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Off Topic Forums => Forums Gatherings => Topic started by: AMG Coordinator on March 10, 2008, 09:27:26 pm

Title: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: AMG Coordinator on March 10, 2008, 09:27:26 pm
Fiesta American Reforma
http://www.fiestamericana.com/portal/p/en_MX/FA/FAR/1/0/Availability/showHotelInformation.do?hotelCode=FAR&country=MX&city=-100000&checkInDate=&checkOutDate=&numberAdults=1&numberChildren=0&numberMajor=&numberKids=&numberRooms=1&iata=&promotion=&group=&agreement=&idioma=en_MX&marca=FA (http://www.fiestamericana.com/portal/p/en_MX/FA/FAR/1/0/Availability/showHotelInformation.do?hotelCode=FAR&country=MX&city=-100000&checkInDate=&checkOutDate=&numberAdults=1&numberChildren=0&numberMajor=&numberKids=&numberRooms=1&iata=&promotion=&group=&agreement=&idioma=en_MX&marca=FA)

August 13th - 20th

$72 per night (ROH) + 17% tax

SERVICE CHARGES:
•   Bell staff: $ 5.00US per person, round trip
•   Housekeeping:  $ 3.50US per room, daily


CONCESSIONS:
•   Group pre registration.
•   Private check in area if group arrives together
•   One Complimentary tropical welcome drink per participant upon check in
•   Complimentary function space according to group size provided indicated banquet food and beverage functions are guaranteed to the Hotel.
•   The hotel will offer one complimentary (EP) room for every 50 rooms paid per night.
•   The hotel will offer one Up-Grade for every 50 rooms paid per night
•   Guaranteed group rate three (3) days before and three (3) days after the official meeting dates, subject to availability during peak nights only.
















Title: Re: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: allanq on March 10, 2008, 10:10:59 pm
Dennis,

This looks like a nice choice. The reviews all mention that this hotel has an excellent location.

What does ROH mean (after the rate)?  It looks like there's an additional charge of $8.50 a day for bell staff & housekeeping. So is the total rate $98.50? Does it include tax?

Allan


Title: Re: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: emeraldize on March 11, 2008, 03:49:01 am
ROH stands for Run of House you get whatever room they have available when you checkin. If you want a particular type of room, the only way to ensure it is to book ahead. ROH is a good option. You actually end up (sometimes) with a better room because the most expensive are booked last.
Title: Re: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: RAB on March 11, 2008, 01:24:41 pm
Dennis,

This looks like a nice choice. The reviews all mention that this hotel has an excellent location.

What does ROH mean (after the rate)?  It looks like there's an additional charge of $8.50 a day for bell staff & housekeeping. So is the total rate $98.50? Does it include tax?

Allan


I think it must include the tax Allan.  I checked the link Dennis provided, put in my dates, and was quoted $98.50 (including taxes) per day for a deluxe king room.  (Didn't say anything about the $5.00 + $3.50 charges though.)

Unfortunately their web site is incredibly slow.  Then all of a sudden I got an error message saying something about "Apache Server had no back end" or something like that.  (what the heck is an Apache Server and why doesn't it have a backend?   ???)


To everyone:

So I assume this means we're going with the alternate dates, correct?  My options for rebooking my ticket are getting pretty slim and I would kind of like to get it nailed down before there are no choices left.

RAB

Title: Re: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: anniebc on March 11, 2008, 04:35:56 pm

To everyone:

So I assume this means we're going with the alternate dates, correct?  My options for rebooking my ticket are getting pretty slim and I would kind of like to get it nailed down before there are no choices left.

I think we need to lock in a definite date ASAP, it seems to me that the 13th-20th is the way to go, from what I have seen there are more hotel rooms available from these dates...please let us know what you think, we really need to get the dates fixed..and soon, so we can book our tickets, and some need to change their tickets while they can.

Hugs
Jan :-*
Title: Re: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: Ric Wilke on March 11, 2008, 07:19:29 pm
Thom and I concur!  Hotel sounds perfect and the dates are looking even better for us.  (Can't leave a new litter of pups at a kennel.  They should be in their new homes by then.)
Title: Re: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: pozguy75 on March 11, 2008, 07:21:05 pm
I think we need to lock in a definite date ASAP, it seems to me that the 13th-20th is the way to go, from what I have seen there are more hotel rooms available from these dates...please let us know what you think, we really need to get the dates fixed..and soon, so we can book our tickets, and some need to change their tickets while they can.

