2015-2016 Moon Palace Brides

[nelmo]

Thanks @@Wafflesmom for the list! Much appreciated!

And thanks @@misbosox for the breakdown. That's kind of what I feared was going on... I guess I can understand the one charge (even though the photographs are supposed to be a gift to us), but it seems unreasonable to charge us for multiple people based on the equipment they choose to bring to the resort. I hope you guys can have your groomsman film without the charge!

Our coordinator is Abril and I think she hates us for asking so many questions, but we'll bring this up and let everyone know if we hear anything else useful.

Hope everyone is well!

[TammyWright]

We are a Platinum Agency (top tier) with Palace.  In addition to the standard group perks, we are also currently offer:

 

1. Bride and groom fly free

2. free rooms and upgrade

 

You can rad our reviews, see some of our promotions, and contact us through the links in my signature.

[KatyM81]

Hi everyone,

Here is the review of our trip and wedding at the Moon Palace that I just posted - all in all, it was pretty perfect. I can't imagine anything that we would change, the hotel was awesome and the actual wedding and events ran so perfectly. Please let me know if you have questions about anything, I'm happy to help!

 

Our wedding at the Moon Palace truly exceeded my expectations. Our entire trip was wonderful and my husband and I were commenting the whole time about how we wouldn’t have changed a thing. For anyone considering booking their wedding at MP I would suggest it 100%! I’ll go through each section and if anyone has any questions please feel free to contact me!

 

Booking the trip -  We were traveling out of Toronto with 9 other people and used Air Transat vacations for our package - I was relatively happy with them, although our flight times (found out a few months AFTER we book everything), were not the greatest. But that was a minor inconvenience compared to the ease of everything else. As the bride and groom we got priority boarding, extra luggage allowance, and 1 free person (air/hotel, taxes not included) for every 10 booked. We also had quite a few people coming out of the US, and when they booked through Jayne they were recorded as a part of our wedding group to qualify us for the 75 room night benefits. We did have a few families who did not book through her, but we were still able to hit the 75 room nights and get those benefits. 

 

Offsite wedding coordinator - I was first assigned Renee, who I worked with the majority of the time. As has been noted in other reviews, the response time was generally slow. However, I knew to expect this so I didn’t freak out about it too much. I would generally give her about a week to respond before sending a follow-up email. We were in communication so early that I never felt a big rush. I was able to get all of the information on the vendors from her without issues, and she sent me lots of pictures of the locations and I was able to book the ones I wanted. Toward the end of our working together I was switched over to Mayla (not sure why), but the communication regarding this change came quickly and there were no bumps. Mayla was great to work with, she responded very quickly and with the couple of hiccups we had (some of the numbers on the documents were incorrect) she was super easy to work with to correct it.

 

Arriving at the hotel - We had transfers booked through our package and so it was super easy to exit the plane and know right where to go. MP is in a great location, not a long drive from the airport which is great! Our flight landed at 9pm so we didn’t have any of the issues that others seem to have had with arriving early and not having a room ready. Some of our other guests did get in before the check-in time, but the hotel held their bags, let them change into their suits, and gave them their wristbands so they could eat and go to the pool as though they were all checked in. I don’t think anyone had issues with this. I know a couple of guests had confusion with which section they were staying in (or rather, the drivers for their transfers did) and they went back and forth between Sunrise and Nizuc before arriving at the right location. Check-in was easy, no issues at all! Our group was all located in the same building in Sunrise, with the exception of a few people who were in Nizuc (and a few others who didn’t use our travel agent were in Grand). Nobody seemed to have big issues with this though.

 

Room - We had an ocean view room in the Sunrise section and it was perfect! We were close to the pool and lobby but it wasn’t super loud or anything. Considering the resort was full the whole time we were there it never felt that crowded! The room is a good size, same with the bathroom. We didn’t have any issues with the room at all, it’s where my bridesmaids and I got ready and it was plenty big enough!

 

Activities - Our guests definitely took advantage of the resort credit and played golf, went to the spa, did the swim with dolphins, etc. I don’t think anyone did the couples dinner, and we didn’t use the romantic dinner for two that was a part of our package, mostly because I had read it wasn’t worth it. The spa was lovely, we used the one at the golf course for massages and then the Nizuc one for hair the day of the wedding. I was able to book everything in advance as well, which was great to not have to worry about once we were there!

