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Sheraton Buganvilias Has Disparities in Wedding Quotes for Same-Sex Couple
The Sheraton Buganvilias Resort & Convention Center in Puerto Vallarta is once again under scrutiny following accusations of discriminatory practices against a same-sex couple attempting to book their wedding.
Jeremy Alexander and Ryan Sheepwash have ignited a wave of concern after sharing their experience in a widely circulated Instagram post, detailing significant disparities in pricing and booking availability compared to a heterosexual couple seeking similar arrangements.
This isn’t the first time this has happened – In 2019 the same resort was accused of denying a same-sex couple’s wedding. It appears to be a consistent policy that the hotel does not welcome same-sex couples – surprising in the gay mecca of Puerto Vallarta.
Alexander and Sheepwash’s account paints a troubling picture of unequal treatment. The couple, who visited the resort in person, initially sought to secure a February 2026 wedding date. However, they were informed that the earliest available date was March 2027. The financial terms presented to them were also substantial: a quote of $970 USD per night for 30 rooms over a three-night period, culminating in a total cost of $72,750 USD. Moreover, the resort demanded a deposit of 50% of the total room booking cost, amounting to $36,375 USD, to confirm the reservation.
These figures starkly contrasted with the resort’s advertised wedding package, priced at $8,500 USD, and the couple perceived a significant inflation of costs.
Driven by a suspicion that they were being unfairly disadvantaged, Alexander and Sheepwash enlisted the help of heterosexual friends. The friends inquired about booking a wedding with the same number of guests for February 2026. The outcome of this inquiry deepened the couple’s concerns. The heterosexual couple was offered multiple available dates within 2026, which directly contradicted the information initially provided to Alexander and Sheepwash.
The financial terms quoted to the heterosexual couple were also markedly different. They received a rate of $425 USD per night, with a required deposit of only $1700 USD. This deposit amounted to less than 5% of the deposit amount quoted to Alexander and Sheepwash.
Following this revelation, Alexander followed up with the Sheraton to ascertain if any cancellations or changes in availability had occurred for 2026. Despite the availability shown to the heterosexual couple, the wedding planner firmly stated that no dates were available in 2026.
The discrepancies in pricing and availability have led Alexander and Sheepwash to believe that they were subjected to discriminatory treatment. They argue that the differences cannot be attributed to mere coincidence or misunderstanding. The couple contends that they were quoted inflated prices and effectively denied their preferred wedding date, while a heterosexual couple was offered more favorable terms.
This recent incident has resurfaced concerns about the Sheraton Buganvilias’ commitment to inclusivity. The 2019 incident, in which the resort was accused of denying a same-sex couple’s wedding, prompted a formal apology from Marriott International. However, Alexander and Sheepwash’s experience suggests that systemic issues may persist.
In their Instagram post, Alexander and Sheepwash expressed their disappointment and frustration. “We were shocked by the difference,” Sheepwash stated, highlighting the stark contrast in the quotes. The couple also emphasized that their wedding planner was aware of both sets of quotes, indicating that the discrepancies were intentional.
Alexander and Sheepwash are now advocating for change. They are calling on Sheraton Buganvilias and Marriott International to implement improved booking practices that guarantee equitable treatment for all couples, irrespective of sexual orientation. The couple hopes that by sharing their experience, they can contribute to a more inclusive and accepting environment within the wedding industry.
As of now, Alexander and Sheepwash are still searching for a venue to host their wedding.
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