Getting Married at Hotel Rockaway: ULTIMATE GUIDE

by Advice & Tips, Wedding Venue Guides

Dreaming of a wedding celebration with a lively hotel feel, direct beach access or very close proximity, a fun atmosphere, and comfortable accommodations in the heart of Puerto Escondido’s action? Explore Hotel Rockaway, a popular hotel located in the vibrant Zicatela area of Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, offering a dynamic destination wedding experience. Known for its prime location near the famous surfing beach, friendly service, and relaxed ambiance, it’s a great choice for couples seeking a destination wedding experience that feels fun, accessible, and authentically coastal.

Situated steps away from the lively Zicatela beach, Hotel Rockaway provides a comfortable hotel experience with amenities like pools, restaurants, bars, and guest rooms. For weddings, it primarily functions on a venue rental basis, typically requiring the use of its in-house catering and bar services. Planning involves booking the venue and guest rooms (typically paid individually), working with the hotel’s event team on their services, and collaborating extensively with external vendors and a planner for design, specialized vendors, and guest logistics. This approach emphasizes leveraging the hotel’s comfortable setting and prime location for a personalized, hotel-based event rather than a full all-inclusive resort experience.

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Index

Is This Venue Right for Your Wedding?

 

Hotel Rockaway is an excellent venue for couples seeking a fun, accessible, beachfront (or near beach), and customizable wedding experience within a popular hotel setting in Puerto Escondido’s lively Zicatela area. If you are drawn to hotels with a relaxed, energetic vibe, appreciate being very close to the beach and the action of Zicatela for yourself and your guests, value a more traditional hotel model (not necessarily all-inclusive) that offers flexibility, desire the freedom to curate many event details through external vendors (while using hotel catering), and envision a celebration that feels welcoming and embodies the spirit of Puerto Escondido, Hotel Rockaway is a strong contender. It’s ideal for couples who want their wedding to feel personal and enjoyable, suitable for smaller to medium guest lists who appreciate a great location and laid-back atmosphere without the full all-inclusive resort complexity.

The hotel’s key highlights include its prime location in Zicatela, very close to or on the beach, multiple pool areas, comfortable guest rooms (EP options), in-house catering/bar for events, and easy access to the restaurants, bars, and surf scene of Zicatela. Perfect for a fun, accessible, beach-focused, and guest-convenient destination wedding experience in Puerto Escondido.

 

How Does a Wedding at Hotel Rockaway Work?

 

Planning a wedding at Hotel Rockaway typically involves:

Contacting the Hotel Events Team: Reaching out to Hotel Rockaway’s dedicated events team to inquire about venue availability and discuss options for booking event spaces (poolside areas, potentially indoor spaces) and arranging guest accommodations.

Understanding Venue Rental & Catering Structure: Reviewing their event rental agreement, which outlines the use of specific event spaces for a timeframe, and their catering policy – hotels like Rockaway typically require use of their in-house catering and bar services for events. Clarify any associated venue fees or minimum spend requirements.

Working with the Hotel Event Coordinator: Collaborating with the hotel’s internal event coordinator primarily on *hotel-provided* services: selecting ceremony/reception locations on the property (poolside, terraces), planning and executing the in-house menu and beverage service, overseeing hotel banquet staffing, arranging basic hotel setup (tables, chairs, linens, tableware), and managing the wedding day timeline for hotel services. Their role is focused on the hotel’s offerings and operations.

Hiring an External Planner (Highly Recommended for Customization): While the hotel provides coordination for its services, an external planner is highly recommended, often essential, especially for destination weddings and couples seeking significant personalization. They help with overall event design vision (crucial for transforming spaces and enhancing the beach vibe), detailed budget management across all vendor contracts, sourcing and coordinating *any* external vendors allowed by the hotel (e.g., specific photographer/videographer, specialized decor/rentals, unique entertainment), creating detailed timelines that integrate hotel services and external elements, and managing guest logistics (accommodation booking communication, welcome bags, coordinating activities and transportation within Puerto Escondido). Note that hotels may have restrictions or fees for outside vendors.

