Msbettybernier

Wow! Thx Jesse for the review. All of the information is truly appreciated. The pics are really helping my fiance and I make a decision. The grounds of the hotel look beautiful. I didn't get the email with the old prices, but today, I finally got a response from Marianna Vilchez, the WC with the costs, costs for extras, pics, etc. I have a couple of more Qs for her so I am going to email her in the morning. I've been reading TripAdvisor reviews and was getting a bit worried when the emails I sent were bounced back to me. The prices aren't terrible. LR Friendly---Thx and feel Better! BTW-the email you posted is the email address for Mariana, as she responded to me via tht address. Jesse, it is ppl like you that make BDW.com an invaluable resource!

Jessy Thanks for keeping my hopes up. I will b calling DR tomorrow in an attempt to reach someone. Jessy since you are my only resource rt now, please answer these Qs if you can: 1) I tried to dwnload the Word Docs detailing the Wedding packages offered at NH, but I could not open them; thus, can you pls post them? It matters not that the prices may be outdated bc at least I'll have something to gage from; 2) How do the rooms/suites look? Spacious? modern? clean? working air conditioning? Double sinks? Closet space? No major bug issues(I know its the Caribbean) 3) Can you please post pics of the suite if you took any?*** 4) Was your reception Private or semi private? 5) Top shelf liquor offered at hotel? At your reception, were drinks served?

Tyler's girl--Congrats! Your pics are beautiful!

Hey Jessy, Thx for responding. I sent an email to all three email addresses, but to no avail....this doesnt bode well...

Quote: Originally Posted by lrfriendly I too am at the beginning stages of a wedding at the NH Real. I have a wedding date of Thursday November 5, 2009!! WHOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LRfriendly- Soo sorry, but this is my 3rd post tonight... Im really desparate for info. I noticed your prior postings re: NH Real, and since your wedding is so close, I figure you have a plethera of info. Did the WC at NH Real email you price lists, pics of location for ceremony, DJ info, whether sit down dinner is included? I have been trying to reach WC but email bounced back. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Can you post Mariana's email address? Thx.

Hello, I went on the NH Real website to obtain the wedding coordinator's email address, but the email keeps getting bounced back as "undeliverable". Can anyone please forward to me the email address of the WC at the NH Real?

Just one word.....Amazing!!!

Just wanted to let the frustrated 2010 DW brides know that I am in the same boat. The FI and I are still trying to figure out if we're going w/ a DW, and if so if it'll be in Dominican Republic or Mexico. THis whole process is tiring! Good luck to everyone!

Tylersgirl--the BD pics look fab! Yur Fi is going to go bananas! BTW- Thx everyone for the Congrats and positive vibes!

Quote: Originally Posted by KLaBate54 If I remember correctly, I have read that another option is to have a semi-private reception and then move your party to the disco at the Riu Palace Mexico to play any music. Sounds easy enough, but I don't know how far apart they are from each other (maybe MsBettyB knows) and I also don't know if there is an extra charge for this. Even if there is an extra charge though, it might not be as much as paying for a private reception. Riu Palace Mexico is about an 8 minute walk from the RPRM. While I was there, I didn't visit the Disco though.

Thank you Chloe! and you are quite welcome!

Thx all! After coming back from Riviera Maya and staying at the Riu Palace, I can say I wasn't in fear for my life at all. The FI and I even went into town (it was only a $5 cab ride/8 mins away!) Go for it!

Hello All! I want to apologize for leaving you all hanging. This Tuesday, I found out that I passed the NYS bar Exam!! My family, friends, and I are so excited and relieved! Nonetheless, we've been celebrating non-stop. Now its back to reality: 1. job hunting; and 2. wedding planning. PICS Here is a link for the pics that I took during my site visit. Mexico 2009-Riu Palace RM site visit pictures by msbettybern - Photobucket Just my and your luck, The FI and I actually got the chance to see an actual wedding take place at the Gazebo. I took pics. We then went to Chilli's restaurant for supper and noticed that the upstairs of Chill's was being set up for an 18 person wedding reception. I took several pics of the set up for y'all. The idea of having an outdoor reception is great and the fact that it is secluded from the rest of the guests at the hotel is perfect. I also got the chance to see an actual semi-private wedding reception at Botofogo's. I have pics of Botofogo's Restaurant, but not of the actual reception (didn't want to be too intrusive). The set up was to the far left of the restaurant, along the wall. Has anyone ever been to dinner at a restaurant w/ several family and friends? Well, that is what a semi-private wedding reception at Botofogo's is like. Even though there are other hotel guests dining while your wedding reception is taking place, the fact that you're guests are facing one another and the set-up is towards the rear of the restaurant, along the wall, keeps it kind of intimate. For me, my idea of a wedding reception is a sit down dinner, music and dancing. But, seeing an actual semi-private reception at Botofogo's---It wasn't terrible at all. The WC stated that if your reception is semi-private at Botofogo's--music and dancing is not permitted. A private reception would be perfect, but FYI--to have a private reception at Botofogo's you must have a minimum of 40 guests attending and it costs an additional $600. Cocktail Hour As you guys may recall, I was totally opposed to having a cocktail hour in the hotel lobby b/c I thought that it wouldn't be intimate enough and that hotel guests would be all up in my business. When the WC showed me where the cocktail hr would take place, I reversed course and was totally on board. It takes place towards the rear of the lobby, not too far from the bar, and it just looks nice. This area is actually the location where you must go between the hours of 12pm-3pm to make reservations for the specialty restaurants. As for how the cocktail hour food tastes, I can't tell ya. I read somewhere that it wasn't all that. But, its a nice touch if you have a gap betw the ceremony and reception---so go for it! Flowers WC said that they can replicate your preferred floral arrangements, the only concern is if the particular flowers are in season. She stated to just email her a pic of the arrangement. Other than that you should fine. Chapel Not sure if I said this b4--chapel is located at the Riu Palace Mexico. The architecture and decor of the chapel looks great---reminds me of a Roman Catholic Church. However, its small and probably fit only for a party of 15-20 guest. Gazebo Ceremony at the Gazebo is the way to go. Just loved it. The ceremony that we saw took place at 3pm. It was hot as heck!! The guests were burning up in the sun. I noticed one of the guests holding a parasol over an older lady and I thought that it would be nice to provide all of my guests with sun coverage. Wedding Cake WC said that they can replicate my preferred cake, just email her a pic. If the pastry chef cannot replicate it, they do work with a local bakery called "Pasteleteria" If there are any other questions ask me! Review of Hotel----On its way--this post would be too long if I added it

So so sorry to hear that. I hope and pray that ya'll can come up w/ a great back up plan.

Thanks for posting! I know it can be tiresome, but we really do appreciate the info! Congrats Congrats!

Hello everyone! I am soooooo sorry for not posting sooner. There has been soo much going on with my family--I've thrown 2 baby shwrs in the past 2 wks and I am now in Georgia for a 1st Communion. Moreover, I am on the job hunt and interviewing has been exhausting. I took several pics --pics of an actual wedding that took place at the Gazebo area at RPRM, pics of an actual setup for a wedding reception at Chili's, and pics of the Bogofoto Restaurant. When I get back home on Tues I will post them for you as well as more info. Here is some info for now: Swine Flu There were no outbreaks while we were there. To date, my FI and I feel fine and we hope it stays that way. Amazingly, St. Francis Prep--the high School that has had the biggest cluster of breakouts in NYC is about 4 miles from where I live in Queens, NY. Again, we are fine and there was no word about a flu going around in Riviera Maya Our Stay at RPRM FI and I had a great time!! The food was great! The pool(swim up bar just great too), rooms, and hotel lobby, courtyard look exactly like the Riu in Punta Cana--palatial and luxurious. Liquor was great--top shelf available and if you want it specifically ask for it. The service was also good--no majors issues. The gazebo area for the wedding was beautiful. Botofogo’s looks great, I took pics of both and will post on Tues. Meeting w/ Juan Carlos Magellon - photographer I met w/ one of the photographers that are permitted to take pics at the Riu. Juan Carlos has an office in the Riu Playacar area which is about a 5 min walk from the RPRM. I saw pics that he has taken and they are wonderful. He also gave me a copy of the 2010 rates charged for the different packages offered at the Riu. The prices were the same as the ones the Josie forwarded to me. Personally, I feel that the best package offered is a bit overpriced ($2500US). Some might beg to differ, but I am having a destination wedding primarily to cut down on costs. At any rate, for those that are thinking of flying their own photographers down to RPRM, it might be more economical to just go w/ Juan, especially since his work looks great. I inquired about boudoir photos - he does them and charges a $300 sitting fee—some might be opposed to a male photographers taking sexy pics. Meeting w/ the WC We met w/ Ael Enciso at the Riu Palace Mexico. That is where her office is located. She was very helpful and answered all of my questions. Photographer I specifically asked about the outside photographer policy. She told me that it is Riu's policy to not allow outside vendors at the hotel, however, they have been and can be flexible in that regard. I reiterated to her that "ok, so you are saying that the general policy is to not allow outside photographers, however Riu can be flexible." I then stated that I want to confirm, “if my one of my guests (a hotel guest or a guest pass holder) comes to my wedding, then he or she can take photos correct? She again stated that, “the hotel can be flexible on the vendor policy.†To me this sufficed. There is no way that the hotel can block one of my guests at my wedding from taking pics. To be safe ladies, I would just email the WC directly to get that policy in writing. BTW--The FI and I happened to see a wedding ceremony at the RPRM gazebo. It was an Asian family and Juan Carlos was taking the photos. I also saw one of the wedding guests taking pics with a very hi-tech camera. This wedding guest was also on the beach taking pics of the wedding party. I assume that the bride and groom also flew in a photographer—he wasn’t prohibited and neither should anyone else. Riu Palace Riviera Maya vs Riu Palace Mexico Hands down, RPRM is better that the RPRM. My opinion is based on the decor of the rooms and the grounds itself. As stated, our meeting w/ the WC was at the RPMexico. The hotel lobby was palatial looking, but RPRM is larger, more modern and breathtaking. The chapel is also located at RPMex—chapel is nice, but very small—only about 15 persons can comfortably fit. The FI and I snuck upstairs to see the living quarters while they were being cleaned by room service. The junior suites at RPRM are much much larger and modern. We also visited the pool and the beach at the RP Mex—the pool at RPRM is nicer and so is the beach. Will post more info on Tues when I get back, sorry guys, please be patient.

