Iberostar Grand Rose Hall

[Leah22]

Susan, can you explain the al la carte policy?  I thought the $70 per person for an a la carte was ON TOP of the Port Maria rental fee (which I thought was crazy).  Are you saying that I can pay one or the other?  flat fee for buffet or $70 pp a la carte?  With the $70 pp a la carte do you still get to use Port Maria for a private reception?  My numbers as starting creep up and I've already passed 50.  There's a chance we could have 76 which would cause a big jump in the price.  If that happens, then it would be a difference of $5320 (a la carte) versus $6000 (flat fee buffet).
 

Originally Posted by susan1672 

It seems there is a huge price difference in renting the Port Maria depending on how many guests you have. I am thinking my final count will be about 53 people but it's an extra $1,500 to rent it out for 51-75 people compared to 30-50 people which I think is absurd. I wonder if I could negotiate to just pay a per person fee for anyone over the 50 person maximum of the lower priced package? Have any previous brides had this issue?

 

[sunshine2413]

Janielle said you either pay the buffet fee or just $70pp for a la carte. But it would be a pre-selected menu. If you are thinking about doing a la carte... I would email her and ask that exact question, so you can have it in writing, in case you have to dispute the final bill.
 

Originally Posted by Leah22 

Susan, can you explain the al la carte policy?  I thought the $70 per person for an a la carte was ON TOP of the Port Maria rental fee (which I thought was crazy).  Are you saying that I can pay one or the other?  flat fee for buffet or $70 pp a la carte?  With the $70 pp a la carte do you still get to use Port Maria for a private reception?  My numbers as starting creep up and I've already passed 50.  There's a chance we could have 76 which would cause a big jump in the price.  If that happens, then it would be a difference of $5320 (a la carte) versus $6000 (flat fee buffet).
 

 

 

[susan1672]

I agree that it is just per person from what Janielle told me. As far as where you can have the a la carte option, I just sent Janielle an e-mail asking about that so I'll let you know when I receive a response.

[Leah22]

I heard back from Janielle.  She said that over 30 people you have to have a private reception at Port Maria.  The buffet (set prices) or a la carte for $70 pp.  She sent me menu options and there are 6 different menus for the a la carte.  Each one has an app/salad, app/soup, 1 entree, and 1 dessert.  It was unclear if I can only choose 1 menu for the a la carte, it doesn't give any options for the guests (what if I have some vegetarians).  I guess I will wait on my final numbers.  But I am also exploring some options in case I wanted to have the reception off site.
 

Originally Posted by susan1672 

I agree that it is just per person from what Janielle told me. As far as where you can have the a la carte option, I just sent Janielle an e-mail asking about that so I'll let you know when I receive a response.

 

[TheWolferts]

We are honeymooning at IGRH in June, so I joined this thread to get some information about the hotel. We are getting married this May at the El Dorado Royale in Riviera Maya. After reading some of your horror stories with outside vendor issues and pricey reception menu options, I have to say I am kinda glad we are just honeymooning here. $70 a la carte per person for the reception seems just as high as many places in the states quoted us. It seems odd that since the guest is already paying for dinner that night in their all inclusive package rate, that the resort would charge that much for you guys to pay on top of what they are collecting from the guest. Kinda seems like the hotel is double dipping. We are having a filet mignon with lobster tail option for $26 a plate and a mahi mahi option for $21 a plate. It also includes a starter salad with coconut shrimp, a desert plate, unlimited premium beverages and a champagne toast. My cousin got married at EDR last year so I have personally had the filet with lobster and they were heavenly, so I know it's not just cheap and crappy.

 

All I can say, is hang in there brides! Once all of this stuff is worked out, you can enjoy all of the fun girly things that comes along with wedding plans! We are less than 2 months out now!

Originally Posted by Leah22 

I heard back from Janielle.  She said that over 30 people you have to have a private reception at Port Maria.  The buffet (set prices) or a la carte for $70 pp.  She sent me menu options and there are 6 different menus for the a la carte.  Each one has an app/salad, app/soup, 1 entree, and 1 dessert.  It was unclear if I can only choose 1 menu for the a la carte, it doesn't give any options for the guests (what if I have some vegetarians).  I guess I will wait on my final numbers.  But I am also exploring some options in case I wanted to have the reception off site.
 

