The Importance of a Site Visit - RPRM

[J&E2011]

Hi Tracy!

I have to admit that the whole process was really stressful for us... what helped us the most was recently going to a destination wedding and seeing what we liked about the resort and what we didn't like about it. The wedding was held in the Riviera maya as well. The resort was huge! We had a hard time finding everyone, so we would prefer a smaller resort instead. Although the place was beautiful, it didn't have a real beach, just a lagoon. We were so disappointed with that because my fiance and I love the beach! (we got engaged on the beach too). So we decided that our resort would need to have a real beach. With that desicion, we eliminated a whole bunch of resorts from the Tulum area... one being the Blue Tulum (which we loved! it's a beautiful ocean front boutique resort!).

The next few steps just fell into place because 1) we want our nieces and nephew to be part of the wedding, so we started looking at kids friendly resorts. 2) Our guests love to eat and drink, LOL! so staying at an all inclusive makes more sense for our group (this steered us away from The TIDES, which is another GORGEOUS boutique resort, but I believe it only has 30 something rooms). 3) My fiance and I agree that the quality of the food is VERY important for our wedding, and although we're looking for all-inclusives, we want our guests to remember the quality of the food on our wedding and throughout their stay (and vacation) without spending a fortune. All this helped us to narrow it down to the few resorts I mentioned. It's all very overwhelming at first... but I highly recommend making a list with your fiance about what matters to you both the most for your wedding (for example: ceremony setting, food, intimate resort, etc) and then you'll be able to narrow it down. Talking to travel agencies also helps a ton! It's free too! try calling some of your local travel agencies, and ask for suggestions for wedding destinations. They will always try to point you to the most popular resorts, and of course they want your business, so they will not recommend something awful.

 

Finally, Remember that your wedding is all about you and your fiance, and no matter how hard you try you'll never be able to please everyone, so just do what makes you and your fiance happy.

 

I hope you find this a little helpful

 

-Jacqueline

[tracysf]

Thank you so much! This is so helpful! I think my fiance and I agree that what is most important to us is the size of the hotel---but there seem to be only a few resorts that will fit all of our guests (about 100) but not be too big. We are looking at Azul Beach, El Dorado Maroma, Ceiba Del Mar. I agree Blue Tulum looked PERFECT--- I was so bummed when I found out that it didn't have a beach! I think I just need to get my but down there so we can see everything for ourself. Relying on pictures and online reviews is pretty tough. We are hoping to go out there next month. i'll keep everyone poseted on how my scouting trip goes. Thanks again!

[J&E2011]

Hi,

I totally understand what you're going through... I'm very anxious to get the ball rolling and finally decide on a resort too. We're extremely fortunate that our company's trip happens to be in Mexico this April and we simply couldn't pass on the opportunity to go. We have been stressing over choosing the perfect resort, but there's just so many out there... and yes the pictures on the web can be deceiving. We were definitely thinking about going to Mexico just to look at resorts later this year, but thank God this opportunity landed on us just a few weeks ago and we're thrilled! and it's free!

The riviera maya holds a special place in our hearts because we got engaged there at a boutique resort called Mosquito Beach, and the service was amazing! perfect for the number of guests you're having, BUT it's not all-inclusive.

I mean, anywhere you go in the Riviera you're bound to get great service if the resort is properly staffed. We've been to many resorts and gotten poor service because they were understaffed (no matter the size of the resort). However, we've heard great reviews about the resorts we're going to visit, so I'll keep you posted when I get back. Let me know if you have any questions that I can ask while I'm out there, I'd be happy to help! Good luck!

 

-Jacqueline

[tracysf]

Good news! John and I just booked our flight to Cancun! I am just so ready to set a date! We are going down there at the end April!! I have some work to do before we go---need to get a final list together and set up some appointments. I think we are going to check out at least one bigger hotel. Please let me know how your trip goes! Good Luck!

[kate.com]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tracy.clements Good news! John and I just booked our flight to Cancun! I am just so ready to set a date! We are going down there at the end April!! I have some work to do before we go---need to get a final list together and set up some appointments. I think we are going to check out at least one bigger hotel. Please let me know how your trip goes! Good Luck!

Awesome! I hope everything goes super smooth for you!

[Nora]

I'm glad you wrote this review because I think that's the whole point of reviewing something, telling your experience so others can make a more informed decision. If people can't visit first then reviews are even more important! If everyone wrote glowing reviews about every resort/photographer/florist/etc. then the purpose of reviews would be eliminated. Thanks for your honest review of your experience

[katrinkit35]

Wow. It's really great that you were able to go down ahead of time for the site visit. I always think it's interesting how one person can have a completely different experience than another. You give us a great reminder to remember the sickness meds in the OOT bags!

[lalanyc]

katrina - thank you for sharing your review. I have really appreciated hearing both the good and the bad reviews as I prepare for my wedding (even if the negative reviews make me cringe) because at least it helps me and other brides prepare better, and also address these issues with management directly.

[vdaybride]

I agree that writing the review was very necessary. Ladies we all need to be able to take the good AND the bad...just as we do in our everyday lives. No sugar coating allowed on BDW..its in the rule book! (Tammy of course I am joking )

 

I also feel bad for the girls in the throws of planning their weddings and are freaking out. I would hope that you wouldn't let this ONE review send you in a panic. Your weddings will be fabulous and you should know that regardless of how great your resort is...your stay can be horrible or wonderful at any given time. Regardless of how much you plan..... sooo many things are out of our control. Just know that as long as you exchange your vows with your honey, then the day should be considered PERFECT. Read my review if you don't think that regardless of the planning and a wonderful resort, life can throw you a curve ball, but in the end, we all end up with a perfect ending. Good luck RPRM girls!!!! Your weddings will be absolutely wonderful! Smooches to you all!!!!

[J&E2011]

Hi Everyone,

So we ended up going to the Riviera Maya last week, and visited 3 resorts: Ceiba del Mar, Grand Velas, and stayed at Dreams Riviera Cancun. At Ceiba del Mar, we were very impressed with the food mostly, but the options for the ceremony and reception were not what we expected. maybe it was the lack of grass on the garden/outdoor venue, or the lack of furniture on the rooftop lounge. We got the impression that we were going to spend a fortune decorating and furnishing the place. especially since we're expecting around 70 guests. I am glad we got to see it though, it's perfect for a small wedding especially if you're looking for an intimate affair. The ambiance of this resort was great! very relaxing and peaceful, very intimate, we loved this about the resort!

We also went to visit the Grand Velas, and we were blown away! it was absolutely gorgeous... perfect for our group of guests. caters to adults, kids, people looking to relax and those who want to party it up. Didn't get to try the food, but the restaurants look amazing! and the spa is by the far the BEST spa I've ever seen in my life. We're checking on the group rates and possibly booking a wedding date soon.

 

Our second choice is the Dreams Riviera Cancun... NEW, great rooms, great food, great spa, great for families with kids, beautiful beach, amazing restaurants. Maybe there were too many kids for our liking... maybe it was that weekend that we were there, but it's still a good possibility.

 

Hope you find this is helpful, good luck!