Dreams Riviera Cancun - Brides post here (new thread)

[Rach0636]

We are staying 10 nights, and I also wish I could leave right now!! I still have to wait 7 months!

Originally Posted by RollerBride 

 We are arriving on 8/1 and leaving on 8/10

 

However, I would like to leave for Mexico right now :/

[tigerlily2435]

Originally Posted by LindseyM 

 

Any other June, July, and August brides just so excited they can't stand it?!  All I do is look at pictures and reviews and wish I was there now!!!

I know!  I can't wait to get there!  Less than a month!  I just can't wait!!

[Dominique 161]

Originally Posted by Rach0636 

 

Im really curious, how many nights is everyone staying at the resort total?

 

We are staying at the resort for 14 nights. There's so much to do in Mexico, we want enough time to do everything

[Dominique 161]

Originally Posted by CKNMVS 

 

Here is my review. if you have any questions message me i wil try to check. this forum has been invaluable to me! Best of luck ladies, its going to be great!

 

I want to say overall this a great hotel and I had a really nice time and would recommend coming here and having a wedding here! Still waiting for professional pictures and will post once they arrive.

 

I had my wedding here in May. The hotel is absolutely beautiful; it is actually nicer than in the pictures! Staff is very attentive, and I thought the restaurant- especially French were very good. The Mexican restaurant was a lot of fun but food was just ok (guacamole was very disappointing). The infinity pool is absolutely amazing!! The beach is disappointing, could have been all the rain (it rained for 3 days straight when I was there).

 

 Just some notes on hotel before I leave my wedding review for future brides.

I thought food was tasty, and didn’t experience any stomach issues, however the majority of our party did have some minor issues lasting a day or two. I attribute this to being at a new place and eating and drinking a lot more than the average person is used to. Most people were able to take some over counter meds and were ok within a day or two. There were 2 people who had more severe issues and were out of commission for longer and the stomach problems continued once they came home and they actually had to get antibiotics... One other guests has been home over  a month and is still sick. The doctors aren’t sure what it is exactly and she now has to go for even more testing. These are people who have been to other all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and Jamaica and never had a problem..

 

Also, DO NOT TAKE MONEY OUT FROM ATM IN LOBBY. I took out some additional American dollars to leave tips for wedding staff (also it doesn’t hurt to tip staff at hotel- they work very hard) and was charged $60 USD for taking out money. There is a sign on ATM that said 60 PESO. Before taking the money out I confirmed with front desk and they said PESO… Then I get home and I see $60USD withdrawn from account. My bank can’t do anything and Dreams is claiming no responsibility for this since they say they don’t own the ATM. I think this is extremely irresponsible of the hotel. It is robbery. How can you charge your guests such an insane fee? I am more upset that I have called and emailed the Dreams no one gets back to me. After bringing 33 people there and spending thousands of dollars to have my wedding, this is the response I get. It is really irresponsible of Dreams to allow this ATM company to rob their guests.

 

I stayed in Preferred Club and found the two women working at concierge to be extremely rude. I don’t think it’s worth the extra money. You have separate check in and a “preferred lounge†that has AC with some extra food and drinks (big deal). The rooms were nice and had a good view but I don’t think its worth the extra money.

Tip for brides: When booking your room, book a category below what you want, you will great free upgrade.

 

 

Now for wedding review:

 

Overall had a great wedding here. Wedding group did a great job. Future brides- the wedding department is very busy so don’t freak out if they don’t answer emails. Really you just need to reserve your date and wedding locations before you come down. Make sure you reserve the DJ and photographer and you are good to go. They also have a person on site to perform wedding ceremony if you are doing symbolic (which means you get married at home legally and have the vows take place in Mexico). Linda the wedding officiant has different ceremonies and vows you can use and customize to fit your needs. She speaks very good English. You don’t need to reserve her she comes with package. I had Ultimate package. Very good deal comes with free hair make-up and massages. If you stay in preferred club for over a week you get honeymoon package which comes with champagne on arrival and more massages and beach dinner- its awesome (all free).

