The Grand Venetian and Palazzo Hotel- possibly the most impressive hotel I’ve seen in Las Vegas. That’s saying a lot, when you consider the impressive structures lining the Las Vegas Strip.

My overall impression and recommendations: Shop here, enjoy the charming gondola rides, marvel at the talented opera singers amidst the Canal Shop Square… then stay elsewhere. I checked out of the hotel nearly a week ago and I’m still spending a few hours a day trying to get out of $5400+ in duplicate charges for my $1600 hotel bill. No, I’m not joking. My billing was not only screwed up multiple times, but Rudy in their billing department has little concern for the matter. Honestly, I’m not bitter. It’s been so ridiculous, I’ve resorted to actually laughing about it! In the meantime, I’m thankful for Chase Bank, and their amazing ability to match the numbers on hotel statements with bank charges, which the Venetian can’t seem to do.

If you do plan on staying at the Venetian, here’s my advice- use only ONE credit card and make sure they offer super spectacular consumer protection. When you check out, opt out of express check out and get a statement you can triple check for duplicate billing (or triplicate billing in my case.) And finally, be sure and check your bank activity over the next few days- I was charged again for another $1,280+ 2 days after checking out of the hotel.

The Venetian Hotel and Casino:
Billing disasters aside, the Venetian was beautiful, with an unbeatable atmosphere starting with an elaborate foyer and grand hallway. I’m a sucker for musicians and beautiful fountains in the entry you know. Be sure and watch your step coming from the front desk, you don’t want to trip over the line of tourists taking photos along the way to their rooms.

The Venetian Hotel Rooms
The Venetian is a true all-suite, luxury Las Vegas hotel. Their rooms are anything but ordinary with sunken living areas, luxury linens, multiple flat screens and huge bathrooms complete with over sized marble tubs. Everything you could possibly need, including a weight-censored minibar to alert staff for quick refills. If you need an extra bed in your room, come early- these are first come, first serve with limited availability. They’re also only available up to the 12th floor- just an fyi for those of you who like to high views of the strip. Humidifiers are available, and just about any toiletry you left behind. Quick note though, bring your own blow dryer; they’ve stocked bottom of the line, frizz-causing conair hair dryers with no cool button. So close to being the perfect accommodations! 2 large flat screens with disappointing channels but plenty of movies to rent (coincidence? I think not! I like movies anyway.) I really appreciated the in room multitask printers; trips to the business center weren’t even necessary. My favorite amenity at this hotel- FREE WIFI – only at the Las Vegas Venetian!

As impressive as your room may be, you won’t want to waste time seeing more of this hotel. A quick stroll brings you to the Canal Shops. Expect to gawk- the Venetian has one of the most incredible shopping areas I’ve ever seen, anywhere. Upscale shops in Venetian style facades around the indoor canals, complete with gondoliers passing by. Gondolier rides are available for $15 per person and it seemed the average appointment was an hour’s wait. Venetian hotel guests are given “buy one, get one half off” gondola ride coupons. If you want a cute keepsake, the gondola rides have photographers on hand and plenty of framing options. I’ll admit, I left with a few 5 x 8′s in a silly Venetian paper frame, a keychain photo, and a few in magnets. Hey, my grandmother loved them! The shopping… oh the shopping… I hit Burberry, Coach, Kenneth Cole, Anne Taylor, Brighten and several others. There’s even a Barneys New York tucked between the Venetian and the Palazzo. If you’re a shopper, go nuts! Just remember almost all of these shops are at the Las Vegas Premium Outlet Mall offering significant discounts.

The Venetian Staff:
Professional doormen, courteous front desk, and helpful concierge staff. The gentlemen working the transportation area always have a smile on their face and are happy to offer advice and directions. The Venetian offers great customer service in their hotel. Their billing department… well, maybe they’re overworked.

Puerto Vallarta’s South beaches include Los Muertos Beach, Playa Mismaloya and Los Arcos, Boca de Tomatlan, Playas Conchas Chinas,

South Puerto Vallarta crescent beaches include Playa Gato, Los Venados, Los Carrizos, Punta Negra, Garza Blanca, Gemelas.

