2013 Paradisus Palma Real

[darleneg2b]

They called me to change my location before the ceremony began. That is why they could not use the lighting that was requested. Sorry, you had issues too. 

Thanks! Do you mind sharing with me the contact information of the people you emailed? You can PM me. Thanks!

[luza87]

Luza 87 your pics are gorgeous!  What a beautiful bride you were!!!  Glad you had a great experience and thanks so much for sharing!  I have a pretty laid back attitude, as well as my fiance and I think our wedding will be a memorable experience...... As far as some of the other reviews, I just have to point out that it is a little upsetting.  Some reviews are from brides I never saw active on this thread and some have been very active.  If you didn't have the wedding of your dreams I am sorry to hear that.  Weddings are costly in the US and at a destination and so much planning is involved!  I have definitely had my major stressful moments in planning for sure. What I find most upsetting is now taking the time to post all about your awful experience. I know this won't go over well but I think it is a little mean spirited towards some of us brides who are coming up so soon, as well as to those who recently made the decision to have their wedding at PPR!  I appreciate honesty and I know there will be glitches for sure...... we are traveling to another country where things are a little different, sometimes more laid back and definitely not the same experience of having a wedding in the US.  This is the type of wedding though that we wanted!  A beautiful destination, that we loved surrounded by family and friends. I am sure that this post won't be recieved very well, but it bothered me that much, that I felt compelled to respond.  The weeks leading up to leaving for the wedding are exciting and stressful and to be bombarded with awful reviews just causes more stress!  Don't get me wrong, sharing glitches and providing tips from your personal experience are definitely appreciated, but some of these previous posts were rather upsetting. Sincerely, Kelly

Hi there!! Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the pictures!! I am sure you're wedding day will be perfect!! I am actually not a laid back person which is why I made sure to go over every single thing during the meeting with Massiel and Lara so that I would be able to enjoy the rest of my vacation and my wedding day. Thankfully, that is exactly what happened!! May you have a wonderful wedding!!

[EVKnowsitall]

Originally Posted by Demetrice Smith 

 

I share the same exact feelings about the resort and Romance Team. Here is the list of issues I shared with them. They responded with a list of excuses and no apologies or recognition of their mistakes. 

 

 

Most of your complaints sound like mine. Sheesh lol. Communication here is a big issue. Still, I absolutely do not regret choosing this resort. Even with all its issues, I would choose it again- I would just change a few things. Sorry you went through bull.I think us brides just have a lot of anxiety so any little mistake is magnified leading up to your wedding. After the wedding you dont care. Like last night, they screwed up our dinner reservations and we were like "oh well" haha but had it been the rehearsal dinner heads would have rolled. Congrats Demetrice! You were a beautiful bride.

 

Originally Posted by darleneg2b 

 

 

Hi,

 

Congrats on your DW!!! While I do not regret having a destination wedding I would highly suggest selecting a different resort!!!! PPR is not at all what you pay for!

 

Hope this helps!

 

xoxo,

Darlene

I disagree...entirely. I can't wait to post my detailed review because honestly there are some ammmmmmmazing things about this place. And there are some things that can be improved. But every guest from our wedding (37) wants to return on their own. And our guests that stood elsewhere commented that they wish they stood here. I also went to another resort to do my trash the dress (which shall remain nameless for what I am about to say to not offend others married there) but it was disgusting. There was trash all over the beach, the workers were unkempt, the crowd of people staying there were rowdy, the beach was eroded. My fiance who is Dominican commented that it looked like the capital and not a resort. It was a resort we considered when choosing and we thanked our lucky stars we didn't. We saw 4 different popular resorts while here and we did not like any of them. PPR is clean, the food is great, MOST of the service is amenable, and we had a great experience save for a few blips with wedding mixups. I highly recommend this place to any bride. You have to pick and choose your battles. And you have to fight for what you want and put your foot down. The bridezilla needs to emerge! LOL I sure as hell know the wedding coordinators don't like me but I don't care. I had the wedding of my dreams. Do things the right way- don't hear my wrath! LOL I also didn't tip my coordinator. She didn't deserve it. I tipped the DJ and the photographer, but she got nothing from me. 

