Any grand lido negril brides???

kris · January 8, 2009

I am trying to choose between the grand lido and Riu palace tropical bay. I am wondering if anybody has any insight for me..my wedding date is going to be january 31/2010.

Thanks

geology_rocks · January 8, 2009

We were originally booked to get married at GLN but had nothing but problems dealing with Superclubs. They gave us a group rate quote, then when we went to pay, they charged us more for a lesser category room. I spent a lot of time on hold and when I finally did get ahold of someone, they were unable to answer any questions. I had some contact with the wedding coordinator, i think her name is Sophie. She seems pretty nice but when I would send her a list of 3 questions, she would only answer 1 or 2. 4 months before the wedding I decided it wasn't worth the new price for me or my guests so I started looking into other resorts. We settled on Riu Ocho Rios and LOVED it! We booked the resort through their website and were able to change our reservation in under 2 minutes, no hassles, when a sale rate came out. The Riu is a great hotel for weddings. Since it's a bit larger, your guests are able to have their space if they want it and there are enough activities to keep everyone happy!

So, while I have no experience in staying at the exact resorts you've asked about, I would highly recommend the Riu chain over any SuperClubs resort.

ErinB · January 8, 2009

I too started off as a GL bride. I know 2 different couples who have stayed there in the past and loved it. It might be good for smaller groups.

When trying to book as a group, I ran into tons of problems. I couldn't get anyone to answer any of my questions. I kept hearing we can't talk to you until you book. Well, why would I want to book if I don't know what I am getting?

Aparently there had also been some negative reviews on Trip Advisor at the time I was booking. Several of my guests called me, concerned about the quality of the hotel at the price we were going to have to pay. It was embarassing!

I decided to change resorts after all of this. I don't want to disuade you from chosing this resort, but simply share my experience with you. I sincerely hope that they have gotten their act together. This was about 18 months ago. I was told by someone that they had new managers and were still working out all of the kinks. Everyone I talked to in the FL SuperClubs office was wonderful, the communication brokedown when it came to the managers/planners in JA.

kris · January 9, 2009

thanks to both of you for your info, I think I am leaning towards the Riu now, Ive looked at a couple peoples pictures and I just have a bad feeling about it. Its so hard to decide these things when you cant see it.

geology_rocks · January 9, 2009

Things that you think are a big deal sometimes turn out not to matter at all. Read through the trip advisor reviews and see if you see any recurring complaints. SOme people are impossible to please and will complain about everything. If you see the same issue popping up over and over, it might be something to consider. I can vouch for Riu food, it's wonderful. The ROR resort was clean and the staff was very friendly. The Riu resorts are a lot bigger than GLN though, and if you're looking for a personal touch, the RIU may not deliver. But as I mentioned before, when you are bringing a group of people down to a resort, larger size can be a huge benefit.

Remember, you're doing a destination wedding, they're supposed to be simple. No matter which resort you choose, you'll have a beautiful beach as a backdrop and your wedding will be amazing!

kerryjbrown · January 9, 2009

I did not get married there but I did stay at the Grand Lido Negril and LOVED it. There were 3 weddings there the week I was there and loved the venue in the Gazebo or out on the boat.

My best friend was married there also and she said it was perfect. I have not been to the RIU so I cannot compare for you.

I will say at the Grand Lido they tood such great care of us, even just as regular guests. I was in love with their Lamb Chop appetizer and we would ask them to deliver them with a bottle of champagne to the 2nd hamock from the bar on the point at specific times in the middle of the night and they did no questions asked.