PALACE
RESORTS, the operator of 10 properties in Mexico, extended its bonus
commission program for travel agents through the end of 2005. Under
the program, agents who book a minimum three-night stay at any
Palace resort in Mexico receive a $50 bonus commission per room;
for every 10th room reserved, the agent receives an additional $250
bonus. Palace Resorts will add its newest Mexico properties to the
program as they open, including the Vallarta Palace on Dec. 24; the
Cozumel Palace on Feb. 1; and the Playacar Palace on March 15.
Reservations can be made through a wholesaler, GDS or by calling
(800) 635-1836. Palace Resorts' Web site is www.palaceresorts.com.
ESENCIA, the second
property on the Riviera Maya by the creators of the Ikal del Mar,
will open in February. The hotel is located on a two-mile stretch
of beach at Playa Xpu-Ha, surrounded by 50 acres of gardens.
Esencia will boast 29 guest rooms and suites featuring custom
furnishings, swimming pools, oversized bathrooms, private terraces
and walk-in closets. The hotel's restaurant Sal y Fuego (Salt and
Fire) will specialize in seafood and serve organically grown
products. Rates will start at $375 a night, double. For information
or reservations, call (877) 528-3490 or visit www.hotelesencia.com.
PLEASANT
HOLIDAYS added nonstop service
from Denver to Acapulco aboard Mexicana Airlines for departures
Jan. 14 through April 8. The Friday flights depart Denver at 9 a.m.
and arrive in Acapulco at 2 p.m. The return flights leave Acapulco
at 2:50 p.m. and touch down in Denver at 5:50 p.m. In conjunction
with the new flight, Pleasant teamed with a number of hotels in
Acapulco to offer discounted room rates on seven-night stays. A
seven-night air-inclusive package from Denver starts at $642 per
person, double, at the Casa Inn Acapulco; $734 at the Continental
Emporio Acapulco; $796 at the Las Brisas Acapulco; $840 at the
Fairmont Pierre Marques; and $913 at the Fairmont Acapulco
Princess. Packages include airport transfers, and all hotel taxes
and surcharges.
FOURTH NIGHT
FREE: Meanwhile, Pleasant is
offering a fourth night free at La Jolla de Mismaloya in Puerto
Vallarta when customers book a standard one- or two-bedroom unit,
plus discounted rates on all-inclusive packages. The offer is
available for stays through Dec. 20. A four-night, land-only stay
starts at $234 per person, double. For information or reservations,
call (800) 448-3333.
AMERICA WEST
VACATIONS is offering 20%
discounts on vacation packages to three Mexican destinations: Los
Cabos, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta. The discount is available from
all of America West's departure cities. To qualify, a minimum
three-night stay must be booked at a participating hotel by Dec. 5
for travel Dec. 1 to 17 or Jan. 2 to 15. A three-night stay at the
Sheraton resort in Puerto Vallarta starts at $430 per person,
double. The package includes a 15% discount on spa services. For
information or reservations, call (800) 235-9298.