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Pictures from the jacuzzi roooms FOOD AND RESTAURANTS: 9/10 The food was definitely 5 star. The meat/seafood was very fresh and cooked to perfection and the vegetables and fruits were very fresh as well. We thought that they had a very good selection. The portion sizes are pretty small so just be aware of that as well. The only complaint I heard from our guests is that they didn’t have an "authentic (or what I call Americanized)" Mexican restaurant. The only complaint I have about the restaurants is that a couple of the nights, we asked our concierge to make us reservations at one of the "fancy" restaurants for 8-10 people and they said that they couldn't so we ended up splitting up but when we got to the restaurant they easily could've accommodated us. For those of you who like to eat late, the restaurants all close at 10 which sucked because a couple of times we didn’t get back to the resort (from an excursion) until 8 or 9 and it was too late to go to the restaurant so we had to order room service. All of the water served at the restaurants was purified so we could drink it. We didn’t have any problems with that. Here is a breakdown of the restaurants that we ate at: EL COCOTAL: Casual dress during the day; No shorts, flip flops or hats at night We ate at El Cocotal for breakfast one morning and then we had our rehearsal dinner there the night before our wedding. The breakfast buffet was pretty good although they didn’t have some things that I thought they should have. They didn’t have cheese or bacon for the omelets (they had an omelet station but the guy was really rude to my fiancé) and the drinks didn’t have ice in them. They did have a mimosa and Bloody Mary station though (Yum)! The food at our rehearsal dinner was delicious (more to come on this)! This restaurant is very conveniently located in the lobby building! KAMPAI (Asian): Casual dress; Open Air My fiancé and I ate here our first day for lunch and my bridesmaids and I ate here for lunch on our wedding day. The food was excellent! They had a variety of seafood with asian spices, noodles, and fried rice (my fav!) but they also had a hamburger (for my fiancé who doesn’t eat seafood). D’ITALIA (Italian): No shorts, flip flops or hats; Reservations required This was my favorite restaurant of all! They had a really nice selection of Italian dishes (gnocchi, pasta, etc.) but also had chicken and steak. The desserts were out of this world (I think we got one of each!) LA FUENTES (Culinary Theatre): No shorts, flip flops or hats at night (not sure about during the day as we only went at night); Reservations required The décor in this restaurant was awesome but the food was just okay and the service was horrible. It took us 2 hours just to get our meals from the time we sat down. My fiancé asked for another beer and it took the waiter 25 minutes to bring it. It wasn’t even crowded at all. JO JO’s (Seafood): Casual/Open Air The food was very good here! I definitely recommend the fish and chips! PIZZA & HAMBURGER: Casual/Open Air We ate here several times because it was right by the main pool and very casual. The pizza wasn’t very good but the nachos and chicken wrap were very good! ROOM SERVICE: 10/10 The room service at the resort was FABULOUS!! They always came within about 20-30 minutes and the food was always hot and fresh! The menu is not very big but you can pretty much order anything you want. We wanted quesadilla’s our last day there (not on the menu) and they were able to make us them. We also ordered cheese fries and nachos. The breakfast was delicious too! These are the only restaurants that we ate at but a couple of our guests ate at La Isla and L’Fondue and they said they were really good as well! BARS AND DRINKS 8/10 The drinks at all the bars were never watered down and they had a very large selection of liquors. The only beer they served was Tecate, Tecate Light and Sol although they may have had others at some of the bars that we didn’t go to. The best bar was Las Guacamayas! This was where most of our guests and us hung out late night because they stayed open until 2 am. The only other bar on the resort that stayed open past 10 pm was the Beach Bar. Las Guacamayas had something going on each night we were there. My fiancé actually entered the Dorado Idol contest the first night and won 2nd place! Some nights they had live bands and some nights they had DJ’s. It is open air so it was pretty warm (even at night) but it was huge and could accommodate a lot of people. There were also lounges and swings that you could relax on. The bartenders were very nice and fast and could pretty much make any drink or shot you wanted. The only issue that we had with the bars were that all of the swim up bars closed at 5 pm. We were very irritated with this because we really wanted to go to a swim up bar but we were so busy during the day that we couldn’t make it there until after they had already closed. I am sure many of you have heard not to use ice but the resort assured us that the ice was made from purified water so it was fine to use in drinks! MORE...

