The Sheraton can host weddings in
a number of on-site locations.
It’s nearly impossible to describe the exact location of the
three-piece wedding band or the way the chairs and centerpieces
will best complement the smattering of cocktail tables set up on
the beach. Booking events for clients requires much planning and a
lot of firsthand experience. So what do you do if you’ve never set
foot in the meeting space or seen the size of the centerpieces? How
can you advise clients?
To ensure that clients can have the utmost control in planning
an event, Starwood has unveiled its new Virtual Planner exclusively
at the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Resort & Spa, Los Cabos and
the Westin Resort & Spa, Los Cabos. Planning to launch the
program for Starwood properties throughout Mexico by mid-year and
for Starwood properties in the U.S. by the end of the 2008, the
Starwood Los Cabos properties are the first to offer it.
Designed to put complete event customization online, this
program uses a state-of-the-art 3-D interface, enabling users to
create the perfect event without ever leaving their computer.
Agents can select a location, such as the resort’s beach, meeting
space or chapel, and view photos of sample event set-ups that they
can then customize, including theatre-style, classroom, U-shape,
cocktail, gala dinner and banquet organizations. Details can then
be modified; from linen color and placement of tables and chairs to
adding a stage, TV screen or dance floor all with user-friendly
functionality. To view their customized set-ups, agents can click
on “View in 3-D” to see a virtual representation of the event.
Planners can then progress to the Customize Event panel. Here
they can download menus and make food and beverage requests ranging
from half-hour coffee breaks to full dinners. They can also make
special requests for security staff, audio-visual equipment,
simultaneous translations, entertainment and more. A Detailed
Request box is also available. Planners then submit their creations
online to the resort’s staff, who will respond within 24 hours with
a price quote.
Event space at both resorts is plentiful and varied; on a recent
visit I witnessed more than one wedding that included multiple
creative venues for the ceremony, cocktail reception, dinner, photo
ops and dancing.
Guestrooms The Westin Resort & Spa,
Los Cabos banquet hall
The Westin boasts 15 meeting and banquet rooms, encompassing 11,907
feet of interior function space and Wi-Fi Internet access. Three
ballrooms, ranging from 2,449 feet to 4,860 feet, a group business
center and seven outdoor areas for up to 500 people are also
available. New is an agreement with Sarao to enhance decoration
options for theme parties, including special linens and original
centerpieces.
The Sheraton offers over 18,000 square feet of meeting space
with wireless Internet access. The resort’s convention center
includes two ballrooms that can be partitioned into three smaller
spaces and an on-site chapel for nuptials. A particularly
convenient feature is the addition of Link@Sheraton, an area
adjacent to the main lobby with nine computers for free guest usage
of 30 minutes per day, per room.
Event attendees will be pleased with other on-site amenities.
The distinctive Westin, modeled after the Los Cabos arch with
bright Mexican colors, offers 243 guestrooms with balconies and at
least partial ocean views. Guests can join in the WestinWorkout
program or sample the nine-hole seaside putting green. The
Hacienda-inspired, 270-room Sheraton offers five restaurants, four
pools and the Cactus Spa and Fitness Center a secluded, relaxing
must-do for any visitor.