Vendor Selection & Coordination: The couple and their external planner will select and contract external vendors for elements *not* typically included or for elevated personalization, such as specialized decorative elements, elaborate floral installations, advanced lighting and sound (beyond basic hotel background systems), unique rentals, music/entertainment (within hotel guidelines), wedding cake (typically external), photography, videography, etc. These add-ons incur additional costs, and the hotel may have restrictions or fees for outside vendors.

Guest Accommodation: Guests book rooms directly at Hotel Rockaway, typically on a European Plan (room only) or breakfast package. They pay for their rooms and other meals/drinks separately. Couples can arrange a room block for convenience. Staying on-site is easy, and the location in Zicatela is also convenient for guests staying elsewhere in the area, with plenty of nearby hotel/rental options.

The process is integrated with the hotel’s event and accommodation services, emphasizing in-house catering for the wedding events, with external vendors and an essential planner adding personalized design, elevated details, and detailed coordination of all elements, centered around the hotel’s spaces and lively location.

 

Best Months to Get Married

 

Puerto Escondido is known for its hot, tropical climate. The dry season offers the most consistently sunny weather for outdoor hotel weddings, especially utilizing poolside areas or the beach. The dry season typically runs from late October/early November through May, with the most popular months being November to April. The rainy season (June-October) features hotter, more humid weather with potential for afternoon/evening showers, but hotel venues like Hotel Rockaway will have covered areas or indoor spaces to serve as reliable backup options for event components, maintaining comfort and the party vibe.

 

The Basics of Wedding Planning (Hotel Venue Model)

 

Hotel Rockaway operates on a Hotel Venue Rental + In-House Catering + EP Room Rate model:

Venue Rental Fee & Catering Package: Wedding bookings are typically structured around a venue rental fee for the use of specific event spaces (poolside, terraces, salons) combined with a per-person cost for mandatory in-house catering (food and beverage). Pricing is often based on a per-person rate for catering, with additional venue fees for specific areas or minimum spend requirements.

In-House Services: The hotel provides core event services: venue space, in-house food and beverage preparation and service, hotel banquet staffing (servers, kitchen, bartenders, event staff), basic hotel setup (tables, chairs, standard linens, tableware), and setup/cleanup of their items.

Building the Event: While the hotel provides the operational foundation and backdrop, couples (via their planner) are responsible for bringing in *all* personalized decorative elements, specialized florals, advanced lighting and sound (beyond basic hotel background systems), unique rentals, music/entertainment (within hotel guidelines), wedding cake (typically external), photography, videography, etc. These elements are contracted externally.

Accommodation Option: The hotel offers comfortable on-site guest rooms. Guests book and pay for their accommodation directly, usually on a European Plan (room only). Couples can arrange a room block for convenience. Guests pay for their own meals/drinks separately outside of the hosted wedding events. The location in Zicatela provides many alternative accommodation options for guests nearby.

Additional Costs: Venue rental fee, Per-person catering cost, External Wedding Planner fees (essential), Costs for *all* contracted external vendors (decor, florals, rentals, lighting, sound, entertainment), potential upgrades to in-house menu/beverage, guest accommodation costs (paid by guests), permits, insurance (if required), guest transportation within Puerto Escondido (taxis/ride-shares readily available), personalized favors, officiant, legal fees.

This structure provides a base of hotel services and event spaces in a lively location, requiring careful budgeting for separate venue and catering costs, while allowing couples to personalize their event through external design and entertainment, with comfortable on-site accommodation (EP model).

 

Who Pays for a Destination Wedding (Hotel Rockaway Event)?

 

Cost allocation follows the Hotel Venue Rental + In-House Catering + EP Room Rate booking structure:

  • The couple typically pays for:
    • The Hotel Rockaway venue rental fee (for specific event spaces).
    • The mandatory in-house catering costs (food & beverage, staffing), based on a per-person rate.
    • External Wedding Planner fees (essential).
    • Costs for *all* contracted external vendors (decor, florals, music, photography, videography, rentals, lighting, sound).
    • Any upgrades to the in-house menu or beverage selection.
    • Their own travel and accommodation at the hotel.
    • Optional hosted events (welcome party, brunch – can be at the hotel or nearby venues, paid separately).
    • Guest transportation within Puerto Escondido (taxis/ride-shares readily available).
    • Personal items.
  • Guests typically pay for:
    • Their flights to Puerto Escondido (PXM).
    • Their accommodation at Hotel Rockaway (if booking within the block) or elsewhere in Puerto Escondido. Their room rate is for lodging (EP), not an all-inclusive package covering all meals/drinks outside the wedding events.
    • Airport transfers to their lodging (approx. 10-20 minutes to Hotel Rockaway).
    • Transportation from their lodging to the wedding events *unless* shuttles are provided by the couple (easily accessible via walking/taxis/ride-shares within Puerto Escondido).
    • All food & beverage outside of the hosted wedding events (at hotel restaurants, bars, or off-site).
    • Optional extras (tours, surfing lessons, nightlife).
    • Wedding gifts.

Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations (Hotel Venue)

 

Hotel Rockaway offers space suitable for smaller to medium-sized weddings:

Event Capacity: Comfortably hosts smaller to medium-sized weddings (e.g., 50 – 120 guests), utilizing its poolside areas, potentially terraces or beachfront areas (verify specific access/usage), and possibly indoor/covered spaces. The hotel offers potential locations for each wedding event (ceremony, cocktail hour, reception) to accommodate guest counts while leveraging the beach proximity and hotel ambiance.

Event Locations: Beautiful and versatile options typically include:

Poolside Areas: Terraces around the hotel pools can be used for ceremonies, cocktail hours, or receptions, offering a vibrant hotel atmosphere.

Beach Access Area: Proximity to Zicatela beach allows for easy guest access, though direct beach events might be limited depending on tides/hotel setup – clarify possibility of beachfront ceremonies.

Indoor Salons / Covered Areas: Indoor or covered spaces available for reception dinner and dancing, and crucial as a backup plan.

Accommodations: Hotel Rockaway offers on-site guest rooms, typically available on a European Plan (EP). Couples can arrange a room block, making it convenient for attendees to stay at the hotel, but guests pay for their accommodation separately from wedding events. The location in Zicatela means there are many other hotel and rental options nearby for guests.

 

Ceremony and Reception Logistics (Hotel Layout)

 

Logistics at Hotel Rockaway involve coordinating guest flow through the hotel’s layout and managing transitions between different event areas, particularly considering its Zicatela location and beach proximity:

Venue Navigation: Hotel Rockaway’s layout is typically centered around its pools and main building, with easy access to the bustling Zicatela area. Planning guest movement between event locations (e.g., ceremony poolside, cocktail hour on a terrace, reception in a different area) is managed by the hotel event coordinator and your external planner. Layout is likely straightforward. Clear signage and guest guidance are important.

Vendor Access: Coordinated by the hotel event coordinator and your external planner. Access may involve using service paths. Timelines for setup are crucial and must occur within the rental timeframe. Hotels designed for events typically offer standard loading docks and designated setup times.

Setup: Hotel staff handle setup of all included items (tables, chairs, standard linens, tableware, basic decor if applicable). External vendors manage their specific setups (specialty decor, advanced sound/lighting, florals) across the property. The hotel coordinator and external planner work together for cohesive setup across the property’s distinct locations.

Transportation: Highly convenient once guests arrive in Puerto Escondido. Guests arrange standard airport transfers (PXM) to Hotel Rockaway (approx. 10-20 minutes). The hotel’s location in Zicatela means guests can easily walk to many restaurants, bars, and shops, and have direct access to the beach area. Taxis and ride-shares are readily available for exploring other beaches or areas like La Punta or the main town/marina (approx. 5-15 minutes). Shuttles for wedding events within the hotel are generally not necessary unless guests are staying far off-site.

Proximity to Airport: Convenient access to Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM) via taxi or private transfer (approx. 10-20 minutes).

 

What’s Included in Hotel Wedding Bookings?

 

Inclusions with a Hotel Rockaway wedding booking are typically focused on the venue, mandatory catering, and basic setup services:

  • Exclusive use of contracted event areas within the hotel (e.g., specific Poolside area, Terrace, Salon) for the agreed-upon time.
  • Mandatory in-house catering: the chosen food menu and beverage package (alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks) from the hotel’s offerings.
  • Hotel event staffing: servers, kitchen staff, bartenders, event staff, hotel wedding coordinator, hotel staff (front desk, housekeeping, security).
  • Basic hotel banquet table settings: standard plates, silverware, glassware, standard hotel linens, standard banquet chairs and tables available for events.
  • Setup and cleanup of all hotel-provided items and contracted event spaces.
  • Basic decor elements as specified in the package (e.g., ceremony setup with chairs and arch, basic table centerpieces) – verify exact inclusions.
  • A wedding cake from the hotel’s pastry chef (verify if included or external).
  • A hotel event coordinator to manage the hotel’s event services and on-site logistics.
  • On-site guest accommodation options (via room block – guests pay for rooms/EP).
  • Access to beach area (direct or very close proximity, verify usage for events).

