riviera

Quote: Originally Posted by phoebe75 Riviera- We sampled the green salad that has goat cheese, cucumbers, spinach/romaine mix and a tangy vinagrette dressing as well as the tres leches cake. As far as entrees we tried the Baked fish (comes with veg/roasted potato) and the pork medallions in an orange sauce which I was sacred of but Fi really wanted it- and it was good! And a beef dish that was not the rib eye but the other which I can't remember the name of. It was on the less expensive menu. I think the rib eye is $90pp I don't have my notes in front of me but i think our per head on the dinner is approx $80. This is including the 10% tax and 15% gratuity. I haven't gotten the itemized estimate yet she said she would email me one. I also can't remember exactly what we are having for cocktail hour but we chose mainly from the Mexican menu except i swapped out some cheese thing for crudites and dip. I want to say it's $20 pp. I think you will be happy with the Paradisus. I was thinking that FI would hate it and that I would have to start over again and we were both relieved. Have a blast! That's so funny that you thougth your FI were going to hate it! Gosh, I don't even want to think about starting all over again with this research! No way! I am just hoping I will make up my mind and just be firm about A resort and stick with it. Thank you so much again for the review, and the tasting menu. I am glad to hear the food was good. My FI is so picky with food, and food is kinda important for both of us so I wouldn't be surprised if we end up making the decisions based on food... kinda ridiculous..... But anyway, I am totally looking forward to this trip, and I will let you know how it went! anna

Thanks for the review phoebe! Sounds like you had a great time!!! I will be there this weekend, and I am sooooo excited! I was wondering, would you mind telling us what dishes you tried for your tasting? I just got my banquet menu, and I am not sure what to ask for. thanks! anna

Quote: Originally Posted by becks For our welcome/rehersal dinner, we're hosting a cocktail hour on the mexican patio (where the fountain is by the theater). For the dinner following, I just booked a group of tables at the reef grill. We booked L'Hermitage for our wedding dinner - not the reception. They are very careful with L'Hermitage because of it's 4-diamond status, and you will pay a small fortune for the priviledge of having a private meal there. We had to use existing chairs, tables and linens. They will not remove unused (empty) tables and chairs from the room. We hd to order from their existing menu. We could not bring in musicians or a DJ (we're using their standard canned classical music). However, if you can get over the restrictions, go for it. We are having the beef carpaccio or crispy shrimp for apps, then the lamb, beef or mahi mahi for entree. We are skipping the soup course, because who wants soup in August? We're having the yummy profiteroles for dessert. Cake will be afterwards, out on the terrace. We are paying approximately $85 per person for the dinner. If you want something you can customize, want to make speeches using a sound system or want to have dancing between courses, I'd abandon the idea of L'Hermitage. It suited us, but mostly because we were willing to work within their rules. Becks, your meny sounds yummy! I finally got the banquet menu from Perla which allows us to do customization for the dinner, which is looking mighty good! the welcome dinner sounds like an awesome idea as well. I would definitely look into that. Do you know if there is a maximum number you can have without the charge? Thanks!! anna

Quote: Originally Posted by JennyK Which hotel are you staying at for your site visit? Cancun is the easiest place to get around! It's one road where all of the hotels are on and across from them are many many restaurants, bars, and shops. I've never been to a non-AI so I can't really tell you how expensive it will be. Depends what you like.. if you like trying different foods every night and want to get out of the resort, then it's cool. For me, I just preferred to make my guests trip hassle-free. Also another factor is liquor. AI's liquor is included. At a non-AI, the bill could get pretty high if you're drinking 3-4 pina coladas by the pool everyday lol 3-4 pina coladas sounds like FUN!!!! That is the kind of vacation I want to be in!!!!! I will be staying at Le Meridien for the first two nights, then one night at Paradisus.. I was hoping that I will get a sense of an AI and a non AI this way. I am planning to have the tour and meetings with WC on Saturday, and sunday we will spend some time to get a sense of Cancun downtown and visit some travel agencies to see if there are good activity packages I could do with guests. and then on Monday would be the paradisus WC meeting and then we are off back home! I am just hoping I can fit all this in!!! Do you think it is safe to drive there? I had some warnings about corrupt cops eyeing on tourists... Is this true? should I be concerned? I was hoping that I could visit Costco and walmart, and I think we may need a car to get to these places.. no? anna

Quote: Originally Posted by JennyK I'm estimating between 50-100. Hoping its more towards the 50 lol We have large families and he's got a huge circle of friends. The fewer the guests, the better my menu can be Don't worry about the hurricanes.. like you said, stay positive! So your guests are staying at Le Meridien? I decided against staying there since they don't have an AI option. I have the same dilema with the number of guests! We are thinking of doing two rounds of invitations, since we really don't want to go over 40 people! I feel kinda bad we won't be inviting some of our "close" friends..... Do you think it is a bad idea to stay at a non AI resort? This weekend will be my first time to Cancun so I don't know how easy it is to get food, drinks outside of the resort, and how expensive food and drinks are at the resort... I am calculating at about $100 per person per day for food and drinks.. do you think that would be enough? hmmm.... so confused....... anna

