FAQ's

Here is a list of Frequently Asked Questions:

Q:  Can you guarantee my bed size and where my room location will be?
A:  No.... although we can make requests with the resort, it is never guaranteed.  The room numbers are only assigned the night before your arrival, so it is based on availability and entirely at the hotel's discretion.  It's possible the wedding group could be located in the same room building, or even spread throughout the resort.  You'll find out once you arrive at the resort!

Q: What's the deal with Royal Golden?
A: It has extra perks, hence the higher price.  Check the room categories tab for more details.  Although the rooms are identical, they are located in the section closest to the beach.  All rooms have a garden view (no ocean view rooms at this resort)

Q:  Can you tell me who booked already, and what type of room they have?
A:  No... due to privacy laws, I cannot disclose specific information without the client's express permission, so I will refer you to the bride and groom directly for answers.

Q:  Is this a large resort?
A:  Yes, it's HUGE.   The whole Grand Bahia Complex is made up of several resorts... the Punta Cana, Bavaro, Turquesa, Esmeralda, Ambar and Fantasia.  Transat offers rooms in the Punta Cana and Turquesa sections.  You'll have access to the Punta Cana, Bavaro and Turquesa sections only.

Q:  What does "all-inclusive" mean?
A:  Your meals, accommodations and drinks are included.  Not everything at the resort is included though... some items are an extra cost such as: premium or "top-shelf" alcohol, specialty menu items or private dinners, WiFi / internet in your room, scuba diving, excursions, nursing or medical care, all activities off-resort, babysitting, an extra bed in you room (rollaway), the spa, beauty salon, shops, etc.

Q:  I have severe allergies, can the resort accommodate me?
A:  Please advise of your allergies ASAP so we can let the resort know.  When you arrive at the resort, please mention it at Guest Services as well, and make sure to mention your allergies to your servers before each meal.  Transat flights cannot accommodate allergies with their "buy-onboard" menus, so make sure to pack something to eat during the trip.

Q:  What happens if I want to make changes after booking?  Or my room-mate cancels?
A:  Please check the terms and conditions on the RATE tab of the blog and on your invoice/receipt... depending on the dates of your requested changes, there will be extra fees, rate increases and potentially no changes allowed (ie 100% forfeiture).  If you are booked in a double-occupancy and your room mate cancels... then your rate will change to a SINGLE occupancy, which will result in your room being re-priced at the current rates on the date the change is made (ie it could cost you big $$$).

Q:  I am coming from a different city than Ottawa... can I still attend?
A:  Absolutely... just let me know your city of departure and I will price it out for you.

Q:  I want to attend, but do not yet have a room-mate... can I still book now?
A:  Yes, and we would book you as a single occupancy... once you have a roommate, we can adjust you to a double occupancy rate, provided that your room-mate travels with the same flights and dates as you.  Rates are always adjusted when changes occur, so we can review this on a case by case basis for accuracy.

Q:  Why are single rates higher?
A:  All room rates are based on two adults sharing 1 room (ie double occupancy), so if you are only 1 person in the room, the resort recoups these costs by charging more for single occupancy.

Q:  I have insurance already on my credit card.  Why do I need extra insurance?
A:  Credit card coverage is usually minimal and most-likely will not cover cancellation or interruption, or perhaps cap medical care at destination.  This vacation is a big investment, and inadequate insurance could result in a fortune in unexpected costs should you run into an unfortunate event before or during your trip.

Q:  I've never been to the Caribbean.  What can I expect?
A:  The standards of living are very different in Dominican Republic vs. here in Canada.  "Island Time" as I like to call it, runs incredibly slow... so take time to relax and enjoy the differences... you are on vacation!!  Expect food and service levels to be different too - it's all part of the Caribbean experience.

Q:  I've never flown with Transat... what can you tell me about them?
A:  Transat is a charter company.  Charter means that their planes fly the same routes only on set dates, hence the fantastic rates that they offer.  As with all airlines, flight dates and times are subject to change, and often at the last minutes - unfortunately, flight delays often are part of the travel experience, so remember to pack your patience (and a good book)!

Q:  What else do I need to know?
A:  That's why I am here for you... please do not hesitate to contact me at ctaylor@tpi.ca or phone at anytime.