brigopens

Quote: Originally Posted by Lauren_Hirshon I am wondering if anyone knows if one of the ceremony sites is sand bag free. I did a site visit awhile ago and was almost postiive one end of the beach had an area without sand bags where weddings could take place. When I asked the WC about this she did not know what I was talking about. Am I losing my mind? I've been told that there used to be some sandbag free sites, but that they have continued to add them to prevent beach erosion and protect the resort from storms (see Hurricane Dean...) I can't tell you for sure, but hopefully someone who is headed down soon can check that out and post for us...

Quote: Originally Posted by brigopens Hopefully all of our wedding locations aren't going to become irrelevant in the next 24 hours!!! Well, not irrelevant, but check out this post for more info on what seems to be the most popular location... Hopefully they will have it fixed up quickly! http://bestdestinationwedding.com/fo...tml#post145128

Hot off the presses info from Valeria... :-( "The Casitas Gazebo suffered some damages, but they have been repairing it, and it will look as good as new, the foliage such as palm trees and tropical bushes, were also damaged, but by the time of your wedding they will be in perfect conditions. I do not have a photo available, as soon as I get one, you will have it." She says things will be fine by our wedding, but I'll be anxious to see a picture and plan to have a back-up in mind now. Will let you know when I get pictures, although I'm still not sure how to post...

Quote: Originally Posted by bre I was very worried before but based on what I saw on the news and some research online I think the resort will be fine. I haven't contacted Valeria yet. I thought I would wait a few days. I think we lucked out with this one! Started a new topic on the storm and EDR (click here)before I saw everyone posting in this thread... Maybe we can get back to our continued critique/review of the reservation system in this one now... :-)

Here's the info a friend who belongs to the Exotic Travel Club/Timeshare program got yesterday: The Cancun Airport is now open with 100% full operation. Flights have resumed. The eye of Hurricane Dean went through Chetumal, the capital of Quintana Room. This is approximately four (4) hours drive from Cancun or 250 miles south. Resort Status: Azul Beach Resort: No damage, open for guests. Casitas Royale: No damage, open for guests. El Dorado Royale: No damage, open for guests. Mi Hotelito: No damage, Scheduled Grand Opening - November 2007. Hidden Beach Resort: Minor damage, resort will reopen in 20 days. El Dorado Seaside: minor damage, resort will open in 10 days. Azul Blue Hotel: damage being accessed, update within 7 days. Here's what I heard from Valeria as I've been talking to her during/since the Hurricane: "Everything worked out pretty good for all of us here in Cancun, luckily (for us) the Hurricane hit approximately 200 miles down south, 100miles down from Playa, which is a less crowded area of our state, and with that less tourists. Anyway, all the good wishes worked out in a marvelous way, we all appreciate your time and players... Very little damage indeed, we are just cleaning up the debris from the storm..."

Anybody who has been at the resort or had a reception here have any light to shed on the topic? We're wanting to do round tables with seating for approx 50 guests. Valeria keeps telling us that we can't have that type of seating and cocktail tables as well Not sure why. Unfortunately, Jennifer & I only have the 2 pics the resort has sent us of the location, and they make it kind of hard to envision the whole place...

