Sheraton Hacienda del Mar REVIEW

[adevilbi]

Hi Ladies,

I had my wedding a couple of weeks ago and wanted to post my review for others as they plan.

 

Sheraton: A+

The resort is even prettier in person than it is in the pictures. The contract rates for hotel rooms were very similar or less than the rates around the time of the wedding, so we felt like we got a good deal. The pools at the hotel are spectacular. The food at the hotel (all of the restaurants and the catering) is spectacular. We had so many rave reviews from our guests about the food quantity and quality at the Sheraton. We had a buffet both at our rehearsal dinner and at our reception and there was almost too much food for our guests. Ask the hotel to include a free steamer in your contract for your wedding day.

 

Oscar Alcocer: OnSite Weding Coordinator for the Sheraton: A+++++

Oscar was there for every thing that I needed. He did a great job coordinating everything for all of our events. I did not hire an outside wedding coordinator and would not spend the money. If you are a detailed bride, all you need is Oscar. We had lots of extra wedding decorations. I gave them to Oscar with directions and he had everything ready to go.

 

Rehearal Dinner: D'Cortez Restaurant

We had the rehearsal dinner outside and it was beautiful. I know many people have their reception there also, but we had over 50 guests, and I can't imagine where you would put a dance floor. The hotel actually offers a variety of colored table cloths if you want them--no charge.

 

Wedding: Tortugas Beach

We requested a full wooden walkway for our wedding ceremony so that guests did not have to walk in the sand.

 

Reception: Palapa Fiesta

There is plenty of room in this reception site for 50 people or more. The hotel will provide round tables or long rectangular tables--just be sure to give your preference. Dancing takes place in the palapa---it can hold around 20 people dancing. We had a bar/ cocktail area that was also used for "dancing". Again, the buffet was excellent. We went with the beer/wine/margarita option for alcohol at the reception. What I didn't realize is that they bartenders will actually make any kind of fruit margarita that you request...the guests loved this option. Mango margaritas were probably the favorite of everyone who stayed at the Sheraton.

 

Acoustic Guitarist: David Flores: A-

David is a great classical guitarist and did a great job with the ceremony music and cocktail hour music. He charges $250 and hour, with a two hour minimum. He was a lot cheaper than a lot of guitarists. He only plays classical Spanish guitar...so no pop music. He sent me a song list that I was able to cross reference with itunes and then pick out music. He did an awesome job and brought his own speakers and sound system for the beach. David does not require a contract (which can be a little scary) and he gets paid onsite in cash. He is a little slow to respond by email, but he did everything he said he would do.

 

Hair/Makeup: Suzanne Morel: A+

Make-up was absolutely perfect--can't say enough about the artistry of their makeup artist. Hair was very good. I sent them pictures ahead of time and they did exactly the way that I specified. They were on time and very professional.

 

FLowers: Lola with Florenta Flower Design: A+

Lola did a great job with my flowers. I did not specify specific types of flowers...just colors. I gave Lola a budget and after three quotes we had everything worked out by email. She was on time with the arrangements and even my mother (who is very picky) thought the bouquets and table arrangements were wonderful. If you all have groomsment that are wearing thin silk shirts on the beach...do not use roses for them. They are too heavy...orchids work a lot better and stay upright. Instead of using hair flowers for your bridesmaids...which wilt in about an hour...use orchid hairclips. I found mine at Nordstrom for $16...which is only $1 less than a real orchid. You can also find them online at etsy.com

 

Cake at the Sheraton: B

It costs a lot more to use an outside vendor for a wedding cake at the Sheraton..so we used the pastry chef onsite. The cake tasted absolutely wonderful. The decoration was probably not what I would have chosen if I was close to home. It wasn't a big deal---we couldn't take it with us anyway.

 

Photographers

The best decision that I made is to take our photographers with us from the US. They shot everything all weekend...versus just having them onsite for an hour. I can reach them anytime that I need to. I know when to expect my pictures and they enjoyed themselves also. If you want to visit our slideshow go to ashley+nathan: cabo wedding highlight slideshow on Vimeo

 

US AIRWAYS:

Don't fly with them...they are awful to brides. When I booked my flight they specifically told me that I could store my dress in a closet. The plane we got on did not have closets and only had hanging racks for first class passengers. They were not going to let me know use the hanging racks in that area...until friends of ours on the plan upgraded us to first class. Another girl on the plane had her dress with her and they made her put it in the overhead bin.