 

Food - Food was great everywhere! Breakfast and dinners were the best, we tried a bunch of places and I really can’t remember all the names. We did the Asian restaurant in Sunrise which was delicious, and the Italian and Mexican in Sunrise for dinners as well which were both good. I had high hopes for the Italian one at the golf course but that was probably our worst meal there. Not sure if it was just an off night or what… But still it was fine. Lunch was usually around the pool and we would grab a burger or grilled chicken and fruit, nothing crazy but always fresh and tasty! We loved the little cafe in the sunrise lobby that had popsicles and salads you could grab, that was a nice alternative! We did the breakfast via room service (putting in order the night before) a few times and that was all good - hot, lots of food. I used the room service once for lunch and it was also good, although it was slow late at night.

 

Onsite coordinator - I was assigned Leidi Laura and if you are lucky enough to get her just know you will be in GREAT hands! From the first meeting (we met the morning after we arrived, to fill out paperwork with our bridal party, then to go over everything we had booked) I knew everything would be okay. Following the advice of another bride who was married here, at the end of our meeting I gave her a gratuity card to show how appreciative we were of everything she had already done. I am sure that even if we had not done this should would have been great, but I really was so impressed by that first meeting that I was happy to give her a little something extra. She was at all of our events and on the day of the wedding she was working with her team to ensure everything ran smoothly. We gave her another gratuity card and one of our out of town bags at our last meeting because again, we were just so impressed with everything she had done. I never felt stressed at all!!

 

Decor - We used Grupo Gama, the approved vendor through the hotel and I couldn’t have been happier. Communication was great, and they were even at the hotel during my meeting with Laura to make a coupe of last minute changes. We actually ended up having a credit because our numbers had changed and we needed one less table, and they made this adjustment with a smile on their face, not trying to get me to buy more or anything! The decor at the wedding was all exactly as I had imagined as well! Their prices are a little high but since we weren’t spending much money on extras I was okay with giving them a little more. We used the complimentary package and then added in a couple things at the ceremony and I worked with them to create the look I wanted at the reception. Super easy!

 

Events - We had a little bachelorette cocktail hour at the Tucan Terrace that I invited all the ladies in our group to. It was a nice gathering to have just the women in one place and get to talk to those people I hadn’t really seen yet. The food was delicious and the bartenders made sure we didn't have an empty drink for a single second! We also had a welcome dinner the night before the wedding (we had several guests arrive the day before), which was at the Grand Terrace and was also a wonderful event. We did the international hors d’orves for the bachelorette and the BBQ for the welcome dinner. I recommend both locations for events as well! The grand terrace was pretty large but we were over in a corner and it felt more private and intimate than I was expecting. There was a nice big bar there too!

 

Photographer - We found a photographer from home who we brought with us. Such a good decision! She took pictures at all of the events and we had her for the full wedding day. She had an assistant as well, and the two of them became additional fun guests during the day as well! I can’t wait to see the pictures! 

 

Wedding day - I went with my mother in law, sister in law and cousin to the Nizuc spa to get our hair done at 12 (wedding was at 5). They did a great job, I had a general idea of what I wanted but no specific picture. She took my descriptions and gave me exactly what I was thinking of! And very quickly too, we were all done in less than an hour (except for my cousin, who has very long hair and wanted a more complex style). The hair stayed the whole night, even though lots of wind and dancing! At 2 my bridesmaids came to my room to start getting ready, which is where the photographer started taking all of her getting ready pictures. My best friend is a makeup artist so she did my makeup, which was a lot of fun as well. We ordered champagne and snacks to the room and had a little party! My now-husband got ready in my sisters room with his groomsmen, and I think we both felt like we had plenty of space (I had considered doing the bridal room for the day but for the $500 or whatever they were asking for it decided against it, which I feel like was a good decision). Laura called up to the room around 4:30 saying to get ready, that they would be sending someone for me shortly. My sisters (who were walking me down the aisle) and I were picked up in a golf cart by another member of the wedding staff, who was also great. Once we got to the Caribbean Beach (in the Grand section, I highly recommend this location!!!) Laura met us and organized the bridal party for their walk. The walk down to the beach is a bit long but I liked this since it means it’s more private. The set up looked great and our judge was awesome! We wrote our own vows and then he added in some extra stuff - we signed our papers and then that was it! It lasted about 20 minutes which was just right. We took some pictures while everyone went up to the Tucan Garden for cocktail hour, then joined everyone in the Tucan terrace for the reception. We did Mexican hors d’orves and buffet, and it was delicious! Well, we didn’t get to the cocktail hour in time but everyone else said it was great. The location was so pretty, right on the water and the perfect size for our group of 47. It was a bit windy, so just keep that in mind in terms of decor (I had table numbers on rather flimsy holders that just blew over, would have gotten something else if I had realized how windy it was going to be!) The reception was so fun, we ate and then pretty much danced the rest of the time! We hired Disco Movil and I’m so glad we did. His communication was great and the night went off perfectly. So worth the outside vendor fee, especially since his prices are so low that he’s still cheaper than JSAV (who has quite a few negative reviews). We ended the night with sparklers, which was fun although it was so windy I was a little worried something was going to catch on fire! But I can’t wait to see those pictures

