Majestic Elegance vs. Dreams Punta Cana

[islandbride8]

Okay, I know I'm probably out of my mind for even allowing myself to do this, but... My fiance and I are already confirmed for the ME on June 29, 2011.  Just playing around online last night I realized that for the same price we could get a lot more from Dreams.  Our budget is around $5,000.  At ME we were going to have the semi-private reception at the steakhouse (no music or dancing allowed), but for the same price at Dreams we can have a private dinner (you get the place for 3 hours to have a reception) and cocktail hour.  From what I've seen it looks like the ME may have nicer grounds and is more modern.  I'm soooo confused and don't know what to do?!?!  I would really like to be able to have the private reception and there is no way we can afford that at ME.  Am I crazy for even considering this?   Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated.  We will be having around 20 guests.  THANKS!!!!

[Mel2010]

Hey Island Bride! I don't think you are out of your mind! All this planning can get so overwhelming. I just checked out the wedding package for Dreams, and it looks pretty sweet. I'm considering a Punta Cana DW myself. ME looks to have way nicer rooms, so if that's important to you then stick with your reservations. But if you want more for your $$$, then I'd say Dreams would be a better bet. In the end you'll make whichever decision is best for you and your FI. Good luck, and let us know what decision you made.

[Aumuller]

I went through this exact same debate. I really liked the look for ME but to have a private reception is ridiculously priced whereas dreams is reasonable. So I ended up going with Dream Palm Beach. Its newer than Dreams Punta Cana so if you are looking for a more modern place it might be a better option for you.

[islandbride8]

We have decided to stick with ME.  We are still having the semi-private dinner, but are going to rent the Wet Bar and sound system for three hours after that for $550.  It's $5pp/hr for beer, wine, champagne, and sodas so that's what we are going to do.  After comparing the two resorts, I think we will be much happier at the ME.  The resort looks nicer, and we can afford a better room here too.  Thanks for your help!

[Mel2010]

Hey ladies, OK now I am confused because my 2 top choices are ME or Dreams Palm Beach. I am in LOVE with both of these resorts. I know that FI and I want a private reception and we are willing to pay the extra cost to get it at ME, but Dreams is such a gorgeous place too. @IslandBride 8: Can you tell me why you chose ME over Dreams, aside from what you've already mentioned above.

@Aumuller: Can you tell me why you chose Dreams?

Any info at all would help! Thanks ladies!!!

[islandbride8]

In the end I went with the ME for a couple reasons.  The room we can afford at the ME is a much nicer room than the one we could afford at Dreams. We are staying the the Elegance Club which is a major seller for me because it's an adults only section of the hotel. Initially we wanted to stay at an adults only resort, but we didn't want to limit guests with children so the ME Elegance Club works perfect.  I've read reviews about the grounds of both resorts and liked what I was hearing about ME a little bit better.  When comparing the wedding packages Dreams does come with the private reception, but the add ons for wait staff/bartenders/set-up fees was crazy so ME is cheaper for us.  I'm sure which ever resort you decide to go with will be perfect for you!  Good luck and Congrats!!!

[natalie7]

Hey Island Bride, glad to see you chose ME!!! There were NO FEES for any bartenders right???

[islandbride8]

From what I understand I'm paying $5pp/hr for beer/wine/champagne/sodas and that includes bartenders

[Mel2010]

islandbride8: What about hard liquor? Is that also included in the $5pp/hr?

[natalie7]

No.. it's not!! It's a lot more pp  $15 - $35/ pp per hour