Hugs
Jan :-*

Iggy and I are good with what ever dates...however, we do need to know fairly soon for ticketing purposes. I need to get the days off from work too...oh and brush up on the Espagnol!
Title: Re: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: Robert on March 11, 2008, 07:39:39 pm
13Aug - 20Aug  sounds good to me.  I say yea.

I know the grants committee is getting anxious and the grantees are getting anxious.

robert
Title: Re: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: mjmel on March 11, 2008, 08:06:29 pm
Has our group been registered? Will the reservation dept. know of AMG Group?

Mike
Title: Re: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: AMG Coordinator on March 12, 2008, 08:10:00 am
No contract has been finalized at any hotel for any date.  Nothing can be finalized until everyone decides when it is they want AMG to be held.  So far, two hotel proposals have been submitted to the group.  One for the original dates chosen and one for the alternate dates. 

I suggest everyone take a deep breath, choose a set of dates, and then stick to it! 
Title: Re: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: allanq on March 12, 2008, 11:26:12 am
Dennis,

Based on Jan's thread ("New Dates for AMG & Attendance"), it looks like there is support for your proposal and the dates Aug 13-20. So far, no one has voiced any objections to either the dates or the hotel.

I checked the reviews for the Hotel Fiesta Americana Reforma and they were generally favorable. The reviews I saw for the Casa Inn (JR's proposal) made me a bit wary of that hotel, even though it is a little cheaper than the Fiesta Americana. Of seven reviews for the Casa Inn, five were unfavorable. For the Fiesta Americana, ten of the eleven reviews were favorable.

It looks to me like we should just go with the Fiesta Americana, August 13-20.

Allan
Title: Re: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: AMG Coordinator on March 12, 2008, 11:47:10 am
Please make note of the revised room rate in my original post above. 

The new nightly room rate is $72 + 17% tax per night.  For a total of $84.24.

There is also a $3.50 housekeeping fee per night.
Title: Re: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: mjmel on March 12, 2008, 07:42:17 pm
Please make note of the revised room rate in my original post above. 

The new nightly room rate is $72 + 17% tax per night.  For a total of $84.24.

There is also a $3.50 housekeeping fee per night.

Nice!  Thanks, Dennis.

Title: Re: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: Jody on March 12, 2008, 08:47:18 pm
Thanks again Dennis for your phenomenol work, you are the best!!!

The dates and hotel chosen are fine with me and I look forward to the final post of the dates and the hotel and phone # for the reservation dept.

Jody 
Title: Re: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: Robert on March 12, 2008, 11:02:09 pm
Dennis.

OLE'

As Allan say, "...we should just go with the Fiesta Americana, August 13-20."

I agree.

robert
Title: Re: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: englishgirl on March 13, 2008, 02:51:19 am
i concur with robert & allan

thanks dennis for all your hard work on this
Title: Re: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: David_CA on March 13, 2008, 09:27:58 am
The Davids agree with the above dates and hotel, too!
Title: Re: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: allanq on March 13, 2008, 07:24:41 pm
Sorry if I missed something here, but it's not clear to me whether the hotel and dates have been officially set. Is it now "safe" to make plane reservations for August 13-20? What about hotel reservations?

Allan
Title: Re: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: mjmel on March 14, 2008, 04:58:05 am
Sorry if I missed something here, but it's not clear to me whether the hotel and dates have been officially set. Is it now "safe" to make plane reservations for August 13-20? What about hotel reservations?

Allan


The dates are locked in. [ http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=19591.0  ]
The arrangements of the hotel have not been secured yet.
It will be the Fiesta Americana Reforma because of the nods of approval.
A consensus is being requested....respondents say Fiesta Americana Reforma.
 
Dennis will likely finalize the arrangement with Fiesta Americana Reforma soon. (hint, hint  ;D)
Then we can all book at the rates he has negotiated.
I've rebooked my flight. 
I acquired a nasty 4 hr. layover in Charlotte, NC on the return trip.
Mike
Title: Re: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: AMG Coordinator on March 14, 2008, 01:52:26 pm
I'm waiting on the final contract from the the hotel.  Once I recieve the contract I'll post booking details.  I can advise that a credit card or one night deposit will be needed to secure your reservation.  Attendees must cancel at least 72 hours prior to arrival to avoid a one night penalty.  Reservations must be made 30 days or more prior to group arrival to receive group rate.  3rd person in the room is an additional $18 per night.

Thanks
Dennis
Title: Re: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: RAB on March 15, 2008, 05:48:43 pm
Sorry if I missed something here, but it's not clear to me whether the hotel and dates have been officially set. Is it now "safe" to make plane reservations for August 13-20? What about hotel reservations?

