Barcelo Maya Palace Brides

[Sandra&Mario]

Thanks so much for the review!!!!! Can't wait to see all the pics on your wedding page! I wish we were able to do a site visit...but between our jobs and buying our house, it wasn't feasible But, on the bright side...we get to read and see everyone's reviews and pics! Thanks soooooo much again

 

Sandra

[BethBride1]

Hey girls...i tried to post this the other night, but for some reason my computer wasn't letting me on the forum...here is some info about the sites...

 

First of all, I tried to take a lot of pics…this includes pics of the chapel. I tried to get inside the banquet halls, but was unsuccessful. The doors were all locked except one. The room inside was small, as it was sectioned off by one of those movable walls. It looked like any other banquet room. All I know about this is that the hotel at the Palace is stunning, so I’m sure the banquet hall would be the same.

 

Next I am going to try to clarify some things about the beach sites, bc I really wish some other brides would have explained it like this. First of all, this is the way it was explained to me when I was down there: they try to put the beach receptions in front of one of the grills (each resort has one). This way they use that kitchen to make the food & it can stay warm in its transport from the kitchen to the beach. As far as the different beach sites- they all look the same…Gorgeous beach with palm trees and a clear blue ocean. None of them are any more private than the other. They are continuous. They are not sectioned off or separated by the resorts. I guess the only way they can tell if the guests are on the right beach is by their wristband (which I don’t really think they care what beach you are on). The ONLY beach that is a bit different is the coral beach which is outside of the Palace. It is small and sectioned off by the natural landscape, but it is NOT any more private than the others. It is higher than the rest of the beach & kind of in the shape of a triangle. To the left are rocks and to the right is the ocean & the rest of the beach. I’m assuming it is called Coral beach bc a lot of coral washes up there so the sand is not as soft. I saw them raking it before the wedding I watched when I was there, so I’m sure it’s fine. I haven’t heard any brides complain about it. Since it is kind of naturally sectioned off, I would imagine it would be a bit more intimate.

 

The one thing I am not sure about with the beach receptions is how it works if you are staying at the Colonial, for example. I don’t know if you get all the beach choices. The way the rest of the resort works is kind of like a pyramid. The Palace is the newest & “nicest†(I put that in quotes bc they are ALL beautiful). Therefore if you stay at the Palace you can use all of the other resorts’ amenities…pools, restaurants, etc. The Tropical is the next nicest, so they can use any of the other resorts’ amenities, except the Palace…do you see how this works? So I am not sure if this goes for the wedding sites as well.

 

As for the other cocktail & reception sites: One option is the rooftop. It has a great view of the ocean in the front and to the right. To the left are the other buildings. Another option is by the pool. The pools are spectacular. The only thing you might want to consider is the time that you will be there. At 5:00 there are still people in the pool and I doubt they can kick them out for you. I’m not sure how they would section this off. The paths/gardens in front of the beach are another option. Basically…I’m pretty sure that if you had your heart set on having it anywhere outside they would do it for you.

In summary, I don’t see how you can go wrong. All the resorts are gorgeous. I think you just have to consider the time and your needs. I hope I explained everything clearly & I have not forgotten anything. If any of you have any questions or need anything explained further, just ask. I am a teacher, so I am used to lots of questions and explaining the same thing 500 different ways. Haha! I hope this helps!!!

[t&kJanuary2010]

Sandra&Mario...thank you for your thoughts. You will be getting married the weekend before I arrive...we arrive on the 12th! Has your WC sent you pictures of cakes or flowers, anything like that?? How many people are you expecting? We are like you...between work and other friends weddings we could not go for a site visit. So I am overwhelmed...normally a BIG planner type, so the fact that I have to plan things a few days prior is driving me CRAZZZZZZY Can you tell..LOL

[t&kJanuary2010]

BethBride1...thanks for all the site information! How about the Gazebo...is that by the pool? Or where a ton of people will be at 5? Can the reception be push back a bit to give time for pictures, etc? What were your thoughts of the room top area? How many people do you think that will hold?

[brandynd]

t&k..you arrive the day before my wedding! Yay! If it will help at all you're more than welcome to creep around and see how ours turns out!

[finzup]

Quote:

Originally Posted by yesther Thanks BethBride for your review! It was great! As a side note...does anyone that is working with a travel agent get some perks for having guests book through them? I feel like my TA is not doing anything for me...except getting a commission! Am I wrong to feel like I should at least be getting some of my stay subsidized if I am guaranteeing 10-15 rooms?

I don't think the Barcelo offers that sort of thing. Maybe check directly with the Barcelo to be sure though..

[svetayasofiya]

Quote:

Originally Posted by yesther Thanks BethBride for your review! It was great! As a side note...does anyone that is working with a travel agent get some perks for having guests book through them? I feel like my TA is not doing anything for me...except getting a commission! Am I wrong to feel like I should at least be getting some of my stay subsidized if I am guaranteeing 10-15 rooms?

I think I posted this already a couple pages back, or in another thread... so forgive me everyone for repeating myself! But we did get a HUGE perk. It was through the tour company we booked with (WestJet Vacations). The 21st person of our group travels free (a savings of $1539.00). That can be applied to anyone so obviously it's being applied to me and my fiancee. It gets even better!! The 42nd person travels free! We are currently 8 adults away!!! Wish us luck! We haven't told anyone about these perks because I think some of our guests would be upset... but my TA got them all an awesome deal so I don't feel guilty.

I don't think the Barcelo generally does upgrades or special deals themselves... but I know my TA is working to get us a special suite and somethingi else, but she won't tell us! She is a real doll. Have someone working for you who cares, and who is not just in it for the money. (Mind you... we got her tons of $$ with 38 people booking all over the country... that is over $50k to Westjet Vacations)

[yesther]

Thanks Svetayasofiya! I'm looking to see what Barcelo offers right now...hopefully, it will be like you (the 21st person gets to go for free etc.)! I know that most "higher end" resorts aren't really offering much...but I thought it would be worth a try.

[svetayasofiya]

Keep in mind it's not the resort... it's the tour companies. ie. Air Transat, Westjet Vacations, Air Canada Vacations... it totally depends on them and what kind of group deal / policies they have.

[beachbride17]

Hi Everyone,

 

I am new to this board but have been reading past posts. My fiance and I are considering getting married at the Barcelo in January or February of next year. Kind of short notice, I know. I have two questions. Do you think this is just too short of notice for people to commit? We would probably be inviting 20-30 people. Also, has anyone who is travelling with Air Transat talked to their travel agent about the three new wedding packages that they are offering at the Barcelo They seem quite reasonably priced if you have 10 or 12 people flying out of the same place, etc, but I wonder if you'd get the same level of service from the people at the hotel if they're not getting all of the $$. Txs in advance.