 

Transportation

Book your shuttle ahead of time (online) if you can. We had a few guests that did not do that and the shuttle people were not very helpful to them.

 

Rental Cars: AVIS

If you plan on doing errands in Cabo or seeing new things, rent a car. It was a lot cheaper than taking taxis. From the Sheraton it costs pretty much $20 every time you want to go into town (one way). We got a great rate on a rental car for around $40 a day. You need to drive fast, but it is pretty easy to get around...there is one Highway.

 

Honeymoon: Esperanza AAAA+++++++

Can not say enough wonderful things about this resort and the staff there. We will definitely go back. The service is out of this world. The hotel grounds, pools and restaurants are gorgeous. If you are looking for relaxing, tranquil and exclusive...this is the place. I can't tell you enough about the rooms. We had a personal concierge the entire time were were there. Breakfast was included in our package and was wonderful every day.

 

restaurants in town

Casa Natalia Restaurant (San Jose):

This was probably our favorite place to eat. Wonderful menu (not too big) with lots of local flavors. Not super pricey either---$100 for a huge meal for both of us with drinks and appetizers. Go here if you go sightseeing in San jose

 

Mariscos Mazatlan:

Good seafood...more of a local place. We had lobster, shrimp, octopus, whitefish platter for two --with beers for $60 total. Caual atmosphere

 

NikSan:

If you go here, be sure to get creative and try their more "mexican" inspired rolls. You can't go wrong. It's pretty good for regular sushi...but out of this world for fusion sushi. Let the waiters guide you. Pricey but worth it if you order the right stuff.

 

The Office:

We had the best time here. We had about 30 of our guests at this beach bar. It is total "cheesy" Mexico with the games, tequila shots and all...but with that many friends and family members it was the perfect place to start of the weekend. We went on Thursday night and it really kicked off the rest of the weekend. THe food is actually really good too!

 

Cabo Sort Fishing D----

Do not use this company. They did not offer what they promised and our guests had a horrible time. They did not "show" the guests what to do. They were supposed to bring lunches for everyone and forgot. It is not worth it...just encourage guests to stay by the pool and relax.

 

Cabo del Sol Golf Course: Desert Course--A

We had around 20 guests play golf here. The desert course if cheaper than the ocean course by almost $100. All of the guests didn't even know the difference between the two courses because they desert course also looks out over the ocean. Be forewarned, the course is cart path only most of the time. So, for older guests that are not used to walking to the hole every time...let them know.

 

Take advantage of the Costco onsite...but just remember if you are buying things for other people...it is all in pesos.

 

 

 

I can't think of too many other things to add. We are so glad that we had our wedding in Cabo. We did not have any problems whatsoever. It was still pretty hot down there in mid-october...so be ready for that. But other than that...it was perfec, It was relaxing and wonderful. If you have questions or want to see pictures don't hesitate to contact me.

[Donie Jordan]

Congrats Ashley! Everything sounds so perfect! We are getting married at Cabo del Sol and using many of the same vendors! I'm glad to hear everything went so well!!!

[kiwibride]

Wow that sounds amazing! Thanks so much for posting your review Ashley! I am looking at getting married at the Sheraton in Nov next year!

[mich999]

Great review - thanks for sharing!

[michelle08]

Great review...very helpful to other brides! I thought the grounds at the sheraton were absolutely amazingg as well!

[weddinggirl72]

Great review!!! Thanks for providing all of the details. Thats a great a resort!

[Dolphingirl]

What a wonderful and very thorough review Ashley - thanks! Your review is really helpful, especially since I am still in the planning part of my April 7, 2010 wedding in Cabo.

[jennkurt]

Sounds fantastic! Congratulations!

[shiplandsafish]

Wow - it sounds like everyone had a fantastic time. Congratulations and great review!

[js212]

awww....your slideshow looks sooo dreamy! and you both look so in love =) i'm getting married at the sheraton in a few weeks too. can't believe how fast time is flying! thank you SO SO much for the detailed review. it's putting a lot of things into perspective for me. more pics please!