DESTI Awards – Spotlight:
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana
Words by Lauren Byrnes
DestinationWeddings.com, the largest producer of destination weddings in the world, prides itself on providing superb customer service, which is why the company established the DESTI Awards. The DESTI Awards recognize resorts for their destination wedding capabilities and accomplishments within the romance travel market. Recipients of the award were chosen based solely on client feedback and customer satisfaction.
Although the hotel is large and boasts 1,800 rooms, the staff is focused on providing outstanding customer service to each and every guest who comes through the door. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana has approximately 3,000 employees and a two-to-one staff to guest ratio, which means every guest can feel pampered during his or her stay. “We are always trying to bring a small feel to a large property if that’s what you desire,” says Vice President of Marketing at Palace Resorts, Frank Maduro. The hotel’s newest addition is the Rock Star Level, which guests can choose to upgrade to if they want to be pampered like rock stars. Guests of the Rock Star Level enjoy a number of amenities and services, including 24-hour dedicated butler service, a private cell phone to communicate with their personal butler, a private pool and beach concierge and drink service. d e s t i n at i o n w e d d i n g s . c o m
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While the customer service at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana is exceptional, the hotel’s accommodations and facilities are also unparalleled. Situated on one of the most desirable beaches in Punta Cana, the hotel boasts nine types of incredible suites, 15 pools, nine restaurants, a casino, fabulous nightclub, the Cana Bay Golf Club and a number of stunning destination wedding venues. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana is undoubtedly a step above the rest. Maduro believes couples want to have their weddings at the hotel because it is a “dual-purpose property,” which not only offers great destination wedding venues, but also
exciting activities to keep guests having fun throughout the wedding weekend. The hotel “is a fun a location to stay,” whether you’re the bride or a wedding guest, Maduro says. While the hotel caters to those looking for non-stop fun, they also have plenty for those seeking rest and relaxation. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana offers quiet areas and adults-only pools, where guests can relax and unwind. “It’s a property where you can choose to do it all or nothing at all,” says Maduro. While the property offers many activities and outstanding service, brides and grooms will not be disappointed with the hotel’s wedding collections. The nine wedding collections, which are designed by celebrity event designer Colin Cowie, are innovative, fresh and modern. When Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana was recognized for being one of this year’s best destination wedding performers, Maduro says he and the staff were “extremely proud and excited.” The DESTI Award is like a “stamp of approval on our product for the bride,” he says. Awards aside, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana has always been committed to offering exceptional service. “Customer service for us is ‘make it or break it,’” says Maduro. “The fact that people are impressed … (and) people want to come back speaks of what a wonderful property we have.” Are you ready to start planning your dream wedding at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana? Contact your certified destination wedding specialist or go to www. DestinationWeddings.com to start planning today.
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Photos courtesy of Hard Rock Hotels
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic is the winner of this year’s DESTI Award for the Dominican Republic.