alisonu22

Ok, so I've read all over the place about this extra fee the melia caribe charges for outside vendors. I then hear people say it's not an issue, and they aren't really charging it. So, i'm confused. I would love to use an outside, punta cana based photographer and I'm aware of the day pass fee I would have to pay for him. Would any brides who have been there recently let me know if they have heard anything about this. I've read the speculations, I just need the facts. FYI, the WC from melia said there would just be a day pass fee and nothing else, but the "romance guide" she sent me said that there would be an additional fee. I just don't want there to be issues the week i get there and lose my deposit with my outside photographer. Also, if you have any info on how the bar works with the tropical fairy tale package reception that would be great. I heard 2 hrs of open bar is included but then i keep reading about a set up fee. Thanks for all of your help...this forum has been fabulous.

PM'd you yesterday. Sorry about all the questions. Thanks

Is the dress still available? I'm very interested.

Is the dress still available?

I was basing it on this april's prices on applevacations.com. But if you saw Majestic Colonial for cheaper let me know where!! That would be wonderful if we could get a great price for our guests at such a beautiful place. Also, where are you flying out from b/c that does make a difference. Keep me posted and I'll let you know if anything new comes my way.

I was looking at both the majestic colonial and melia caribe as well. The Melia seemed to be on average around 1200-1300/pp and the Majestic colonial was about 1500/pp. They both look beautiful though, and I've heard good things about both. I did pick Ocean Blue though b/c of the great price and I've seen it in person and it looks awesome, though I do have to admit, if money wasn't an issue I would've pick Majestic Colonial. It just looks so beautiful, but I could'nt bring myself to ask my guests to pay so much for my wedding. I hope this all helps. Also if you're looking at the price range of Majestic colonial than you should take a look at the Paradisus. It's owned by the same company as the Melia, but it's really pretty too and I've read good reviews about it, and if you want adult only I've heard good things about Excellence. I've had two friends go there on vacation and both said it was an awesome place to go. Oh yeah, One more thing to keep in mind is that I live in Ohio and where you live also makes a difference b/c of airfare prices.

I loved it. I'm not scuba certified and it was a great alternative to snorkeling. The only issue was my ears hurt afterwards from the depth. But I seemed to be the only one who had that issue out of our group of 4. I definitely recommend it!!

My TA keeps telling me that most guests for DW book their rooms first to get a few payments in, and then book the air separate later on since air rates don't come out til 11 months in advance. I know from previous travelling experiences that usually package rates are cheaper than booking them separately. Can anyonce help me with this debate? My TA keeps ignoring my package rate questions and just keeps emailing be back about booking them separately. Does she know something I don't? Also, how do you all feel about group rates. I'm afraid that if we lock in a group rate price and prices fall we'll be stuck. I'm trying to get the best prices for our guests. I heard that when booked separately they can purchase insurance that will change the price for them if rates go down, but they can't do this if booked as a group. Any past experiences with this would be great. (oh yeah I live in the United States) One last question, I know this is getting long winded. How long in advance did you all book everything. I thought initial prices that came out for the next year always seemed higher than say rates that were 6-7 months out. In my head, I think they drop so they start selling rooms they haven't got rid of yet. I would ask my TA all of these things but she seems to be set on one idea. Thank you for all of your help and advice. I wouldn't know who to ask if it wasn't for you guys. Thanks

I'm not married yet, But the Ocean Blue/Sand resort is a the very top of our list. So far it seems like the most affordable, but still nice with lots of things to do. I also have read the least amount of negative reviews about it on trip advisor compared to other resorts. Also if you go on trip advisor or their facebook page (ocean blue/sand brides) (google it), you'll find tons of awesome pictures. I've also personally been in the lobby area, we were staying at the LTI resort next door, and it's georgeous. The place looks really neat. Hope this helps out some. I know I've been pulling my hair out over picking the right place. Good Luck!!

We've been looking at those resorts as well. Melia is beutiful but huge. So if you are looking for an intimate setting it may not be the best place, but I do like the idea of getting away from everybody if I need to without even leaving the resort! Dreams is also beautiful and they have tons of info on their website. But something we've noticed is they are very very busy with weddings. There are like 3-4 weddings a day. Just some things to consider when looking at these places. Melia and Dreams are both still on our list. So they definitely have their good points. Another resort to consider that we've looked into is Ocean Blue & Sand and Majestic Colonial. They're on the opposite ends of the price spectrum, but I've heard great things about both. Good Luck

That's are number one choice right now for our wedding! What made you decide on Ocean Blue as opposed to other places? Congratulations!!

Perfect timing Dina, I've been so torn between resorts at it seems like your visiting most of the places on my list. I can't wait to hear your reviews!

Quote: Originally Posted by staceysbride I agree completely. We have no kids in the family, other than one stepbrother who is 14, and my friends have no kids. We have no kids. So an adults only resort was at the top of my list. Second, we wanted one that was a little more 'lush' and 'tropical' in it's surroundings, so some of the newer resorts were out. They may have to die for rooms, but when you look around the vegetation wasn't mature. You could have been in Miami, Phoenix, anywhere, you know? The whole high rise feel was out as well. We wanted something that made you really feel like you'd gone to another place, and we LIKE the idea that the vegetation is mature at some of the older resorts. Third, we wanted a resort where even at maximum capacity the service didn't die off. TA will help you with that- people are quick to say where the service issues are and what the problems were. Yes, EPC is like 10-12 years old. Yes, it's starting to show it's wear here and there. But will you spend every single waking moment in your room? No. It was more important to us what people said about the food, the employees, the beach, the pool, the spa, the bars, etc. We didn't want a resort that had 2,000 people or 2,000 rooms, etc. We wanted a resort that was smaller, low rise, and had a decent beach. EPC has rough waves, but if you read TA walking down the beach to the right you'll find gentler surf. Plus, beach swimming isn't a make it or break it for us. We're happy in a pool too. Lastly, it was important to us how many weddings a day are done at the resort. To my understanding EPC only allows 2 a day. I can live with another bride and I getting married on the same day, though I picked a Thursday (10 June 10) so the likelyhood that I'll have to share staff and my day are slim. I didn't want a wedding factory resort. Some of these resorts do 3,4,5 weddings a day esp on weekends. And I wanted a resort that would give us a base package free for the wedding/honeymoon since we're staying there so long. EPC does that. In the end, only you can decide which resort is best for you, but I'd recommend you sit down and think of what you want and like, etc. And then read TA reviews and see what people are saying. Look at the photos, videos, etc. Good Luck! Thank you so much for that posting. That was so helpful. I'm also torn between resorts and excellence is on my list. Good luck at your wedding, let us know how it was

Congratualations!! I'll be in Punta Cana in april of 2011! I'll let you know how it goes!

Hi everybody! I'm Alison and I'm newly engaged to my FI, Chad!!!! We are planning a Punta Cana wedding in april 2011. We are still debating between a few resorts. Our top choices right now are Ocean Blue & Sand, Melia Caribe Tropical, Majestic Colonial, Dreams, and Excellence. We can't decide!!! Any suggestions would be great. I'm so excited to be here and learn more about Punta Cana and all of you!