Paradisus Palma Real giving inflated group rates for wedding parties

[nyclw]

 

Hi Everyone,

I have been referring to the bdw since we got engaged  this past July 2010..and trying to plan a destination wedding for next July 2011 in Dominican Republic..and thought I needed to share my recent experience in dealing with the Romance Team at Palma Real…My original ideal resort was Palma Real , I am Dominican and speak Spanish fluently although, live in New York City (I know some have had trouble with the language barrier)…and have stayed and planned many family trips to other Paradisus’ and other hotels…so thought planning my own wedding would be relatively easy...Unfortunately not so,  the Romance team, and Manager Maria Victoria Gomez, have been very unprofessional; not returning calls or emails, giving us misinformation. The resort seems to have a “new policy†where you must plan the wedding event and book the group with the Romance team .  In wanting to be very thorough and having dealt with many hotels in the past, I requested a “dummy†quote for a group rate from the Groups office at Palma Real, they were prompt and professional and sent a quote for the group for the month of July 2011 –they gave us a rate of $190 per person per night double oc .  I did not tell them it was for a wedding , as I was already informed I had to make all arrangements with the Romance team,. I finally got a response (this is after many calls and messages to groups office leaving messages with them and directly to Romance Manager) with a proposal letter from Romance Manage –Maria Victoria ; stating there is a “rate parity policy†(whatever that means) giving us a the best possible rate of $235 per night per person double occ., also stating that everyone will receive the same rate regardless of how they book their rooms and that they do not offer a group rates!!!  Ridiculous!! I called the corporate office(in Florida all are under Sol Melia parent company) to clarify the different rates and information I had received from the people at Palma Real-one person told me they should be offering a group rate and then forwarded me to the manager who reiterated that I would have to book through the Romance team and accept their quoted rate-when I explained the situation she said there was nothing she could do and that I must book groups and wedding events through the romance team. Needless to say, I am no longer considering the Palma Real , as it seems they want to charge higher group rates for wedding parties and give misleading information .  I do not have any more time or patience to deal with the Palma Romance team, although it is a very beautiful resort-not worth my piece of mind. I now have been receiving group rates and wedding package information from other resorts , so far with relative ease…sorry for the long message and good luck!

[JoandJer]

Interesting.  Thank you for sharing.  I'm actually headed down to the DR the beginning of Nov and I have a meeting set up at the Palma Real.  One of my concerns was getting a group rate that would be affordable for my guests. It will be interesting to see what they have to say.  I'll have to inquire about this....

[Lindsay521]

That is so odd to hear. I was married at the PPR and I booked my whole group through a travel agent who was able to get us a pretty good rate.  We did not have to book through the hotel or the romance department, I don't understand why this would be a requirement it really has nothing to do with your wedding planning at the hotel it is the travel for all the guests so that should not have to be through them.

[nyclw]

I know , I totally agree, the guests booking their rooms does not have to be linked to the wedding coordination team. But, besides that dealing with the staff there was frustrating in general.

[natalie7]

I HAD THE SAME EXPERIENCE... I actually WENT THERE AND SAT DOWN WITH MARIA... I went on a whole day tour and food tasting and show case with Noelia the wedding coordinator.....

 

THEY ARE ROBBERS and LIARS.... and yes... it is beaaaaaaaaaautiful.. but I wouldn't spend a dime there b/c they take advantage!!!

 

They would not give me my deposit back that I put down.... and I got my money stolen from my locked suitcase in my room from the MAID!!!! yup.. they did nothing.. they wouldn't even give me my deposit back for the $300 they stole from my bag....

 

 

It's beautiful and I know 2 ppl that got married there, but I wouldn't WASTE MY MONEY!!!! (Their weddings were very nice by the way--- I had to add a positive) but theives!!!

 

If you want more info, which you shouldn't, bc NYC explained everything....!!!

[tgallo]

i know when i booked with the romance team I was also frustrated with the quotes for hotel pricing... especially since they do not offer group rates...

 

so instead of fighting them, I knew I wanted my wedding there and booked the wedding with them... and found a travel agent for the hotel bookings... It worked out well with a rate of $200 per person all inclusive per night... 

[Mel2010]

Thanks for the info ladies!! This is one of the resort I was also considering myself. I just fell in love with the wedding packages (i.e Aqua, Fantasy, Wish) but if it's going to be a hassle to deal with them then maybe I should focus on another resort. I'll keep this resort in my top list, but maybe as #3 LOL

[lovelytlc]

 

 

Originally Posted by Mel2010 

 

Thanks for the info ladies!! This is one of the resort I was also considering myself. I just fell in love with the wedding packages (i.e Aqua, Fantasy, Wish) but if it's going to be a hassle to deal with them then maybe I should focus on another resort. I'll keep this resort in my top list, but maybe as #3 LOL

 

 

wow i am sorry some of  you had a bad experience with resort. i can feel your pain, as PPR is not very accomadating . I was able to receive an early booking rate through VacationExpress which was $114 per person per night for the reserve. I also worked with Teresa who is located in Canada. I dont recommend working with the coordinators onsite until you get there.