| | |  News from Around Banderas Bay | April 2009 
Gay Resort Owner Fights Negative News About Mexico
 Ed Walsh - Examiner
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| | Visit Casa Cupula, one of the world's most luxurious gay boutique hotel resorts, located in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. | |
The owner of Puerto Vallarta's most luxurious gay resorts is fighting back against the impression that Mexico is unsafe.
Recent reports of drug-related violence on the US Mexico border has meant that some have cancelled their spring break plans.
Don Pickens, the San Francisco man who owns Casa Cupula, posted this on his Web site recently:
The major violence has focused in the border town areas and is mainly between rival gangs and the Mexican Army and police. Major tourist areas like Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, Cabo and others are unaffected. Mexico's government realizes the importance of keeping these areas safe as it represents the country’s crown jewels. Like in any other city, tourists need to take reasonable precautions, and realize they are in a foreign country, but Puerto Vallarta is as safe for tourists as ever.
We asked some of our recent guests, who visited in March 2009, to share their comments with you about security so that you could read first-hand about people’s experience. I think it will ease any fears. Remember, don’t believe everything you read or hear on TV. Especially on cable TV, hype and exaggeration are the rule of the day, and level-headed attempts to explain complicated issues are few and far between on any subject.
We at Casa Cupula have spent 6 years building a business that creates a rare, safe environment for the gay and lesbian community and our friends. We’ve been recognized as one of the most luxurious boutique hotels in the world for the gay community. With your support, we’ve grown from a small five room guesthouse in 2002 to a 20 room luxury boutique hotel today with a staff of over 20 people. As you’ll read below, gay, straight and lesbian guests have all not only felt safe, but were also surprised at how exaggerated press reports are.
This press hurts our business and tourism in Vallarta at at time when economic woes make for a difficult enough situation. We have spent years building a great staff who, as you’ll read below, give great service to our guests. A big drop-off in our business may mean we cannot retain them, and it would be terrible to have such a loss to future guests.
Many of these guests chose on their own to provide their full names and cities, so you know they are real. If you have any questions about security, please write us at info@casacupula.com
We look forward to welcoming you soon to Casa Cupula. The weather’s great, the city is secure, and our facilities and service are better than ever. And this summer, with our Theme Weeks and the high value of the dollar, your money goes farther than ever.
Don Pickens continues with guests comments:
FOLLOWING ARE LETTERS FROM REAL CASA CUPULA GUESTS OF MARCH 2009. WE THANK THEM FOR TAKING THE TIME TO SHARE THEIR THOUGHTS WITH YOU.
I chose Puerto Vallarta as a destination to celebrate my 40th birthday because i have enjoyed my past 3 visits without problem. I particularly chose Casa Cupula because I knew that my guests and I would be taken care of, have the best service and feel at home. I felt safe and secure, especially at Casa Cupula. Certainly there was no indication that the drug wars the press speaks of in other parts of Mexico affects tourists in Vallarta. Casa Cupula will be my premier destination on future trips to Puerto Vallarta! And if you decide to stay at casa cupula - Krista, Oscar, Danny, Darrique and Tina will take excellent care of you!
Stephen B. - Brooklyn, NY
I had a blast at Casa Cupula and I felt completely safe walking around Puerto Vallarta - whether going to the beach at high noon or trekking back from a night out in the wee hours of dawn. We had such a great experience we're thinking about doing it again for New Year's 2009. Don't let all the hype about violence in the US - Mexico border region (NORTHERN Mexico) prevent you from having a good time!!"
Doug Jones - Brooklyn, NY
I felt incredibly safe to even walk at night from the hotel where there was no light! I also heard news about problems but when I was in Mexico all of our experiences were fun, happy and safe. It actually makes me angry that a friend who is a Travel Agent told me to be careful when I was in Mexico. I was in Mexico with another womyn friend and we walked most places and enjoyed the friendliness of the people and the incredible weather. We are trying to figure out how we can move there to live one day.
It saddens me that this is affecting your business. I would most definitely return to Casa Cupula. I was impressed with the environment, service, gorgeous pools and the amazing jacuzzi overlooking the ocean. It was incredibly beautiful at Casa Cupula. I loved the guys and my partner and I miss Oscar, Danny, Carlos and all the others in the Restaurant...The food was incredible. I was really impressed with the beautiful meal served with three different wines...all incredible.
We enjoyed riding the waverunner on the ocean. I cannot thank all of you enough for the wonderful experience. The room was so sexy and romantic. We were so moved when entering our bedroom on our last night at Casa Cupula to find red rose petals leading to our lovely bed with a heart shaped on the bed of rose petals! That week (a week ago..boohoo) is a week we will always remember and cherish.
Maria Ocasio and Ev Soltys - DeKalb, IL
My name is Ashley Blackwood. My husband and I spent a long weekend at C.C. at the end of March 2009. I must admit that I was a little apprehensive about the trip due to all of the bad press in the US in regards to the drug wars in Mexico and its flow into the US. I also was skeptical because I do not wholly believe the media and its portrayal of events. Nonetheless, I do know from friends that there are areas in Mexico that are not particularly safe. My husband and I felt COMPLETELY safe in P.V. We went about our business as we would in the US. I have already spoken to several friends about how great it is, and the fact that it is so convenient to Atlanta- only 3 hours away by plane. I would recommend P.V. to anyone. It is no more dangerous than an American city. I would go back tomorrow.
Ashley Blackwood - Atlanta, GA
I would be happy for you to share my comments about Casa Cupula and Puerto Vallarta. I also had concerns about vacationing in Mexico and had it not been for friend's visiting the previous week I would probably not have come. The news had painted a very ugly picture and I can understand how someone would have concerns about there safety. My friends and I had absolutely no problems and felt very safe walking around town as Well as being out at night. I definitely felt very secure while being on the property night and day. Your staff were incredible from the front desk to your housekeeping staff. I own a restaurant and realize how difficult it can be find trustworthy help and everyone I met at Casa Cupula was great. I loved the property and hope to visit again Puerto Vallarta and of Casa Cupula again someday.
Julius Pierce - Richmond, VA
I just visited Casa Cupula in March with several friends and wanted to let you know what a great time I had once again. My friends were a bit hesitant about visiting Puerto Vallarta with the recent bad press about Mexico, but there was no reason for this. We felt completely secure while were there and saw none of the problems reported in other parts of the country. As always, Casa Cupula was fantastic and I have to tell you that the level of service was better than ever. Hoping to fit in another stay this season!
John Hauser - Oakland, California
If you are thinking of visiting Mexico, click here for the State Dept's advice. |
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