Quote: Originally Posted by maggiemaylou Thank you all so much for your help. I feel a lot better now. We are actually going to go that Monday, June 16. The other guests I am assuming will fly in on the 18th. I am hoping to do the wedding on the 20th (Friday) so that we can all hang out on Saturday and then I expect everyone to fly out on the 22nd (Sunday). That would give them a 5-day, 4-night trip. My immediate family is staying a little longer, however. Don't be a dictator with the guests. Some will want to come for longer or shorter, so be flexible and leave it up to them. Remember, someone might really want to be there but not able to afford so many days... Someone else may be using this as their only vacation for the year and want to stay a whole week. I was amazed how many of our guests are staying for much longer than I thought they would... This stuff isn't your problem. Find a travel agent, and let them deal with all of the details like price, different airfares from different airports, etc... I have one who has been doing an amazing job for me... Quote: Originally Posted by maggiemaylou So we are trying to decide what to do about our short honeymoon the week after the wedding. We can't decide if we should stay at EDR for another 4 or 5 days, and maybe spending our honeymoon with my parents (eh?), or maybe booking another resort in Cancun, so that we can enjoy a change of scenery and shopping in town (FH isn't a die hard beach person and needs things to do). But I haven't even looked at resorts in Cancun yet to even think about moving. Any suggestions? We decided that there will never be another time in our lives to vacation with so many friends and family. We're staying for the full 10 days at the resort. People I know who have been there before have told me that we will be able to easily spend a day away from everyone if we choose to do so. Also, if you plan to stay in the casitas then you will probably be a little separated from your guests. There are tons of excursions to go on and things to do. you can also easily get up to Cancun or into Playa to do the shopping you spoke of. Most people I know end up saying it's not worth leaving the luxury of the resort though... :-) Our TA also looked into the move between resorts. While it's doable, transportation has to be arranged at an additional cost, and you will surely burn a good portion of a day doing it. Plus you have to pack up and then get settled into a new resort and figure out where everything is. Just typing this makes me glad we're staying in one spot!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by sheaa Bre, are you concerned with the Hurricane? I have not contacted Valeria yet to see how they go about this. If the hurricane was to damage the resort, so you think it will be repaired by January? We're getting married in November and I have not a care in the world about it. The weather channel coverage from a resort closer to the center fo the storm said they expect them to be fully repaired and operational by abotu a week from now!!! Nothing to worry about. Valeria was getting ready for the storm but didn't seem to phased when we talked to her...

The reviews keep coming in... (More from Trip Advisor) - We ate at all the restaurants without a problem. D'Italia was our favorite and La Fondue our least. Jo-Jo's is right on the water and is fun for lunch. Try the room service nachos as they are wonderful. - I was worried about the food at an all inclusive and in the past I have avoided these type of resorts because I did not a warm picked over buffett. But the food at this resort was phenomenal all the restuarants we ate were great. - In response to people's complaints about having to wait to eat at some of the restaurants - we did not find this to be an issue at all. We didn't want to eat until 9 o'clock-ish, but the restaurants did seem at their busiest around 7. We never had to wait to eat at Cocotal or Fuentes and although we did have a short wait for Kampai, the Italian, La Fondue and JoJo's, the hostess provides you with a pager and when they have a table free they will just beep for you. It was a really effective system - so we just went to get the pager at half 8 , went for a drink at the bar and then by 9 we were sitting at our table. I'm not sure why people find that such an inconvenience. Much better than having to make reservations days in advance. - None of the resauraunts require reservations now. Which worked great, we never had to wait to be seated. My favorite restaurant was Kampai and I don't usually even like asian food. It was great.

Who has been there or seen this location? Needing some help visualizing it as the feedback we're getting from Valeria on what we can or can't do is a bit odd. We're having a 2 hour cocktail with tall tables and appetizers. Then a 2 hr dessert buffet. We're wanting to set it up for music and dancing. Our plan was scatter tables around the periphery of the pool for the cocktail hour. Arrive a half hour into the reception with our wedding party. Start with our first dance, mother-son, etc... Get into everyone dancing by the time they bring out the desserts. Sounds liek the "dance floor" is uncovered near the palapa. Was hoping to set up round tables and chairs under the cover for everyone to sit during the ceremony if they wanted to. Also a place to relax and watch as we're putting together a DVD of our childhood histories and then our time together... If you've seen this spot and have ideas on how we might set things up, please reply. Any other helpful info on Tucanes would be great...

