Help! Can't Choose Btwn Barcelo Vs. Grand Palladium Vs. Grand Sirenis

Lalachka · July 19, 2014

Hi all,

I am having a hard time choosing between the 3 resorts listed above... I have read so many reviews and think it's making me more indecisive than actually helping...

I have not been to either of the three resorts so that isn't really helping... We are planning on getting married May 17-19 2015 and will be having around 70-80 guests.

My fiancee and I visited Gran Bahia Principe last Christmas and loved the resort but their wedding packages aren't looking as good as the the ones at Barcelo, GP, GS!

Is anyone else struggling making a decision?

IvanLuckiePhotography · July 19, 2014

I think they all are almost the same, from my photographer point of view, I think the Barcelo has more nice spots for photography, although I can do pictures anywhere I think this is my own opinion about those 3 resorts, happy planning!

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calgarybride2015 · July 19, 2014

Hello

I chose the Grand Sirenis for a few reasons -- know someone who married there, know tonnes of people who have stayed at the resort, the wedding packages are good and the price point for my guests was good.

I didn't look into the other resorts but if they have decent wedding packages I think you would be safe at all 3.

I looked at a Palladium resort in PV and their wedding packages also seemed good.

Good luck.

Edit: you can leave your head spinning researching resorts. So maybe pick a few must haves -- price point, location, kids club, etc. whatever is important to you and your guests. But from your short list, I think you are safe anywhere.

maredith · July 21, 2014

Been doing research on the diff resorts lately, and I have to say, I love the photos from the barcelo weddings!

saskbride · July 21, 2014

We have never been to Riviera Maya- so when looking at resorts we asked for our TA help in narrowing down resorts. We actually consulted three different TA and then reviewed all the properties that they had suggested. Grand Sirenis was on two of the threes list- and all the properties on the thirds lists were out of our price point.

Things that we looked for were:

- a private location for wedding

- large property with many activities on site

- many choices for food.

The one negative is that it is about an hour from the airport so not excited about that but I guess not a huge issue. I have known large groups that have gone to Grand Sirenis and been happy so took that into consideration too.. The information that they give you is very complete and the wedding coordinator/planner is amazing! She has sent me numerous pictures and price lists and gets back to you in the same day always! I fell in love with the palapa so that is how I chose the Grand Sirenis as my final choice!

LissaSou · July 22, 2014

Awesome. Let me know if you have any questions for me. And don't be discouraged if you don't hear from the resort for a bit. The planners are exceptionally organized, but are very busy.

When you emailed them did you share your desired wedding date? I'm under the impression based on what some other brides have said that they may be fully booked next May.

ETA: the Barcelo and Bahia were the other two resorts on our list

Edited July 22, 2014 by LissaSou

calgarybride2015 · July 27, 2014

Thanks, I am waiting for her to accept my request

We have narrowed it down and GP is our #1, GS #2 and Barcelo #3.

Now waiting to hear if our desired date(s) are available... I emailed GP on Sunday, so hoping to get a response very soon!

1 hour from the airport isn't so bad... we had about the same commute when we visited grand bahia and it flew by... just have a couple of beers and you will be good to go!

I believe the GS and the Bahia properties are very close, if not next door to eachother.

Any place in the Mayan Riviera will be a long bus ride because you have to fly into Cancun, but I agree it goes quick and there is so much to look at. It didn't phase me, but lets hope my kids do ok with it.

MJTK · July 28, 2014

hate to be the bearer of bad news but from what the girls have been saying on theBDW GP site the GP is booked up till June of 2015...so that may be a deciding factor...but email them first before ruling it out completely in case they had a cancelation. .. The Sirenis was our TA second choice for us but we have been there and needed a place that has trams for some of our guests. Another resort she compared to GP wad Grand Sunset Princess.. but we picked GP

calgarybride2015 · July 28, 2014

@@MJTK ... wow, they are that full? That's crazy. I really have no idea how it works, all I know is the week I am going in January I had my pick of dates. Maybe there are other weddings, but the location I wanted was open? not sure, but I bet at this point they are filling up with less than 6 months left.

You'd think some weeks would be a lot more quiet than others too just due to the seasons, holidays, etc.

Moments That Matter · July 28, 2014

Congrats on your upcoming Mayan Riviera wedding, Lalachka!!! and welcome to our forum community

Ivan is right about all 3 of your final list resorts providing Great wedding photo backdrops, so you're "good" whichever one you choose - big exhale

Here are some magical wedding "moments that matter" Linc captured at each one to show you their unique beauty...with more at their album links, for added inspiration......enjoy !!!

Barcelo Maya Palace Wedding album....with sample photo here:

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