 

In terms of details, you can choose centerpieces, bouquets and even food once you arrive. Gina or anyone of wedding coordinators can email you these things advance. It is advisable to do these things beforehand but rest assured you can change your mind or decide once you arrive as long as you get there a few days before the actual wedding. Just make sure when you meet with Gina/or WC that you are very clear. Gina was very organized and spoke great English. I wanted to have rose petals along the aisle I walked down but somehow there was a miscommunication and I paid for one bag of petals and the petals were on the table for dinner (which looked beautiful) but there were none on the aisle.  I wanted them to be in both spots but I didn’t clearly state that.. My fault. Also if you bring things to the wedding they willset it up for you (organza, chair bows, party favors, menus, etc without charge).  If you want these things back either take them yourself at end of wedding or make sure Gina knows you want them back. I got most of my stuff back but a couple of items that I forget about and wanted were lost bc I didn’t take them. Luckily my  husband grabbed cake topper but other props we had are gone…) They did give us back the sand from sand ceremony which is a nice memento.

 

It basically rained up until the afternoon of my wedding. I was a wreck but luckily things cleared up on time and I was able to have my wedding on beach and cocktail hour outside by Jacuzzi area. Because the weather report said it would rain later in night Gina, the wedding coordinator advised me to have the wedding indoors in the ball room which is plan “Bâ€. I was very upset about this bc I had planned to have it outside by pool deck. I was so happy I listened to her. They made the ballroom look beautiful, it was air conditioned and it did in fact rain. I do think ballroom is better option if you have older guests. The bathrooms by pool deck are  far from the party and require you to walk down the stairs next to Seaside Grill. Hopefully they clean this for wedding party but they were dingy during the day. Also it would be annoying for the bride to use this bathroom if she needed to freshen up. They may have other options but just a forewarning.

Also my guests were relieved to be inside bc it is very windy by water and a bit humid.

 

I had the hotel DJ, Rodrigo Barcelo spoke very good English and followed our requests. I provided him with a list of songs to play and he followed it and took requests. He set the night up so that we would do the speeches, garter toss, bouquet toss before the photographers and videographer left. The first half night was a little slow bc he had everyone sitting down to eat, then we did the items mentioned and once that was done the party got started. It was a lot of fun. Rodgrio even put on a funny song and got my husband do a strip tease for me before he took off garter- one of highlights of night. He is a great guy, lot of fun. I definitely recommend him. My only issue was that I wish there was a little more dancing in between courses, rather than having everyone sit, but I am sure this is something you can discuss with him.

 

 

The staff at Dreams was great and very attentive.  We had a sit down dinner at our reception and worked out well. We had 33 people at the wedding. When we were on the dance floor the staff brought shots, lot of fun!

 

I didn’t use the hotel photographer, I brought in an outside company called La Luna, I had seen them on a blog and followed their work and it looked amazing, I am still waiting for my pics but they were great with us and took very creative shots. I had to pay for a room for them bc the Dreams doesn’t allow outside vendors. I am very excited to see their work but I have read hotel has a good photographer also. I used the hotels videographer and they seemed to be very attentive capturing the night but I still haven’t received the video either.

 

Gina and wedding staff were great.  There were some small setbacks. I was disappointed that during our wedding there was a lot of seaweed on beach. I had spoken to staff and they said it would be removed. It may have been due to all the rain from days before but it was upsetting to see it in all the pictures. Also, if you are getting married outside on beach, either north or south, there is not much privacy just be prepared. North beach is a little bit better bc it is away from Baracuda bar and volley ball courts.  There is a wedding gazebo by pool area- however everyone at pool is watching your wedding, but you omit seaweed issue.

 

Also the spa is beautiful, and they did great job with everyones hair and make up. I didn’t even do a trial and I was so pleased with the outcome!

 

I definitely recommend this hotel and having your wedding here.

 

Great review!

If you don’t mind me asking how much did you tip and who did you tip?

Also how often did you tip staff around the resort? I’m going to be at the resort for 14nights, if I tip every day it’s going to cost me a small fortune.

Is Gina/Eva/Evangelina the same person?

[RollerBride]

I have a question about the pictures. I know we will receive a slideshow, but does the resort mail your your photo book with photos? or will I just get digital lcopies that i will have to go have printed on my own?

[CKNMVS]

Originally Posted by Dominique 161 

 

 

Great review!

If you don’t mind me asking how much did you tip and who did you tip?

Also how often did you tip staff around the resort? I’m going to be at the resort for 14nights, if I tip every day it’s going to cost me a small fortune.

Is Gina/Eva/Evangelina the same person?

