Sanctuary Cap Cana Brides

[eve176]

I haven't been on this forever!  

 

I'm trying to reply to Annabel...  I got married in Sanctuary in August, almost 6 months ago now.  But reading your post took me back to the dreadful feeling I had because I too was in your shoes.  It was 3 weeks to my wedding and no one was communicating with me due to musical chairs within the resort's administration.  I had been working with the resort planner for months only to find out that she quit and went to another resort, leaving me frantic and on the verge of a breakdown (thankfully, I prayed and thought only positive thoughts).  

  I had changed my choice of resort because Sanctuary was way more beautiful than our original choice, which was where our group was staying.  I wanted to make sure I made the right decision and I reached out to a bride through Trip Advisor and she told me that even though the communication might not be perfect, and they might not do things the way we do them or with the timing and/or consideration, not to worry- because her wedding was a dream- and our wedding turned out to be an absolute dream.  Do we have regrets?- absolutely not.  The two most important things for me are setting, and food.  This place is gorgeous and the food was yummy and everyone loved it.  We had a big group so I was adamant about hiring a day of coordinator to help manage the groups smooth transition and comfort (we shuttled our guests in private limo busses from the other resort) and she helped immensely.  Because of the last minute change the coordinator at Cap Cana started with our wedding from scratch and she did a very good job, considering the circumstances.  

  I'm sorry to hear some people are having such a hard time but I will say that when we stayed there for our honeymoon, there were a lot of closed quarters because of lack of occupancy (better for us we had the resort to ourselves!).  But really, I don't know what the deal is now, they seem to still be trying to find a balance within their admin structure.  There is so much competition in PC now and I don't know if Cap Cana is being marketed enough but the pictures speak volumes.  

  Let me know if you have any other questions!!!

 

All the best...

[eve176]

I haven't been on this forever!  

 

I'm trying to reply to Annabel...  I got married in Sanctuary in August, almost 6 months ago now.  But reading your post took me back to the dreadful feeling I had because I too was in your shoes.  It was 3 weeks to my wedding and no one was communicating with me due to musical chairs within the resort's administration.  I had been working with the resort planner for months only to find out that she quit and went to another resort, leaving me frantic and on the verge of a breakdown (thankfully, I prayed and thought only positive thoughts).  

  I had changed my choice of resort because Sanctuary was way more beautiful than our original choice, which was where our group was staying.  I wanted to make sure I made the right decision and I reached out to a bride through Trip Advisor and she told me that even though the communication might not be perfect, and they might not do things the way we do them or with the timing and/or consideration, not to worry- because her wedding was a dream- and our wedding turned out to be an absolute dream.  Do we have regrets?- absolutely not.  The two most important things for me are setting, and food.  This place is gorgeous and the food was yummy and everyone loved it.  We had a big group so I was adamant about hiring a day of coordinator to help manage the groups smooth transition and comfort (we shuttled our guests in private limo busses from the other resort) and she helped immensely.  Because of the last minute change the coordinator at Cap Cana started with our wedding from scratch and she did a very good job, considering the circumstances.  

  I'm sorry to hear some people are having such a hard time but I will say that when we stayed there for our honeymoon, there were a lot of closed quarters because of lack of occupancy (better for us we had the resort to ourselves!).  But really, I don't know what the deal is now, they seem to still be trying to find a balance within their admin structure.  There is so much competition in PC now and I don't know if Cap Cana is being marketed enough but the pictures speak volumes.  

  Let me know if you have any other questions!!!

 

All the best...

[Redheadedone]

I am still having a lot of issues communicating with them but it has gotten slightly better. My guests still can't book rooms through our group reservation and now, since they are excepting reservations again online, it makes me nervous. At least when no one could book I didn't have to worry about them running out of rooms. Now that it's only my group who can't book (our code doesn't work) we are at a disadvantage. I only blocked rooms for 3 days but most people plan on coming a week so the other 4 days are subject to availability. Also, the resort has lowered their prices drastically to try to increase occupancy so my group rate is now higher then any rate you can book online. I'm trying to renegotiate that with them. They say they are hoping to get my group code working again by tomorrow. Fingers crossed!!

[Redheadedone]

Well, that didn't go so well.  The reply they gave me was just to send me a copy of the contract I had with the other management company and tell me that they will honor it - and would be happy to add additional rooms at the contract rate.  Hello!?  The whole point of asking about revising/canceling the contract was that I wasn't going to have my guests pay 150% more than their new published rates.  And you ask me to add MORE rooms at the increased rate?  I almost punched my computer screen.  I don't know how much more I can take of their place.

[carori]

Hi Redheadedone, sorry about this, I'm now wondering if i have the same problem :S what are the rates you see that now are being offered? I'm trying to check on their website but it doesn't work anymore!!

[Redheadedone]

Carori - I have no idea what the rates would have been during the timeframe of your wedding.  My wedding isn't until June, which is the off season, so I am guessing they would be quite different.  I'd keep checking the website.  It seems to pop up and down all the time.

[Redheadedone]

By the way, I should disclose, I finally did get a hold of someone at the resort that was able to help me and seem to have gotten everything worked out at this point.  Fingers crossed everything will go smoothly from here!

[Annabel]

Hi all,

Thanks so much for all the feedback.  It is so nice to know I am not alone in all this craziness.  By way of an update, we are back on track with a new wedding planner, Victoria.  Kary has left the property on Friday, February 15, 2013 and left all wedding arrangements in Victoria's hands.  Since then, I have heard from the spa and Victoria.  So I am  happy to say that things are coming together, and not a moment too soon.  

 

While our room code no longer works, the best way to make sure your guests get the right rate seems to be to just have them call directly.  After that, they will need to send a confirming email.  The hotel seems to be pretty good at tracking all the reservations.  So far, all my guest are accounted for.

 

Currently, or so I was told, Sanctuary is using the same basic wedding packages.  But you all should be aware that the Silver package for liquor is no longer available.  I have to tell you we were planning on that price point but oh well.  That is it for now.  I will write again if I learn anything useful in the coming weeks.

[Redheadedone]

Unfortunately, I am still having issues with reservations.  I may have settled on a new price with that that's in line with the current pricing, but without the group code working it has been very difficult to make reservations.  After the debacle that went down earlier I was told to direct all of my reservations to the resort managers personal secretary.  Even doing that, it's been almost a week since we put in requests with no responses.  I find it very disappointing that it takes that long to make a reservation......in fact, I never even got a "Thanks, I'll get right on that" response.....very frustrating.  I don't anticipate that they would ever sell out - but if I end up with guests who can't make reservations I am going to be furious.

[the1]

Does anyone have a good, recently used number and/or email address for them?  I've tried 809-562-9191 and the person who answers either hangs up on me, or says they will transfer me to the wedding planner, then I get a recording that says the number is no good.  Also sent an email to [email protected] but haven't heard back.  We booked a room for beginning of June 2013 and are hoping to have a simple ceremony there, but haven't been able to reach anyone....

 

I have seen earlier comments about them not booking weddings after April - does anyone know if that's still the case?