"New Resort Opening May 1 2011" NOW LARIMAR ~ PUNTA CANA

[JamieBride]

THANK YOU , Katusha!

 

Actuie, I had the same feelings about switching. However, I still have faith that in 3 months (by the time of my wedding), things will start turning around. The only major concerns that I have are: "locals weekends" ...which they HAVE to stop doing if it's causing so much negative feedback on TA. And also, the food. I can only hope that will improve. I am sure by the time of your wedding they will have all of the kinks worked out. If you have a close "runner up" maybe you need to do some serious thinking...but personally, I am glad I stuck with NOW.

 

I am not really worrying about Clairbel's unresponsiveness. I believe someone else posted that she was on medical leave for awhile? As long as they still have my confirmation date and time...most of the details will be worked out in the days prior to the wedding (unless you are hiring external vendors). I am going to have an "idea" of what I want...but I think you need to be really flexible and just roll with the punches once you are down there. If you get all caught up in the details, things may not turn out the way you intended...and you dont want to be stressed out or dissapointed. That is just my way of handling this chaotic process.

 

Good luck to all!

 

Jamie

[deesanders33]

As of today I am not a NOW bride anymore. I am the one that said Clairbel is on sick leave but she should of been back two weeks ago. Just too many bad things that people are saying for me. I wish all of you ladies the best of luck on everything.

[vav11238]

Sorry to hear that Dee, but totally understand. I already have a few family members that have brought into the resort, so good or bad, that's where everyone is staying. 

 

Best of luck with whatever you decide. 

[AcutieRN]

Girls,

Thanks for the word of encouragement.  Jamie, you are right about going with the flow.  That is exactly why I decided to have a destination wedding.  I guess I am not as concerned about the lack of response from Claribel as the negative reviews. I really want my family to get their money's worth, and if the food is awful and it is overrun by locals they will be sorry they came.  I am hoping you are right in that they fix these problems soon. This does not seem to be an issue with the NOW resorts in Mexico.  So frustrating.

 

Dee, I am so sorry that you have decided to change resorts, but totally understand and may be right behind you.  Did something else happen, or is it just the lack of response on all levels?  Do you have a second choice? Right now I am looking into the Majestic.  I know it will be about $60-80 per night more per person(at least), but may be worth it in the end for peace of mind. Had you actually sent your STD's yet?  I have not checked into my deposit, but since it was only $100 I am not too concerned at this point.  My FI still wants to stick it out...

[deesanders33]

We are going to go with Paradisus Punta Cana. I look into Majestic also but they only had 1pm available for the wedding. Well it's not really the lack of responses, I have been noticing that they just don't really care if you book with them or not. I also asked about vendor fees and they are so much more then any other resort I have asked which is crazy! The 100 deposit is fully refundable for me because I am so far out. I think it depends on how close your wedding is. No I haven't sent my save the dates out yet or even printed them thank goodness.. if I did I wouldn't be changing though. 

Good luck ladies

[Katusha]

Sorry to hear that, Dee! I have 21 booked already, so it would be impossible for me to cancel even if I decided to. Good luck with your planning!

[AcutieRN]

DeeSanders:What is your rate at Paradisus per person per night?

[sarahgn4t]

Dee, I'm sad to see you go but I totally understand.  I have received responses this week from Claribel and Cristina @ [email protected]  I am trying to get down there next month but Apple has not posted their friends and family deals for August because all of their flights are almost booked so I am not sure if they will even post at all   I am waiting to hear back to see if the hotel will give us some kind of deal since we are booking 30 rooms and having our wedding there. I will let you know when I hear back.  Cristina works at Secrets hotel but she has been very helpful at making sure someone is contacting me to get whatever information I need.  JB I need to get you information ASAP for our invites because I need to send them out in October I think!

[vav11238]

Dee - I LOVED Paradisus but it was so insanely expensive that we didn't do it (even with my sisters airline discounts). Once again, wishing you the best of luck!!

 

I'm actually heading to DR in two weeks time. I fully plan on checking it all out and will post reviews and take loads of pictures. I'm currently (mentally) planning to have my ceremony at NOW and then move the reception to Jellyfish. That way, my guests are guarnteed to have one night of really good food. I spoke to the WC there and she seems completely on it! And now have my date reserved. 

 

I also emailed the AM resort people about the bad reviews about the food on all the travel sites. I haven't heard back and will say it again - I think you ladies should be doing the same thing. It may be the only way to get any sort of change. One of my bf's stayed at a NOW in Mexico and loved it - not one complaint. So I'm sticking to the idea that they still need to sort out the turn over and it will get better. 

[deesanders33]

Working on group rate now but I think 540 pp for 4 days