Common exclusions (meaning you need to rent/contract these externally or upgrade, often subject to hotel fees): ALL custom/elaborate decor (beyond basic package items), ALL specialized florals, ALL advanced lighting and sound systems (beyond basic hotel background), ALL music/entertainment (bands, specific DJs) – contracted separately but coordinated with hotel, specific photography, videography (hotels may have preferred vendors or outside vendor fees), external wedding planner (*highly recommended*, separate hire), any rentals *beyond* the standard hotel stock, permits (typically handled by hotel), insurance (if required), guest travel & airport transfers, guest accommodation costs (paid by guests), guest transportation within Puerto Escondido (optional), optional private events (welcome party/brunch) unless purchased separately, personalized favors, officiant (check legal vs symbolic inclusions), legal fees.

Obtain a detailed Hotel Rockaway wedding contract specifying exactly what is included (especially basic decor/furniture inventory), venue rental fees, per-person mandatory catering costs, minimum spends, room block details (EP rate structure), timing restrictions (especially noise curfews), rules for external vendors, and clear policies regarding beach usage for events.

 

Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies (Covered Areas/Salons)

 

Hotel Rockaway offers convenient indoor or covered spaces as backup plans for outdoor poolside or potentially beachfront elements:

Indoor Salons / Covered Areas: The hotel features designated indoor salons or covered event areas that can serve as functional backup locations for the ceremony and/or parts of the reception in case of rain or unfavorable weather. These spaces should comfortably fit your expected guest count, maintaining comfort and the party vibe.

Backup options utilize the hotel’s existing infrastructure, ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience for guests regardless of weather, moving indoors or to a covered area if needed.

Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies (Hotel Fees)

 

Payment terms align with hotel and wedding package bookings, involving separate contracts for venue/catering and accommodation:

Deposit: Required to secure Hotel Rockaway for your wedding date and event spaces. This typically includes a venue deposit and a catering deposit. Accommodation deposits for booked rooms also apply and are handled separately by guests booking in the block.

Payment Schedule: Phased payments for the venue rental and catering costs leading up to the event date, based on guest count estimates and contractual milestones. Room block payments are handled individually by guests booking their rooms directly (EP rate).

Final Payment: Typically due shortly before the event (e.g., 30-60 days out), based on the final guaranteed guest count for catering and confirmed event inclusions.

Cancellation Policy: Booking a hotel for a wedding is a significant commitment; cancellation policies for venue/catering contracts and accommodation rentals are usually strict with escalating penalties closer to the date, potentially including a high percentage or the full minimum spend/package cost. Comprehensive wedding insurance is *highly recommended* to protect against unforeseen cancellations.

Vendor Payments: Costs for external vendors are paid separately to those vendors, according to their individual contracts. Hotel fees for outside vendors are paid to the hotel.

 

Coordination: Hotel Event Coordinator vs. External Planner

 

Understanding the support system at a hotel:

Hotel Rockaway Wedding Coordinator: Your primary contact at the hotel for *all things related to hotel event services*. They manage: booking event spaces on the property (poolside, terraces, salon, coordinating beach access if applicable for events), planning and executing the in-house menu and beverage service, overseeing hotel banquet staffing, arranging the basic hotel setup (tables, chairs, linens, tableware), coordinating guest room blocks and check-in/out logistics for staying guests, and managing the wedding day timeline *as it pertains to hotel services*. Their role is focused on delivering the elements covered by your catering/venue contract with the hotel. They typically do *not* manage your overall event design vision, source or extensively coordinate *any* external vendors (beyond providing approved lists or facilitating access), handle detailed guest activities or logistics outside the hotel property, or manage budgets beyond the hotel costs.