Beaches far South of Puerto Vallarta: Yelapa, Las Animas, Quimixto

Central Puerto Vallarta offers the beautiful beach along the Malecon.

Beaches along Puerto Vallarta’s north end include Playas Camarones, Las Glorias, Los Tules, de Oro

Puerto Vallarta’s Marina beach is El Salado

For decades, destination weddings have been the domain of celebrities and the ultra-rich. Destination weddings and “weddingmoons” have, in recent years become popular with couples looking to add an exotic flare to their wedding ceremony. It is particularly easy to combine a wedding and honeymoon in Mexico, not only for its close proximity to the U.S., Canada, and Europe, but also for its simple marriage requirements. More than 200 thousand Americans alone married abroad last year, a 200% increase than previous years according to Conde Nast’s Bridal Group Infobank and Modern Bride Magazines. Thousands of these took place in what is now recognized as the world’s 5th most popular destination- Puerto Vallarta. A tropical paradise with camera-calling sunsets and beautiful sandy beaches, all surrounded by lush jungles and rainforests and mixed with rich latin culture- what could be more romantic than marrying in Puerto Vallarta?

Another advantage of a “destination wedding” is that by requiring the wedding party to fly to another country will likely trim your guest list to your dearest friends and family, Plus you will be able to visit with your guests over a long weekend rather than just an evening or afternoon, and with a Mexican destination just a short flight from most U.S. cities, it is easy to treat your guests to a memorable time.
All inclusive wedding

If you want to get married in Mexico, there is nothing legal or technical stopping you from doing so; but you will need to plan ahead and get a few documents together, fill in a few forms and pay a few fees.You can opt for a legal ceremony that requires blood tests and legal paperwork to be performed within Mexico. Or you can select to have the legal paperwork and ceremony done at home and save the symbolic and/or religious ceremony for the beach. Many couples choose this option for its simplicity, and most resorts have a wedding planner to help guide you through the process, whichever option you choose. Wedding planners can also take care of all the details, from catering, lodging and music, to entertaining any children that might make the trip.

Resorts such as Golden Parnassus and the J.W. Marriott in Cancun are all-inclusive resorts that offer wedding services. If you are planning to tie the knot in Acapulco, the Avalon Excalibur is a good choice, or you can be married and honeymoon like the stars at the famous Las Brisas Resort, Hollywood’s playground. From a beautiful, well decorated occasion at the prestigious Palmilla Resort to a nice small beach ceremony overlooking the Cabo San Lucas arch at sunset, Los Cabos has stunning locations for any style of wedding. One of the most amazing locations to tie the knot is Ristorante Da Giorgio Cabo. Set atop a cliff overlooking the famous arch and lover’s beach, this restaurant might just be one of the most romantic settings in all of Los Cabos. The world-famous Hotel Playa in Mazatlan has been hosting unforgettable weddings for over 35 years. They offer on-site locations such as the beach, beside their own waterfalls, pools and gardens, or in a magnificent reception hall.

The Hotel El Cid Marina Riviera Maya offers a complimentary wedding package when your guests stay at the resort. The beach-front package includes all you need to have a dream wedding, from the cake and the music, to having all the proper documents ready. They supply a wedding coordinator to ensure your special day goes smoothly. The El Cid can even supply the witnesses if required. This is yet another advantage to an all-inclusive resort, where everything is included in the resort price, making all-inclusive an affordable option for travelers on a budget.
Mexican wedding

Mexico has two types of marriage ceremonies, civil and religious. The civil ceremony is the only one that has any legal standing, and is recognized outside of Mexico. The civil ceremony requires that the couple have positive identification, such as a passport or birth certificate, a blood test performed in Mexico, and wait three days from the filing of the paperwork to the ceremony itself. If one or both parties are divorced, you must provide proof that the divorce has been final for at least a year. Also, four witnesses are required, two for each member of the couple. The ceremonies are performed in the local registrar’s office by a government official. However, arrangements can be made to have the ceremony in an outdoor location. Your wedding planner can arrange this for you. The couple receives a certification, stating that they are legally married according to the laws of Mexico. This is largely recognized as legal worldwide.

The religious ceremony is mostly for show, pomp, and pageantry. These are held in a church, or perhaps an outdoor location, such as a beach or garden. The couple must show proof of a civil marriage, performed either in Mexico, or at home, before a religious ceremony can be performed.
Destination Weddings

Destination weddings take considerable planning and research, and the best properties & accommodations often book far in advance of the wedding date. The earlier you begin planning your wedding, the greater the likelihood you will be able to book the perfect property for you and your guests. Exotic locations, luxury resorts and the ease of combining your wedding and honeymoon into one exciting event make Mexican destination weddings one of the most popular trends in weddings today.

A destination wedding and honeymoon in Puerto Vallarta has become a popular trend for couples. Aside from the simplicity of a single coordinated event, there remains endless options for making a Puerto Vallarta destination wedding… unique and unforgettable.

If you have always dreamed of romance and an exotic honeymoon adventure, Puerto Vallarta is the ideal location. A beach ceremony can accompany as many or as few guests as you would like. Endless fine-dining establishments provide for a lavish rehearsal dinner. Honeymoons are celebrated with a sunset sailing cruise, and a toast on an isolate beach. Shared with your guests, or only between the happy couple, Puerto Vallarta promises to make your wedding and honeymoon a unique and unforgettable experience.

Planning your destination wedding in Puerto Vallarta
Destination weddings normally take considerable planning and research, and the best properties & accommodations often book far in advance of the wedding date. Puerto Vallarta features numerous wedding consultants and planners that will make this simple. Relax, plan the details you enjoy and forget about the rest- it will be handled for you.

Resorts and most fine-dining establishments will have a wedding planner or event planner ready to assist you. La Palapa Restaurant is just one example- they are famous for their elegant atmosphere, beachfront luxury appeal, and outstanding service- let their planner see through the details of your wedding or rehearsal dinner and take comfort that your expectations will be exceeded.

Before getting married in Mexico, you will need to know the general requirements outlined by Puerto Vallarta’s Civil Registry. While the requirements are minimal, it is wise to plan ahead and allow yourself plenty of time to gather the necessary documents. You may choose a legal ceremony that requires blood tests and legal paperwork to be performed within Mexico, or a symbolic or religious ceremony with a legal ceremony and paperwork completed in your home country.
Most resorts offer an onsite wedding coordinator to simplify either process, and a number of experienced wedding planners can be found online and are happy to guide you through the process. Either way, a wedding planner is usually an ideal approach- the bride and groom can relax while the coordinator handles all the details from catering to music.
Puerto Vallarta Wedding Requirements:

• Only Civil Weddings are legal and must be performed by a Justice of the Peace.
• Blood tests required.
• Certified copies of birth certificates: must be documented by the Mexican consulate.
• ID: passports, id cards, or tourist cards.
• If previously married: Must be divorced/widowed at least 1 year.
• Certified copies of divorce decree or death certificate.
• 2 witnesses over the age of 18: they must also have ID and copies of the ID.
• Recommend couples bring 2 copies of all documentation.
• Recommend arriving 5 days prior to wedding date for document translation.
• Residency requirement: None.

These requirements may change without notice, so it is advised that the Mexican Consulate in your city is consulted prior to planning your wedding.

Planning a destination wedding? Don’t forget your customized “Destination Love” luggage tags:

Who doesn’t love to travel? Travel buffs, frequent and occasional fliers alike will adore the practicality of this special little favor. Brides will love the touch of sophisticated whimsy these place card holders add to any reception table. Each plane-shaped tag is crafted of substantial chrome and is dotted with charming heart-shaped windows. Attached is a black adjustable leather strap. Each luggage tag measures approximately 3 1/4″ from nose to tail. Each luggage tag comes packaged in a black bottom gift box with sheer organza ribbon and retro luggage thank you tag. What a great way to thank your guests for traveling to your wedding!

Custom Destination Wedding Clothes and Accessories:

Surrounded by the lush hills of the Sierra Madre jungles, and the sparkling blue of Banderas Bay, Puerto Vallarta charms visitors with its traditional architecture, cobblestone streets and enchanting natural beauty. Designed with all this in mind, The Westin Resort& Spa Puerto Vallarta, was created to display its beautiful surroundings.
One of Puerto Vallarta’s most exclusive oceanfront properties, The Westin in Puerto Vallarta was designed by famed architect Javier Sordo Madaleno. 21 lush acres of palm trees and tropical foliage, the resort combines the ambience of colonial Mexico with the most sophisticated services and amenities available in the world.

