Q. What do I need to know if I am flying on the charter from PVR to CLQ?
A. For guests joining the charter from Puerto Vallarta to Colima, please arrive at the Aerotron FBO at PVR no later than 2:15pm on November 3rd. Aerotron is in google maps and its address is Hangar Aeropuerto Puerto Vallarta 1, Villa Las Flores, 48335 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. Their phone number is +52 322 226 8440 and website address is http://aerotron.com.mx/en/puerto-vallarta. The charter will leave shortly after the last person on the SFO->PVR flight clears customs, so be on time (it’s a long drive!).
Q. What's the time change?
A. Tricky. Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta & Colima switch from daylight savings time to standard time on October 30th, but California and Tijuana switch on November 6th (so if you fly back to California on Sunday you get an extra hour on Sunday... sort of!). Arizona never observes daylight savings time at all. So pay close attention to time of day if it matters to you as you cross time zones or have phone calls.
Q. I am taking a red-eye. Is early check-in available?
A. Although it cannot be guaranteed, early check-in is almost certainly available for all guests arriving Thursday morning. We'd say 99%.
Q. That all-night party! Sheesh. Are late check-outs available?
A. We expect most rooms will be eligible for late check-out. Because some hotel guests may be arriving on Sunday, we may need to consolidate rooms slightly.
Q. What's the situation with ground transportation?
A. If you are both (i) taking one of the flights listed on the Travel page and (ii) enter your flight information into the spreadsheet at http://tinyurl.com/z34ls8h prior to October 15 then we will be arranging ground transportation without further cost. If you are arriving at other times/airports, please arrange your own ground transportation or email the Hacienda at reservations@haciendadesanantonio.com to arrange a pickup.
Q. I hear the Hacienda has its own landing strip. Are charters available from nearby airports?
A. Weather permitting, daytime charters are available. For instance, the cost to/from GDL is approximately $1,200 (Cessna – 4 passengers) to $2,300 (Pilatus – 6-8 passengers) one-way. Please contact the Hacienda at reservations@haciendadesanantonio.com if you are interested.
Q. What alcohol is included?
A. Beer, cocktails, red wine, white wine, and several liquors/cocktails are available at any time without further charge. Included also is Champagne at the Tea Party and an extensive tequila and mescal bar at the Saturday dance party. Premium wines and liquors can be charged to rooms, as well.
Q. Is room service available? Are there minibars?
A. Due to the intensity and timing of meals, full room service will not be available, especially during peak times. However, basic items like chips and guacamole can be ordered. Each room will have some tequila and mescal (included) and a lightly stocked minibar (billed as an incidental).
Q. What's the connectivity situation?
A. Boo that you asked! That said, the Hacienda grounds are well covered by wifi but do not expect your cell phone to receive signal on property. You can receive and place phone calls through the landline phones. Internet service is included, but not fast enough for streaming.
Q. When is Ed's actual birthday?
A. November 2nd.
Q. Can I bring my children?
A. Yes! Just let us know in advance if you would like us to help arrange childcare.
Q. What should I pack?
A. Mexico in November is warm but due to the altitude it may be cooler in the Mountains in the evenings. The rooms have sunscreen and organic insect repellent, but you may want to bring your own as well. Bathing suits, hats, your passport (of course!), festive attire and an extra layer for the evenings are all recommended. We have a formal birthday dinner planned for the night we arrive so please bring cocktail attire for that. We will also be hiking to a picnic lunch at the lake so sneakers and comfy clothes would also be good.
Q. Should I bring costumes?
A. Yes! Specifically something for Kaftan Night and the Mad Hatter's Tea Party.
Q. What's the situation with Zika and Mexico?
A. There are cases of Zika reported in Colima state, although most Zika in Mexico is on the southern boarder, near Guatemala. You can obtain more information from the website of the Mexican Health Secretary for Disease Prevention at http://tinyurl.com/zcqv453.