I tipped Gina,DJ, wait staff, and videographer think thats it. I really dont know if my tips were appropriate I was so overwhelmed lol. I feel like i should have tipped George (he works to organize reception) but i forgot... I think I gave Gina $60, DJ, $120 (he did a great job and was interactive) photographers $100, videographer  $50 ( after i tipped videographer he stayed for extra hr or so!) and waitstaff $100..At resort here and there I would give $1 bills to bar tenders if we got lot of drinks for our group and sometimes waiters if they were really friendly. The Mexican restaurant had best waitstaff in my opinion, its alot of fun to bring a young group. they bring you shots of tequilla and shake your head and put funny mexican hats on you.

[RobynKelly]

My travel agent has just told me I have to arrange everything when I arrive in Mexico! I know it's 10 months away but I am definitely not waiting until I arrive! Could anyone please email me menu options, flower options, cake options etc Anything will be greatly appreciated! Thanks [email protected]

[kellykellz]

Robyn,

Just sent you an email with some attachments! 

Originally Posted by RobynKelly 

My travel agent has just told me I have to arrange everything when I arrive in Mexico! I know it's 10 months away but I am definitely not waiting until I arrive!
Could anyone please email me menu options, flower options, cake options etc
Anything will be greatly appreciated!
Thanks
[email protected]

[Mariposaazul]

Originally Posted by CKNMVS 

 

Here is my review. if you have any questions message me i wil try to check. this forum has been invaluable to me! Best of luck ladies, its going to be great!

 

I want to say overall this a great hotel and I had a really nice time and would recommend coming here and having a wedding here! Still waiting for professional pictures and will post once they arrive.

 

I had my wedding here in May. The hotel is absolutely beautiful; it is actually nicer than in the pictures! Staff is very attentive, and I thought the restaurant- especially French were very good. The Mexican restaurant was a lot of fun but food was just ok (guacamole was very disappointing). The infinity pool is absolutely amazing!! The beach is disappointing, could have been all the rain (it rained for 3 days straight when I was there).

 

 Just some notes on hotel before I leave my wedding review for future brides.

I thought food was tasty, and didn’t experience any stomach issues, however the majority of our party did have some minor issues lasting a day or two. I attribute this to being at a new place and eating and drinking a lot more than the average person is used to. Most people were able to take some over counter meds and were ok within a day or two. There were 2 people who had more severe issues and were out of commission for longer and the stomach problems continued once they came home and they actually had to get antibiotics... One other guests has been home over  a month and is still sick. The doctors aren’t sure what it is exactly and she now has to go for even more testing. These are people who have been to other all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and Jamaica and never had a problem..

 

Also, DO NOT TAKE MONEY OUT FROM ATM IN LOBBY. I took out some additional American dollars to leave tips for wedding staff (also it doesn’t hurt to tip staff at hotel- they work very hard) and was charged $60 USD for taking out money. There is a sign on ATM that said 60 PESO. Before taking the money out I confirmed with front desk and they said PESO… Then I get home and I see $60USD withdrawn from account. My bank can’t do anything and Dreams is claiming no responsibility for this since they say they don’t own the ATM. I think this is extremely irresponsible of the hotel. It is robbery. How can you charge your guests such an insane fee? I am more upset that I have called and emailed the Dreams no one gets back to me. After bringing 33 people there and spending thousands of dollars to have my wedding, this is the response I get. It is really irresponsible of Dreams to allow this ATM company to rob their guests.

 

I stayed in Preferred Club and found the two women working at concierge to be extremely rude. I don’t think it’s worth the extra money. You have separate check in and a “preferred lounge†that has AC with some extra food and drinks (big deal). The rooms were nice and had a good view but I don’t think its worth the extra money.

Tip for brides: When booking your room, book a category below what you want, you will great free upgrade.

 

 

Now for wedding review:

 

Overall had a great wedding here. Wedding group did a great job. Future brides- the wedding department is very busy so don’t freak out if they don’t answer emails. Really you just need to reserve your date and wedding locations before you come down. Make sure you reserve the DJ and photographer and you are good to go. They also have a person on site to perform wedding ceremony if you are doing symbolic (which means you get married at home legally and have the vows take place in Mexico). Linda the wedding officiant has different ceremonies and vows you can use and customize to fit your needs. She speaks very good English. You don’t need to reserve her she comes with package. I had Ultimate package. Very good deal comes with free hair make-up and massages. If you stay in preferred club for over a week you get honeymoon package which comes with champagne on arrival and more massages and beach dinner- its awesome (all free).