Allan


Hey Allan:

Looks to me like Dennis is keeping things moving forward (just waiting for the actual contract to arrive), and as MJ mentioned, the consensus  for the alternate dates was strong.  I've changed my ticket, and don't intend to change it again :P, so I certainly hope it's pretty "safe" to book your ticket, if you haven't already done so.

See you there buddy.   ;)

RAB
Title: Re: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: cayucosguy on March 18, 2008, 05:45:35 pm
Dates, Rooms, it all looks good!  Website for the hotel seems to be really quick today, and they were ready to book my room right then and there at the discount rate!

I will have to see if I can stay o'night with someone in LA before flying out to MC... it saves me over $250 if I don't fly out of my podunk little town!

JeffreyJ?????
Title: Re: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: AMG Coordinator on March 18, 2008, 06:27:23 pm
Glad to hear you didn't have any problems booking your room.  However, I request everyone else refrain from making their reservation until I post final details.  I'm still negotiating some some items in the contract.

Thanks
Dennis
Title: Re: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: Iggy on March 19, 2008, 07:11:16 pm
Dennis,

Just a question about the discounts.  Is this based on being able to stay for the full duration of the AMG, or will being only able to attend 3-4 days affect the discount rate?

Thanks.
Title: Re: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: AMG Coordinator on March 19, 2008, 09:28:10 pm
The group rate is gtd up to three days prior to the contract arrival date of August 13th and up to 3 days after the contract departure date of August 20th. 

Dennis
Title: Re: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: Iggy on March 21, 2008, 12:44:12 am
The group rate is gtd up to three days prior to the contract arrival date of August 13th and up to 3 days after the contract departure date of August 20th. 

Dennis

Dennis,

Please understand that this is all about me being a dumb polack blond and not about you, but could you please answer my question as a yes or no since I really don't know WTF  you said.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: Robert on March 21, 2008, 01:18:07 am
Hi mark.

I know what he said. ANd I know what you asked.  The answer is yes.  The negotiated rates are in effect 10Aug (3 days before) to the 23Aug (3 days after).  You can check in and check out any time between the 10th and the 23rd. I'm checking in on Thursday, 13Aug.  I'm checking out on Sunday, the 16th.  3 nights.  The negotaited rate applies for each of those nights.

Even if you come for just the weekend, Friday, the 14th and leave Sunday,  the 16th for a grand total of 2 whole nights (gawd I hope you're there longer than that~~!!) then the negotiated rate applies for each night.

compre polac?

robert....not another polack but just an AIDS impared farmer outstanding in his field which used to be in travel.

Title: Re: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: pozniceguy on March 21, 2008, 10:57:49 am
Robert.. you need to check your calendar.. I think you have the dates misplaced....or maybe just in the wrong month..

Nick
Title: Re: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: mjmel on March 24, 2008, 09:07:20 am
Robert, your dates are all over the place.  :D  compre polac?

So just to clarify to any newcomers, the official dates are Aug. 13-20, 2008.

Mike
Title: Re: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: AMG Coordinator on March 24, 2008, 09:50:52 am
LOL!  Robert's dates are actually correct.  The official dates of AMG are August 13th - 20th.  Someone asked if the group rate would be available should someone want to arrive earlier or stay later.  In this case, the answer would be yes.  You can arrive as early as August 10 and stay as late as August 23 at the group rate.
Title: Re: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: Lou-ah-vull on March 24, 2008, 12:34:12 pm
I assume we are still waiting to make our reservations.  I have been watching this forum each day, but only want to make reservations when Dennis says it is OK to do so. 

Gary
Title: Re: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: RAB on March 24, 2008, 04:24:33 pm
I assume we are still waiting to make our reservations.  I have been watching this forum each day, but only want to make reservations when Dennis says it is OK to do so. 

Gary

Gary:

I think they must have sent the darn contract via mule or something!   ;)  I'm like you, checking on a regular basis waiting for Dennis' O.K.

See ya soon buddy.

To eveyone else:

Speaking of mules, we aren't actually going to have to ride one while we're there are we?  I mean, surely they've got cars and stuff right?  I've always been an "ass" man, but NOT the four legged kind!  Snicker Snicker

RAB

(Who still doesn't speak a lick of Spanish.   :P)
Title: Re: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: mjmel on March 24, 2008, 04:29:23 pm
Correct, Gary. Waiting on the finalization of room/rates/prices. Dennis will make an appropriate post sometime in the next century. (Just joking, Dennis dearest.) Actually, he's waiting on the hotel to send a contract.

