Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall

[tiffanyt]

Oh yeah, I know what you mean. When I did the preview, I thought it was all set but my coordinator walked me over to the salon to schedule the appointment while I was there even though I thought it had already been set. I didn't do the hair trial, just the makeup.

[Bride2Be2017]

@tiffanyt 

@@Kcusack89

 

Hi Ladies, 

The last couple of days have been so hectic. In truth I am freaking out a bit. I like the look of Hyatt Ziva so far and we were able to get a date next summer penciled in. My fiance and parents felt like it was important that we see the resort before booking so we are going there NEXT weekend (Sept 24-25).

 

I was feeling really good about the whole thing until I read reviews about the standard hotel rooms at the Ziva. I dont want my guests to fly all the way to Jamaica to be met with paint peeling walls, outdated fixtures, broken a/c and elevators that are apparently "a joke". Has anyone else heard about this? From what I understand there are newer buildings on the Ziva side but those come with a substantial increase in cost. I know that both of you have received some push back regarding guests wanting to stay at other hotels; perhaps they are reading the reviews I am - yikes! 

By chance has anyone heard anything about plans to remodel the rooms in the old Ritz buildings on the property? This seems to be the biggest issue staying at the Hyatt Ziva. I read a recent trip advisor review that said the Ziva will be completely remodeled in 2 months but that could just be hearsay. Here is the review. My TA was able to lock in the 55% promotion which is wonderful but if most guests wont be staying there, then I will just end up paying for a ton of day passes at $125 a pop (Am I correcting in reading that other 2017 brides were quoted $100?). Plus, the whole point of a wedding is about joining two families together not just two people. I really would prefer that all of my guests stay at the same hotel so that they can bond.  

Also, it goes without saying that I will bring back as much information as possible from my quick visit next weekend. If you guys have any questions you think I should make sure to ask let me know. My plan is to get a really good video or at least full panoramas of the ceremony, cocktail, and reception areas. So key in helping us plan! I honestly might just bring a tape measurer too. I want to see if it would be possible to drape the two columns toward the back of the deck, otherwise it looks quite bare as guests turn around for their first look at the bride.

They have penciled me in for 8/20/2017 and I have chosen sky deck for ceremony, oceanside deck for cocktail, and st andrew's ballroom for reception. (Tis true, only one option for a plated dinner, so may have to go with buffet). I was originally planning for July 2017 but with limited date options, I am going with Aug 20. I hope my TA can score the same rates or Aug 2017 as she did for July 2017.

If anyone can PM me the information for Donna Dally Floral Design - that would be soooo appreciated. My current quote for centerpieces is at $250 a pop (daaaaamn). 

Finally, @@jjbrown  I sincerely hope your wedding was everything you dreamed of and more!! Much love from your Hyatt Ziva sister brides <3 

 

[tiffanyt]

@@Bride2Be2017 That's great that you were able to reserve your date and book a trip so soon!

 

The problem some of my guests have is with the prices of the rooms and the fact that there is a $100 fee for the day pass for guests who are not staying at the resort. My day pass price is $100 they discounted my rate because I had some issues with the wedding staff early on but it is normally $125. My travel agent was also able to discount my rates to the 55% off which helps!

I stayed at the Ziva in March and didn't have any problems and the visit was what made us choose the resort, I loved it before we went but I loved it even more after seeing it in person. During that trip we stayed at and toured 2 other resorts that were were debating on and in comparison to the other 2 the Ziva definitely stood out for us and I could see myself walking down the aisle there.

We were on the main floor which apparently is actually the 3rd floor of the resort so I can't really speak about the elevators because we didn't need them throughout our stay. But we did use the elevators on the side where the sky deck is and those seemed to work fine. That part of the resort is also brand new so all the rooms on that side are new. We didn't stay in an updated room but I thought the accommodations were still very nice. We did ask to see an updated room while we were there and it was really beautiful, my pictures aren't the greatest but I'll attach them anyway.

I didn't notice any paint peeling in my room or throughout the resort but I also wasn't really looking for it so I can't really speak on that. My A/C and everything else in the room worked fine. As far as the reviews, there are very few negative reviews and I did ask my travel agent for a review from one of her former brides who got married last year and that bride loved the resort as well so I feel like with the bad reviews you have to take them with a grain of salt and just see for yourself. The service was also so amazing! I saw a review on Tripadvisor that complained about the service but I thought they were all very attentive during my stay.

