Help! Riu Vs Dreams Vs Grand Palladium Vs Sandos

[britt9702]

Hi! I got engaged a few months ago and am having a hard time narrowing down a location.  It took me a long time just to get to these 4.

 

Does anyone have advice/information on any of them? pros/cons? capacity? communication? how were your guests treated? entertainment? DJ? 

 

We're trying to decide between:

Riu Palace Riviera Maya

Grand Palladium Kantenah

Sandos Playacar Beach

Dreams Puerto Adventuras

 

Thanks in advance to everyone! :)

[CierraG]

Dreams really does a great job in catering to weddings. We picked Dreams Tulum and the wedding coordinator has been great to work with easy to talk to and very accomodating. We chose not too small and not too large of a resort due to the fact we don't want to lose our guests and its easier if the resort it smaller. The grounds are absolutely gorgeous and had the Mexican flare I was looking for as we are getting married in Mexico for a reason. It really is hard to narrow down as there is always pros and cons no matter what you pick but I  am sure you will make the right choice.

[acw271011]

Your location is the big decision! I'm still trying to nail one down and keep waffling just when I think I've made my mind up about one! Sandos is on my list, and I've just started to look at the Riu Palace - I thik the the RM. I've also got Gran Porto but I think that one will go and Grand Sunset Princess too. I would love Playacar Palace but it's going to be out of the budget. I've started trying to lean towards an adult resort but no final decision and I want something close to Playa del Carmen. I love the Royal but it's really costly.

 

Do you have a travel agent yet? Definitely work with one if you don't yet have one. Not sure where you're from, but if you're in the US, Wright Travel that owns this site are destination wedding specialists. They would be able to help you out with your requirements, number of guests and what budget you're trying to work with.

 

Good luck and happy planning!

[Icis]

@@britt9702, I'm getting married in RIU Palace RM. If you have any questions about that resort, you can ask me.

Pros:

Access to all the RIU resorts nearby (I believe there are 5 of them)

Outside vendors are allowed ($250/vendor - cheap compared to some other resorts)

Good reviews based on TripAdvisor, Google, Expedia, etc.

Within our budget

Colonial style buildings (looks good as a backdrop for our photos)

Close to PDC

Not a rocky beach

 

Cons:

Cannot play music or have dance floor if having semi-private reception

Semi-private reception is limited to 27 guests for the first seating

Wedding information for the RIUs are some times hard to find

Some people have trouble communicating with wedding coordinator. I did find some difficulty, but she usually replies within 2 or 3 days.

Ceremony locations may be limited depending on what you are looking for

[TheBHolders]

I stayed at the Riu palace riviera Maya and I do not like it for weddings. I have considered Riu palace Mexico, but I decided on Playacar Palace. I do not recommended RPRM because there is no privacy during your ceremony. The gazebo is right outside of the entrance for the spa/gym so you will have that traffic, which isn't too bad. BUT this gazebo is also right next to the pool. We saw about 3 ceremonies, which were all back to back but they took place during the pool activities. The pool has a DJ and the music plays loud during the wedding ceremonies. If that would be a problem for you maybe you can have them lower it. I also considered sandos Playacar, but my heart was set on palace resorts for their group incentives. I will say this though, if I got married in punta Cana I would've chose hard rock, and if I got married in any other country, I would've chose Riu. The service at RPRMis amazing, but the reviews about the mold are VERY true, we came home and our stuff smelled like mildew. We also had trouble sleeping due to the sheets feeling damp. I have had friends stay at Riu palace Mexico and have hadno complaints. I recommend you look on trip advisor to see the reviews of the resorts you choose. Yes the wedding resort is important, but you also want to make sure your guest will be satisfied on what they just spent money on. Hope this helps

[fluffykim]

I have done site visits and also chose Dreams Tulum for all of the reasons above.  Many resorts can host weddings but Dreams DOES weddings.  As you compare packages and such, you will quickly find that true.

 

i highly suggest you have your travel agent contact one of the resorts and set up a site visit..you will get more than 75% off room rate (we did) and go for like 3-4 days and tour and see for yourself. I feel 10x better now that i did

 

eitehr way..good luck and congrats

[Moments That Matter]

Welcome to our forum community, britt9702, and Congrats on your upcoming Mayan Riviera wedding!!! 

 

You four final choices are all very picturesque, and if it helps your peace of mind - all will make wonderful backdrops, and give you amazing wedding photos.

 

Since a picture is worth a thousand words, here are some images to show you how beautiful your wedding would be at each one:

 

RUI Palace Riviera Maya Wedding album link.....with an excerpt here.....

 

Grand Palladium Kantenah Wedding album link......with sample here:

 

Sandos Playacar Wedding album......one photo seen here:

 

Dreams Puerto Aventuras Wedding album link, and one of the photos from there seen here: 

 

So as you can see - while you may have many other factors to consider, you can relax in knowing which ever one you choose, your Wedding Day Love Story in photos will be AWESOME!!!

....big exhale......all the best with your research and planning......cheers!     team MTM

[SusanMarie813]

@@fluffykim I am new to this process we are looking at Tulum as one of our choices and now we are thinking we should do a mini site visit.   I see you said you get more then 75% off the rate that would be an awesome choice.  Do you happen to have a recommendation for a travel agent?

 

We are also going to a wedding in the Bahamas in April so we will be able to do some site visits while we are there hoping to anyway... 

I have done site visits and also chose Dreams Tulum for all of the reasons above.  Many resorts can host weddings but Dreams DOES weddings.  As you compare packages and such, you will quickly find that true.

 

i highly suggest you have your travel agent contact one of the resorts and set up a site visit..you will get more than 75% off room rate (we did) and go for like 3-4 days and tour and see for yourself. I feel 10x better now that i did

 

eitehr way..good luck and congrats