Need help choosing the resort

[mc23]

So I have narrowed my choices down to the following: El Dorado Royale, Excellence Riviera, and Aventura Spa. I am a little worried about EDR just because I have heard so many neg. reviews regarding the reservation system. I like ASP, but it seems like a much bigger and maybe less personal resort. Just a little info. my fiance's parents are really great, down home folks. ie, they aren't really into things being super fancy and I know some of the gourmet dinning will be over their heads. That said, I am not going to have my wedding at the Holiday Inn just to make them feel comfortable...but I'm not going to take them to the ritz and have them feel out of place. Please! any help would be so appreciated.

ps, I also want to know that either the onsite photographer is awesome or that I can use and outside vendor.

thanks again

mary

[CourtneyV]

Hi Mary. I haven't been to the other two resorts, but I have been to the El Dorado Royale and LOVED IT!!! I would absolutely have my wedding there in a heartbeat if they allowed children (which is something you might need to consider?) Also, I know Louisa (weez) JUST had her wedding there. I've attached both of our reviews. I just want to say that before you read my review - ya it sounds a little negative, but I really wanted to point out the things that might bother some people. It was a really great, private, quiet, enjoyable resort. The staff there were so amazing and would pretty much do anything to make your stay perfect. It's SUCH a nice resort - and if you can afford it, I'd suggest you upgrade you and FIs room to a casita - I've heard it's a pretty nice treat (and I'm pretty sure Louisa did this).

 

Anyways Mary - reviews are attached. Ask or PM me if you have questions and I'll be happy to answer! (I vote EDR!!!)

 

 

http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t4139

 

http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t4173

[leigh miller]

hi mary - i didnt get married at EDR - but i shot a wedding there last year and am going back to shoot another one next month. for an all-inclusive i really liked EDR. and they seemed to be really on top of things on the wedding day. everything went off without a hitch. i havent read a lot of reviews so im not sure what youre talking about regarding the reservation issues and im usually only there for 4 days or so to shoot the wedding.

 

heres a link to some pics from there if youd like to see -

 

april and nates ss - http://www.leighmillerphotography.co..._nate_wedding/

 

day after - April and Nates trash the dress

 

and album - April and Nates Album

 

good luck! and congratulations

[EDYTA]

does the beach play an important factor in your decision? just because I know that aventura spa does not have a beach atleast that is what i have seen from the pictures, anyone else know for sure?

 

I know that excellence riviera has a gorgeous beach and the resort is stunning....the edr looks amazing also but I think the beach is rocky

 

sry if that was no help at all but I alsways base my decisions on the beach cause it's really important to me and my FI..GOOD LUCK!!

[MelissaH]

Aventura has about a 700ft beach - it's on a gorgeous little inlet - nice and private and secluded! It's also adults only though so keep that in mind if you're expecting to have any children there...

[CourtneyV]

Quote:

Originally Posted by EDYTA I know that excellence riviera has a gorgeous beach and the resort is stunning....the edr looks amazing also but I think the beach is rocky

That's actually a good point Edyta, the beach at EDR is pretty good - a little rocky, and gets rockier as you go towards the water, but it's not too bad. The downside about the beach is that there are MASSIVE sandbags to rebuild the beach after the hurricane. They are a bit of an eyesore, but you get use to them. Also, if you select the gazebo as your ceremony site, there are no sandbags there, so they won't ruin your pictures!

[mc23]

Thanks for the tips. Kids are definitely not an issue. As far as the beach goes...well I don't think its really a big issue either. I'm more concerned about the resort being great. Did anyone run into any problems with reservations for dinner at EDR? And have ya'll hear of The Royal Playa Del Carmen? I just ran across this resort and it sounds interesting.

[CourtneyV]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mc23 Did anyone run into any problems with reservations for dinner at EDR?

YES!! Just make sure you speak with your conceirge (make sure he/she has been assigned to your room) and get a print out for all of your dinners and you should be ok!