Question For Sheraton Brides

[fogdog]

I think my contract was just for 10 room nights. It didn't specify over how many separate rooms or dates would be involved. But it sounds like the contract may have changed slightly... You can always try to negotiate.

[Taradactyle]

We're thinking of having our wedding at Sheraton too... I'm pretty sure the site fee is waived as long as the room minimum is met. For the reception, there is food/beverage minimums for the D'Cortez restaurant, but not for Palapa Fiesta or Tortugas Beach. We've been working with Lucy who is great.

[fogdog]

I also thought Lucy was great. However, once you sign your contract, she hands you off to the WC's, Anne and Irma. I have no experience with Irma, but don't have favorable things to say about working with Anne.

[Minx1969]

So I just got an email that Irma is moving to another part of the Sheraton so now I am working with Oscar.

 

And..my friends and family are finding better rates on the SPG.com site instead of through the hotel so I'm trying to get credit for those stays. My fiance is a Starwood Platnium (he's travelled alot with them) so I'm trying to use that as an influence.

 

I think the Sheraton should provide us with the best possible rate - otherwise what is the incentive for people to stay?

[fogdog]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minx1969 And..my friends and family are finding better rates on the SPG.com site instead of through the hotel so I'm trying to get credit for those stays. I think the Sheraton should provide us with the best possible rate - otherwise what is the incentive for people to stay?

We were in the exact same situation. I would recommend just booking the absolute minimum of rooms to get your benefits (site fee, etc) and then tell everyone else to book online. As I wrote in my review, there are many benefits to NOT using the group rate at the Sheraton.

You would think they would be incented to take care of groups, but they are obviously not. This was really frustrating to me.

[Minx1969]

We did book only 10 rooms and I'm pulling my hair out in frustration. Have asked my WP to step in and try to help.

 

The contract kind of locks you in - to me - butts in the bed are butts in a bed. We get people to stay there and give them business but they aren't negotating..

 

My FH is thinking about calling the General Manager of the hotel as well.

[Minx1969]

Oh and the 2 guests who did book through the SPG.com website were PREPAID - which means the Sheraton gets their money regardless. The guests cannot go back and rebook since they paid in advance.

 

I'm trying to get the Sheraton to honor that or we can make up the friggin difference between what the guests ALREADY paid and what our rate is.

 

*Rant off*

[fogdog]

So sorry you're going through this. It's exactly how I felt about dealing with them... I don't know what else to suggest except to just know that you will have an absolutely beautiful wedding and a great vacation. Everything about the Sheraton is fabulous, except their wedding planning. I would suggest having your WC deal with them as much as possible and insulate yourself.

For what it's worth, I sent the manager a long letter about my experience and how I felt, listing opportunities for improvement. He basically didn't care.

Everyone had so much fun and wants to go back for an anniversary trip but it bums me out a tiny bit bc I'd hate to give them more business!

[Jamie_09]

Were planning our wedding at the Sheraton in may of 09- I asked how many other weddings they do in a day, and Lucy told me maybe two, but never near each other. Is this true? Were having our wedding on Tortuga beach and the reception in the Palapa fiesta. It takes Lucy at least a few days if not more to reply via email, so answers have been few and far between...

[Taradactyle]

We just did a site visit at the Sheraton and this is also what Lucy told us. The resort is much bigger in person than in the pictures so I can see how they will be far enough apart - one location is at the far end of the hotel and the other location is not within viewing distance.