 

Originally Posted by luza87 

 

 

I am not sure why the bad reviews with the romance team. i just had my wedding there a week ago and my wedding day was perfect. Both Massiel and Natalia were on top of everything. The meeting before the day of the wedding is essential. Just make sure you go over every detail with them even if you had already discussed it in emails. They will make sure it goes the way you want it.

The issues with the resort that I had were because of one man that works at the reception of the reserve. He lacks customer service and we made sure he and management knew that.

 

Luza- every wedding gets different coordinators. Demetrice's experience sounds a lot like mine. My coordinator was Mariela and she needs an attitude adjustment. I think she is new to this because she does not know how to cater to a bride. Massiel is the manager- she is more pleasant to work with and a few times Mariela sought her to talk to me because she could not deal with me. After speaking with her after the wedding I realize its just her persona. I don't think she means to be bitchy but she comes across that way- she came across that way to EVERY guest at our wedding. So you had a pleasant experience because you probably had a coordinator who did her job in a more pleasant manner. 

 

Here's an example. I got married in the church. The church has windows that are open with just bars on them (not like a prison lol) anyway- people can see you walking in. I tried to hide but people sort of saw me slightly. We let the wedding party in. I asked my coordinator to close the doors. She told me "why everyone already saw you" WTF do you mean why? Because I said so! Even my godfather walking me down the aisle said "she wants to make an entrance close the doors. And she rolled her eyes. Is it that difficult of a request to honor? Besides, I wanted my videographer to catch that moment with the doors being opened. I did a first look but I was not wearing my veil and I wanted to make a statement. As a wedding coordinator- you just do as you're asked. She seems to have her own groove and thinks people should do what she wants and thats why she comes off abrasive. 

[EVKnowsitall]

Brides don't flip out lol that's why I said I would post a detailed review later. And if you read some of my other comments you will see I said I would choose this resort again and again for my wedding. The minor issues you deal with guess what? They happen everywhere. In your hometowns, in other hotels, in other countries. It is nothing that to me, would break my experience.

 

Kel- don't worry. I have been reliving my wedding over and over in my head. Everything turned out wonderful. That's why I refrained from posting on the boards until I could think through my entire experience. A few times I wanted to write bad reviews but I said let me wait and weigh the whole experience.And now sitting back- the things that upset me at first seem silly or seem like issues that everyone encounters during a wedding. It just happens. Accept that something will go wrong on your wedding day. Thats what all my married friends told me. Something will go wrong but you will not notice or you will not care because you are so wrapped in the moment. And it was true. A few minor things went wrong and I was like "fuck it" excuse my french- because I didn't care, I just kept staring at my husband. We have never been happier. It's a great feeling.

 

Like I said- I've been to 4 resorts since I've been here for various functions. Nothing compares to PPR. 

 

Any bride booking here has picked the right place, trust me. Whatever issues I speak of I just hope to share so other brides avoid them. I actually checked this thread while I was here and saw a few complaints on Mariela but only after. Had I seen them before I would have better handled my interactions with her. So any negatives here are just to help each other out. I have two friends getting married at PPR next year and they are both itching to sit with me and talk. And I will tell them all the good and the bad- but not to discourage them- to improve their experience when they are here.

 

I'm sorry if anyone was offended by my candor. I felt like everyone on this thread has been honest and forthcoming and I am a frequent poster who was super hyped to come so I don't want to take that away from anyone else here. Be super hyped! Your weddings will be amazing because the coordinator, a misplayed song, a missing flower- heck even seeing the other bride didn't- matter to me at all in the end. My wedding was fantastic. 

