Please Help-I can't decide on a resort!

[RCBlondie]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks brandynd - good idea to watch the travel websites. I assume some of your guests are taking care of the trip themselves? Our TA will probably have a block of rooms but I think this means that the rooms are only available in the block until a certain date and also a deposit will be required. If anyone know differently please let me know.

 

We are not overly concerned with having everyone together in the resort. One of the reasons we are looking at something that has a total of 500 rooms (some resorts look like they are 500 rooms but they are part of a BIG resort, like the Iberostar(s). Beautiful, but easy to get lost and never see your guests. We figure it is a holiday for them too so they may very well like to have a bit of space too.

 

Barcelo for $600 is a great deal! Where is it flying from?

[VioletVol]

This is the hardest part. I spent the first 4 months of my 9 month engagement trying to make this decision. I wanted a gazebo and low cost for my guests. It was more important to me to choose a place that would cost my guests the least amount possible. I knew my family would come no matter what, but some of my friends would have to base their decision on the price. Unfortunately I am not getting my gazebo, but I have several friends going who I could have never expected.

 

We chose Sandos Caracol because of the price and we had been there before. I have read that some people are scared because it is so inexpensive they are worried about the quality of the resort, but since we have been there twice we know what we're getting. I'm certain there are nicer resorts, but this one is very nice. I have had no complaints in the 2 times I've been there. It is also kid friendly which turned out to not be a huge issue, but I did want children to be allowed in case some of our friends with children came (they are coming, but leaving the kids at home now!)

 

 

Good luck! I know its a tough one!

[brandynd]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RCBlondie Hi Everyone, Thanks brandynd - good idea to watch the travel websites. I assume some of your guests are taking care of the trip themselves? Our TA will probably have a block of rooms but I think this means that the rooms are only available in the block until a certain date and also a deposit will be required. If anyone know differently please let me know. We are not overly concerned with having everyone together in the resort. One of the reasons we are looking at something that has a total of 500 rooms (some resorts look like they are 500 rooms but they are part of a BIG resort, like the Iberostar(s). Beautiful, but easy to get lost and never see your guests. We figure it is a holiday for them too so they may very well like to have a bit of space too. Barcelo for $600 is a great deal! Where is it flying from?

That flight was flying out of Omaha and then connecting in Atlanta to Cancun, and they even included the transfers to and from the barcelo in the price, which made it a steal. The only downside to the flight is that it leaves Omaha at like 5 in the morning, which is gross, because with check-in here they have to be at the airport by 3am in order to find parking and take the shuttle, which in itself takes almost an hour anymore.
We went back in today and the prices have skyrocketed. I booked my MOH's trip and put down the deposit this morning, and for a four night package I ended up spending a thousand dollars.....not exactly horrible, but definitely not was I was expecting after seeing those low rates.
As for your deposit issue, the hotel company that I work for has a block available until a cut-off date. Once that is reached the rooms are available on a first come, first served basis, and they will not guarantee availability. The deposit situation varies based upon how many rooms you have blocked off, and what system the company uses to book their rooms. I know that normally the way we do it is that only rooms that are blocked off for a business function require deposits.
Anyways, I better run, I have to head out to my mothers for a little barbeque and boating. I hope this helped at least a little!

Brandy

[RCBlondie]

Great info Brandy, thank you! Guess it is more important to have the guests book sooner than I thought. Helps with my planning though so that makes me happy.

 

Too bad about the departure time, ouch! At least you should get to the resort at a good time so you can go and enjoy the pool, especially if the room is not yet available. I love getting there early, even if the room is not ready...nap time on the beach for sure!

[Jennybell1]

I was going to pick Dreams resort, but due to the cost - we decided against it due to our guests. You can get the Barcelo Maya bEach resort or Sandos Playacar beach, or Bahia Principe Coba for approx $1800 per person CAN and there have been amazing reciews on all of them. Especially the Barcelo on here.

Its really hard to decide, but like Nicole said, if you can figure what you really are looking for, you can narrow things down.

I went to the TA and got all the tour companies mexico books and went through all of them based on pictures and ammenities, then spent some time on tripadvisor to get some reveiws...that REALLY helped. Then after I had narrowed it down I asked my TA which ones were in my price range. From there I narrowed it down to two.

Barecelo Maya Beach and Sandos Playacar Beach....both have amazing beaches for the wedding to take place on and have great reviews .....its just a time thing I think. If you can take the time to do the research (which took me two weeks...lol) then you will be happy with your decision.

Good Luck...hope that helps!

[Kplanta]

Quote:

Originally Posted by britsytoll I went with Iberostar Tucan. It is very affordable for my guest and they only host one wedding a day which sold me. I didn't want to walk around with other brides...I know selfish but I think that would have been a little weird. Also, the WC at the Tucan is great. She is very helpful and response very quickly. Good Luck!

Hey!

I am currently trying to decide on a destination for our wedding in Feb 2011. I really had my heart set on the Tucan, until my TA gave me the quote for guests....$1842 +276 in taxes for 7 days. Do you mind me asking what your guests had to pay at the Tucan?
I need something to compare to!

Thanks for any help you can give me!

[mbarnes04]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JOSIE I'm with Katie - we also booked the RIU Palace Riveria Maya - their wedding package included dinner for 50 people and the total package of it was only $1500! That's what sold me Good Luck! Once you find a resort it gets much eaiser

wow, holy crap! does that include food & alcohol? decorations?