How can I transport my group from and to the airport as well as to off-site events?
For all group transfers, we recommend utilizing a local Destination Management Company (DMC. They can meet all of your transportation needs, and assist you with complete destination management services for your group or event. Please ask your hotel sales contact for a list of the DMCs we work with on a regular basis.

What is the taxi service like?
We are happy to help arrange rides. If one of your attendees needs a taxi, your hotel will arrange it, noting the number of the cab and driver’s name. Outside the hotel, your group members should choose cabs with the sign Taxis Autorisado—part of an authorized taxi system that has been set up to ensure the safety of travelers. The cost is fairly inexpensive.

What public transportation is available?
Mexico has a very affordable public transport system that includes local buses and peseros or combis (micro buses along major roads. Buses are one of the least expensive, most efficient ways to travel; they run frequently and offer accessible routes. Make sure your attendees know that they must have exact change in pesos to ride the busses. For group activities, reserve your bus tickets a day in advance, whenever possible.

How are the roads in Mexico?
Most of the major highways in Mexico are easy to travel on. Traveling to off-site events over local roads may be more challenging. Please consult your hotel sales or conference services contact for information on specific roadways before traveling.

Is the food and water safe?
All of our hotels use purified water and offer bottled water. If your group is dining outside the hotel, they should follow these tips:

• • • • Don’t drink water from a tap. Buy bottled, purified water to drink and to brush your teeth.
      • Eat at establishments that cater to tourists. Avoid eating food from street vendors.
      • Opt for cooked vegetables instead of salads.
      • Stick to fruit that can be peeled.
      • Make sure meat is always well-cooked.

What if someone gets sick?
There’s an on-call doctor at each of our hotels. If the sick group member has health insurance and out-of-country benefits apply, make sure to have on-hand: copies of the insurance policy, the member ID card and a claim form. Covered services vary, depending on the policy.

Is Mexican health care up to American standards?
Many of the major tourist cities in Mexico have both American-trained doctors and facilities able to deal with common health-care concerns. Please check with your hotel contact or the concierge at the hotel to find the closest health-care provider.

What about drinks with ice at restaurants?
Most major restaurants and hotels throughout Mexico use purified water for their ice cubes. The ‘Distinctive H’ designates a restaurant that meets all sanitary and health safety codes. If in doubt, ask for beverages with no ice.

Is crime a problem in Mexico?
Mexico is actually much safer than the U.S., and the tourist police are very friendly and helpful. Just use common sense, and be careful. After dark, encourage your group members to stay on the main streets, and don’t wander the beaches late at night. Make sure no one flashes large amounts of money, and encourage everyone to leave expensive jewelry at home.

Is it safe to leave my laptop or cell phone in my room if I am not there?
As with any major city, please use common sense and put valuables in your hotel-provided room safe.

Do we need security escorts when going to off-site events?
Please refer to the U.S. Department of State website for any active travel warnings or alerts in areas of Mexico. Most tourist destinations are perfectly safe and no security escorts are needed for off-site events.

Should we be worried about hurricanes?
Hurricane season lasts from June until November, though most hurricanes occur between August and October. Hurricanes and tropical storms in Mexico can affect weather on the Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, the Gulf Coast and the Pacific coast. If a hurricane should occur, our hotels have storm shelters for your group’s safety.

Can we use our cell phones?
Most cell phones work in Mexico, but they have to be programmed by a local service provider. If you bring your own cell phones, have them programmed before your trip, and remember to have them reprogrammed before returning to the U.S.

Is wireless Internet available?
Yes, wireless Internet service is provided in each of our hotels’ business centers, and also in the rooms.

How secure is the Internet connection at the hotels?
All of our hotels offer a firewalled server and secure Internet connections. In the event you require additional security for your meeting, please consult your hotel sales or conference services contact.

Can I ship bulk materials to my hotel?
Always use a customs broker to ship materials to Mexico. Documents sent from the U.S. to Mexico should take about 48 hours; however, they will not automatically be delivered to your hotel. Contact your Conference Service Manager to help ensure that someone is on the other end to clear items from the customs house. Also remember to review the customs regulations for foreign entertainment.