879 replies to this topic

[TinkerSofi]

@ashhtayy oh ok. thanks. My WC sent me some pictures with lights. She told me the lights are built in but I don't know if that will be enough. I asked about some party lights and if we could rent something without renting the whole DJ equipment (because no one knows how to work it anyway haha). She sent me the choice of renting a light up dancefloor. However, for the amount of people we have that was another $1300, and for that price we might as well get a DJ for $1500  . She also gave us the choice of renting some uplighting for $100 each so I think we're going to do that, but just wondering how many would be enough and how they would be set up. I think it would look super pretty for after dinner  

@TinkerSofi we do actually have a travel agent - one that we worked with for our wedding and she was great!! After saying that though I dumped her last week and found a new one today that is great!!

 

He gave me the email to contact AF directly. He had a ton of good things to say about the resort as well, but he did say that he was aware of just double beds. He did say that he was aware of new building so to check with them directly as to what's available. Even with a low cost to upgrade, I have a hard time asking people to pay a huge sum when it isn't our wedding. Doug and I, ok but not anyone else. We're watching prices and they actually have gone down but one category actually went up. We'll just have to see.

 

I'd like to stay with this resort after all the research work I've done and also really like everything about it. But this thing with double beds will very likely be a deal breaker.

I'm glad you found a good TA! Maybe he can also help you look around for other resorts that tick things off your wish list  before you make your final decision . It seems like your old TA failed to give you a lot of important info and it sucks when you find these things afterwards. 

 

You know your guests best, but if I was one I wouldn't mind having to stay in two double beds. It wouldn't be my preferred arrangement, but at the same we don't spend much time in our rooms so it's not a big deal. I do know that some people care more about this than others.

 

If the resort still doesn't quite convince you, I would sit down with your TA and tell him what you love about AF and see if he can find anything else that meets those requirements. I honestly don't know why they did the whole double beds thing, it really sucks 

[snswedding2016]

@acw271011 There are some deluxe rooms in the new section with king size beds. You can request it through your TA but there is no guarantee. I've also heard that you can ask the hotel to push the two double beds together to make a ridiculously big bed…lol!

 

@ashhtayy thanks for the info from your TA that's really helpful!! My fiancé and I decided to go to the BDR in Sept and we're going to make a final decision on our ceremony location. We're now considering the Oriolla Grill - I found some gorgeous pics online although I've been warned that they don't close until 5pm so it would likely have to be a late ceremony. I also think my group would fit on the Sky terrace even though online I think it says only up to 30 people but based on some pics I found I think we could squeeze in. The question is whether Karisma would allow it.

 

 Oriola ceremony1.jpg   195.51KB   16 downloads

 

 Oriola Cermony 3.jpg   242.84KB   13 downloads

 

 sky terrace ceremony1.jpg   261.26KB   11 downloads

[racht33]

This is all great INFO!!! Thank you so much!! So funny Ive actually been soooo excited about the spider monkeys ( favorite animal) so hearing how much fun they have been with guest excites me even more haha!!! I continue to see brides use the term GI TA.. what exactly does GI stand for??

 

the shuttle info is great to know. Not bad for 4 people a 20 buck ride!! Alot cheaper compared to some other prices ive heard from some cab companies.

 

I honestly dont have much info on the Crawl. I haven't looked into it to much. but this is the site my friend said she got the cancun one with the same company. Its 75 dollars a person for 3 clubs. VIP access. and bottle service.

 

http://partyhopperca...om/playa-crawl/

 

They got great reviews on tripadvisor. I have also seen that there are 2 or 3 other "crawl" type companies.. I will defiantly look into it after we get into complete planning mode.

 

 

@TinkerSofi & @racht33 my GI TA had not been to AF until she went this past week for her birthday with her girlfriends. She gave me some information that may be useful.

- great evening shows: specifically mentioned Michael Jackson and 70s/80s themed show
- all bars were great; couldn't pick a favourite
- need reservations at Italian and Thai restaurant but no where else
- all food was UNREAL
- wifi is extra for everyone but bride and groom; very expensive; must pay per device; weekly fee cheaper than daily fee even if only going for 5 days; I think she paid like $180 for 7 devices for the week?! (My notes are at work, I'll clarify tomorrow)
- resort was 95% full and it never felt that way
- monkeys were amazing and mezmorizing
- they no longer offer a shuttle to playa; $20 for 4 people, $40 for 7 (in van cab)
- before going she said do not have your reception on the sky deck (just your ceremony). She changed her mind 100% after going. Said her and her friends all agreed it is gorgeous and worth every penny. She wouldn't recommend an early ceremony as it is so hot, even with wind, but said our 4:30 plan was perfect. We are doing 4:30 ceremony sky deck, 5-6:30 cocktails at zky bar, 6:30 on sky deck.
- didn't recommend beach wedding. They don't move the loungers or anything so tough to not have them or people in your pics. Not private.
- said all the gardens were gorgeous, but weren't going to offer the private setting my FI and I are looking for.
- loved the pier (too small for our group)
- essence was great; pool often emptier than others; less kids
- not like a hard rock where music is blaring and you can't hear the person next to you; lots going on but didn't fel like she was in a constant party
- spots with shade went fast but you could always get a spot on the beach
- seaweed is bad right now and shouldn't be; staff worked tirelessly to maintain it
- few rocks on beach; wear water shoes if you have sensitive feet; nothing to complain about
- amazing spots for photographs all over resort; maintained beautifully
- some brides got married early in the day and wore big satin dresses; she said they were sweating and really recommended I try and find something light
- smoothie bar was amazing. All included unless GI is posted beside it. From what she could remember only protein powder was an extra charge (smoothies with proteins mixed in)

Okay, off the top on my head this is everything I can remember. Please keep in mind this is from my TA, not me! Hope it helps

@racht33 do you have any more information on the playa crawl? If so, could you send it to me? Thanks!