Robert: So very sorry, man. Now, I compren-deh since Dennis (AMG Coordinator) has clarified it all. That is quite a long span for room rates to be effective--which I think Jan will be happy know.  Also, Robert, I happily confess to all that you are blond. and Polac. and not dumb or dizzy or slipping.   ;)

RAB: Really? An ass guy? Are you sure?
Title: Re: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: RAB on April 04, 2008, 05:09:20 pm
However, I request everyone else refrain from making their reservation until I post final details.  I'm still negotiating some some items in the contract.

Thanks
Dennis

Dennis any idea when this will all be set to go?  I'm trying not to get too excited yet since it's still over 4 months away, but it's not easy. 

When I first read that Mexico City was the choice, I thought:  "Well there's one place I've never had any desire to visit.".  Then I started checking things out and I gotta admit I'm really looking forward to this years location. 

So that's kinda why I'm being antsy.

RAB   :D

(Who still doesn't speak a lick of Spanish and doesn't intend to learn it either!   :P)

P.S. How many dollars does it take to make a Pepso?  (remember the dollar stinks right now!   ::))


Edit to add:  One thing I've learned in selecting a taxi, is to try and stay away from these guys!

(http://www.zanzig.com/travel/m005/image39.jpg)

Title: Re: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: Ric Wilke on April 04, 2008, 08:05:40 pm
RAB,

You don't have to speak a lick of Spanish as long as you can lick in Spanish.  I know, semantics.

And did you mean peso or the pink stuff in the bottle to help combat Montezuma's Revenge?  More semantics.

I know, I'm gonna pay for these remarks.

Ric
Title: Re: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: AMG Coordinator on April 08, 2008, 11:06:14 pm
Hello everyone!

Sorry I've bee gone so long without supplying an update.  I've had a lot going on since retuning from LA.  Believe it or not I'm still working with the hotel.  I've received a total of five contracts.  The requested deposit is the hold up.  Currently I'm waiting on the hotel to contact the hotels from past AMG's to confirm our attendance numbers and cancellation rate.  Don't fear though, the negotiated rate mentioned above is locked in.  Please do not let this little delay prevent you from booking your airline tickets if you find a good fare.
The Fiesta American Reforma will be the hotel for this years AMG!

Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions.

Dennis
Title: Re: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: anniebc on April 08, 2008, 11:49:01 pm
Thank you so much Dennis I know this will put a few minds at ease now..you are doing a great job and I thank you.

I hope things are starting to get better for you, I know what an upheavel you have been through.

Hugs
Jan :-*
Title: Re: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: RAB on April 15, 2008, 04:24:22 pm
Hello everyone!


Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions.

Dennis


Will our rooms come with hunky masseurs?   :P

RAB

(Who appreciates Dennis' efforts and can't wait for this thing to get going!   ;))
Title: Re: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: AMG Coordinator on April 15, 2008, 10:03:12 pm
FINALLY!!  I'm pleased to announce I have finally received a contract from the hotel that I'm happy with.  I'll be signing and faxing back tomorrow morning.  Everyone should be able to book their rooms before weeks end. 

I only have one request.  Please call and reserve your hotel room as soon as possible.  I've reserved 25 rooms for each night of our gathering but may have to decrease this number if a certain percentage of our room block is not booked in a timely manner.  I only request this because if a large percentage of our room block is not used I am held responsible for any lost revenue to the hotel. 

Thanks
Dennis
Title: Re: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: Lou-ah-vull on April 15, 2008, 11:30:11 pm
Dennis,

Will be able to book on internet...or will we need to actually call?

Gary
Title: Re: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: AMG Coordinator on April 15, 2008, 11:42:12 pm
Gary,

The contract only advises to call a toll free number to make reservations.  The Fiesta American website doesn't appear to honor group reservations but I'lll double check with our sales rep.

Dennis,

Will be able to book on internet...or will we need to actually call?

Gary
Title: Re: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: anniebc on April 15, 2008, 11:54:13 pm
Great work Dennis..hopfully I can get my very own personal Hotel planner to help me out with my reservations again this year...(he knows who he is).. ;)

I still can't thank you enough for everything you have/are doing for us.

Hugs
Jan :-*
Title: Re: Dailing Mexico City from USA
Post by: mjmel on April 16, 2008, 07:15:52 pm
Steps
1. Figure out what time it is in the area. There are three official Time Zones in Mexico which correspond to what in the U.S. are Pacific, Mountain, and Central Time.

