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Celebrating Milestones & Embracing New Beginnings
Casa Cupula, Puerto Vallarta’s award-winning LGBTQ+ haven, is glowing up for its 23rd season. Having been named one of the finest boutique hotels of any kind in all of Mexico, as well as consistently one of the top hotels in Puerto Vallarta, Casa Cupula has consistently brought pride and, more importantly, love to our community.
From Dream to Reality: A Labor of Love
In 1998, Don Pickens came to Puerto Vallarta and noticed that there were no upscale gay accommodations except for weekly villa rentals. He wanted to create a place that not only would treat “all guests as friends” but would be a place one would be proud to bring their Mom or best friends. Twenty three years later, this dream is a reality and thousands of guests have done everything from meet, marry, divorce, engage, hook up, make friends, explore, restore and relax at Casa Cupula!
From Boutique Hotel to Loved Institution
Pickens’ initial goal was to create a hotel beyond labels, aiming for “one of the best boutique hotels in Mexico.” This dedication to excellence has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including TripAdvisor’s “Top 25 Mexican Boutique Hotels” and accolades from renowned publications like CNN, Conde Nast, and Out Magazine. But more importantly are the thousands of returning guests whose lives have been improved by the existence of this beloved institution.
However, Casa Cupula’s true legacy lies beyond awards. It’s the team. Over 40 dedicated individuals, many supporting families with children, form the backbone of the hotel’s welcoming atmosphere. “Treat your employees well and they will treat the guests well,” Pickens said.
Since 2002, Casa Cupula has consistently followed all laws to the letter including paying several times minimum wage for even the most basic jobs, supporting employees and their families during crises like COVID, and have seen 20 year employees raise their kids and bring them to work at the Casa.
Continuous Enhancements: Elevating the Experience
Casa Cupula is always a work in progress. As any home or business owner in Vallarta can attest, maintenance is very important in a tropical area with high humidity and salt air. This year, four rooms are undergoing major renovations.
The Pool Club is gaining a new “Hidden Oasis”. A new SpaClub will join the Pool Club for a relaxing time and more space for spa treatments. Our Bistro is adding an art gallery featuring the first display of Colombian and Latin American fine contemporary art in Puerto Vallarta. It’s this kind of innovation that keeps Casa Cupula at the top of its game, and among the favorite institutions in our community.
Founder Don Pickens, not content with a hotel, also helped found the new Vallarta Gay+ Community Center where he serves as Board President. Open only since February 2024, the Center has already provided free PrEP to over 500 patients and offers care for those in our community without regard to ability to pay for STIs, HIV, mental health and soon other community services.
New Schedule of Events:
Happy Hour | Monday to Thursday, 3 to 6 p.m., in Pool Club PV.
FUN WKND Events Friday to Sunday:!
- Friday – Adam & Steve Hot Naked Pool Party 3 – 8 pm
- Saturday – NKD Pool Party – The most naked Pool Party 3 – 8 pm
- Sunday – Big Gay Sunday Brunch – 10 am: Buffet ready with no show! And 11 am – 2 pm Show and Buffet
- Sunday – Latin Fiesta al desnudo! Naked Pool Party – 3 to 8 pm
- Gogo Competition – 3rd Edition in Thanksgiving FUN WKND – Nationals!
The registrations are open – Information Here:
Day of the dead | Día de los Muertos FUN WKND Celebrations:
Click here for more information and tickets.
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