Just kidding. If I really took things that seriously, would I be on here in the first place? I'm just happy for all the help you've offered and any help I am able to dish out... Hopefully all of our wedding locations aren't going to become irrelevant in the next 24 hours!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by Morgan I am setting up my myregistry right now. I'm pretty sure the person would have to log onto myregistry to remove it themselves. I don't think I'll register for anything from target through myregistry. I'll just do target in the store because it's linked to the target online. To verify this is correct. If there is a store that you want many items from, thenjust register there separately. Use myregistry.com for all other odd-ball items, things not available online, gift certificates, items at the resort, etc... When you go to an item on the myregistry site, it takes you to the webpage where you can buy it. When you close that page out, it brings up a window asking did you buy the item so it will be updated. More fool proof than I would have expected, but still very good. Worst case scenario is you get doubles and return one or don't get somethign you thought you would, and then you have to buy it yourself...

Quote: Originally Posted by bre The Casita Gazebo was decent in terms of privacy but not great. I thought it had the best set up though, but I was also partial to the wooden walk way and I like the style gazebo much better, but that is purely personal preference. We like the walkway as well, and the plants around the gazebo made the decision for us. Plus, proximity to where we'll be staying and getting ready is nice... Quote: Originally Posted by sheaa I just found out that I chose BLDG 55 Gazebo.. what do you guys think of it? I kind of just guessed since I have never been there before... now I am nervous, although briopens says it is secluded... I've never been there in person, but from the pics, it looks secluded... I can also tell from the aerial shots, that it is way down at the farthest part south of the resort's beaches. There is a stone wall around it which would keep other people from getting too close. Quote: Originally Posted by MrsV-to-be Well I've chosen the casitas location, but I am considering changing to this location - I think it would be really pretty, it will be quiter, and (from what I can tell - please correct me if wrong) you don't have the whales in the background. and you won't have all the lawn chairs around the immdiate area. so - I think it is a great choice (of course I haven't been or seen it in person so perhaps one of the other girls can give you a better opinion) Or one of the other guys, right? I would imagine it will be quieter. All of the pics I have seen at the casitas location were free of background guests, etc though... I don't see the "whales" in the picture they sent to me, but it could be be that it's from before they put them in or the stone wall hides them. Ask Monica/Valeria, they should be able to tell you. I read somewhere that they were now visible at every location... I still can't figure out how to post all of these, but if you want pictures to correspond to each location I posted, just PM me... Now, a few more prayers about the hurricane, and then it's off to bed!!!

EDR says they can handle up to 120 guests and there are some pics out there of large weddings that look very nice...

Quote: Originally Posted by MrsV-to-be true - but I don't think that reviewer had any other really bad waits right? they gave them the benefit of the doubt - and also stated that they were there at 7 - the busiest time (when everyone tries to go for dinner) I think all you need to do is find out the most popular restaurants - like the Italien, and warn your guests that on the nights they go these listed restaurants, they should go earlier (ie 6 or not until later ie 9) I don't have a problem waiting until 9 to go for dinner when I'm at a resort once in awhile. It's actually quite nice to relax by the pool all afternoon, have a late snack about 430, then go have a nap and get up and get dressed up, have a couple of martini's - and head to dinner.....doesn't that sound fantastic right now? (especially as I sit in my floresent light office that has no window??!) I agree with you. We never eat until after 8 anyway. And after a day in the sun, I like to wind down, get cleaned up, have a few drinks, etc... Was the only really bad review I have seen from a credible poster since they changed to no reservations... And I agree, that was the only night they had problems, at the most poopular restaurant! OK, I'm ready to be there!

Quote: Originally Posted by sheaa Please post these locations! I am getting married there in January- the same day as Bre but at 4:00, and I have never been to the resort! It would be great to see these locations! Once I figure out how to post the map, it will all make more sense, but here's what i can tell for sure. If you want me to email you the pics that the Lomas people sent me, then let me know... Wedding Locations at EDR (listed from south to north) BLDG 55 Gazebo - most secluded/basic gazebo, south end of resort near bldg 55 Presidential Gazebo - Lots of foliage, looks like small area for guests, unsure of exact location. Chapel - Beautiful indoor location seats up to 80 Garden Gazebo - located back off of the beach, large fancy looking gazebo with large area for guests/reception, behind bldg 5 White Beachfront Gazebo - next to salt water pool in front of Bldgs 1/2 Casitas Gazebo - beach location with some foliage, between casitas blocks 27/28 Undetermined Gazebo -- Looks like smaller all white gazebo located on a pathway in the resort somewhere. Can't find any more info... If I ever figure out how to post pics, I can put up a picture or two of each of the locations...

