Newbie --- found the resort, when to book RIU Negril?

[CraziStarr]

Hi Ladies-

 

My first post here. Question about when to book.

 

Got engaged in March 2009. Have finally decided on a resort. RIU Negil!! I've been in the talks with a travel agent, who says to book now to secure a date.

 

Thing is - we're planning on getting married in June 2010. Which is off-season. However we're being quoted at $1600/person - including flight - for 7 nights, mid-June. Should I book now, with these increased rates, and hold off and wait for them to go down?

 

Secondly, if I do book this early out (10 months), should I book the flight at the same time, or hold off?

 

TIA!

[vlynnw]

Congrats and welcome! I don't have much advice on the best time to book. I know the resorts I'm still debating on we check them every day and the rates change drastically. Talk with you TA and make sure she's positive the rates won't be dropping significantly.

[Love3]

congrats!!!!!!!!! welcome

[yumyum90]

Congrats! You defintely want to book and reserve your date asap! The RIU is an extremley popular resort for which to hold weddings in Jamaica. I got engaged in March and book at the RIU Ocho Rios for next July 2010. To my surprise every friday and saturday wedding slot was already filled a year in advance. I was lucky to get the date that I did. As for booking your room etc, does your travel agent have a policy where you can put down a deposit and then if they price changes they will price match for you? Most travel agents do, if yours doesn't you might want to find one that does.

[wemkulaf]

Congrats and Welcome,

 

I just booked the RIU Negril, for July 2010 because the first date I wanted was gone, so I suggest you book the resort now. As far as travel goes, your TA should only require a deposit, and as people book they will the fair posted at that time.

[JamaicaorBust2010]

My advice - make sure the resort has a date available for you and work with the resort WC directly to secure the date while you await the pricing you want. From experience working with the Riu WCs (I was originally looking at Riu resorts for my wedding), they are generally very understanding of the situations brides and grooms face while trying to book a destination wedding so far in advance when pricing options aren't the best and will continue to extend your tentative reservation for many months at your request.