Quote: Originally Posted by JennyK I asked Clara about the tasting and she said we could do it the week we go.. but ya know... I trust that the food we pick, regardless of what it is will be good. I can't wait to hear about your site visit!! Ipodgirl (whats your real name?) - I also will have my ceremony on the beach. Clara showed me an area that still has enough sand *lets keep our fingers crossed for no hurricanes* My cocktail will be in the loungy area: And the reception will be in the larger gazebo. I can't wait to see your pics! I found a bride online that recently got married there and her pics are amazing! I love the lounge area for the cocktail! I will make sure I check that out. I am expecting to have around 40 guests, and I would like to have the wedding on the beach and small reception at the small gazebo area. Other than Le Meridien, I am checking out Aqua, Marriott (both JW & CasaMagna) and Paradisus. Kinda funny how I am only checking out one AI resort. We will see how everything goes. I will take Lots and Lots and LOTS of pictures!! Hopefully by the end of next week, I will have a resort set to go! Jenny, I noticed you live in New Jersey! I live in Jersey City, Newport! anna

YES! 1 hr eliptical, 30 min. strength training!

Quote: Originally Posted by ipodgirl Yes lets keep in touch! I'm so happy to find you here I don't feel so alone now. We picked Le Meridien because we're big fans of starwood hotel & resorts. We picked: ceremony: Beach cocktail: Gazebo Terrace reception: Gazebo Hors d'Oeuvres (Alpicus) Mayan Buffet My FI made the decision since I'm really not sure what's what. He grew up in Costa Rica so I'm assuming he knows what he's doing Please do let me know how food tasting went! I also added a wedding cake (tiffany box looking cake) even though dessert is already included. Thanks for the info ipodgirl, I am really really looking forward to the tasting!! We are considering Le Meridien for the same reason you have! Starwood! and also, my friend from Cancun highly recommended Le Meridien! I will let you girls know how my site visit, meeting with Jessica and tasting goes! I am so excited and nervous at the same time!

Hi ladies! First and foremost thank you for all the information you have provided. It is so helpful for a lost person like me! I am going on a site visit this weekend to check out Paradisus, and my FI happens to be very very picky with food, and I wanted to have tasting while we were there. But frankly I am totally lost as to what to even request to taste. Has anyone had tasting at the hotel? We are very interested in Le Hermiage. Becks, I noticed that you will be having your reception there? What did you choose to have? Would you mind sharing the dishes you are having? How much per person did it come out to? Are menu set per package? So many questions, So lost help~~~ anna

I was wondering, did you guys choose a package for the reception menu? Have you done tasting? I am hoping to have tasting when we are in Cancun this weekend, and I was wondering what you girls decided on the menu? anna

Quote: Originally Posted by ipodgirl I still have a lot of little things to take care of, but I'm trying to stay calm. Le Meridien offered $199/night for my guests, but at the time Expedia had $179/night. I told my guests they don't have to stay at the same hotel. Instead I provided the map of nearby hotels so they can see what best fits their price range. However, right now Expedia is having some sort of a summer sale so rooms are around $140/night. Due to this sale majority of my guests will be staying at Le Meridien. Thanks for the info. ipodgirl, I also got a rate of 138 per night to stay at Le Meridien this weekend. I guess my biggest question is whether I should choose an AI or non AI for the guests.. I would like to stay at a resort together so that we can do stuff together... I am hoping this site visit will answer my question. Jenny, having a wedding at Le Meridien and stay at an AI resort is a great idea. I think I will explore that option as well. Thanks for the tip. anna

Yes I did! 30 min. weights & 1 hr. eliptical machine.

Quote: Originally Posted by nylalany riviera - Donaji finally wrote me back with the names of the DJ and Band. I'll edit my original review with the info, but here it is too: Jazz Band - Chivo Azul DJ - Acoustic Project Cake was from Walter Lubcke ( not open to public) - but very good, just too much of it! THANK YOU!! I really appreciate it! I am going to look them up for sure!! I finally got the numbers from Donaji as well.. Looks like the price increase is quite significant and I am not sure if I can still push forward with them.. hm.... anna

Quote: Originally Posted by ipodgirl I'm on the same boat!! Last time I heard from Clara was 5/19. Since then I havent heard from here and finally on 6/2 Jessica wrote me back in to inform me about Clara's departure. My wedding is in two months so you can imagine my mini-panic. So far Jessica has been very helpful in verifying the details I previously set with Clara. Jessica also has been responding promptly (within a day or so) so I am less worried now. I am so glad to hear Jessica is prompt on things. I can not imagine what you went through specially with two months to go on your wedding! congratulations on having your wedding on 8/8/8! I am having my civil wedding on that date here in NY! How are your finalization process going? I hope everything is working out other than the WC stuff!! One question I wanted to ask you. Are your guests staying at Le Meridien, or at another resort? I am trying to decide what to do on accomodation! Thanks!

