Mexico: The Real Deal — Irresistible ‘welcome back’ bargains abound

Complimentary breakfast is served on private balconies at Hacienda San Angel. (Photos by Maribeth Mellin)

Mexico is revving up for a major campaign to bolster the country’s beleaguered tourism industry.

Photos of pyramids, colonial churches and bathing beauties are starting to flash on TV screens as a series of advertising onslaughts begins.

The ads carry themes such as “Welcome Back” and “Mexico-It’s Time to Go” (that one might need more thought). They’re meant to entice travelers with memorable images and music.

Far more irresistible are the bargains that continue to pop up — on airline, hotel and tour websites. Marketers have come to accept the fact that traditional travel patterns have been blown to bits. Spontaneity rules in the increasingly competitive tourism game.

Airfare  alerts
Anyone with even the slightest wish to visit Mexico should sign up for e-mail blasts from airlines and hotels. Alaska Airlines offered a brief 25 percent discount on Mexico airfares in mid-June. American Airlines has a Mexico fare sale running until July 7-a quick check showed a $300 San Diego-Cancun roundtrip fare (taxes and fees included) for mid October.

Continental’s fares for flights between San Diego and Mexico are quite reasonable if you book now for fall vacations.

Volaris, Mexico’s leading low-fare airline, has been offering heavily discounted fares from Tijuana to several destinations in Mexico. Now, the airline is flying from Los Angeles to Toluca (near Mexico City) and Guadalajara for about $300 round trip.

Aeromexico is offering last-minute flight deals, usually from Los Angeles.

Airline vacation packages have also been heavily reduced and are worth checking out.

Hotel bargains
Hotels are also reacting to the savvy traveler’s tendency to search out great deals. For example, Fiesta Americana is offering a 50 percent reduced rate at properties throughout Mexico; the deals must be booked by July 31, but travel is allowed through the end of the year.

The Aqua Cancún's pools are surrounded by lush gardens.

Rooms are going for just $172 per night at the chain’s splashy Aqua Cancún, where scarlet macaws swoop over the eight swimming pools. Rates at the Fiesta Americana Cozumel Dive Resort, close to the Great Mayan Reef, start at $55; the chain’s Puerto Vallarta resort’s rooms start at $80 per night.

The Fiesta Americana Grand Los Cabos Golf & Spa Resort is offering an Unlimited Golf Getaway — with as much golf as you can handle at Cabo del Sol’s two courses — for $299 per night for a minimum stay of three nights. The rate is good through Oct. 4 - when it jumps to $489 a night.

Summer traditionally brings bargains at Mexico’s beach resorts. This year, the rates are better than ever. Mexico Boutique Hotels is offering Sultry Summer Savings at some of Mexico’s loveliest properties, including the relentlessly romantic Hacienda San Angel in Puerto Vallarta.

Granted, the package price of $829.50 (for three nights) sounds pretty pricey –  but the hotel sits behind Viejo Vallarta’s cathedral, plaza and malecón; the views are spectacular and the location perfect for walking about town. The rooms are filled with impressive antiques; the sheets and beds are divine; the margaritas can’t be beat. The package includes dinner for two at the rooftop restaurant and other goodies. The deal ends Sept. 30.

The list goes on and on. Mexico Boutique Hotel’s promotions include gorgeous hotels in Guanajuato, Querétaro, Pátzcuaro and nearly every beach resort area.

Fabulous deals are offered from Pueblo Bonito — including 35 percent off regular room rates at the serene and secluded Pacifica Holistic Resort in Los Cabos.

Nearly every hotel in Mexico has some sort of summer bargain. Check out destination and hotel websites for the latest deals, and sign up for email alerts.  You may find it impossible to resist unbeatable temptations.

IF YOU GO
Airline links:
Aeromexico
Alaska Airlines
American Airlines
Volaris
Hotel links:
Fiesta Americana
Mexico Boutique Hotels

Pueblo Bonito

Tags: SDNN

This entry was posted on Sunday, July 5th, 2009 at 3:50 pm and is filed under Travel . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.