Melia Caribe Tropical: Q&A Related specifically to this hotel

[geminbk]

hey - anyone recognize this reception location at the Melia Caribe?

(i posted this in the main forum too..) it's taken from a random vendor website that i googled... but the wedding was at the Melia - maybe one of their restaurants? or a local spot? does it ring a bell?

[jennierin]

That is the Jellyfish Restaurant, a local spot. It isn't actually located on the Melia Property but is about a 5-10 minute walk on the beach from the resort. There are many brides that have had their reception there...it's actually where we are having the wedding ceremony and reception now, but we are staying at the Melia Caribe.

[SandDD]

Hello Ladies!!!

 

I just came back from a trip to the Melia in mid-May. The place was great & huge!!!! Our group was a pretty big check in group (11 people) and that was honestly the worst part. The lobby was a mad house! But once we settled in everything was great. To answer some of the questions I saw...

 

**Kids: There were kids, but I felt they were mostly younger and not like the annoying splashing kinds. I don’t think anyone in the group was ever bothered by any children the entire trip.

 

**Beach Gazebo: Honestly I didn’t even see this!!! I’m telling you this place is huge!

 

**Locations: Just a heads up for anyone who is contemplating locations….. The gazebo on the grounds is pretty, but you might want to know that the tram runs right along it, so it’s not as private and quiet as some others may be. The amphitheatre is actually really pretty! It’s right by the beach buffet, but they close at night, so it should be pretty private. I think this would be a nice alternative to the beach if it’s windy.

 

 

If you have any other questions, let me know! Good luck to any lucky bride who's getting married here!

[erinleigh]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SandDD Hello Ladies!!! I just came back from a trip to the Melia in mid-May. The place was great & huge!!!! Our group was a pretty big check in group (11 people) and that was honestly the worst part. The lobby was a mad house! But once we settled in everything was great. To answer some of the questions I saw... **Kids: There were kids, but I felt they were mostly younger and not like the annoying splashing kinds. I don’t think anyone in the group was ever bothered by any children the entire trip. **Beach Gazebo: Honestly I didn’t even see this!!! I’m telling you this place is huge! **Locations: Just a heads up for anyone who is contemplating locations….. The gazebo on the grounds is pretty, but you might want to know that the tram runs right along it, so it’s not as private and quiet as some others may be. The amphitheatre is actually really pretty! It’s right by the beach buffet, but they close at night, so it should be pretty private. I think this would be a nice alternative to the beach if it’s windy. If you have any other questions, let me know! Good luck to any lucky bride who's getting married here!

Thanks for the info!!

[leahstafford]

Hey everyone!

I just got back on Friday for shooting a wedding at Melia! Let me just say, this place is AWESOME! I have another wedding in Oct. there and cannot wait.

 

Ceremony- My BG decided to do their ceremony right on the beach. The set up was gorgeous! However, beach wasn't very private. Lots of people everywhere. We even had to kick one guy out as he walked under their canopy! Overall, ceremony was great. I loved that you could hear everything they said!

 

Cocktail Hour- Held at the Gazeboo near the Royal Service side. The apps were great but the tram does run by so it can be a bit nosey. Also, the market shops begin to set up around 5 right in front so that tracks a lot of people.

 

Reception- They did a dinner at the dominican rest. they had around 30 people so they had a long table in a blocked off room. The food was excellent, staff quick to filling drinks, etc. The cake was huge- 3 tier and was SO GOOD!

 

The bride got her flowers from the resort and they were phenomenal. I was really blown away @ the job they did! WC was awesome to work with, always on top of things and letting everyone know what was going on. Since the resort is also so large they did have a tram bring them back and forth and that was also nice! A lot of walkin to be done there!!

 

Overall, the resort is great. I was blown away. They upgrade the bride and grooms room to royal service and also mine, what a treat! We got to use the Gabi and the pool was awesome! The private beach was another added touch. If you can, I'd go for the RS- it was perfect!

 

The food here was also great and the service quick. There are bars and restaurants everywhere, anytime you want something! Great CS!! You all will love it!!

[leahstafford]

Oh and def. allow lots of time for pictures! There were way to many awesome places to take pictures but we had to get to the reception.

[shellb]

Leah,

 

Any issues with that $1000 photography fee I've seen notes posted about on the Facebook group? Or is that just for if the photographer wants to use the photo's for their sites or commercially to build business? I think alot of couples are hesitant over this thinking it is a feee that is going to get added to their photography price if they use an outside photographer.

 

I agree on the beach for weddings, it is so pretty down there. It is busy and understand how it would be hard to control who ends up walking through the ceremony. That guy was too rude. We opted for the garden gazebo because we were scared of that. However, the running to the beach for pictures (15 minutes by carriage) eats into time for photo's, we ran short on time and didn't quite get all the shots we wanted. Suggestion for other brides & grooms, have a list for your photographer so that he / she can do some of the family and guest ones while you are on your way to the ceremony.

 

Royal Service is definitely the way to go when staying there. Personally, I think the other rooms on the Caribe and Tropical need a bit of a refresh like most hotels / resorts do every few years.

 

Shellb

[leahstafford]

Shellb,

 

My bride said that she had everything booked before the new policy came out and that I wouldn't encounter any problems. I didn't have any problems nor did anyone even ask me if I was their photographer or mention the fee. The wedding coordinator was talking to me all day and never a problem. At check-in nothing was said. I don't know when they would even collect it, but there was no mention at any point.

[erinleigh]

Leah - thank you for the great review of the Melia!! I'm getting married there in November and I think we'll be using the garden gazebo, because I want a little more privacy. Did you happen to see the new beach gazebo? Does it offer much privacy? I thought it might be a good mix of "beach atmosphere" with privacy - what do you think?

~Erin

[erinleigh]

Oh - and can you share any photos from the wedding you did at that resort? Maybe even some general shots so as to not identify the people?