External Wedding Planner: Provides personalized, comprehensive planning for the *entire event*, integrating seamlessly with the hotel’s services. This includes overall event design vision and elevation (essential for creating a unique look and feel), detailed budget management across all vendor contracts (hotel costs + external vendors), sourcing and coordinating *all* external vendors (photographer, videographer, specialized florals, rentals, lighting, sound, entertainment, etc.), creating detailed timelines that coordinate hotel services, external vendors, and guest flow across the property, managing guest logistics (accommodation booking communication, welcome bags, coordinating activities and transportation within Puerto Escondido), handling all vendor contracts (including reviewing the hotel contract), and serves as the primary point person for everyone on the wedding day, troubleshooting issues and ensuring seamless execution. *Highly recommended* for couples wanting significant customization, managing multiple external vendors, or complex guest logistics, and especially for destination weddings to ensure a cohesive, highly personalized experience.

 

Dietary and Menu Restrictions (In-House Hotel Catering)

 

Handled by Hotel Rockaway’s in-house culinary team and restaurants:

Catering: Provided exclusively by Hotel Rockaway’s in-house kitchen and bar for event bookings. This offers the ability to work directly with the hotel team on menu selection and service, often emphasizing fresh, local ingredients fitting the coastal location and hotel vibe. They typically offer various menu options. Menu tastings may be available.

Dietary Needs: Handled directly by the Hotel Rockaway kitchen. As a hotel used to hosting diverse groups, they are equipped and experienced in accommodating a range of dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies, etc.) for guests with advance notice. Communicate all specific needs and guest counts clearly to the hotel event coordinator during the menu planning process.

 

Music and Entertainment Restrictions (Hotel Policies)

 

Entertainment policies at a hotel balance providing a lively event with respecting the ambiance and other guests:

Style: Accommodating to various forms of entertainment suitable for a fun, beach-town setting. Live music (tropical, cover, rock, reggae) and DJs are common and can utilize designated outdoor (poolside, terraces, potentially beach area) or indoor event spaces (salons). The vibe in Zicatela often leans towards more energetic and late-night music compared to quieter bays.

Curfews/Noise: As a hotel located in a lively area like Zicatela, there may still be noise limitations, particularly in areas close to accommodations late at night, although Zicatela generally has a later vibe than other parts of Puerto Escondido. Amplified music for dancing will likely need to be contained within designated areas or cease by a specific hour (e.g., 1 AM or 2 AM), depending on the hotel’s specific policies and local regulations. Discuss specific policies and desired music types/times with the hotel event coordinator and your planner early on.

Vendor Policies: External entertainment vendors must comply with Hotel Rockaway’s rules regarding setup, sound levels in different areas, timing, power requirements, and use of space. Hotels often have fees for outside vendors. Your planner must coordinate this closely with the hotel.

 

Parking and Guest Logistics (Hotel Location)

 

Logistics for Hotel Rockaway are convenient due to its location in Zicatela, Puerto Escondido:

Airport Transfers: Guests arrange standard transport from Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM) directly to Hotel Rockaway (approx. 10-20 minutes). This is a common and easy process via taxis or private transfers.

Accommodation: Guests book and pay for rooms directly at Hotel Rockaway (EP) or elsewhere in the Zicatela/Puerto Escondido area. The hotel is a convenient base, located steps from Zicatela beach and surrounded by many restaurants, bars, and shops.

Transport to Hotel Rockaway: Easily accessible from other parts of Puerto Escondido like La Punta or Santa Cruz via taxi or ride-share (approx. 5-15 minutes). The hotel’s location in Zicatela means guests staying nearby can often walk to events.

Internal Transport: Moving between different event locations (poolside, terraces, salons) within the hotel property involves walking. The layout is typically straightforward.

Parking: Hotel Rockaway may have limited on-site parking. Providing guidance on accessing the hotel in a busy area like Zicatela and communicating taxi/ride-share availability is generally sufficient for guests.

Vendor Access: Coordinated load-in/out plan required for approved external vendors with the hotel event coordinator and planner, utilizing designated service areas and times, carefully managed to respect ongoing hotel operations in a lively location.

 

Total Cost Breakdown (Hotel Rockaway Puerto Escondido Wedding)

 

For an estimated wedding of 80 guests at Hotel Rockaway:

Venue Fee: $1,000 – $5,000+ USD (Variable based on season, day of week, chosen areas). Reflects hotel size and desirable location.

