Holiday Inn Sunspree - Inside scoop?

SSNM · June 28, 2009

Hello,

to increase affordability for my guests, I am considering Holiday Inn sunspree in Montego Bay. I was wondering if anyone has done a wedding there before and knows what it is like.

Also, how is the resort itself? I know it is not as upscale as places like RIU, Sandals, and Beaches, but I have never been to an AI before and so I am wondering if it will make a difference to me.

Personally, I would love to do it at RIU, but I am really afraid to risk my wedding getting cancelled due to too many of my guests booking at cheaper resorts (RIU has a strict policy where 80% of your guests must stay at the resort atleast one day or they will cancel your wedding). Sandals and Beaches are outside of my budget.

So, what is the scoop on Holiday Inn Montego Bay?

SSNM · June 28, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by TA Maureen

Just 2 quick questions and then I will give you some advice. Are you expecting any children to attend? What time of year are planning to get married?

Yes, I am expecting children which has cut out some otherwise more desirable options.

I want to plan it for any time between May - September 2010.

Thanks for helping

kun09 · June 30, 2009

I stayed at the resort several years ago with a friend of mine. The resort was nice...food okay. There wasn't much for variety like other resorts but we didn't complain. I believe I saw a wedding going on at the time. They had a nice pier/gazebo into the water and it looked like they were setup for a reception in one of the buildings. The rooms were like any other Holiday Inn-clean, comfortable. Hopefully that helps

SSNM · June 30, 2009

It does, thank you!

So from the description, I would say it is adequate, but not up to the likes of something like RIU or beaches.

Is it better than starfish? I heard starfish looks unimpressive from the outside. Does Holiday Inn at least have a nice look to it?

drbrainfreeze · June 30, 2009

My friends stayed at the Sunspree for 2 nights after their 5 nights at the RIU. They said they liked it just as much, but they are EASY to please!! They loved that you could walk right into the water onto a little island, and they said the rooms are pretty basic. It looked way nicer than the Starfish, which looked....well, old

SSNM · July 1, 2009

Thanks for the input guys! Most appreciated.

I got in contact with a couple of the wedding coordinators there. The first one I talked to was nice to deal with. The other, who I believe was covering for the first while she was on vacation, was a bit ify..I called and she sounded like I was bothering her with my questions. Then she put me on hold and never came back to the phone. Now if she was busy, I can appreciate that, but just say so and don't make me hold the line.

Anyway, hopefully she won't be there if I choose to get married there. I looked at their packages and it does seem that your money goes a good distance with them wedding wise. It seems like a nice option for the budget bride who still wants all the perks.

I started to look into sunset beach and grand pallidium but I think I am mind numbed right now from all this research. It has pretty much consumed me to the point where I seriously think I have an addiction issue...gonna take a few days off of this planning stuff to address the rest of my life to make sure it doesn't fall into shambles :-s

For anyone else who might be interested in Holiday Inn for a wedding, the website is: Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay - Weddings Island Style!. Most, if not all of the prices must have 16.5% tax added as well as 10% service fee. Rental surcharges for the reception are between $60-$150 USD depending on where you have it (beach is most expensive since they have to take everything out; the balcony/lobby is $80 and the ballroom is $60).

Holiday Inn does seem like it is in close proximity to the Iberostar, so anyone who is having a wedding there and needs a less expensive resort option for their guests may want to consider recommending this resort. On that note, anyone not staying at the holiday Inn does not have to pay to attend a wedding at the holiday Inn unless they want to use the resort ammenities; another useful feature for guests.