Quote: Originally Posted by JennyK Do you know if she is Clara's replacement? Definitely keep in touch with me.. no one from the resort has contacted me yet. Jenny, This is the e-mail I got from Jessica on the situation; "Thank you very much for consider this property for your important Wedding Event, my name is Jessica Pantoja and unfortunately have to inform you that my partner Clara Zamora is not longer working with us due personal affairs, however, I am on charge from now to attend all related with Wedding and Social Events, and happy to hear about your interest for our services." It is strange they haven't contacted you on this... I will keep you posted! anna

Thank you so much for these photos Jenny, Looking at these photos, its making me even more excited about my site visit next week!!!!! I will post my photos soon too! anna

Hi Jenny, I have been in contact with Jessica Pantoja, and her e-mail is [email protected] I am going to Cancun on site visit next weekend and will be meeting with her. I will let you know how my meeting goes with her. anna

Ihc007, Thanks for the information. I appreciate it. I am going to cancun on a site visit, and I will be checking out Aqua along with Le Meridien. If you need anything, let me know! I am leaving on the 13th! So excited~* anna

CONGRATULATIONS LESAY! I really appreciate your review. I am getting a lot of ideas here! THANKS!!!

YES! 60 min. on eliptical, 30 min. weights!

Quote: Originally Posted by nylalany I'll ask Donaji about the names of the DJ and the Jazz Band. The DJ included his equipment, but not the speakers. 2 of the speakers we paid for as part of the wedding package at Al Cielo (you can find their prices and what the package includes online - it does not include dinner, open bar, the various rentals I mentioned in my review, nor a bunch of other things it turns out I needed, especially for my size wedding). The extra 2 speakers cost us: $150 each, so $300 The electric backup generator was: $450 The LED lighting around the dance floor was: $700 The dance floor itself was: $1000 (including set up/breakdown/shipping) I'm not sure if the DJ's cost was specific to Al Cielo due to a deal or not. The Jazz band's cost, if not part of the package, would have been a lot more than what we paid for the DJ, and they only played 2 45 minute sets. I'll try to find the quote but it was pricier, so it made sense to choose that as part of the package (which included either 2 sets of Jazz band or 4 hours of DJ). Thank you so much for this! Hopefully Donaji will get back to me with the final numbers soon!!! It has been a while, and no response yet! anna

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL WEDDING!!! CONGRATULATIONS! Thank you so much for the review. This is awesome! You are not being overwhelming at all! I was wondering if I could find out the name of the DJ and the Jazz band you had..... It sounds like they did a great job and it sounds like the price you paid for the DJ are quite a bit less than what other resorts are offering! Did it include all the equipment needed and etc..etc..?? Are the dance floor lights from the DJ or Al Cielo? THANKS in advance and CONGRATULATIONS again!

Quote: Originally Posted by JennyK I've never heard of Jessica.. I've only dealt with Clara.. I guess Clara's getting busier. We had been looking for a AI as soon as we decided to do a DW. We went on 2 site visits and saw these resorts: Riu Cancun Riu Palace Las Americas Marriott CasaMagna (My fave) Aqua Avalon Grand Avalon Baccara Oasis Cancun/Grand (its where we stayed but I didn't even wanna look) Grand Caribe Real The Royal in Cancun Great Parnassus Golden Parnassus LE MERIDIEN When we got back from our first site visit, we realized we wanted something we could personalize a little further than some packages we saw. We really wanted the Marriott Casamagna but at the time we didn't want to change our date. So instead of looking at just AI, we kept our options open across the board. Our #2 choice was Le Meridien, #3 Hilton. (None that we had seen lol). After deciding on a non-AI, we decided us & our guests will be staying at an AI called Great Parnassus Resort which is about 2 miles away. Their sister resort, Golden Parnassus is right next door to Le Meridien so I don't even need to pay for transportation! They have free shuttles every 20 minutes! So I get a gorgeous hotel without the crazy hotel rates. Thanks for the information JennyK! I think having a wedding at a hotel you want, and staying at an AI is a great idea.. It does make me a little nervous having the guests stay at a non AI resort... I just discovered Aqua as an option for the wedding.. I saw that you had a site visit there as well. What did you think of Aqua? anna.

WoW! U had a beautiful wedding!! Congratulations!! I haven't received the final numbers yet from Donaji yet... Hopefully it will happen soon. Thanks for the reviews, I am still in the middle of reading them all but it is making me want to go with Al Cielo now despite the price increase!!! Thanks again for the review! anna

Jenny! Thanks for your offer! WOW, you'v been to 75% of the hotels!!! You are definitely giving me the assurance that I am looking at the right resort! I am trying to decide between Le Meridien, Fiesta Americana Aqua and Paradisus Riviera Cancun... I guess my biggest question and dilemma is AI or non AI! I am so confused!! Did you have same problem, thoughts? What made you choose non AI? Oh, by the way, I finally got in touch with someone from Le Meridien, Jessica Pantoja. We just booked (literally like 3 minutes ago!) to go site visit!!!! So excited! Finally I feel like we are making some progress! We will be there from June 13th-16th, so let me know if you need anything I can help you with!