cdt_seattle

Quote: Originally Posted by aliceo Another couple of questions - -Does anyone know if you can use the "lounge" area for cocktails? Is it near a bar? A. Good news - the lounge area IS a bar! Except it only has two "tables" which have really big comfy chairs. The lounge area is in between the Italian and French restaurants. (Note when I was there in Jan. it was slow and Italian became steak-house and French became I think Asian every other night). We had our ceremony in the outdoor part of the lounge area and dinner at the Italian, and during the time in between guests got drinks at the lounge bar (open to anyone though I don't think anyone else was really there). Also, after dinner during the dancing people stepped out for drinks and fresh air. Perfect location really. Chris

The buildings near the beach are a bit older, but still clean and spacious. And there are several different shower designs but yeah they are pretty sweet. We all swam in the water. Rather, waded, since it wasn't very deep. It wasn't crystal clear blue carribbean water though by any means. Beware the 11p-1a beach party that was on a few nights while we were there. If you were out partying, fine. If you wanted to sleep though it was pretty loud in bldg 2 for example. I had heard rumours about a garden area for the wedding too but Candy didn't mention it as an option. Beach front (which is actually a fairly secluded location) was out first option, and the area between Mexican & Italian was the second. I should also point out to those considering the BBGE that the staff there was all super awesome. Genuinely friendly and helpful. Everyone from the dude who came and stocked our fridge each day, to the waiters, the concierges, the grounds keepers. By the end of our 10 day trip it was like we knew most of them personally. Chris

Hi All, Just got back from the BBGE, wedding date Sat. Jan 9th. Amazing! It rained so we had it at the backup spot outside the lounge bar between the Italian & Mexican restaurants. We paid the $1500 to book the Italian restaurant private for the night and we had our band setup there as well. The location was great because in between the ceremony and reception guests chilled at the lounge bar with drink service at the bar. I can answer any specific questions folks may have - just reply to this. Chris

Quote: Originally Posted by krs182 They just dont know when they would be posted and how much it will be. Do you mean they won't know when internet rates will be made available via their site? I notice their website doesn't list any rooms available past October. I find it hard to believe they are booked up from November onwards, i.e. you'd think they'd at least list room at "rack rate". I'm sure plenty of people are trying to book normal winter vacations (never mind weddings) - and can't. The whole room pricing unavailibity makes it pretty tough for guests to plan to come to your wedding, and is frustrating. Chris

Hey everybody, Are people getting any rates (group, internet or otherwise) for January 2010 and beyond? It seems they should be available by now. I know the website itself lists under $150/ni for Oct for example, but seems to list "no availability" beyond that. Thanks for any advice! Chris

Jojo - That's roughly $170USD/ni which is the best price I've ever seen. I would love to secure that rate. I've got guests coming from Vancouver and elsewhere in Canada. Mind sending me your TA contact info? bclrgrl - Did your TA's rate compare to that? Thanks! Chris

Quote: Originally Posted by Jojo I thought I've already found the best flight+accom and accom-only rate from my TA but I know discovered that it's cheaper to book flight separately and use the land rates that I got from my TA. Thanks! Mind me asking the price you are being quoted? Expedia.com lists the base rate for next Dec. as $213/ni. It was recently on sale there for $171 (though it isn't now). FYI My Seattle TA quoted roughly the regular rate, but included transfers. Chris

Quote: Originally Posted by pribrzl We arte doing a cocktail hour for the rehearsal, so we don't have to pay again for the private dinner party. The two hours of cocktail ended up being less expensive than a private dinner and everyone can have dinner afterwards. We are doing ours in an area right outside the italian restaurant - SUPER nice, with contemporary furniture - it's great!!! Do you mind me asking what the price was? It's been difficult to get any pricing info on things other than $25/person for a private dinner and I'm not even sure how long that is for. I would be quite interested in knowing the details on cocktails or appetizers, etc. Thanks! Chris

Awesome post - thanks for writing it all up! Mind if I ask you a couple of little details? Which bouquet did you choose? The spec sheet I have lists basic, deluxe and premium. Also I'm curious what made Tulum beach so much better than the one at the resort. Bigger waves to play in? Or calmer? (Depends on personal preference there I suppose). Or just better sand? My fiancee and I both love snorkelling, surfing and playing at the beach so this weighs in fairly heavily. Thanks! Chris Quote: Originally Posted by Magda&Neil We had a few events planned for the group including a van to Tulum to see the Mayan ruins and beach (cost $25 pp in a private van). Hint if you do this – bring your swimsuit! The beach was breathtaking and we all wanted to jump in. The vans were booked through the hotel on short notice and showed a bit late. Turns out the short drive to Tulum of 80 km took nearly 2 hours one way. Bring snacks!! We came back by 3 and were famished and a bit grumpy.

Just found this form and it looks like there is a ton of great info here! Looking forward to chatting with you all. Wedding date: Probably Dec. 2009 Location: Playa del Carmen or similar most likely I notice there is a huge 130+ post sticky on Dreams Tulum. Is it just that awesome? I saw a recent poster had a cover band there on the beach - sounds perfect. I also noticed a lot of posts start "Hey ladies..." so I hope I'm not the only groom here on the site ;-) Chris