Quote: Originally Posted by MrsV-to-be Ditto. I've seen some of the pics sent from Lomus, but I would love to see your pics as well! Also - I've only seen the map on the website - if there is an updated one, I would love to see that too! thanks so much Bre, please let us know how to check out your pics... I will try to figure out how to post the map on here for all to see, or you can PM me with an email address and I will send it to you. It's very helpful. You can also use it, along with the following link, to get a much better perspective of the resort... Click here for a great aerial shot of the resort from the past year or so...

Quote: Originally Posted by bre We are doing it at the casita's gazebo. When we went to visit in May I walked the entire property at 5:30 one morning (too anxious to sleep!). I really liked this one b/c the gazebo was very simply and there is a wooden walk-way which will be helpful b/c I insist on wearing heels. I'm 5'4" and my fiance is 6'4"- plus I love shoes! I took pictures of almost all of the gazebos. I'll try to post them from home tonight. If you are looking for privacy you may want to look at the white gazebo on the beach. there are no beach chairs or beds near it. also, if I recall correctly there was another gazebo at the far right hand side of the beach (facing the water) that seems to be a pretty quiet area as well. Good luck! Do you girls have the most recent map of the updated property which shows the different wedding locations? If not, I can post it. Also, Valeria sent us pics of most/all of the location options. Would love to see Bre's pics, but I can share these if necessary... Just lemme know.

Quote: Originally Posted by MrsV-to-be I didn't even know you could do a desert bar!! very cool! Was something that Faith and I came up with back in the day... :-) If you're interested though, ask about it... Quote: Originally Posted by MrsV-to-be As for the ipod charge - that is ridculous! give me a break!! I don't know what would be better (1) bringing it up and fight with Lomus; (2) leave it and fight with the WC at the resort. Remedied after I fwd the email saying it was OK before with the previous WC. Let this be a lesson,keep all of your emails!

Quote: Originally Posted by bre I know it's ridiculous!!! But it's still cheaper than the DJ and WHO KNOWS what they would play... Which WC are you working with? It is getting to be somewhat of an annoyance to hear about all these silly fees that aren't stated anywhere. I wonder if it would be worth contacting Faith about this? She's their head of marketing based in the US. My travel agent contacted her when we were hearing from the WCs when they were going through the staffing changes. As for food, we are going to do a sit-down plated dinner. I like the idea of the dessert bar though. That should be fun! and tasty! We're workign with Valeria who is excellent. I found an old email from Monica promising the $250 rate, forwarded it to her, and she said it woudl be fine... I love Valeria, and have been thrilled with her speed and service. I agree about the fees. Can only imagine what else we have to look forward to in the coming months. My fiance just starting working with her on flowers so we'll see if that brings controversey...

Quote: Originally Posted by CourtneyV There are going to be kinks when you go no matter what. I don't mean to be harsh, but chances are something will go wrong. It's up to you how big of a deal it is. Just don't let a 30 minute wait get to you, sit down, enjoy a drink with your family and it won't even matter. I totally agree. I'm not very highstrung with stuff like this, so I'm not too worried.... Quote: Originally Posted by CourtneyV Also, people staying in the casitas get A LOT of other benefits too; not just the first dibs on dinner in the old reservation system. IMO, it shouldn't be that way to begin with. Everyone is traveling there and paying lots of money to stay there, there shouldn't be a hierarchy or anything of the sort. Casita ppl still get first call on tours, everyone else has to wait until casita ppl have booked. Yes, you're paying more, but you're paying for the room and the private pools etc. Everyone should be treated with complete and total equality. This reservation system was B.S., count your blessings that your guests won't have to put up with it. I disagree with you here, on principal. If i booked a casita room on the premise I would get preferred reservations then I don't think it's fair for them to remove it. That being said, I am hoping it IS better for all fo our guests in the end...