2. Dial 011 the international access code.
 
3. Dial 52, the country code for Mexico.
 
4. Dial the area code for the city you want to call, they are a 3 number code just as in the rest of North America. Codes for the 3 biggest cities are of only 2 digits as follows: Mexico City (D.F.) 55, Monterrey 81 and Guadalajara 33.
 
5. Dial the rest of the 7 digits telephone number. Major cities telephone numbers are composed of 8 digits.
Add 1 after the country code (eg. 52-1) if you are calling a mobile phone.

Simply, to dial the hotel Fiesta Americana from the USA or Canada: 011+52+55+5140 4100
From England: 00 + 52 + 55 + 5140 4100
It can be very expensive to call long-distance during business hours, so try to make your phone calls in the evenings and on weekends.

Last year, the Powell Hotel in San Francisco required reservations for AMG group, or any changes, to be made during business hours. I do not know if this would apply to this hotel.
Title: Re: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: Basquo on April 16, 2008, 07:44:16 pm
Thanks Mike!  You sure know to look into this stuff.

I would add that anyone with a mobile phone might want to buy a phone card and make the call from land line.  I needed to call Mexico and I went to the corner store and aksed the Shiite Muslims what to do. They hooked me up.  Youu can use the cards on a mobile phone, but they say something about extra charges and I didn't want to take the chance that it might be a surpirise on my mobile bill.
Title: Re: Dailing Mexico City from USA
Post by: AMG Coordinator on April 16, 2008, 11:55:48 pm
Making reservations will be much simpler than following the steps below.  Simply dial 1-800-343-7821 to make your reservations.  However, please wait until I announce that the reservations dept. has our group set up in their system.  The group name is AMG.

Thanks
Dennis


Steps
1. Figure out what time it is in the area. There are three official Time Zones in Mexico which correspond to what in the U.S. are Pacific, Mountain, and Central Time.

2. Dial 011 the international access code.
 
3. Dial 52, the country code for Mexico.
 
4. Dial the area code for the city you want to call, they are a 3 number code just as in the rest of North America. Codes for the 3 biggest cities are of only 2 digits as follows: Mexico City (D.F.) 55, Monterrey 81 and Guadalajara 33.
 
5. Dial the rest of the 7 digits telephone number. Major cities telephone numbers are composed of 8 digits.
Add 1 after the country code (eg. 52-1) if you are calling a mobile phone.

Simply, to dial the hotel Fiesta Americana from the USA or Canada: 011+52+55+5140 4100
From England: 00 + 52 + 55 + 5140 4100
It can be very expensive to call long-distance during business hours, so try to make your phone calls in the evenings and on weekends.

Last year, the Powell Hotel in San Francisco required reservations for AMG group, or any changes, to be made during business hours. I do not know if this would apply to this hotel.
Title: Re: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: Lou-ah-vull on April 17, 2008, 12:33:09 am
Isn't Dennis the greatest?
 ;D

Gary

Title: Re: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: mjmel on April 17, 2008, 05:32:38 am
Thanks, Dennis!
El personal del hotel habla Ingles, par favor?

Creighton has the right idea about getting a phone card. Particularly for those who will call stateside from Mexico City. I have an account with T-Mobile for my cell service. T-Moble offers an add-on option for calls out of Mexico for $4.95 monthly surcharge. I still get charged for the minutes used, of course, but bypass any of those potentially expensive (outrageous) carriers. Check with your phone company for a possible add-on otherwise a phone card would be an excellent option. One can order them online with the activation dates preset.

Mike
Title: Re: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: pozniceguy on April 26, 2008, 04:48:25 pm
Dennis  can we  make reservations under the AMG  group yet??

Nick
Title: Re: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: RAB on April 29, 2008, 10:15:32 am
Nick

On a chance I called the 800 # the Coordinator mentioned above to see if they had us set up yet.

They don't.  The agent said something about:  "Your group charge hasn't come through yet."  I have no idea what that means.

It seems like this is taking an unusually long time to me.  I know in previous years when Dennis helped, once the contract was signed, things were set up within a day or two.

I hope everything is alright.    :-\

RAB

(Who's getting concerned.)
Title: Re: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: Jody on May 03, 2008, 01:27:12 pm
BUMP !!!

It's time to put in my summer vacation schedule at work and August is a popular month...I would hate to have to change my itinerary, what with the expense and the hassle.  Hopefully we can book our rooms soon.

Jody ???
Title: Re: Mexico City Hotel Proposals
Post by: aztecan on May 04, 2008, 11:36:08 am
I'm already excited and its only May!

OOOOH BABY!


HUGS,

Mark