 

NONE OF YOU ARE MAKING A MISTAKE!!!!!!!!!!!! 

 

Can't wait to post pics!

[darleneg2b]

Originally Posted by EVKnowsitall 

 

Most of your complaints sound like mine. Sheesh lol. Communication here is a big issue. Still, I absolutely do not regret choosing this resort. Even with all its issues, I would choose it again- I would just change a few things. Sorry you went through bull.I think us brides just have a lot of anxiety so any little mistake is magnified leading up to your wedding. After the wedding you dont care. Like last night, they screwed up our dinner reservations and we were like "oh well" haha but had it been the rehearsal dinner heads would have rolled. Congrats Demetrice! You were a beautiful bride.

 

I disagree...entirely. I can't wait to post my detailed review because honestly there are some ammmmmmmazing things about this place. And there are some things that can be improved. But every guest from our wedding (37) wants to return on their own. And our guests that stood elsewhere commented that they wish they stood here. I also went to another resort to do my trash the dress (which shall remain nameless for what I am about to say to not offend others married there) but it was disgusting. There was trash all over the beach, the workers were unkempt, the crowd of people staying there were rowdy, the beach was eroded. My fiance who is Dominican commented that it looked like the capital and not a resort. It was a resort we considered when choosing and we thanked our lucky stars we didn't. We saw 4 different popular resorts while here and we did not like any of them. PPR is clean, the food is great, MOST of the service is amenable, and we had a great experience save for a few blips with wedding mixups. I highly recommend this place to any bride. You have to pick and choose your battles. And you have to fight for what you want and put your foot down. The bridezilla needs to emerge! LOL I sure as hell know the wedding coordinators don't like me but I don't care. I had the wedding of my dreams. Do things the right way- don't hear my wrath! LOL I also didn't tip my coordinator. She didn't deserve it. I tipped the DJ and the photographer, but she got nothing from me. 

 

 

Luza- every wedding gets different coordinators. Demetrice's experience sounds a lot like mine. My coordinator was Mariela and she needs an attitude adjustment. I think she is new to this because she does not know how to cater to a bride. Massiel is the manager- she is more pleasant to work with and a few times Mariela sought her to talk to me because she could not deal with me. After speaking with her after the wedding I realize its just her persona. I don't think she means to be bitchy but she comes across that way- she came across that way to EVERY guest at our wedding. So you had a pleasant experience because you probably had a coordinator who did her job in a more pleasant manner. 

 

Here's an example. I got married in the church. The church has windows that are open with just bars on them (not like a prison lol) anyway- people can see you walking in. I tried to hide but people sort of saw me slightly. We let the wedding party in. I asked my coordinator to close the doors. She told me "why everyone already saw you" WTF do you mean why? Because I said so! Even my godfather walking me down the aisle said "she wants to make an entrance close the doors. And she rolled her eyes. Is it that difficult of a request to honor? Besides, I wanted my videographer to catch that moment with the doors being opened. I did a first look but I was not wearing my veil and I wanted to make a statement. As a wedding coordinator- you just do as you're asked. She seems to have her own groove and thinks people should do what she wants and thats why she comes off abrasive. 

 

 

Ha-ha I think the coordinators hate me too and cringe every time they see my name pop up on their emails. I really think it's all about perception and every perceives things in different ways. I complete agree with you in term of the resort itself- it is gorgeous and was always clean! While we spent a lot less money than we would have spent if we would have had a local wedding it was still a good chunk of change. In my opinion, a DW is cheaper because usually less people attend- when you break it down to an amount per person cost it is only a tad bit less if not about the same as a local wedding. At the end of the day the small stuff doesn't matter but I will stick to my original statement that I don't think you get what you pay for. By no means was it regrettable and I have beautiful pictures as memories but wasn't what I expected in terms of the service of the romance team and resort. Everyone is entitled to their opinion but it really was my honest review.