Shellk--thanx for the well wishes. I am leaving tommorow. Hope to get good info to share w/ you guys when I get back. I'll sign back on Mon when things are settled dwn w/ me. Take Care

THe WC that I've also been in contact w/ is Ael Enciso. JPJC--Juan Carlos Magallon is still the designated photographer for the Riu. His office is located at the Riu Yucatan (walking distance from RPRM I think). I've been in contact w/ him and we will be meeting for an informational while Im down there next week. I want to meet w/ him to view samples of actual wedding photo albums that he puts together, not just a dvd w/ pics on it. Here's his website and email address. Wedding Photographer Riviera Maya Mexico :: Juan Carlos Magallon jcmag@mac.com Carrieo--Re; having your 1st dance in the lobby by the bar--if this Riu is anything like the Riu's Ive been to in past, then IMHO it will not be a good idea. Granted the lobby area for the Riu Palace is beautiful (decor is just magnificent), however, there will hotel guests that arent part of yor wedding party surrounding you/walking by, gawking, etc---this just will be too intrusive and I wouldnt want random ppl in my wedding pics/video. Remember, they do have a rt to be by the lobby bar too. Depends on if that bothers you though. My cousin has told me that w/ DWs its very important to be flexible!

Update, my WC info appt has been moved up 1 day, so I dont have to meet w/ WC on the day I fly back home! Perfect. Not feeling rushed. ShellK- I am not booking while out there there. Will do so when I get back home and coordinate w/ my travel agent. My cousin who just had a DW at the Riu stated that working w/ a TA to organize her trip led to her and hubby receiving free incentives based on the amt of ppl that booked. Chloe- 1. Decor of Bogo and Chili's; and 2. the policy regarding outside photo/videographers.---No prob!

Hello ALL! I too am a 2010 bride and I am 80% sure that I am going w/ Riu Palace Riviera Maya. 80% b/c Ive never been to Mexico b4 and the FI and I are going dwn there in 10 days to assess the hotel, food, service, and to have an informational w/ the WC. If everything goes well I'll come back w/ great news for everyone. In selecting a hotel I looked for AIs, modern/up to date decor, location Riviera Maya(Riviera Maya I hear is beautiful and isnt as touristy as Cancun). Only 2 hotels really stood out to me--The Palace Resorts, specifically Aventura Spa Palace and The Riu chain. I had to drop The Palace Resort/Aventura b/c they have no beach, just some lagoon, and my family are uber beach goers. They would be thoroughly disappointed to come all the way out to MEXICO and not get to stay at a beautiful beach. My cousin had her DW this past August at the RiuPalace Punta Cana. 60 of us showed up for her big day and we all had a blast! RPPC was very up to date, top-shelf liquor, wonderful service, and the wedding went off w/o any issues. That is why I am focusing on the RiuPalace, but not in Punta Cana (didn’t want to be too much of a copy cat) but in Mexico. I am aiming at having a Feb 2010 wedding, but I am flexible in that I wont mind having a July/Aug2010 wedding either. I hear that vacas to Mex in July/Aug as opposed to Feb are less expensive! Congrats and Good Luck planning everyone!

Ok good news guys! You all must have been praying for me! The WC got back to me and she fit me in for a morning appt on the last day of our stay in Mexico(Apr 16). She gave me a 1030am appt, but I requested that we meet earlier so that I can make it out to the airport at a decent time. The fact that I know she is at least available one day out of my stay is a relief. Also, apparently all of the informational sesssion take place at the Riu Palace Mexico. I checked the website out and it appears that that hotel is not too far from the RPRM because the address for the two hotels are very similar. Does anyone know for sure if the Riu Palace Mexico is w/in walking distance from the RPRM? ShellK--You're a spunky one! I think this is the 2nd time I've read a post by you stating "go bridezilla on em'!" I like your attitude and when it comes to our day, we better get what we want! Josie-- Im happy you're taking care of the FireDancers/performers. I too am interested and can't wait till you get any news. Listen guys, if there is anything you would want me to check out at the RPRM while I am there, please feel free to send me an email and I;ll do my best to assess. I figure anything you're thinking of I may need to assess myself.

Welcome Tiff! This site has a plethora of info. Good luck planning!

Thx for alllthe kind words everyone! Chloe55-You and I are on the same page. I just hope things calm down by next yr! Lets keep our fingers crossed!

Oh man! THis is perfect. My site visit is in 11 days and my list of Qs is all over the place..this is perfect! Thx Tammy