Quote: Originally Posted by MrsV-to-be Thanks so much for the Info! I've been keeping an eye on it at Tripadvisor as well. Don't worry - I think the kinks will be worked out by the time you get there. I read one review that said as long as you were there before 7 for a popular restaurant (can't remember which one) then it wasn't too bad. I think it will be okay - just like you said - so long as the drinks are flowing! First bad part of a review with regards to the new system I have seen from any type of reasonable reviewer... :-( -- We didn't really like the 2 hour wait at D' Italia but it was probably just a fluke.

Quote: Originally Posted by brigopens I'll keep an eye on the situation and let everyone know if anything changes... Ok, some recent reviews from TripAdvisor make it seem like this has been a change for the better... - We did not need reservations for any of the restaurants (this seems to be a recent change), and found that of all four nights we only had to wait to be seated on one occasion. - We sampled all of the restaurants except for Fondue and the Fuentas. We had to wait to eat at kampai and the Italian restuarant, but we had a few drinks while we waited and had table within 30 minutes. - As other people have said, you don't need reservations for the restaurants. When we were there, we only had to wait one night for the Italian resturant (45 minutes). The earlier you go for dinner, the less you'll have to wait. - you DO NOT need reservations for any restaurant anymore, but do adhere to the dress code or you will be sent home in most cases - We ate at all the restaurants except Kampai; however, La Fondue and Rincon Mexicano were closed due to this being their slow period. We went with a few extremely picky eaters and everyone raved about how good the food was – even the picky eaters. It is true that the portions are smaller, but I ordered two main courses one night. We frequently ordered more and service was fast and friendly. You really could order as much as you wanted and customize your selections – this worked well for those picky eaters. There are NO reservations right now and we never waited with our group of 8 at any restaurant. A couple of the restaurants require you to wear pants. Jeans are acceptable. OK, enough for now. Will keep an eye on the situation and be back with more commentary in a few weeks...

Quote: Originally Posted by MrsV-to-be I hoping to use Tucanes also, but I am sure of my numbers right now. If we have less then 50 we will have it there. If we have 64 or more guests I will request the restaurant La Isla, but if have in between those numbers - we will have it on the beach, as there is no open air location that will allow between these 2 numbers for the type of dinner we want to have (BBQ Deluxe) So we've decided on Tucanes. Never heard a thing from our WC about the numbers. She just got our guest list, so we'll see if it becomes an issue. We're not doing the BBQ, so maybe that makes a difference... Just a cocktail 2 hrs followed by 2 hr dessert buffet that they set up for us... Want to hear the crazy thing? They just told me today, that the speaker/iPod set-up we requested is charged "per event." AND, that they are counting our reception as 2 events since it's technically a cocktail hour and then the desserts!!! I'm not even mad because it still has me laughing! There's no way in hell I am paying $500 for them to bring that out and set it up once. I would honestly choose to move the site of the reception half way through just so they have to move everything before I would pay double the price!!! This must be one of those "Lomas things"... Hope I don't have to say that too many more times!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by Morgan Thanks for the feedback. I am planning on setting up my myregistry page soon. I love the option to shop online. I am a great online deal finder. I can't stand the idea of registering for gifts in the store when I know I can find them online for 1/2 the price. I'll still do an in store registry for those who don't like to shop online. We did LNT for those who need the in-store option. I love myregistry.com so much more. Problem with deal hunting, is that most deals are time limited. You never know what the cost of the item will be when your guest gets around to buying it. Also, most good deals entail discount codes, rebates or coupons, and I'm not sure how you would pass those on to your guests. Regardless, the flexibility to add gifts from as many stores as you want, the ease of use, and the ability to custom design your own honeymoon site with much less "taxation" make this a real winner!!! While the site is pretty easy to use, I also predict a guest or two will manage to purchase something without it getting logged. Not really a big deal though, especially with all of the other upside listed above.