VENUE REVIEW
Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa This oceanside treasure offers groups plenty of space, sun and memorable moments By Laura Janelle Downey
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iscover Puerto Rico (discoverpuertorico.com) can help connect planners to a variety of resorts on this scenic island, which attendees can visit sans passport. Among the best options for reward programs is the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa. The 433-room property is located less than 10 minutes from Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (aka PVR) and offers 8,880 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor event space. For the past 10-plus years, the team at HYTORC Industrial Bolting Systems has made Marriott Puerto Vallarta their go-to for golden sunsets and a good time. “If I could give it 10 stars, I would,” says Betsy Tapp, Executive Assistant/Event Planner at HYTORC Industrial Bolting Systems, based in New Jersey. “Our Global Sales Meeting is held here and the group — made up of colleagues from around the world including Japan and the United Kingdom to Dubai and Finland — absolutely loves it. So much so, one year we strayed and went to a 5-star resort on Maui and everyone wanted to go back to the Marriott Puerto Vallarta.” Her group usually utilizes the 5,813-sq.-ft. Vallarta Ballroom for sessions. “The size of our event varies as it is an incentive trip but ranges between 90 and 200 people,” she explains. “We activate multiple indoor and outdoor spaces, and while we typically use the indoor Vallarta Ballroom, we use multiple outdoor event spaces as well. We’ve used the beach area, garden and patios for our
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welcome night as well as our awards celebration. With so many beautiful spaces to choose from, we can get creative year after year.” In addition, “The quality of food from [executive] chef Kelvin [Valenzuela] and his staff is also top notch — they go above and beyond on any special request we have,” Tapp says. Planners can also arrange for a private tequila tasting with Audrey Formisano, the property’s certified tequilier. Here, groups can sip on Marriott Puerto Vallarta’s very own brand of tequila, named CasaMagna. In addition, “the resort offers activities for spouses, which we love,” Tapp says. “From wine and paint nights and cooking classes to cocktail and dancing lessons, there is always exciting programming to keep everyone engaged.” Years ago, John K. Junkers, the late owner of HYTORC Industrial Bolting Systems, became enamored with Marriott Puerto Vallarta. Tapp says, “[He] fell in love with this hidden gem in the Pacific.” She echoes his sentiment. “I can’t speak highly enough about this resort, the staff, and the location. I have recommended it to my fellow meeting planners as my No. 1 pick.” And as a woman of her word, Tapp has already committed to Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa to host HYTORC Industrial Bolting Systems 2022 and 2023 events.
FACILITIES & DESTINATIONS 2022 SPRING