As far as room types, to my understanding the Zilara rooms are all updated becasue that part of the resort is new. The "junior suites" at the Ziva are the updates ones where as the standard suites are the rooms from when the resort was the Ritz. I just asked my travel agent to clarify though so I'll let you know what she says.

As far as Donna Dally, I found her on fb and messaged her, she responded and was supposed to e-mail me but I haven't heard from her and its been a few weeks. Also, I messaged @@jjbrown and she said that she cannot recommend her after her experience so you may not want to book her.

[Kcusack89]

I'm stating at the zilara side and so are most of my guest in fact I don't think any are booking ziva even though I gave them the option Incase some wanted to bring their children.

 

You'll be seeing the rooms in real life before I do

 

As for center pieces I'm not doing any floral arrangements I want candles and shells so basically think I'm doing it myself. I'm only expecting 40 or so guests. I'll have to confirm how many sit at a table but I bet I'll only have to make a few arrangements. I'd rather spend the money on decor

[Bride2Be2017]

Hey Ladies! 

Just a quick update to say thanks so much for your feedback. Been looking at recent trip advisor reviews and many have mentioned construction going on. So looks like the rumors might be true - updates are happening at the hotel so the rates we locked in are quite good and we can expect an even better resort next year.  @@tiffanyt I would maybe mention to any guests complaining about the room prices that the value is really quite good considering that I dont think you will find much cheaper in Montego bay at an all-inclusive rate unless you are opting for the Holiday Inn (no judgement here obviously but cmon, it's Jamaica. If you're gonna fly there you should truly treat yourself). I thought the Hyatt group rates were a bit pricey at first, but the initial feedback from family has actually been quite positive regrading cost, especially since it's all inclusive. Once winter hits, and the days get shorter and darker maybe they'll realize how much they need a vacation

Site tour at Hyatt is all booked, still need to see if I'll have time to do a make-up trail while there but probably wont. My parents felt that it was imperative we see at least one other place since we are making the trip, so we will also give a look at Ibersostar as well. 

Also just wondering, what travel agents are you ladies working with? Feel free to PM me with that info or any other info you think would be helpful. Im definitely starting to get excited again and a lot less stressed. Thankful for this community of brides to help with planning. 

 

[Kcusack89]

I'm using beach bum vacations the specialize in destination weddings. I'm working with Danialle whose been to the Hyatt and was a destination bride herself. She has so many tips and has been quite amazing. We started off with three hotels and she helped us narrow it down.

As far as the group rates go I havnt had to many negatives besides my fiance's mom but I think she just mad were not doing a church wedding at home

As far as using beach bum vacations I highly recommend Danialle responds to me within a few hours always unless shes on vacation in which she lets me know a head of time . I believe company is based in Chicago so they work out of central time so sometimes my 7am emails go unanswered until she's in the office . I saw them on the travel channel which is what lead me there.

 

 

http://www.beachbumvacation.com

[Bride2Be2017]

@@Kcusack89 thanks so much. I am using Travel Zap. Briana, my agent, has been excellent so far. The company is also based in Chicago. 

Cant believe I will be seeing the place this weekend. Expectations are high but Im trying to go into it with an open mind. 

[Kcusack89]

It's exciting I'll be in your boat October 1-3rd I'll be going down to check it out. My coordinator said she couldn't meet with me on a weekend so hopefully she'll have plenty of time on a mondat-wednesdat

[tiffanyt]

@@Bride2Be2017 thanks for the tip! You're gonna love the resort! While I was there I also visited the Iberostar, it was also fabulous so when we got back we spent a few days trying to figure out which one was "the one" lol.

I'm using Clair Skies Travel, Claire is amazing and has helped me with more than just travel so far. She's based in the DC area so it's easy to reach her since I'm I'm the area as well.

Enjoy your trip!

[Kcusack89]

Hey guys I just got an email from my coordinator asking me what 3 entrees I'd like to try....this confuses me. When you guys did the tasting (if you did) did your coordinator say this?

 

Also did you guys pick an option from the menu list (option 1 option 2 ECT) bc the email I got is saying to pick three entrees from all the otpions