PODC/SPAA 1998 Hotel Information

Marriott CasaMagna Puerto Vallarta

The conferences will be held at the Marriott CasaMagna Hotel, beach-front in Marina Vallarta, a development that features an 18-hole golf course, 400-slip marina, shops, cafes and restaurants. The hotel is located 10 minutes from the airport and less than 15 minutes from downtown Puerto Vallarta. Marriott beach activities include volleyball, wind-surfing and catamarans. There are also three lighted tennis courts, swimming pool and a health club. All rooms feature private balconies and modern facilities typical of a Marriott hotel (smoke detectors, in-room safe, TV, water purification system, etc).

Hotel Registration Details

All PODC/SPAA registrants must be registered with the conference hotel, the Marriott CasaMagna Puerto Vallarta (even if you are staying elsewhere). This is because many of the hotel's services to the conference (lunches, meeting rooms, coffee breaks, etc.) are paid for through hotel registration rather than conference registration.

Hotel Rates

Single Room per night: US$116.00
($99.15 before taxes)
Double Room per night: US$125.00 (only one person attending the conference)
($106.85 before taxes)
Double Room per night: US$148.00 (both attending the conference)
($126.50 before taxes)
Triple Room per night: US$183.00 (all three attending the conference)
($156.41 before taxes)
Staying elsewhere: US$140.00 (for the entire conference; click here for more information)
(includes taxes)

It is very important that you choose these inclusive rates and not any lower (room-only) rate that you might be offered. This is the only way that the conference will be properly credited. It may be difficult for you to get the correct rate; see below.

In order to get these rates, you must provide the group name "PODC-SPAA CONGRESS" and the conference dates when you make your reservation.

These are all-inclusive rates and are thus very competitive. They include gratuities, federal and state tax, and entitle the corresponding number of people to attend the conference, including lunches, coffee breaks and reception. There is complimentary stay for children under twelve years old in same room as parents.

(Conference registrants must also pay the conference registration fees --- see the registration form.)

A rate of US$99.45 ($85 before taxes) single or double occupancy (taxes but no lunches or other meals included) will be honored three days prior/post the event based on availability.

If You Are Staying in the Hotel

When you register you must provide the group name "PODC-SPAA CONGRESS" and the conference dates.

Where to Call to Make Your Reservation

Reservations can be made directly with Marriott. Toll-free numbers are the following:

USA and Canada: (800) 223-6388 (or (800) MARRIOTT)
Mexico City: (800) 326-5000
France: 0800 90 8333
Germany: 0130 854422
Greece: 00800 441 27686
Israel: 177 440 8662
Mexico: 91 800 90 088
Singapore: 65 295 6204
Spain: 900 99 4422
Switzerland: 0800 55 0122
Taiwan, Taipei: 886 2 567 3081 (not toll-free)

See http://www.marriott.com/reservations/worldnum.asp for other numbers.

Alternatively, reservations may be made directly with the hotel's reservation department:

voice:+52-322-10004
fax:+52-322-10376

Participants must provide the group name "PODC-SPAA CONGRESS" and dates to get the group rates.

Expect Problems

Most people who have made reservations with the hotel have not been quoted the correct rates. Marriott operators have quoted many people $85/night for a room. (Some people are given the correct rate for most nights but this rate for the night of July 1.) We are attempting to correct this problem. If you are quoted this rate, please bear in mind that this rate does not include the 17% tax, nor does it include lunches, etc. Regardless of what the reservation agents tell you, you will probably be charged the appropriate rate as specified above. Some people (especially those in Israel) have been told that the room block for the conferences is sold out. This is not true.

If the hotel will not give you a reservation at the correct rate, please go ahead and make your reservation at whatever rate they will give you. Then, send your confirmation number to Gil Neiger along with information about what rates you were given for which dates.

Guaranteeing Your Reservation

There are two ways you can hold your reservation:

  1. Reservations may be guaranteed with one of the following credit cards: American Express, Diner's Club, Mastercard, or Visa.

    Your credit card will not be charged before you arrive at the hotel. You are free to make alternative payment arrangements (e.g., having your employer or university pay by check) after you have made your reservation.

    Cancellations less than 14 days before arrival will result in a charge of US$170 plus 17% tax.

  2. You can pay for your hotel stay in advance by check. After making your reservation by telephone, send a check made out to "Marriott CasaMagna Puerto Vallarta" for the entire amount to the following address:

    Marriott CasaMagna Hotel
    Paseo De La Marina No. 5
    Marina Vallarta
    48354 Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
    MEXICO

    Your check must arrive with 14 days of making your reservation by telephone.

    If paying this early is a hardship for you, please contact Gil Neiger.
    Do not delay your conference registration because you cannot pay the hotel at this time.

    It is recommended that you get the check amount from the reservation agent and that you confirm the 14-day policy at that time.

    If you cancel you reservation less than 14 days before arrival, the hotel may deduct from your refund a charge of US$170 plus 17% tax.

If You Are Not Staying in the Hotel

As noted above, conference registrants not staying in the hotel must pay the hotel a total of US$140 to cover the cost of coffee breaks, meeting rooms, etc. This must be done in advance with the hotel in Puerto Vallarta and NOT with the toll free numbers.

Click here for more information.

This page maintained by Gil Neiger.
Last modified: May 19, 1998