Does anyone have any info on PV Marriot CasaMagna?

[SarahL]

UPDATE...

I emailed Debi Cannon to let her know how much I appreciated all of her help, but that we were not going to have a room block at the Marriott... and explained all of the whole disaster. I also explained that we were still going to stay there (some of my family already made reservations even though I had asked them to wait... grr... but they actually got a BETTER rate than our room block rate when combined with their plane tickets). I told her that we wouldn't be an "official" group, and that I hoped that we would have a good experience.

So... Debi sent me a SUPER nice reply, and forwarded my email to some people higher up at 8:00 AM last Monday. By 11:30 AM, Norma Ramirez was calling me and asking how she could fix the situation.

Now they're saying that we can have all the perks of the room block (upgrade, welcome drinks, etc.) without actually having the block. All we have to do is send her the names of all the people on our guest list. They also offered a big discount for a welcome party, but we're going somewhere else. I don't trust them. Anyway... I'll keep you all posted about how our stay goes in February but I can't recommend doing anything through their events department!

[amyh]

That's great Sarah!!! Sometimes they just need a little push!

[Yari]

Originally Posted by SarahL

UPDATE...

I emailed Debi Cannon to let her know how much I appreciated all of her help, but that we were not going to have a room block at the Marriott... and explained all of the whole disaster. I also explained that we were still going to stay there (some of my family already made reservations even though I had asked them to wait... grr... but they actually got a BETTER rate than our room block rate when combined with their plane tickets). I told her that we wouldn't be an "official" group, and that I hoped that we would have a good experience.

So... Debi sent me a SUPER nice reply, and forwarded my email to some people higher up at 8:00 AM last Monday. By 11:30 AM, Norma Ramirez was calling me and asking how she could fix the situation.

Now they're saying that we can have all the perks of the room block (upgrade, welcome drinks, etc.) without actually having the block. All we have to do is send her the names of all the people on our guest list. They also offered a big discount for a welcome party, but we're going somewhere else. I don't trust them. Anyway... I'll keep you all posted about how our stay goes in February but I can't recommend doing anything through their events department!

Wow, what a mess! I was planning on getting a room block from there, but now I am rethinking it. I inquired about having my wedding there and no one ever got back to me. I did get a package emailed to me, but it was just okay.

Let us know how it goes.

[adeybaby]

SarahL: Just realized that we're getting married the day after you are at the Mayan Palace! We're also staying at the Marriot and we've trying to setup a welcome party there, as well. We pretty much gave up on any room blocks at any hotels (we were originally going to stay at the Westin....don't even get me started there). The long and the short is my F-FIL is an corporate event planner and has contacts both at Marriot and Starwood - even they couldn't get us anywhere with the block! We also had our WC look into room blocks but to no avail (lest we pay a huge deposit...no way!). In the end, our friends that booked pacakges through Amex, Expedia or Alaska got waaay better deals anyway.

My F-FIL did manage to get us 4 room with a decent rate and said that they would try and upgrade our party when we get there...we'll see.

We arrive on 2/19...when do you get there?

[SarahL]

We haven't finalized our travel arrangements yet (we're waiting for the packages from local charter companies, which should be out in a couple of weeks) but we'll probably be there from 2/17-2/24. See you by the pool!!! :)

[SarahL]

LATEST UPDATE...

We are arriving at the Marriott in three days, but as of today I have not received the final CORRECT contract for the welcome party. My event (welcome party) is on Feb. 21... one week from tomorrow.

I contacted them again in early January to ask about when I would get the contract. They said that they don't do the contracts (BEO's) until 21 days before the event. I waited and waited, and finally on February 7th, 14 days before the event, I still hadn't heard from them so I emailed. The woman I was working with is no longer working there. If you read my previous post, this is nothing new.

Anyway... I got them to confirm that our room is upgraded to a suite and that the welcome party will be on the beach patio. I want a VERY simple party... cash bar, chips & guacamole, veggies and dip, a few tiki torches and palm tree lights, and we'll bring our own iPod and speaker, I just need the outlet. I could throw this thing together myself with two hours and a Sam's club membership. But that's beside the point.

On Monday, February 11, I received the BEO. They had added in a $200 sound system, which I didn't need. I asked for an updated contract but didn't receive it, and since we're leaving in three days I didn't want to wait anymore. I took the BEO she sent me and I crossed out the sound system and made a note that we were bringing the iPod & speaker. I emailed and faxed her the signed, updated BEO. Within five minutes, I heard back from her because she wanted me to know how much I would be charged for using the electrical outlet. Okay, fine, whatever... I just want it done... but the big question is this: Why can't they reply that quickly about anything other than additional charges?

Throughout this process they have made it abundantly clear that they are only interested in commission, and since my party is not a HUGE one, they are treating me very poorly. (Although, who knows? I don't see any evidence that things would be better if I was having a huge party there. Maybe this is the service, or lack thereof, that everyone gets.)

I sincerely hope that in a couple of weeks, I can come back on here and eat humble pie and tell you all that it was all absolutely wonderful... I would LOVE that. But they don't exactly have me feeling confident about their abilities, and the fact that I, as a bride, am having such anxiety about something that should be so simple and lovely... THAT alone is enough to make me suggest that perhaps others should take their business elsewhere.

They have me feeling like a "bridezilla" and that really is the furthest thing from my personality. My wedding plans at Las Caletas are nothing but sunshine and butterflies... it's like butter! But the Marriott is seriously stressing me out over this silly party that should be SO simple... and it makes me sad because I've been a loyal Marriott customer for a while now.

I'll keep you posted, and I promise that I'll give the Marriott CasaMagna Resort a BRUTALLY honest (positive or negative) review once I get back!!!

Sarah

[Yari]

I am so sorry you are going through this. As you already know, I had a horrible experience with them. I am sure everything will turn out beautiful. I am so excited for your wedding!!

Originally Posted by SarahL

LATEST UPDATE...

We are arriving at the Marriott in three days, but as of today I have not received the final CORRECT contract for the welcome party. My event (welcome party) is on Feb. 21... one week from tomorrow.

I contacted them again in early January to ask about when I would get the contract. They said that they don't do the contracts (BEO's) until 21 days before the event. I waited and waited, and finally on February 7th, 14 days before the event, I still hadn't heard from them so I emailed. The woman I was working with is no longer working there. If you read my previous post, this is nothing new.

Anyway... I got them to confirm that our room is upgraded to a suite and that the welcome party will be on the beach patio. I want a VERY simple party... cash bar, chips & guacamole, veggies and dip, a few tiki torches and palm tree lights, and we'll bring our own iPod and speaker, I just need the outlet. I could throw this thing together myself with two hours and a Sam's club membership. But that's beside the point.

On Monday, February 11, I received the BEO. They had added in a $200 sound system, which I didn't need. I asked for an updated contract but didn't receive it, and since we're leaving in three days I didn't want to wait anymore. I took the BEO she sent me and I crossed out the sound system and made a note that we were bringing the iPod & speaker. I emailed and faxed her the signed, updated BEO. Within five minutes, I heard back from her because she wanted me to know how much I would be charged for using the electrical outlet. Okay, fine, whatever... I just want it done... but the big question is this: Why can't they reply that quickly about anything other than additional charges?

Throughout this process they have made it abundantly clear that they are only interested in commission, and since my party is not a HUGE one, they are treating me very poorly. (Although, who knows? I don't see any evidence that things would be better if I was having a huge party there. Maybe this is the service, or lack thereof, that everyone gets.)

I sincerely hope that in a couple of weeks, I can come back on here and eat humble pie and tell you all that it was all absolutely wonderful... I would LOVE that. But they don't exactly have me feeling confident about their abilities, and the fact that I, as a bride, am having such anxiety about something that should be so simple and lovely... THAT alone is enough to make me suggest that perhaps others should take their business elsewhere.

They have me feeling like a "bridezilla" and that really is the furthest thing from my personality. My wedding plans at Las Caletas are nothing but sunshine and butterflies... it's like butter! But the Marriott is seriously stressing me out over this silly party that should be SO simple... and it makes me sad because I've been a loyal Marriott customer for a while now.

I'll keep you posted, and I promise that I'll give the Marriott CasaMagna Resort a BRUTALLY honest (positive or negative) review once I get back!!!

Sarah

[starchild]

Ewww Sarah what a hassle. I hope there aren't any snags or extra charges when you get down there I am also super excited for your LC wedding!

[ChristinaH]

I know some of you have had some bad experiences with the Marriott (poor Yari!), but I on the other hand, have had good luck with them. I've been working with Rosario and already have received my contract and will be working on setting up a hotel website for my guests. I'm not having my wedding there either - it's at Las Caletas.

One of the reasons we chose the Marriott, is because we've stayed there several times over the past few years that we've traveled to PV. My fiance has done business in the area and has been a guest there well over a dozen times total - business and pleasure. Of course, this is the first time we've worked with them on an event, as opposed to be a guest. But so far so good. I think with any hotel, there are going to be good experiences and bad experiences. The new spa at the resort is just fantastic too - gorgeous. The facilities there are high-quality.

Another reason is the location - quick cab ride to the Malecon, close to airport, golf, marina. Which will be convenient for the guests when it comes time to leave for LC. Plus, the swim-up bar at the pool is a definite benefit. However, we've learned over the years that it's just as easy to run to Walmart, get a cooler, a case of beer and be set for the week. As long as you don't have glass bottles by the pool.

[ChristinaH]

Also wanted to suggest to you to read previous guest reviews of the Marriott, as well as any other hotel in the area for that matter.

Marriott CasaMagna Puerto Vallarta Resort (Puerto Vallarta, Pacific Coast) - Resort Reviews - TripAdvisor

Great pictures are also included on this site, taken by visitors. A wealth of information.