Paradisus Palma Real wedding

[NeveWhite]

Hi past brides. I need some serious advice.  We put a deposit at the Paradisus Palma Real, and are finding out some "Hidden" service/tax fees.  We are bringing 80 plus guests to their resorts, we do not want to get stuck with BS fees, nor do we want our guests to.  We plan on spending some money here, but after bringing all these guests to their resort, they charge us a 26% tax?? Which was not mentioned until after we made the initial deposit. Is this normal? Do we move to the other hotel we liked?  We did stay at the Paradisus PR for our site visit, so I'm sure that's why it stuck out in our head.  The Majestic seemed much more upfront, and quoted us actual prices, not a price plus 26%.  What else are they going to sneak in??  Any advice is greatly appreciated!  We are on a tight budget, and have no room for hidden fees.

[Cassie South]

Hi Neve,

 

I'm sorry to hear that, it is one of the frustrations of dealing with not just properties directly, but airlines as well. An advertised price in the travel industry is rarely what you actually pay but normally they will tell you before you deposit. I've worked in travel for years and sometimes reservations staff just forget. I would hope the intent isn't to rip you off. Be very weary if you are booking your own airfare too because the airlines are even worse. They will advertise a one way price before tax when legally you can't even fly one way into the destination! I've seen airlines advertising flights for less than a third of the real price.

 

As Destination Wedding planners, we are always sure to quote the total plus the tax so that our brides are not mislead.

 

My advice would be to try negotiating. We have to negotiate almost every wedding contract we do in order to make sure our brides get a fair rate without surprises.

 

Good luck!

 

Ginger @ Blue Petal

 

 

[kmhg]

Hi there,

I just got back from my wedding at PPR and wrote my review herer:

http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/products/paradisus-palma-real-resort-all-inclusive/reviews/4443

 

I tried to post it in this forum bc it wouldn't let me create a new thread, but it was removed by Tammy. If you have any questions, please don't hesistate to ask. I loved my experience there and would recommend it to anyone.

 

Best,

Kari

[Chelle2BMorrell]

Hi NeveWhite,

 

the pricing at PPR was confusing to me, and it was somewhat late in the planning process when i learned i'd have to pay extra for things i assumed would be included.  i was so happy in the end with how things turned out, i do feel like it was worth every penny, but leading up to the wedding, it really stressed me out.  PPR is BY FAR the nicest hotel i've stayed, so i think you should stay!  a few notes....

 

- if you pay with CC, they will charge you 3%.  Make sure you send a check ahead of time so it makes it there in time. 

- tax in Dominican Republic is high.  everywhere.  alcohol is 26%. everything else should be 16%!  Make sure you read it correctly. 

- The Romance department told us we did not have to tip the wait staff because they are paid on salary, so you can save tip money there if you choose... (we werent planning on it, but they were so great, that we tipped all of the waitstaff at the end of the reception anyway)

 

I was most confused about what costs what and what is included and what is not.  if you ever have questions- send me a message- i'll answer as best i can!

 

chelle

[Chelle2BMorrell]

also, - if you are on a budget- bring stuff from the dollar store for your decor!  We can get stuff so much cheaper than they can down there.  stick to basic flowers and bring items to decorate with that travel well. lanterns, paper goods, material, picture frames, etc...

 

chelle

 

[heavenone]

Chelle2BMorrell, if you don't mind me asking... how much did you tip the wait staff? Did you give the money to the wedding coordinator to distribute? I'd love to tip them if they do an awesome job, I'm just not sure how much $ I should plan on bringing with me.

[Chelle2BMorrell]

we gave 20 bucks to each server/bar tender.... you'll have to ask someone in the family to do it.  not sure that the wedding coord feel comfortable carrying your money around all night.  we gave 50 to the DJ... 15 to each of the dominican trio members, and 20 to the violinist... hope that helps!  I also gave 50 to Sarah and 50 to Andrea (Romance) because they did such an amazing job the day of!  (All of the waitstaff and romance tips were last minute- we were not planning on it, but they were SO AWESOME, my husband walked around with a wad and handed out cash after the last dance!)

 

Chelle

[erica12]

hey ladies

 

im considering having my wedding at the palma real, but I am concerned with the food at the resort.I have seen not great reviews. Any feedback on that?

[megnewton]

Did your stay at the resort include the Food and Alcohol or what that something extra you had to pay for while you were there?

[JanelleB]

Hi past brides! Can anyone tell me what information i should tell my guests with their invitation? Anything i should highlight or warn them about?