CANCUN AIRPORT: 9/10 After some of the horror stories about getting through the Cancun Airport that I had read on this forum and other places, I was very worried. First of all, we were bringing 10 pieces of luggage (for just FI and I) which we split between our mom’s and siblings. We arrived on the same plane with my mom, my sister, my brother and sister-in law, my FI’s mom and brother and two of our friends. It wasn’t too bad getting through immigration (about a 30 minute wait) and then when we got to customs with our suitcases it was only about a 20 minute wait. Since we were all together in the same party, I told the guy at customs that we were all family and he let me push the little “red/green†button for ALL OF US! We got a green light and breezed right through will all of our luggage! There were a lot of people in front part of the airport that were selling timeshares but they really didn’t bother us. I told everyone not to make eye contact with them. All in all, getting through the airport was a breeze! WELCOME AND CHECK IN: 9/10 Since my fiancé and I were staying in the casita suites, as soon as we arrived in the main lobby, we were whisked away in a shuttle to the VIP check in area. We were given champagne and hot towels as soon as we got to the check in and the entire process went very smoothly. At that time we asked them if there were any upgrades available and they gave us a very good deal on the upgrade so we ended up with the Infinity Pool Casita suite. Our room wasn’t quite ready when we arrived so they took us to the closest restaurant where we had lunch. About 45 minutes later, they gave us a call and let us know that our room was ready! The rest of our guests checked in at the main lobby. I didn’t hear of anyone having any major problems with checking in. The only problem that I heard about was that my mother in law and brother in law were given one king bed when they had requested a double. When they asked for a different room, they were told that they would have to switch to a room that was pretty far away from the other guests. This wouldn’t have been a problem except for my mother in law is handicapped and needed my mom to help her get around so they ended up staying in their room and making do with the king bed. Another one of my guests didn’t like where their room was (pretty far away from everyone else) so they were able to get a different room with no problem that was closer. OUR ROOM: 9/10 We were given a room in the last section of the Casita’s on the 2nd floor. Our room was awesome!! We had a huge king size canopy bed, an outdoor shower (our favorite part), a huge walk in indoor shower, twin sinks with granite countertops and a 2 person Jacuzzi bathtub! The toilet was separate with a door. We also had a very large balcony with a full size bed and our own personal infinity pool (another favorite part)! There was also a table with two chairs inside and outside. The overall décor was very nice and clean looking (nothing too frilly or fancy). The balcony overlooked the pool and lazy river area and we could see directly down to the ocean! It was a breathtaking view! The bed was the most comfortable bed I have ever slept on (well besides my own bed). Everything was in working order except the 27 inch flat screen TV was very fuzzy (we didn’t really care because we didn’t really watch any TV) and our refrigerator wasn’t very cold. It was stocked with beer, water, juice, and soda. When we went down to the concierge to ask about getting our fridge replaced they told us that none of them get that cold. We said okay but then when we went into our friends rooms their fridges were really cold. This irritated us but we decided to just deal with it! The cleaning staff was absolutely wonderful! They didn’t come early (usually came between 1-5 pm) and did a great job of cleaning up. And every day we got a towel animal (which I loved!!). The section of the casitas that we were in was very quiet! We hardly ever heard any noise when we were in our room which was definitely nice! TO BE CONTINUED...

First off, I just want to begin by saying that my wedding day was truly the happiest day of my life because I got to marry my best friend in the most beautiful place on earth! Now, I know that every bride wants her wedding day to be perfect and I also know that a “perfect wedding†does not exist. I know that before I started planning this wedding, I tried to read every possible review of the El Dorado Royale that I could get my hands on. But, in the end, every bride has their own experience and just because something happened to one doesn’t mean it’s going to happen to another. I think it’s so important to keep an open and happy attitude when going into your wedding day and although there may be rough patches along the way, your wedding really is about sharing the rest of your life with the man that you love. I am going to be extremely detailed and honest in my review so that other brides can maybe learn from my experience. My intention is definitely not to scare anyone away from having their wedding at the El Dorado because although there were issues and hiccups, there were also things that went perfectly! I am warning you a head of time that this is going to be long! Lol! HOTEL REVIEW El DORADO ROYALE OVERALL: 9/10 This resort is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to (and I have been to a lot of resorts in the Caribbean)! As soon as we stepped off our shuttle, we were definitely in paradise! The grounds, restaurants, buildings, pools, beaches, and rooms were beautifully and immaculately maintained. We had 36 people come with us with ages ranging from 22 – 70 and everyone absolutely LOVED it!! We never felt obligated to tip (except for a few times) but we did because so many people deserved it and are genuinely grateful for whatever they were given. The grounds are plush and green with a lot of butterflies, birds, geckos and iguanas! TRAVEL AGENT: DestinationWeddings.com (Tina McQueen): 10/10 Tina from destinationweddings.com was absolutely AMAZING!! From the beginning she was very responsive and helpful in picking out the resort and throughout the entire process! My guests felt very comfortable booking through her. She took care of all last minute changes and details fast and efficiently! She was my lifesaver and I would recommend her and destination weddings to anyone!! MORE TO COME...

Okay, so I now know how to use photobucket (courtesy of BagLover....thanks, girl)! so for those of you who couldnt see my pics, here they are (with some extras)

If you can't open the attachments, give me your email address and I will send them to you!

Ladies, I have written my review and will post it in the reviews section of the website by the end of the day. But....not to keep you guys in suspense, I will answer some of your questions now and also post some pictures! The dinner at El Cocotal (rehearsal dinner) was really good! We picked the chicken, beef, and ravioli for our entrees. I had the chicken and it was delicious! They set us up in the back of the restaurant and it was really nice! The BBQ Deluxe (for my reception) was AMAZING!!! It was the best food we had the whole time we were there and all my guests were raving about it! It was definately worth it! DJ Doremixx was FANTASTIC! We met with him the morning of the rehearsal at the hotel and went over all the last minute stuff (I would definately suggest doing that as it made me feel a lot more comfortable). He spoke very good English and was the best DJ I have ever seen! We definately recommend him if you are looking for a DJ. Overall, food wise, the restaurants were really really good! Very gourmet! You definately wont find any tacos or burritos! Oh, and if you are having your hair done at the salon, they do such a good job! I was so happy with my hair and all my girls loved theirs too! I know that was one think I was nervous about but I brought them pictures and they did it beautifully! Now, comes the not so good part...I did not have a good experience with the onsite wedding coordinators. To make a very long story (which you will be able to read in my review) short, nothing that I had planned (for the past 8 months) went the way I thought it was going to. The coordinators were very hard to work with and I had a really stressful experience. That being said, I spoke to two other brides that were married the day before and after me and they didnt have a bad experience. I am not trying to scare everyone, but I want you to be prepared. Make sure that you print out all of your confirmations and emails from Valeria (or whomever you are working with) and bring them to the resort with you. I worked with Odette and Celena and they were pretty clueless and at some points very rude to me. Keep in mind that I did have A LOT of extra stuff (14 spa appt's the day of the wedding, my own photographer and dj, private reception, my own decorations, my own ceremony script) so I am sure if you are having more of a simple wedding, you will be fine! Like I said, I really am not trying to scare anyone because in the end everything turned out wonderful (it just took a little stress and tears on my part to get it that way!)! The one big thing that I would do differently was have a real honeymoon. I would have booked a week at a different resort after the wedding or told all my guests that they had to leave on Sunday because I really did not even get to relax or spend any time with my new hubby until the last day that we were there! Stay tuned for my review! Wedding Collage-as3.ppt Wedding Collage-as2.ppt Wedding Collage-as.ppt

Hi Everyone!! I got back from my wedding / honeymood at the EDR last Wednesday but I have been so crazy busy that I havent gotten a chance to post anything. Hopefully I will be able to post my very long review and pics but if you girls have any immediate questions, I can try to answer them! BTW, the resort was absolutely the most beautiful I have ever seen....