Highlights:

Guestrooms are luxuriously decorated and feature ocean views overlooking a private beach.

The Starwood Spa Collection spa is on site ready to pamper you.

The Westin Resort featured 4 palm tree lined swimming pools.

Location: Oceanfront, Marina Vallarta

Where to book:

The Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta

Resort Amenities & Area Attractions

Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta is said to be the most comfortable resort located on Banderas Bay. One of the largest resorts in the hotel zone, Fiesta Americana is known for its exhuberant landscaping, complete with exotic gardens, streams, waterfalls- all surrounding unique trailing swimming pools.
291 Guestrooms are climatized for the utmost comfort with air conditioning in every room. All rooms are beautifully decorated with comfortable furnishings, private balcony and magnificent ocean views.

For your convenience: Sony TV, Safe Box in every room. Late checkout available.

Specialty: Unique entertainment is scheduled almost regularly, including dancers and other performance artists. There is also a resort disco where you can dance the night away and a variety of activities on site including land and water sports.

Known for: Fiesta Americana has great facilities for meetings, groups and conventions meeting in Puerto Vallarta. They are known for their elaborate and unique “crawling” swimming pool and jungle-like landscaping.

On site: There are 2 restaurants, a snack bar, 3 bars, 24-hour room service, and a magnificent free form swimming pool with a swim-up bar and jacuzzi.

Where to book:

Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta

 On site resort amenities:
* Boutique Shops
* Business Services
* Car Rental
* Concierge
* Currency Exchange
* Laundry / Dry Cleaning Service
* Meeting Rooms

* Parking
* Physician on Call
* Massage
* Sauna
* Manicure / Pedicure
* Facials
* Swim-up Bar

* The spectacular pool area is rimmed by tropical palm trees
* Live Music
* Lobby Bar under 1000 foot palapa
* Chulavista Restaurant
* La Hacienda
* Pergola

Velas Vallarta Suite Resort and Convention Center is the ideal place to indulge your senses in the beauty of Puerto Vallarta s golden coast.The sparkling waters of Banderas Bay provide a stunning natural setting for our beachfront hotel,where warm ocean breezes blend with the scents of bountiful native flowers.Our lush tropical gardens and exquisite pools create an atmosphere of tranquility and relaxation.

A modern marina is within walking distance as is the Marina Golf Club. Multipurpose meetings rooms are available for events such as business conventions, receptions, weddings and private functions.Our business center provides wireless Internet,video conferencing, photocopy,email,fax and secretarial services. Whether business or pleasure, you will find Velas Vallarta a unique retreat that captures the beauty, spirit and splendor of Mexico s finest oceanfront setting. Enjoy your stay and feel at home at Velas Vallarta.

Where to book:
Velas Vallarta Suite Resort

Palladium Vallarta Resort and Spa is an all inclusive hotel located in a tropical setting, encompassed by lush flora and fauna,  yet facing a spectacular 300 meter private, white sand beach.

The hotel itself is decorated in luxurious Mexican decor, featuring vivid tiles and bold fabrics.  With the right degree of ambiance, guests are invited to relax and indulge on their vacation with family and friends, or that special someone.

Palladium Vallarta was designed specifically with the surrounding tropical foliage in mind.  All buildings, structures and views are integrated with the vegetation making this resort a true tropical paradise.

Where to book:  Palladium Vallarta Resort And Spa

Enjoy panoramic views of the bay from Vallarta’s beautiful beachfront hotel zone. Holiday Inn Puerto Vallarta is famous for their friendly and helpful staff, which really make their service quality notable.

220 standard rooms are available, all recently renovated with ocean views and private balcony.

European and All Inclusive Plans are offered. Two kids under twelve free.

Main pool, children’s pool, 2 lighted tennis courts and fully equipped fitness center.

On site: 2 restaurants, 4 bars, nightly entertainment and daily activities scheduled. Room service is available from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm.

It is approximately a quick walk to or taxi drive to downtown Vallarta and the famous Malecon boardwalk.

Where to book:
Holiday Inn PUERTO VALLARTA