EXCELLENCE Resort Punta Cana - New thread started April 2010

[stephany0930]

mdb, thank you so much! I emailed pastor york yesterday and he just responded this morning. You're right the price is $300.. significantly less than an officiant here in NY ( i was going to get married here and decided to go to dr instead) I think im going to go with him, i dont want to have a 5 minute ceremony.. more along the lines of 20-25 minutes which is what pastor york is offering. My side of the family is pretty religious so i would like to incorporate that so my mom doesnt chew my ear off lol and its pretty important to me as well... so pastor york is it! Thanks for the info on the decor.. im sure when i get there 3 days before i will have plenty of time to figure things out im just such a worry wart. i want to control every little aspect.. the DF has to constantly tell me.. RELAXX its supposed to be less stressful.. lol yeah right!

 

atrott- thank you i will definitely ask the WC for the buffett menu.  Your wedding is in DEC? *squeal!  congrats! im still 7 months out and i get nervous just thinking about it.

[Diva]

I am not nervous just anxious as hell!!! COME ON MARCH!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHh

[stephany0930]

LOL March will be here before you know it! im excited but nervous i want everything to be perfect!

[Showtime1111]

Hey Gals..my date is 11/11/11 and I can answer some questions.

 

As for tipping it's up to you, we have been to this resort 4 times and going back Dec 15th..I always tip, for our wedding day I'm going to tip the day before so I don't have to worry about anything..that includes makeup etc..I will have it all pre-arranged.

 

Food..honestly they will do anything you want..and especially for your day! With our wedding date the judge isn't avail but will come the day before, so we will on paperwork be married, that's fine with me.

 

Shoes..we are having our wedding in the gazebo because I am a shoe fanatic no sand in those puppies..lol..I will be wearing super heels..I want to feel glamorous, hell I even wear wedges on the beach lol...but comfort will be key because I want to dance the night away too.

 

The ceremony..pastor vs. judge vs. WC...the ceremony is the fastest thing that happens 15 mins.....I would rather spend the money on extra photography or music..it's important but the moments captured during to me are worth more..

 

Rooms..excellence rooms are a bit nicer but far away from everything..I love the rooms by the cascade pool..stay away from the lobster house and swim up bar...I wouldn't pay extra for the excellence club..

 

The place is amazing, don't sweat the small stuff...it's all good. Just remember things are a bit slower there..so go with the flow...and enjoy.

 

 

[stephany0930]

anyone know the etiquette for tipping vendors in punta cana? i.e photographers, officiant, coordinator? Is it the same as in the US, 15-20% of total? is it less? more?

 

 

thanks!

[atrott]

I have the same question as Stephany. We're trying to figure out tips for the WC & officiant. Is it appropriate to tip the pastor since he's part of the wedding package anyway? I know traditionally you tip the minister performing the ceremony but I'm not sure the etiquette for a DW. HELP! We leave Friday!! (woo-hoo!!)

[Diva]

I know I am probably over reacting, but I occasionally check Trip Advisor and I have been noticing bad reviews of Excellence lately! My wedding is in 3 months, and it WILL be there regardless, but I want to be sure my guests have a good time as well!  Is there anything I should know/warn guests about so there are no surprises?

 

 

On another note, I want to have a ladies spa day and about 6 of my guests have replied saying they were interested in services.  Have any of you booked a group spa session? If so, how did it go? I have done group spa sessions before, but it was in the US everytime...

 

Thanks :-)

[stephany0930]

Hey Diva,

 

     I've actually stopped looking at trip advisor, my invitations are done and should be here any day, so there is no turning back now! I would express concerns with your WC. tell her you've been reading some not so good reviews from trip advisor and that you're concerned. Im not sure what more they can do, but maybe they might be extra courteous when you arrive there. I was hoping to have a bachelorette party there as a spa day the day before the wedding, i havent asked about packages or prices yet. I hear the spa is ok, some seem to think its not worth the money. good luck!

[kitty25967]

I'm actually getting married at The Grand Palladium in Punta Cana in May but I stayed at The Excellence the past July.  My Fiance proposed to me on the beach there.  The only reason we chose somewhere different for the wedding is because The Excellence wasn't kid friendly and didn't offer a selection of price points/accomadations that The GPPC does.  We loved the Excellence and would go back there for sure.  I read Trip Advisor daily before our trip and ended up feeling pretty terrified when I read about the smell in your clothes, bugs, etc.  We had NO issues with any type of bugs.  We had no issue with oders.  The thing that I would prepare your guests for which I am preparing my guests for as well, is the fact that Punta Cana is HOT and Humid.  There isn't a lot of air conditioner especially in guest rooms, so you just have to be prepared for this (especially after you drink and get sunburned).  Bring lots of pepto bismal type medicines because most people will not be used to the spices, excessive drinking, etc.  I got sick the first day becuase I had a coco loco drink as soon as I arrived.  This is PURE coconut juice/water which our systems aren't used to and can be unsettling on our stomachs (which they will teach you in orientation...which I failed to go to LOL)...I didn't have n e more coconut drinks and was fine for the rest of the trip.  The food was good, the staff was good, and we always had plenty to drink.  The shows were a lot of fun, and so were the pool games!  I really really enjoyed the Excellence.  I have traveled all over the world and would reccomend it.  I really like the Asian restaurant and the restaurant by the pool.  As mentioned above, they will try to get you to upgrade to the Excellence club which, in my opinion, isn't worth it.  I saw weddings while I was there, and wished it had been mine!  Your wedding will be great and you will love The Excellence so just ignore Trip Advisor.

P.S.  As far as tipping goes, I HIGHLY suggest tipping.  Find a waiter the first day at the pool and slip him a good tip...he will follow you around for the rest of your vacation! Trust me!  Also, my FI and I would leave a few dollars for the maids on the bed and always had a clean room and stocked fridge and whatever we needed...no complaints.  I have lots of pics from my trip if you would like to PM me for information.  I even have a pic of all the amnenities they provided in the room (i.e. shower gel, toothpaste, etc.) in case you are putting items like this in your OOT bags and don't want to duplicate.   Happy planning!

Originally Posted by Diva 

I know I am probably over reacting, but I occasionally check Trip Advisor and I have been noticing bad reviews of Excellence lately! My wedding is in 3 months, and it WILL be there regardless, but I want to be sure my guests have a good time as well!  Is there anything I should know/warn guests about so there are no surprises?

 

 

On another note, I want to have a ladies spa day and about 6 of my guests have replied saying they were interested in services.  Have any of you booked a group spa session? If so, how did it go? I have done group spa sessions before, but it was in the US everytime...

 

Thanks :-)

[atrott]

Diva,

 

I'm currently sitting in my Excellence Oceanview Suite typing this. We've been here since Friday, got married on Monday (review will be coming - it was WONDERFUL!!) & have had NO complaints about the place. Neither did the THIRTY FOUR guests who travelled with us. The only negative thing I can think to say at this time is there is definitely a communication barrier. I speak Southern & the Dominicans speak Spanish! LOL