Laur13 - We are having our bridesmaids walk down to "Somewhere over the rainbow" too!! The one that is in 50 first dates and we are doing out recessional to Jack Johnson's "Better Together" Too Funny! We arent doing Canon in D though (that is so cool that your fiance will play the guitar). I am walking down to the theme song from Princess Bride!!

A La Playa - We are doing a catamaran but I believe that they have yahts for charter as well. It doesnt hurt to ask! And yes I am totally in PANIC MODE!!!

I just had a makeup trial with a makeup artist who used to work for MAC. She swears by Makeup Forever HD Invisible Cover Foudation. It was so light on my face I barely knew it was there. I then got Boudoir photos done and it looked really good in pictures. You can get it online or at Sephora.

A la Playa - we are doing the sunset cruise through cancun catamarans. They are very reasonably priced and are super nice and have accomodated all of our needs. I think they have a boat that fits up to 25 people. The owners name is Allen Mason. His email is [email protected]. Hope it works out!

Laur13 - my colors are orange and teal so I will have tons of extra decorations and such when I return. Let me know if you need anything. I have lanterns and other decorations.

Hey Jodi20! We are using an IPOD for our ceremony and just having the onsite wedding coordinator control the music. THey have an IPOD doc and speaker system so I dont think its tacky at all! Dont forget, the fact that you are doing a destination wedding means that you are untraditional so anything goes!!

Here are some of my favorites from my shoot! Presentation2.ppt

A la Playa - We booked our private catamaran through Cancun Catamarans. They have been really great to work with. Cancun Catamarans, Cancun Catamaran Tours, Cancun Sailing, Sailboats in Cancun, Yachts and Deep Sea Fishing Charters.

We are taking our guests on a private 2 hour catamaran sail the night after our wedding. I thought it was relatively inexpensive. We are paying $1,000 for 2 hour private sail with open bar for 32 guests. They are arranging transportation to and from our hotel as well.

Oh, and I wired money to the DJ through Western Union as well and didnt have any problems!

Jenib31 - what a good idea to have the jacuzzi room for 4 nights and the casita for 3! I didnt even think about that! Darn! Oh well! We are in the swim up casita for all 7 nights and let me tell you, it is EXPENSIVE!! We arent going on a seperate honeymoon so I guess that makes it better! I am getting votives for our rehearsal dinner tables from the EDR because I dont think I am going to have room in my suitcases to bring them. They are expensive but I've already spent a million dollars (or so it seems) so what is another $50!

I had my session two weeks ago and it was soooo fun!!! I would do it over in a heartbeat! For me, the two most important tips for doing your photoshoot are LET LOOSE and bring someone with you who can help you with poses and tell you if you a pose looks stupid!!!

Thanks for all the compliments ladies! I cant wait to see them after they are retouched! BTW, for all you Virginians, I went to Valentine Photo Studio! The owner, Crystal is amazing to work with!!!

Here are some of my Boudoir Photos!! I had so much fun doing the shoot! I felt like a celebrity so anyone who is iffy about doing a BD shoot, I say go for it!!! BD.ppt

Laur13 - I am paying DJ DorrMixx $650 for four hours as well. He speaks English and will be announcing everything from our entrance to the first dances to the cake cutting! He is a vendor on this site if you want to look him up. I didnt get a dance floor because I am having my reception at the Tuscanes bar and I figure we can just dance around the pool.

Laur13 - We hired an outside DJ (and yes we are paying the $50 outside vendor fee...grrr) but it was still cheaper than the one the resort said they could provide. I hired DJ Doremixx and he has been absolutely wonderful to work with!! I sent him the attached list of songs and he found each one in his catalog! The song that I want to dance with my dad to is a Beatles song and a lot of DJ's dont have it because of some copyright bs but he had it and even sent me the MP3 of it so that I could make sure it was the one I wanted! If you are thinking about hiring a dj I would definately consider him!!! Reception time line.doc

Stunning pictures!!! I have those sandals too (in orange)! I left a comment!!!