@acw271011 this was a HUGE bummer for me as well...until I saw it was only going to cost $70pp to upgrade to the one bedroom suite (about $140 per couple). At that rate I think it's worth it. We just sent out STDs yesterday so not sure what people will book but I feel like at that price it's likely a lot will want (and be able to afford) the one bedroom option.

@snswedding2016 some info above you may want to read too! ^

I read somewhere that they didnt allow the pushing of the beds together if you request it but some people just did it themselves. So that possibly could be an option if needed.  But my TA did state the new essence area has  the king beds in some just very limited. 

 

The new essence area seems to be much smaller than the older villas. Even the roof top rooms. debating on where i should request. I would love to hold a welcome party or cocktail party on our roof top. So the # of people that attend will help with my decision. Anyone heard or seen pics/video of private roof top cocktail parties in the rooms?

 

@snswedding2016 wow the first 2 pics are from the Oriola grill?? So Pretty!!! I love it!! I am really thinking about this location for the reception I love the way the photos look at night with the hanging lanterns. I would love to hear your thoughts about the hotel when you get back!!! 

 

Anyone aware of the "back up rain" location ? and what that may look like ?

 

[snswedding2016]

@racht33 I will let you know for sure!! Although I'm sure @TinkerSofi will give us a full report after her wedding in Aug!

 

The back up rain locations are the Oriola Grill and the ballroom…I'm not sure if there are any others.

[racht33]

@kellymenning how many lights and sheets did you use for your wall of lights? I Loveeee the look of it and its a great back drop. I want to have a photo booth area and this could be used as a backdrop!

[catrionaanne]

I am so glad I found this thread. A lot of this information has been super helpful! I am getting married at the end of April 2016 at Azul Fives. Like everyone here it took a long time to settle on a resort. I ultimately chose AF so I could hold the ceremony, dinner and reception on the Sky Terrace. I loved the look of it and the idea of it being fully private. We booked this through out TA back in early January and I was just informed that the Sky Deck was only confirmed for my ceremony and now another wedding has been booked there so I cannot have it extended. Since I wasn't dealing directly with the resort and it was all done through my TA it is hard to say where the lines of communication got crossed. I am so so disappointed this happened and just thought I would through it out there to see if anyone else has experienced anything similar? I certainly hope not as it has not been a fun past few days!

[TinkerSofi]

@racht33 a GIWC is a travel agent that is "Karisma approved" I guess we could call it haha it's stands for Gourmet Inclusive wedding coordinator. They work pretty close with the hotel and if you're in Canada that's the only way you can get perks, by booking through them. For example, I choose the free hair and makeup package that comes with a few other things as well. You can also choose a free cocktail hour. 

 

@catrionaanne I'm so sorry to hear this . I didn't have any problems getting the venues, but probably because no one is nuts enough to get married in August over there haha. I also bugged them until they approved it. I think I sent them an email every few weeks asking about it. I would definitely take the Oriolla Grill into account. It's still outside, if it rains you're covered and they make it look really nice for the reception. That's definitely our plan b if it rains. 

 

Something I recommend is getting access to your wedding builder and check that all changes are made on paper for you. The way I've been working is I email the resort's wedding coordinators directly and CC my TA on it. It seems to be working fine and our TA has been able to fight a few things for us since she's in the loop. I know it's kinda late now, but for the future. 

[catrionaanne]

@racht33 a GIWC is a travel agent that is "Karisma approved" I guess we could call it haha it's stands for Gourmet Inclusive wedding coordinator. They work pretty close with the hotel and if you're in Canada that's the only way you can get perks, by booking through them. For example, I choose the free hair and makeup package that comes with a few other things as well. You can also choose a free cocktail hour. 

 

@catrionaanne I'm so sorry to hear this . I didn't have any problems getting the venues, but probably because no one is nuts enough to get married in August over there haha. I also bugged them until they approved it. I think I sent them an email every few weeks asking about it. I would definitely take the Oriolla Grill into account. It's still outside, if it rains you're covered and they make it look really nice for the reception. That's definitely our plan b if it rains. 

 

Something I recommend is getting access to your wedding builder and check that all changes are made on paper for you. The way I've been working is I email the resort's wedding coordinators directly and CC my TA on it. It seems to be working fine and our TA has been able to fight a few things for us since she's in the loop. I know it's kinda late now, but for the future. 

Thanks! I have definitely learned my lesson the hard way. Do you know where I could find more information on the Oriolla Grill? I'm definitely open to options at this point but don't see much info at this location.

[Teg07]

Hi Ladies ......just wondering if anyone is experiencing a very slow response time from their WC in Miami? It's been 2 weeks and nothing ? I was working with Lynda for awhile then my last response came back from Andrea who said she would be taking over. Anyone experiencing anything like this ?

[TinkerSofi]

Hi Ladies ......just wondering if anyone is experiencing a very slow response time from their WC in Miami? It's been 2 weeks and nothing ? I was working with Lynda for awhile then my last response came back from Andrea who said she would be taking over. Anyone experiencing anything like this ?

I had the same experience. I used to be with Brigitte but then got switched to Ivis and the responses would take about a week to come in. All of a sudden the last few ones have taken a few days only. I'd try to email her again and ask whether they got your last email since it's been a while.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk