Press & Testimonials

THE NEW YORK TIMES, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2005

A Weeklong Wedding Party at Puerto Vallarta Hotel

Seeking to redefine the term “destination wedding.” the San Fransisco hotelier Adam Burgess bought Playa Fiesta in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, right, two years ago and renovated it, turning it into a wedding-only boutique hotel. He plans to expand the niche concept into a chain of hotels in the comming years.

The hotel, which requires a four-to seven-night minimum, allows guests to reserve all of the 24 oceanfront units for a house-party atmosphere for up to 78 guests, and provides in-house wedding coordination for an extra $600.

Food and accommodation packages, with names like I Can't Take Another Day With the In-Laws (four nights), or Thank God Uncle Bob Didn't Show (five nights), range from $59 to $79 a guest a night. These include a welcome buffet, a Mexican barbeque and a Sunday brunch for all the guests.

Other packages start as low as $39 a person a night in low season, June 15 to Sept. 30, and $59 in hight season.

Ceremonies and receptions for up to 250 guests take place on Playa Fiesta's sun deck and restaurant. which overlook Banderas Bay and the Los Arcos rock formation. Customized pre- and post-wedding activities – from wedding buffets and mariachi bands to flowers, fireworks and spa service – round out the wedding day.

“It takes people back to a time when wedding were a weeklong celebration,” Mr. Burgess said.
Information: (52-322) 221-6109 or www.playafiesta.com

DESTINATION WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS

Say “I Do,”
Then Say “¡Olé!”

IF YOU'VE EVER DREAMED OF TAKING over an entire hotel for a multiday wedding extravaganza, now your dream can come true – without breaking the bank. A new wedding-only hotel in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Playa Fiesta Beachclub and Hotel, features on-site wedding coordination and 24 oceanfront rooms for up to 72 guests. Ceremonies and receptions take place on the hotel's sun deck overlooking Banderas Bay.

Owner Adam Burgess says Playa Fiesta may be the only wedding hotel in the world. But not for long – It's been so successful, he's planning more, the next to open in October 2006. And he doesn't stint on service. “We customize everything to the client's needs,” he says. “One client wanted a taco bar at his reception, so we created one!”

Seven-night package price starts at $59 per person per night, all-inclusive. (415) 519-3146 www.playafiesta.com