In-House Catering (Food, Beverage, Staffing): $70 – $160+ USD per person ($5,600 – $12,800+) – Variable based on chosen menu and beverage package. Generally accessible pricing.

External Wedding Planner: $3,000 – $10,000+ (Recommended for customization/vendor coordination).

Rentals (Specialty Items, Decor Upgrade, etc.): $3,000 – $10,000+ (Beyond standard hotel items).

Decor & Florals: $3,000 – $10,000+ (Especially for custom design leveraging beach/pool vibe).

Lighting & Sound (External/Upgrade): $2,000 – $5,000+ (For enhanced setup).

Music & Entertainment (External/Upgrade): $2,000 – $7,000+.

Photography/Videography: $2,500 – $8,000+.

Hotel Fees for Outside Vendors: $200 – $700+ per vendor category. Varies by hotel.

Contingency, Service Charges (often added), Taxes, Permits (usually handled by hotel): $2,000 – $5,000+.

Total estimated *event* cost (paid by couple) typically ranges from $18,000 – $75,000+ USD for 80 guests, heavily influenced by the venue fee, per-person catering cost, guest count, extent of upgrades/rentals, and external vendor choices. This is *in addition* to the guests’ individual room costs (EP model). Pricing is generally accessible for a destination wedding in Puerto Escondido.

 

Splurge vs. Save

Save: Choose a date with a lower venue fee (e.g., weekday or off-season). Select a standard catering menu option. Minimize external rentals and utilize hotel’s standard items. Focus floral/decor on key focal points like the ceremony backdrop and reception area by the pool. Select talented local musicians or a DJ within hotel noise limits/curfews. Encourage guests to book standard room types and utilize readily available taxis/ride-shares within Puerto Escondido for meals/activities outside the hotel. Skip optional private events.

Splurge: Secure a prime date and location (best poolside spot, potential beach setup if permitted). Upgrade to premium catering menus and beverage selections. Invest in select external vendors (photographer, videographer, florist, rentals) for a highly personalized look and feel, paying any associated hotel fees. Book optional private events like a welcome party or a farewell brunch at the hotel’s restaurant or a private poolside area. Upgrade entertainment (live band). Secure preferred room types for the couple and wedding party. Add personalized touches.

 

Hotel Rockaway Puerto Escondido Event Inclusions (Summary)

 

Key components based on the Hotel Venue + In-House Catering + EP Room Rate model:

Hotel Rockaway Booking includes: Use of contracted event areas (poolside, terrace, salon), mandatory in-house catering (food & beverage), hotel event staffing, basic hotel setup (tables/chairs/linens/tableware), setup/cleanup of included items, wedding cake (verify inclusion), Hotel Event Coordinator support, on-site guest accommodation options (via room block – guests pay for rooms/EP), use of hotel amenities for staying guests, beach access (direct or very close proximity).

Common Exclusions (requiring external vendors or upgrades, often with hotel fees): ALL custom/elaborate decor (beyond basic settings), ALL specialized florals, ALL advanced lighting/sound, ALL music/entertainment (contracted separately but coordinated with hotel), specific photography/videography (check outside vendor fees), specialized rentals (beyond hotel stock), optional private events (welcome party/brunch), personalized details, officiant (check legal vs symbolic inclusions), legal fees (for civil ceremony), guest travel & airport transfers, guest accommodation costs, wedding insurance, outside vendor fees charged by hotel, *guaranteed usage of Zicatela beach directly in front of the hotel for events* (check tides, hotel policy, public access).

Verify details based on your specific Hotel Rockaway wedding contract and room block agreement, particularly regarding beach event possibilities and accommodation terms.

Activities for Other Days (On-Site Amenities & Puerto Escondido Exploration)

 

Guests attending a wedding at Hotel Rockaway benefit from the hotel’s amenities and prime location in Zicatela, offering easy access to exploring the lively beach area and other parts of Puerto Escondido:

On-Site (Hotel Amenities): Guests staying at the hotel can enjoy the hotel facilities throughout their stay. This typically includes multiple swimming pools, on-site restaurant(s) and bar(s) (where guests pay per consumption), and potential basic activities. This provides a comfortable base right in the heart of Zicatela.