 

xoxo,

Darlene

[angelnjewels]

Originally Posted by Demetrice Smith 

 

 

Thanks for your response. I really appreciate all of the answers to the questions asked.

[angelnjewels]

Ladies,

 

I just wanted to thank you all for your posts and reviews. Yes they do create anxiety!!! What can i say...to hear that its not up to what we expect is freaking bananas...mostly to the gals whose weddings are coming up.

 

Overall we are in this...money is paid, reservations made, invitations done and that is that.

 

(Guess i am feeling less anxious, thanks to all of you).

 

Now back to more questions. 

 

Do the girls who have already gotten married recommend staying at the reserve or royal service?

 

I like the reserve but do not like that it is adults only... My fiance wants to stay in royal service closer to all of our friends and family but i dont know if that is the best idea....do you have an option to do both if you want?

[angelnjewels]

Sorry for the question above... I meant "not" adults only!!!

[Rotha Penn]

Originally Posted by angelnjewels 

 

Ladies,

 

I just wanted to thank you all for your posts and reviews. Yes they do create anxiety!!! What can i say...to hear that its not up to what we expect is freaking bananas...mostly to the gals whose weddings are coming up.

 

Overall we are in this...money is paid, reservations made, invitations done and that is that.

 

(Guess i am feeling less anxious, thanks to all of you).

 

Now back to more questions. 

 

Do the girls who have already gotten married recommend staying at the reserve or royal service?

 

I like the reserve but do not like that it is adults only... My fiance wants to stay in royal service closer to all of our friends and family but i dont know if that is the best idea....do you have an option to do both if you want?

 

Anxiety is part of any event planning process, especially for your own wedding!  Do I regret having my wedding at PPR - no. Would I have done things differently if people would have shared honest feedback about the communications problem and some of the other issues people are talking about in advance of my wedding - yes.  No matter what, you will have a beautiful wedding. At the end of the day, you get to marry your best friend and you will only have beautiful pictures to look at. The minor details will fall to the wayside and you will look upon your wedding with pure joy.  Trust me, I am a type "A", thus a major control freak and my wedding wasn't even close to what I envisioned - it could have been a comedy because it was that bad. Our groomsman ordered the wrong colored pants and didn't realize it until the day of the wedding...seriously?  I digress, point is that I laugh and smile now when I think about my wedding, hiccups and all.  Just remember to enjoy the day and have fun no matter what.

 

As for the Reserve vs Royal Service (RS). We loved the Royal Service. Yes, the rooms in the reserve are newer and thus more modern but since the RS is on the main resort, you are closer to everything. The RS has 2 pool areas that are only for RS guests and the beach is literally a few steps away.  This is nice because you have more access to beach and pool cabanas.  Also, you get drink service with RS for the pool and beach areas.  You have to wait for go carts at the Reserve to take you to the main resort to the beach. Most of the guests that we met that stayed at the Reserve told us they spent most of their time at the main resort.  Since you get a butler as part of the RS package, I feel they tend to pamper those on their wedding/honeymoon, so that was an added bonus.  Hope this helps!

[Kel123073]

Thank you to everyone for taking the time to respond.  I guess I was just trying to  point out how some not all reviews were coming across as a god awful experience and how upsetting that can be to future brides.  I definitely appreciate feedback, advice and tips from past brides in order to help us with our weddings. 

 

As far as having never posted before, I did find it odd that you would take the time to write such a scathing review when never having taken the time to post anything previous.  It doesn't make it less valid I just was wondering why take the time now is all.  Thank y ou for your response though, I appreciate it.

 

Ev..... so glad you were happy in the end!!!  can't wait to see pics and I really appreciate the post with the feedback!  So funny one of my coworkers cousins was at a weddind there this July 5th,  maybe yours lol.  but anyway they said they had an amazing time.  I have been to other resorts there and none do compare!!!  I know exactly what you mean

 

thanks

kelly