 

 

[Leah22]

$21 with drinks included!  I feel like we are definitely getting ripped off!  Everyone keeps saying the wedding at the Grand are amazing, but I'm really doubting how amazing it can be.  I was quoted around $70 at other hotels as well, but those were non all-inclusive hotels!  It's crazy that all of our guests are paying a premium to stay at the Grand and then we have to pay another premium to have a private dinner. 

 

I'm really considering changing it up entirely.  We're still qualified for the "free wedding".  So I may have the ceremony at the Iberostar, which includes a cake and champagne toast.  And then take the reception off property.  I'm just waiting on quotes for alternate locations...

 

I highly considered the El Dorado Royale for our wedding!  But in the end we chose Jamaica over Mexico.  When is your honeymoon?  Shannon, Susan, and I are getting married on June 8th, 9th, and 10th (back to back weddings!).

 

 

Originally Posted by TheWolferts 

We are honeymooning at IGRH in June, so I joined this thread to get some information about the hotel. We are getting married this May at the El Dorado Royale in Riviera Maya. After reading some of your horror stories with outside vendor issues and pricey reception menu options, I have to say I am kinda glad we are just honeymooning here. $70 a la carte per person for the reception seems just as high as many places in the states quoted us. It seems odd that since the guest is already paying for dinner that night in their all inclusive package rate, that the resort would charge that much for you guys to pay on top of what they are collecting from the guest. Kinda seems like the hotel is double dipping. We are having a filet mignon with lobster tail option for $26 a plate and a mahi mahi option for $21 a plate. It also includes a starter salad with coconut shrimp, a desert plate, unlimited premium beverages and a champagne toast. My cousin got married at EDR last year so I have personally had the filet with lobster and they were heavenly, so I know it's not just cheap and crappy.

 

All I can say, is hang in there brides! Once all of this stuff is worked out, you can enjoy all of the fun girly things that comes along with wedding plans! We are less than 2 months out now!

 

 

[DaniScales2b]

Heading to IGRH next month to look at the resort and book our wedding!  So excited!!  If I find out any additional information, I'll make sure to post.  I'll also try to take lots of pics of the wedding sites as well.  Happy planning ladies!

[TheWolferts]

Leah22,

 

We looked into having our wedding in Jamaica, but the flights seemed a bit lower to get to Cancun, rather than Montego Bay. Plus, my cousin got married at EDR 2 years ago so I love that I have seen the property and know the quality of the resort.

 

I think we are headed to Iberostar June 19-24th. Any June 2012 brides staying for additional time after their wedding?
 

Originally Posted by Leah22 

$21 with drinks included!  I feel like we are definitely getting ripped off!  Everyone keeps saying the wedding at the Grand are amazing, but I'm really doubting how amazing it can be.  I was quoted around $70 at other hotels as well, but those were non all-inclusive hotels!  It's crazy that all of our guests are paying a premium to stay at the Grand and then we have to pay another premium to have a private dinner. 

 

I'm really considering changing it up entirely.  We're still qualified for the "free wedding".  So I may have the ceremony at the Iberostar, which includes a cake and champagne toast.  And then take the reception off property.  I'm just waiting on quotes for alternate locations...

 

I highly considered the El Dorado Royale for our wedding!  But in the end we chose Jamaica over Mexico.  When is your honeymoon?  Shannon, Susan, and I are getting married on June 8th, 9th, and 10th (back to back weddings!).

 

 

 

 

[kfarkas26]

Dani! Im going down in May to look at the resort! staying at suites most likely getting married at Grand! I'd love to hear any tips you have for the site visit (questions to ask, things to consider/keep in mind) Good luck! I am so excited to visit too!
 

Originally Posted by DaniScales2b 

Heading to IGRH next month to look at the resort and book our wedding!  So excited!!  If I find out any additional information, I'll make sure to post.  I'll also try to take lots of pics of the wedding sites as well.  Happy planning ladies!

 

[DaniScales2b]

KFarkas6,

I'd be more than happy to share any information I am able to get!  Meeting with Janielle the second day of our trip so if you ladies have any specific questions that you would like answers to, please pass them along!