El Dorado Royale (EDR) Brides - POST HERE!

[TheWolferts]

You can tip with US dollars on the resort, but I didnt venture away from the resort, so I am not sure what currency is expected off the resort.

 

There are small safes in the room and it's recommended that you use them, especially for valuables and passports.
 

Originally Posted by ElDorado2012 

For whomever has traveled there before - can we tip in US dollars at the resort, or do we need to change our currency when we get there? What about in Playa or Cancun (if anyone went out there), can you pay for things (drinks, food, souvenirs) with US cash, or no? Can anyone give me an idea of average or appropriate tips for waiters, bartenders, room service, etc.? Also, are there safes in the rooms for us to leave valuables and cash? If so, did everyone have a good experience using them?

 

Thanks

 

[TheWolferts]

Before going down to EDR last September to my cousin's wedding, my cousin sent an email to all of the guests reminding them of the dress code, but the resort didnt seem to enforce the dress code too much. They are very strict on having a a shirt/shorts or dress on when grabbing lunch, even at the very informal pizza bar near the main pool, but my father wore nice shorts and sandals to the restaurants at night and no one said anything. For girls, it was definitely fine to wear sandals in the restaurants, obviously only if they are a dress sandal and not a sandy/wet beach sandal.

 

We are going to send an email about 2 weeks out to our guests explaining the dress code. I think it's better to have the required dress code at least for the first night, so that you get a better feel of how much the dress code is enforced.
 

Originally Posted by ElDorado2012 

Another question - How strict is the dress code at the restaurants for dinner? No jeans, right? Can we wear flip flop sandals if they are paired with dresses? What about the guys? Anything else you encountered that would be good to tell our guests?

 

[murmel]

 

 

Originally Posted by ElDorado2012 

 

For whomever has traveled there before - can we tip in US dollars at the resort, or do we need to change our currency when we get there? What about in Playa or Cancun (if anyone went out there), can you pay for things (drinks, food, souvenirs) with US cash, or no? Can anyone give me an idea of average or appropriate tips for waiters, bartenders, room service, etc.? Also, are there safes in the rooms for us to leave valuables and cash? If so, did everyone have a good experience using them?

 

Thanks

US dollars are fine to use on and off the resort. *Just note that all the hotels, larger stores in town, restaurants, etc. all have charge you in Mexican Pesos now due to government regulations. You can still pay the bill in US dollars (they convert for you), just the bills have to be in Pesos.* They will sometimes have to give you Pesos back as change, since they don't have the US in their drawer, and then I would spend the pesos first, so you don't get stuck with it later. I would recommend US dollars over Pesos. And I travel to Mexico at least twice a year. 

 

Tipping is a very personal choice. We usually leave a dollar for the maid everyday, as well as a dollar in the beer fridge-since it's a different person. Bartenders, dinner staff, etc. we will tip on their service. If we know we will have the same bar tender for the week, we usually tip them well at the start of the week and then you never wait for a drink.

 

There is a safe in the room. You should really use it!!! Especially for your passports, cash, credit cards, etc.

 

 

Originally Posted by ElDorado2012 

 

Another question - How strict is the dress code at the restaurants for dinner? No jeans, right? Can we wear flip flop sandals if they are paired with dresses? What about the guys? Anything else you encountered that would be good to tell our guests?

Strict, not really. Although usually they want guys in long pants-jeans are fine (just not ripped up). For girls, I think you could get away with flip flops but you might feel a little out of place. (most people wore nicer shoes, sundresses, guys-long pants, collar shirts (golf tees, etc))

 

 

[AllieH]

thanks for all the info on the dress code. that is something I'm trying to figure out and convey to our guests. I am thinking of telling them to bring a couple of pairs of slacks "just in case" (plus I'd like them in slacks for the wedding anyway). 

 

I've started my correspondence with Lomas, and so far am pretty happy. I've gotten an email back within 24-48 hours each time, and compared to some of the stories I've heard, it is reasonable. (and I'm trying to keep my expectations in the reasonable level lol)

 

Now I just have to fill out their form and put down the deposit to make it official. YAY! 

 

On the downside, I just found out the girl I was hoping to ask to be my BM (or unofficial BM) won't be able to attend. Her SIL decided to have a DW in Vegas in June, and my friend can't afford to do both. #@*($@#(*&~ were the words I had for the SIL. but what can you do?! 

 

ah the ups and downs of wedding planning. 

 

 

 

[ElDorado2012]

Thank you!
 

Originally Posted by murmel 

US dollars are fine to use on and off the resort. *Just note that all the hotels, larger stores in town, restaurants, etc. all have charge you in Mexican Pesos now due to government regulations. You can still pay the bill in US dollars (they convert for you), just the bills have to be in Pesos.* They will sometimes have to give you Pesos back as change, since they don't have the US in their drawer, and then I would spend the pesos first, so you don't get stuck with it later. I would recommend US dollars over Pesos. And I travel to Mexico at least twice a year. 

 

Tipping is a very personal choice. We usually leave a dollar for the maid everyday, as well as a dollar in the beer fridge-since it's a different person. Bartenders, dinner staff, etc. we will tip on their service. If we know we will have the same bar tender for the week, we usually tip them well at the start of the week and then you never wait for a drink.

 

There is a safe in the room. You should really use it!!! Especially for your passports, cash, credit cards, etc.

 

Strict, not really. Although usually they want guys in long pants-jeans are fine (just not ripped up). For girls, I think you could get away with flip flops but you might feel a little out of place. (most people wore nicer shoes, sundresses, guys-long pants, collar shirts (golf tees, etc))
 

 

 

[ElDorado2012]

I feel you on that one. Two of my bridesmaids can't come; one got pregnant and will have a 3-month old baby, and the other will have a 7 1/2 month old baby at the time of the trip, but doesn't want to leave him I definitely understand the frustration/disappointment... We also have quite a few guests who initially were 100% positive they were coming, but have bailed out for various reasons. It's come to be about 20 guests so far So frustrating, but to be expected I guess with destination weddings...
 