 

Well I think that’s all of the big stuff - if anyone has any questions please feel free to let me know!!! I know how helpful these reviews were for me when I was planning so I’m happy to help where I can! Our trip and wedding were absolutely perfect, we would not have changed a thing!!

[TheBHolders]

Has anyone heard that Palace is now charging a fee to use the ballrooms starting at $1000 depending on the group size? I saw it mentioned in a Facebook group a few weeks ago and everyone I came across said there was no fee. So i contacted my wedding coordinator and she confirned. She said the policy was implemented in October 2014. I love how I had to ask first to get this information. I signed my contract in September 2014. Since then the outside vendor fee for photographers was lowered to $400 however since my contract says $800 the $800 still applies. I plan to fight Palace on this and I won't hesitate to move my wedding to hard rock. I have about 50 guests booked.

[Wafflesmom]

@@KatyM81 congratulations and thank you so much for your review!

 

@@TheBHolders I have never heard of a $1000 fee to use the ballroom, is that new? I know you've always asked for the ballroom, did they not tell you this when you requested this venue? I'm so angry for you! Check your contract because I'm pretty sure that the on,y extra location fee that was mentioned was for locations like the beach and the grand terrace.

 

And I'm surprised that your contract had $800 outside vendor fee for photographers. I thought they had just recently (Jan 2015) changed it to $800. So the $400 was only done for Oct-Dec?

[SunshineDreamKay]

Has anyone heard that Palace is now charging a fee to use the ballrooms starting at $1000 depending on the group size? I saw it mentioned in a Facebook group a few weeks ago and everyone I came across said there was no fee. So i contacted my wedding coordinator and she confirned. She said the policy was implemented in October 2014. I love how I had to ask first to get this information. I signed my contract in September 2014. Since then the outside vendor fee for photographers was lowered to $400 however since my contract says $800 the $800 still applies. I plan to fight Palace on this and I won't hesitate to move my wedding to hard rock. I have about 50 guests booked.

I actually spoke to my wedding coordinator today and was surprised when she told me it was $30 per head for use of the ballroom. I too was sure my contract only states other outdoor locations being an additional cost. I'm going to have another look over my contract as this will bump our costs up by approx. $1500.

[TheBHolders]

I actually spoke to my wedding coordinator today and was surprised when she told me it was $30 per head for use of the ballroom. I too was sure my contract only states other outdoor locations being an additional cost. I'm going to have another look over my contract as this will bump our costs up by approx. $1500.

When did you sign your contract? I received information today that this policy was implemented in December 2014, so if you signed your contract before that the fee doesn't apply

[SunshineDreamKay]

@@TheBHolders I signed in March but it doesn't say anything in my contract about this charge

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[TheBHolders]

@@SunshineDreamKay which resort are you getting married at? Contact your wedding coordinator

[misbosox]

If they changed policies after you signed they have to honor what the rates were back when signed.  That is how I locked in few things.  We started working with palace back in late 2013 so I was able to lock in few things plus we didn't pick our photographer until they offered the 400 deal so we were able to lock that.  Every year more things change, every resort is like that. 

 

@@KatyM81 did you do the dolphin excursion?  I know they moved it to off site.  Just wondering how many hours of the day does it take up now?   And what do they have at the dock where the dolphins use to be?

 

Also, I keep getting conflicting info on using the vip area of Nior.  I first heard it was only $100 something per bottle service.  Then I was told its about $300-400 for a table for 6.   Does any one actually know?   I just want to be able to reserve the upper back area of the club and who exactly to contact.  We have 30 people but I only think maybe 20-25 might go.