 'edge dwellers' during your ceremony - at the wedding we were at, there were also a couple shabby looking sea-doos parked right behind where the ceremony was as well ... maybe the ROR just needs to work on the beach locale in general!!!

 

As an aside ...you look gorgeous ... and the gazebo comes out lovely in the pictures!

 

I'm off to read your review now!

[geology_rocks]

We didn't have locals in our photos but we did have maintenance men setting up the arch in our pictures, actual Riu employees. Talk about disappointment!

 

 

For what it's worth, i think you guys looked great!!

[Soon2beWed09]

I thought the resort were closed in? Are only opened to RIU guest? aww!!! sorry that happened to u guys. I'm getting married @ RIU Negril.....but still u never know what will happen anywhere...

[KHarrod]

Thanks for sharing that information with the forum because Im sure alot of brides on the forum are planning on using the beach gazebo.

[StarAndJay]

Thanks for the warning!! I am getting married at the Riu Negril, hopefully it doesnt happen there!!

[Soon2beWed09]

hey star jay im getting married @RIU Negril 2

[geology_rocks]

Honestly, it's not something to worry too much over. You're going to have curious on-lookers at any destination wedding in any location at every resort. They're just jealous cause you're having an amazing wedding and they had to have a stuffy church thing back home with their second cousins, twice removed AND they had to invite their bosses! The beach gazebo was pretty amazing in my opinion. It's a much nicer backdrop than a crepe paper covered ivy trellis! (no offense to those who like the crepe paper covered ivy trellises!

 

And for the record, the beach is not closed off on the wedding gazebo end. You're free to walk off the property but there are security guards keeping other people out.

[sportsdog2]

I enjoyed your review. Thanks for the warning regarding the beach gazebo. All in all your pictures were beautiful!