Zicatela Beach Access: The hotel’s location in Zicatela means guests are steps away from the famous surfing beach. While known for big waves (not ideal for swimming), the beach is great for walking, watching surfers, and enjoying the lively atmosphere with beachfront bars and restaurants. Easier swimming beaches like Carrizalillo or Coral are a short taxi ride away.

Off-Site (Puerto Escondido Exploration): The hotel’s location in Zicatela is very convenient for experiencing that part of town. Other areas like La Punta (relaxed, bohemian vibe) or the Santa Cruz/main town/marina area with its markets, shops, and restaurants are easily accessible via short taxi or ride-share rides (approx. 5-15 minutes). Boat tours, surfing lessons (for beginners, usually at calmer beaches like Carrizalillo or La Punta), or visits to nearby lagoons are popular off-site activities readily available via local transport.

Optional Hosted Events: Couples can choose to host additional events like a welcome party, rehearsal dinner, or farewell brunch at one of the hotel’s restaurants or in a private event space, paid separately. Alternatively, they can host these events off-site in Zicatela or other areas of Puerto Escondido, easily accessible from the hotel.

 

Three Practical Tips for Brides

 

Embrace the Zicatela Vibe and Location: Hotel Rockaway is in a prime, lively location in Zicatela. Work with your planner and design vendors to incorporate the fun, coastal energy of the area into your wedding design. Leverage the beach proximity for photos and highlight the convenience for guests to explore the local scene on foot or via short taxi rides.

Clarify Beach Event Possibilities: Zicatela is primarily a surfing beach with strong currents. If a beachfront ceremony is desired, clarify with the hotel exactly what is possible, considering tides, safety, and public access on Zicatela. Have a strong backup plan on a terrace or by the pool if a direct beach ceremony isn’t feasible or weather/tide conditions are unfavorable.

Work Closely with Both the Hotel Coordinator and an External Planner: The hotel event coordinator is your expert on *all things hotel-specific* (in-house catering execution, basic setup, hotel logistics, beach access policy). An external planner is your advocate for *your overall vision* (design, vendor sourcing/management beyond the hotel, detailed timeline, guest experience, navigating local options and vendors). They work in tandem to ensure your event is executed smoothly, integrating any external elements and managing logistics effectively in the lively Zicatela setting.

 

Two Bride Reviews 

 

“Hotel Rockaway was the perfect hotel for our wedding weekend in Puerto Escondido! We wanted to be right in Zicatela, close to the beach and all the action, and it delivered! The hotel staff were friendly and accommodating, and the poolside area was great for our reception. The in-house catering was solid. Our external planner was essential in helping us add personal touches and coordinate our outside vendors like our photographer and music. Our guests loved staying at the hotel and being able to easily walk to all the bars and restaurants in Zicatela.” – Sofia R.

“We chose Hotel Rockaway because of its prime spot in Zicatela and its fun atmosphere. It was exactly the vibe we wanted – laid back but lively. We weren’t looking for an all-inclusive, and this hotel was a great fit for our group. Our ceremony was by the pool, which was perfect. Our planner was key to handling all the logistics, especially managing external vendors and ensuring everything ran on time in a busy area. Our guests had a fantastic time exploring Zicatela and celebrating with us right there!” – Elena P.

 

My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Pro 

 

Photographing a wedding at Hotel Rockaway offers the opportunity to capture a fun, energetic, and accessible beach-town celebration right in Zicatela. My focus would be on leveraging the proximity to the iconic Zicatela beach (for portraits, acknowledging the surf), the lively atmosphere around the pool and hotel, and documenting the joyful energy of the couple and their guests enjoying the casual, vibrant setting. Challenges include managing photography in potentially crowded or public areas like Zicatela beach (if used for events), managing varied lighting around the pool and hotel spaces throughout the day, coordinating coverage with the hotel’s timelines, and ensuring I am aware of and comply with any hotel rules regarding vendor presence and access. Hotel Rockaway is ideal for couples who prioritize a convenient, guest-friendly, budget-conscious (compared to luxury/AI resorts), and fun destination wedding experience in the heart of Puerto Escondido’s most famous beach area, offering photos that feel dynamic, authentic, and perfectly capture a lively coastal celebration.

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