Originally Posted by AllieH 

thanks for all the info on the dress code. that is something I'm trying to figure out and convey to our guests. I am thinking of telling them to bring a couple of pairs of slacks "just in case" (plus I'd like them in slacks for the wedding anyway). 

 

I've started my correspondence with Lomas, and so far am pretty happy. I've gotten an email back within 24-48 hours each time, and compared to some of the stories I've heard, it is reasonable. (and I'm trying to keep my expectations in the reasonable level lol)

 

Now I just have to fill out their form and put down the deposit to make it official. YAY! 

 

On the downside, I just found out the girl I was hoping to ask to be my BM (or unofficial BM) won't be able to attend. Her SIL decided to have a DW in Vegas in June, and my friend can't afford to do both. #@*($@#(*&~ were the words I had for the SIL. but what can you do?! 

 

ah the ups and downs of wedding planning. 

 

 

 

 

[TheWolferts]

I am in the same boat... I had 2 BMs agree to be in the wedding about 13 months ago and about 2 months ago, one sent me a text message telling me she couldnt go and another sent me an email telling me she couldnt go, both due to finances ... This was also after I purchased their BM dresses for them and had already purchased their BM gifts. I am obviously upset that they cant go, but I really wish they would have told me there was even a doubt that they wouldnt be able to  make it prior to my buying their dresses... also, to find out that they couldnt go via email and a text message...
 

 

We have had quit a few others who we were counting on going, that now cannot for various reasons. Unfortunately, it looks like we will be paying for not filling our room block, which makes the fact that they cannot come even more difficult to swallow.

Originally Posted by ElDorado2012 

I feel you on that one. Two of my bridesmaids can't come; one got pregnant and will have a 3-month old baby, and the other will have a 7 1/2 month old baby at the time of the trip, but doesn't want to leave him I definitely understand the frustration/disappointment... We also have quite a few guests who initially were 100% positive they were coming, but have bailed out for various reasons. It's come to be about 20 guests so far So frustrating, but to be expected I guess with destination weddings...
 

 

 

[Stina9562]

I had the same issue with friends. It's sad to say but you find out who your true friends are. I had one cancel after everything bc of finances but yet she has gone to Vegas twice this year and is planning a trip to Hawaii. Mine was via text too. It's like you get dumped!  Needless to say we don't talk anymore.

 

Originally Posted by TheWolferts 

I am in the same boat... I had 2 BMs agree to be in the wedding about 13 months ago and about 2 months ago, one sent me a text message telling me she couldnt go and another sent me an email telling me she couldnt go, both due to finances ... This was also after I purchased their BM dresses for them and had already purchased their BM gifts. I am obviously upset that they cant go, but I really wish they would have told me there was even a doubt that they wouldnt be able to  make it prior to my buying their dresses... also, to find out that they couldnt go via email and a text message...
 

 

We have had quit a few others who we were counting on going, that now cannot for various reasons. Unfortunately, it looks like we will be paying for not filling our room block, which makes the fact that they cannot come even more difficult to swallow.

 

 

[murmel]

 

 

Originally Posted by TheWolferts 

 

 

I am in the same boat... I had 2 BMs agree to be in the wedding about 13 months ago and about 2 months ago, one sent me a text message telling me she couldnt go and another sent me an email telling me she couldnt go, both due to finances ... This was also after I purchased their BM dresses for them and had already purchased their BM gifts. I am obviously upset that they cant go, but I really wish they would have told me there was even a doubt that they wouldnt be able to  make it prior to my buying their dresses... also, to find out that they couldnt go via email and a text message...

 

 

We have had quit a few others who we were counting on going, that now cannot for various reasons. Unfortunately, it looks like we will be paying for not filling our room block, which makes the fact that they cannot come even more difficult to swallow.

 

 

Arggg...how rude are people sometimes??? At least a phone call to personally tell you they can't make it would have been nice!

 

As for your room block, depending on what your deal is...you could always advertise on here, and see if any other brides/guests need a room? That way someone who needs a room might be able to help you fill your slot. At least it might be worth a try!

 

 

Originally Posted by Stina9562 

 

I had the same issue with friends. It's sad to say but you find out who your true friends are. I had one cancel after everything bc of finances but yet she has gone to Vegas twice this year and is planning a trip to Hawaii. Mine was via text too. It's like you get dumped!  Needless to say we don't talk anymore.

 

Sigh...sorry that you got 'dumped' that way. That is really frustrating.

 

 

[AllieH]

oh wow - I feel bad for you girls!!! at least I was waiting to ask her and hadn't gone through that yet. much less to buy their dresses and gifts, and then they bail?!? at least it's confirming my thinking that we won't have a bridal party at all.

 

UGGGHHH some people have no manners. calls would have been nice. and yes, you find out who your friends are. I have a feeling there will be a few less people I talk to after all is said and done. 

 

I agree with advertising your rooms/fares - maybe even have your travel agent ask some of her previous AI clients to take advantage of it. fills your block, and they get a discounted rate. win-win, right?? 

 

even with all of my whining about a couple of key people not going (my sister, and my friend I just mentioned), we have 13 rooms and 24 people booked, and we're 280+ days out. I think we have 5 or 6 more rooms, maybe another 10 people we've heard from who said they'd book in the next couple of days. and then 6 more who will stay off property (timeshares). even expecting that some of them will drop out as final payment becomes due - I really cannot complain.