19 replies to this topic

[laycj18]

Hello all! What made you choose your resort? We are in the begining stages and are looking at different resorts....I'm having a hard time figuring how to narrow things down.

We will be having a a super small guest list (only inviting immediate family...and I'm only expecting the the most 10 guests) and I know that keeping it affordable for those that are going to be there is a top priority. Other than that we have no limitations/restrictions.

I just look at beautiful pictures and no decision is even close to being made - lol

[Christinamaria22]

I researche like 15 places that my travel agent gave me and i was also considering something reasonable for my guests......... after going back and forth with resorts I orignally choice maestic colonial.... my other would have been Dreams Punta cana.... here is was I found the free package that dreams offered you still had to pay for the judge and your extras.... everything I wanted was like 300 dollars less with dreams.... I also find that dreams has a boat load of weddings so I wanted a place that had a lot but not in the amount of Dreams.... then when we were booking she said elegance was going to be opening under teh same managment of colonial but might be pricer.... WRONG... I save myself near a grand (hotel and air) and my guesst like another 150......... So thats how I came to be a Majestic Elegance soon to be bride...... hope this helps and good luck I have 13 booked and only expect like 4 more tops.....

[KHarrod]

I chose Dreams Punta after changing my mind twice about my wedding locations. I like Dreams because it's very family oriented and it offers a nice program for the kids. The most important reasons are the beautiful gazebo and the kids under 12 years okd stay free with a paying adult.

[shellb]

We chose the Melia Caribe Torpical for a few reasons:

* Guests budgets - a lot of our guests wanted a resort vacation package under $1500. There is also an option for people to upgrade to the 5star Royal Service if they want.
* Childrens Activities - Flinstones Club for kids- people in the beginning told us they were taking their kids, now I am am pretty sure they are not even coming
* Resort Size -the resort is huge and tons of gardens, pools and restaruants. For me, my two siblings basically hate each other so I needed a place where they wouldn't run into each other (now they both aren't going)
* Gazebo and Gardens - the gazebo is really pretty. I was afraid if we opted for the beach I'd have photo's of us exchanging rings and someone topless or in a speedo in the background.

Hope this helps.

[mrslbs]

I opened an Apple Vacations book, saw the picture of Dreams, and said "that's it!"

We thought it was going to be too pricey, but once we started pricing the different resorts, found out this one was one of the most reasonable!

We also wanted something family oriented bc we had 7 kids coming, and they all loved it, but it was also not overrun with kids. There were plenty of activites for kids and adults, and the resort is beautiful, the food awesome, and the staff was amazing!

[DanielleNDerek]

We made a list of things we wanted from the resort like:
- all inclusive
- kids allowed
- how far from airport
- good food and a lot of restaurants, I wanted my guests to have a lot of different choices
- quality of rooms (dh insisted the rooms had jacuzzi tubs in them, it was his one demand but caused so much stress trying to accomadate it)
- a nice beach and pool (with swim up bar)
- wedding choices and contact with the WC. I wanted a place that didnt take the WC weeks to get back to me. I emailed a lot of resorts and asked questions. If somewhere took too long I weeded them out. Keep in mind it does average 3 days for most resort's WCs to email you back but if its taking a week that's probably not good. I had very little contact with the WC until the last month, because i wasnt ready to make decisions until then. but in that last month she got back to me on a daily basis. also i looked at for the wedding portion

-wedding locations and reception locations. I wanted a beach wedding
- menu choices
- reception prices

I would sit down with your fi and make a list of things you would really like at the resort and a price range. Than maybe talk to a TA to get some recomendations.

[YoursTruly]

Ditto! Guests budget, location, proximity to airport, activites and hotel reputation!

[DTHSLove]

I just wanted to get away. If I were to go to JA there would be too many people taging along plus family members there. I wanted something small since i'm going to school and it seem it would be less stress. I called RCI and they gave me a 5 places that they had availability. After looking thorugh the 5 options I called 1 mth after to book. There was now only I option left which Paradise Bravo. I really wanted to get into Occidental which seem much nicer. I booked BP with only 24 hr to confirm, trying to see my other option at different island. The next day I called to confirm and make some changes through RCI and the guy I spoke to said there was a new hotel opening in Jan 09 with the all-I fee only $15 more but I will be worth it. I looked it up and saw the others in mexico etc and was taken away with the beauty of the others. I booked 4 rooms wedding or not I will be there.. I cant stop looking at the place.. Seem like a dream.. I just have to wk with the cost of there service..
I think you will know it when you see it...

[BachataBride]

This picture....



Need I say more??
Also, it was probably the most affordable for our guests - while still keeping the quality. Plus it offers a "free" wedding with 5 rooms & 10 guests booked!

Good Luck!! It is definitely not an easy decision!! I had picked this one from the get go...but then of course had to look at a hundred other ones before I finally decided on this one!

[laycj18]

Amanda - I love your reason. :-D

Ladies - I think I'm down to a very short list thanks so much for all your help!