 

In terms of details, you can choose centerpieces, bouquets and even food once you arrive. Gina or anyone of wedding coordinators can email you these things advance. It is advisable to do these things beforehand but rest assured you can change your mind or decide once you arrive as long as you get there a few days before the actual wedding. Just make sure when you meet with Gina/or WC that you are very clear. Gina was very organized and spoke great English. I wanted to have rose petals along the aisle I walked down but somehow there was a miscommunication and I paid for one bag of petals and the petals were on the table for dinner (which looked beautiful) but there were none on the aisle.  I wanted them to be in both spots but I didn’t clearly state that.. My fault. Also if you bring things to the wedding they willset it up for you (organza, chair bows, party favors, menus, etc without charge).  If you want these things back either take them yourself at end of wedding or make sure Gina knows you want them back. I got most of my stuff back but a couple of items that I forget about and wanted were lost bc I didn’t take them. Luckily my  husband grabbed cake topper but other props we had are gone…) They did give us back the sand from sand ceremony which is a nice memento.

 

It basically rained up until the afternoon of my wedding. I was a wreck but luckily things cleared up on time and I was able to have my wedding on beach and cocktail hour outside by Jacuzzi area. Because the weather report said it would rain later in night Gina, the wedding coordinator advised me to have the wedding indoors in the ball room which is plan “Bâ€. I was very upset about this bc I had planned to have it outside by pool deck. I was so happy I listened to her. They made the ballroom look beautiful, it was air conditioned and it did in fact rain. I do think ballroom is better option if you have older guests. The bathrooms by pool deck are  far from the party and require you to walk down the stairs next to Seaside Grill. Hopefully they clean this for wedding party but they were dingy during the day. Also it would be annoying for the bride to use this bathroom if she needed to freshen up. They may have other options but just a forewarning.

Also my guests were relieved to be inside bc it is very windy by water and a bit humid.

 

I had the hotel DJ, Rodrigo Barcelo spoke very good English and followed our requests. I provided him with a list of songs to play and he followed it and took requests. He set the night up so that we would do the speeches, garter toss, bouquet toss before the photographers and videographer left. The first half night was a little slow bc he had everyone sitting down to eat, then we did the items mentioned and once that was done the party got started. It was a lot of fun. Rodgrio even put on a funny song and got my husband do a strip tease for me before he took off garter- one of highlights of night. He is a great guy, lot of fun. I definitely recommend him. My only issue was that I wish there was a little more dancing in between courses, rather than having everyone sit, but I am sure this is something you can discuss with him.

 

 

The staff at Dreams was great and very attentive.  We had a sit down dinner at our reception and worked out well. We had 33 people at the wedding. When we were on the dance floor the staff brought shots, lot of fun!

 

I didn’t use the hotel photographer, I brought in an outside company called La Luna, I had seen them on a blog and followed their work and it looked amazing, I am still waiting for my pics but they were great with us and took very creative shots. I had to pay for a room for them bc the Dreams doesn’t allow outside vendors. I am very excited to see their work but I have read hotel has a good photographer also. I used the hotels videographer and they seemed to be very attentive capturing the night but I still haven’t received the video either.

 

Gina and wedding staff were great.  There were some small setbacks. I was disappointed that during our wedding there was a lot of seaweed on beach. I had spoken to staff and they said it would be removed. It may have been due to all the rain from days before but it was upsetting to see it in all the pictures. Also, if you are getting married outside on beach, either north or south, there is not much privacy just be prepared. North beach is a little bit better bc it is away from Baracuda bar and volley ball courts.  There is a wedding gazebo by pool area- however everyone at pool is watching your wedding, but you omit seaweed issue.

 

Also the spa is beautiful, and they did great job with everyones hair and make up. I didn’t even do a trial and I was so pleased with the outcome!

 

I definitely recommend this hotel and having your wedding here.

 DRC has a facebook page, maybe you could put a message on there about their ATM fees. Perhaps somebody is going to take immediate action and refund your money.

[Kthorpe]

I am also getting married May 2013 and my travel agent told me the same.  I told her that I wasn't comfortable with that and she got in touch with the wedding coordinator who answered some of my questions.  I have noticed that I have had to be a little pushy throughout this experience so far.