24 replies to this topic

[amybermuda]

I wanted a small, family friendly resort close to an airport and there were only a few to choose from so I was lucky.

You could try to talk to a travel agent and have them narrow down your choices by your requirements: walking distance to things, price range, wedding options & cost, etc. Then you would have a smaller list to start really looking at.

I have not heard anyone on this site recommend avoiding resorts. There are pluses and minuses of every place. When I was second guessing my choice I started looking at other threads on here and reading what the other brides were complaining about I realized that there is no place perfect.

Weddings, local and destination, are only as stressful as you make them. I find it really hard not to get carried away, but then I remember if I do NOTHING else from here on out I am still going to get married on a beach and have a great group of friends and family with me. Not to mention the love of my life

Good luck choosing and let us know your next steps! I love helping to pick resorts and look at their websites!!!

[2010 Bride!]

Thanks for your help everyone.

Last night we were able to trim the list to 3 resorts. We are now looking at Secrets Maroma, Excellence Playa Mujeres and Dreams Riviera Cancun as our child friendly option. Time to hit these specific threads!

[Princess402]

Quote:

Originally Posted by amybermuda I have not heard anyone on this site recommend avoiding resorts. There are pluses and minuses of every place. When I was second guessing my choice I started looking at other threads on here and reading what the other brides were complaining about I realized that there is no place perfect.

This is SO true!!! This is one thing that I found during the process of my (ridiculously long and extensive) resort research - there unfortunately is no "perfect" place. There are pluses and minuses, and this totally varies by bride to bride... otherwise, we'd all be getting married at the same place!

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2010 Bride! Thanks for your help everyone. Last night we were able to trim the list to 3 resorts. We are now looking at Secrets Maroma, Excellence Playa Mujeres and Dreams Riviera Cancun as our child friendly option. Time to hit these specific threads!

Sorry to burst your bubble but Secrets is Adults Only

[amdecker]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2010 Bride! Thanks for your help everyone. Last night we were able to trim the list to 3 resorts. We are now looking at Secrets Maroma, Excellence Playa Mujeres and Dreams Riviera Cancun as our child friendly option. Time to hit these specific threads!

Good luck with your search!

I think picking the hotel was one of the most stressful part of planning the wedding for me. I just ended up picking one without ever having visited and it worked out great in the end.

[vdaybride]

Quote:

Originally Posted by marak The outside vendor fees of some resorts were a HUGE turnoff for me on principle alone. Too bad, as the listed resorts were my favorites before I found out their policies. I know a few, if anyone else would like to expand or correct... 1. All of the El Dorado ($500 and 3 night stay of vendor) 2. Azul resorts ($500 and 3 night stay of vendor) 3. The Royal PDC (not sure how much, they just hopped on this bandwagon) 4. Barcelo Maya ($500 and 3 night stay of vendor) 5. Palace Resorts - do not allow outside vendors I think the other girls are right though, it is a personal thing what will be prioritized. Some common things I hear as priorities are: Price in general Price for guests Geographic location - travel effort for guests or simply the vibe of the area, think Cancun v/Tulum...totally different. Adults-only or family-friendly Level of privacy for ceremony/reception How many weddings are performed p/day "High Heel" friendly &/or appearance of gazebo % of guests that MUST stay at the resort Quality of the beach (seaweed heavy, rocky or the other end...Maroma-style) Activities in the area That's all I can think of off the top of my head. Good luck hunting for a location! I'm right there with ya

what a helpful, thoughtful reply!!! I am not even getting married there and I feel like that was helpful info .

[bride2b10]

Marak - where did you hear about that vendor policy at Barcelo?? I'm only asking because I was told that as long as they are a guest at the hotel, no # of minimum nights. Most people that our bringing in outside vendors are just booking 1 night and then there is no additional cost.

[2010 Bride!]

I know, the first two are my adults only options and Dreams was my child-friendly option

[marak]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bride2b10 Marak - where did you hear about that vendor policy at Barcelo?? I'm only asking because I was told that as long as they are a guest at the hotel, no # of minimum nights. Most people that our bringing in outside vendors are just booking 1 night and then there is no additional cost.

My mistake, you're right about Barcelo, no 3 night stay required.

[daniepps]

I think working with a travel agent is very helpful. I had my mind made up on one resort and then my TA sent me info/pics of another resort which made me change my mind about the original resort. A TA can offer unbiased opinions of several different resorts.

[taylorwd]

Quote:

Originally Posted by marak The outside vendor fees of some resorts were a HUGE turnoff for me on principle alone. Too bad, as the listed resorts were my favorites before I found out their policies. I know a few, if anyone else would like to expand or correct... 1. All of the El Dorado ($500 and 3 night stay of vendor) 2. Azul resorts ($500 and 3 night stay of vendor) 3. The Royal PDC (not sure how much, they just hopped on this bandwagon) 4. Barcelo Maya ($500 and 3 night stay of vendor) 5. Palace Resorts - do not allow outside vendors I think the other girls are right though, it is a personal thing what will be prioritized.

Just an fyi, Azul resorts is $500 OR a 3 night stay. Not both. At least, that's the way it stands today. Karisma seems to change things on a whim!