Punta Cana here we come!!!

[twinkletoes]

After mini drama with the Riu Ocho Rios, to make a long story short: I for so long was trying to book my wedding at the resort on 08.08.08, especially seeing that Jamaica was a reasonable price for my guests. So I contacted them (more like stalked,for at least 4 months,lol) and finally I was told that a slot was available for 11am. At this point I didnt care what time the ceremony was, I just wanted the date.

 

But I had to go on the site and book. It wasnt 2 minutes later I went on the site and the time was not available like I was told. After going back and forth with the Riu I was told someone else had reserved the time slot and there was nothing they could do unless someone cancelled again. At this point I'm a little pissed, b/c I couldnt understand why the resort couldnt just write me in for the slot I wanted since I had been in constant contact with them over months and was told I would be put on a waiting list. So reality finally sunk in that it was time to start a plan B.

 

Anyhoo....

 

So in December I started researching more options and it seems like the DR can offer my guests the same feasible accomodations. Maybe with just an hour longer flight or so. And reading through all the DR posts on this forum has helped seal the deal!

 

With all that said, I am now officially a Dominican Republic Bride!!!

 

Still trying to decide on the exact resort seeing that the ones I wanted(Paradisus Punta Cana, the Majestic, Riu Palace, and Dreams Punta Cana) were all booked on my date. So we are going to try and stay at one of the aforementioned resorts for our honeymoon instead.

 

So the resorts in the running that have my desired date available (for a civil ceremony) are:

 

*The EdenH Real Arena Resort - new resort opening this month - 5pm ceremony - offers free certificate for a 4 day/3 night stay on wedding anniversary!

 

*Ocean Blue Beach & Golf Resort - the wedding coordinator said she could not reserve a time (not sure how one resort can and another one can't)

 

*Iberostar Bavaro

 

My only concern is that it seems like its quite often that the judge runs late in Punta Cana b/c there is only one. But how late is late?

 

I look forward to chatting with the DR brides. Off to do more research!

[Heidi]

CONGRATS CHRISTINA!!!!!!!

 

 

...hey, if you still want to visit ROR, you should stop by on 4/4/08 at 4pm!

[JulieG]

First Congratulations on picking a location, that must feel pretty great.

 

I have heard great things about Ocean Blue. I belong to a Canadian Wedding Forum and lots of them were married there and loved it. Have you checked Trip Advisor at all? That might help. Please keep in mind though that a lot of people on there write reviews just to complain, but you will find some good information as well.

 

I can't wait to hear which resort you decide on.

[DanielleNDerek]

I'm a PC bride too! My ta recommended Ocean Blue to us. I thought it was really adorable how it looked like a little village. Iberostar looked pretty nice too.

 

I'm at the Paradisus Palma Real, I have a date but for some reason the judge can't confirm a time yet. I don't know why some resorts can get a time and some can't. When we were originally booking with Dreams in PC, the judge gave them a time. but when we switched to Paradisus, they said judge hasn't decided times yet. But whatever...

 

From other wedding review i read from here and other sites, sounds like he runs like 15 minutes to half hr late sometimes.

[twinkletoes]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heidi CONGRATS CHRISTINA!!!!!!! ...hey, if you still want to visit ROR, you should stop by on 4/4/08 at 4pm!

Lol, Thanks Heidi. Don't tempt me, b/c even though I'm on vacation now, I know when I go back to work I'm going to need another vacation, seeing that our next day off from work is not until Memorial Day in May! Yikes!

[Spazz]

I'm sorry you had such a rough time with the ROR. But I'm so happy you picked your location, you must be so excited!!! Congrats

[newfiebride]

I am a Ocean Blue Bride for April. We were able to book the date just not the time of day. We are still waiting on time of ceremony from the judge. Apparently there is a new judge and they will be setting times soon. I'll believe that when I hear it. I have read some wedding reviews of this resort and they all seem fine. There was one person that was on this forum that was married there that I think had a not so great experience (dragonfly) but I haven't seen a review by her. But i'm sure whereever you go there is potential for problems...

 

I haven't been to Punta Cana (or caribbean at all for that matter) but I hear its great, especially with the beautiful beaches!! I'm so excited, can't wait!!!

[starchild]

Congrats on narrowing in on a location....now for the venue. I'm no help in the DR but you'll find what you need here to make a great decision!

[foxytv]

I would go for EdenH. It looks like an amazing resort. Have you been on the DR wedding forum? You can get tons more insight about resorts from past, present and future brides.

[jean-marcus]

well i just shot a wedding in DR at the RIU there and it was nice but not the nicest. some of the help didnt speak english to well but you make do and get your point across. hahaha. i had no problem with my hotel room except for the power blew out one night and i was able to find the fuse box and reset it. some guests had to change rooms because of problems.

 

the next month though i was at the dreams resort in tulum mexico and it totally blew me away with everything. ive never seen more curteous more helpful personal at any hotel ever and the rooms were so clean and nice. i would really look into the dreams resort though wherever you go. if its anything like the tulum one you will get your moneys worth 5 times over.