Cabo San Lucas- master thread

[jarocha]

Going to Cabo in Oct for my b-day. Any recs? Shopping, excursions, things to do, restaurants?

[SarahKatG]

Oooh we stayed at Marquis Los Cabos (http://www.marquisloscabos.com/) last year and LOVED it! We had a casita with an ocean view and private pool. The service was outstanding and the place was empty since we went in off-season (early September). The whole place is just gorgeous and we had an all around great experience. My pictures are all huge so I won't post them here but if you'd like the link to my album I'll be happy to share it with you.

Regarding Cabo in general, the tourist area is quite a ways from the airport and the Marquis is halfway in between so we actually didn't go downtown at all during the trip. Things are kind of spread out which we didn't mind since we just wanted to sit by the pool and ocean and sip iced tea and eat chips and guacamole :)

Have fun!!!

[bookworm]

We went last year for a wedding, and stayed (on the B&G's recommendation) at the Hacienda Beach Resort (http://www.haciendabeachresort.com/) . It's near downtown Cabo San Lucas--you can walk there. It's also right by the marina. The hotel is older, and charming. We had an ocean view room and it had a sort of sleeping porch.

The water is lovely, and it's worth a boat ride out to see where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez.

I don't remember any restaurants specifically (except for the wedding itself), but we stuck with places around the harbor and didn't have a bad meal. The wedding was at Ristorante Da Giorgio (I've only eaten from the function menu, but the food was good and the location was spectacular). It's not in town, but I'm sure any cab driver could find it.

There is a lot of poverty (2 year olds selling dolls, time share hassles), but that may be less in the high rise area (further out of town, but you can take a water taxi or a regular one to the downtown area).

[sinderstorm]

I stayed at the Coral Baja with DH for a week in May, which is closer to San Jose than Cabo San Lucas. Personally, we liked San Jose better than Cabo- less crowded, less touristy, more local shops and cheaper food (in general). We spent very little time in Cabo itself, although the Jungle Cruise Booze Cruise was a night we won't forget anytime soon. Very fun if you don't have to catch a flight the following morning. Be prepared for hockers everywhere- they range from preschool-elderly age, and were a shock to us.

Chilleno Beach has great snorkling due to being in a sheltered cove and had lots of shaded areas on the beach, which made for a nice day. Most beaches in the Corridor are beautiful, but have very strong undertows, making even wading in many areas an adventure.

I'd recommend making arrangements to get from the airport to your hotel ahead of time- there will be lots of companies, all trying to rip you off at the airport. Save yourself the hassle of trying to haggle with them and make reservations ahead of time. Your hotel may have a shuttle as well.

Cabo is beautiful- if you're on the east side of the peninsula, get up one morning and watch the sun rise over the ocean- it was incredible and worth getting up for. (we then went back to bed for 2 hours)

[linekelei]

We're going to the Cabo area in August and I am debating whether to wear my e-ring & wedding band, or just my wedding band. Do any of you have any thoughts? Is it safe to wear my e-ring? It's kind of an attention-grabbing ring, so I'm thinking about just leaving it at home, though I'll feel naked without it. I'm just not sure if it's a safe/smart thing to wear.

[bookworm]

I would probably leave the e-ring at home. It's not that I ever felt unsafe, but with all the people hassling you if you walk through town (I mean following you, telling you you dropped something to get you to stop, etc.), I just wouldn't want to attract extra attention.

[sinderstorm]

I didn't wear my e-ring as I didn't want to risk losing it or having it stolen. I bought a cubic zirconia ring to still have a ring to wear while there to deal with the 'naked' feeling. It worked out well as I wouldn't be upset if I lost it.

[Jennifer]

I wore my ering in Cabo this spring and didn't think twice about it...frankly there were LOTS of timeshare folks and vendors hasseling everyone...I don't think they were discriminate enough to pick only those they thought had more $$ because they wore nicer jewelry ;) (but my rings are insured so I wear them everywhere...I think jewelry, like many things is meant to be used and enjoyed!).

I liked the "marina" area of Cabo - definitely head out on the water, whether you arrange a fishing/sailing trip or just take a water taxi tour our to Lovers Beach and the arches - being out on the water was my favorite part! You can rent jet skis too which is a blast!

Are you staying nearer Cabo San Lucas, the Corridor or San Jose de Cabo? If you are in the CSL area I loved the beach bars - the "Office" was our favorite. Pretty "spring breaky" - but fun!

We had a fairly good dinner at El Viego Trailor Park...looks scary driving up - but once you are inside the courtyard its nice.

[laura]

I wear my e-ring everywhere, so it wouldn't occur to me not to wear it on vacation.

Has anyone stayed at the Hilton in Cabo? Looking for feedback! (and I've already read tripadvisor)

[mar5195]

Where the ring, Cabo is a tourist town. You'll be fine.

[justHB]

Unless you're rocking a Paris Hilton-esque ring, I don't think you should worry about it.

[linekelei]

Well, it's certainly not a 25 carat diamond ring!!!! ;)

[Sand]

What can I not miss in Cabo? I'm staying at the Pueblo Bonito Resort (http://www.pueblobonito.com). We leave Nov. 6. Can't wait!

Weather? Play? Eat? anything... talk to me.

[Bloomwood]

Hey sand! I went to Cabo around the same time last year! (we got back from Italy on 10.24 and left 10 days later) The weather should be perfecto. We stayed on a private property with a lot of meals provided, but here are a few things I can recommend. (also, no activities to offer because we just hung out at the pool and drank!)

The Office - a beachside bar. so fun!
There's a main area that is like a quay that runs along the harbor/pier. There's a sushi rest. that's super yummy. We also went to the mexican rest. around the corner from there.
Squid Row - the ppl we were staying with are regulars there (the dad has his own sign above one of the booths) Crazy party time.

We went to - okay, first I went to and then brought J - the Rolex/jewelry store that is also in that same area. I found a David Yurman ring that was gorgeous and about 1/2 price of what it'd be here. I still can't believe the deal I got on it.

I guess I really don't have much to offer. You're going to have a blast and I'm super jealous that you're going!

[bookworm]

Lie in the sun and have cocktails. Take a little boat out to where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez. (The sea lions are smelly, but it's impressive.) If you get a chance, go to Ristorante da Giorgio--I can't vouch for the menu (was there for a wedding, and it was better-than-average food, to say nothing of a very fun party), but the view is absolutely stunning.

[Jennifer]

I second the rec for the Office...the margs are STRONG though ;) (honestly probably all of the beach bars are great places to hang out - just figure out who has music that calls to you!)

Loved the boat ride out to Lover's Beach and there was a great coffee place right on the corner in the Marina (internet access too if you want to check in with your girls!).

For us Cabo was all about lazy drinking at the pool all day...no great restaurant recs - I think our best meal was at El Viego Trailerpark...pretty decent lobster.

[bensgirl1222]

I went to Cabo last October and I wont go back. The beaches weren't what I expected. The water was nice but that was about it. And the town wasn't at all what I expected.

idk...maybe I just had some bad experiences.

[Sand]

Thanks girls....

any divers out there that can recommend who to go with for a day?

[wine_o_girlie]

I agree that the weather should be great this time of year. We had a lot of fun in Cabo. Here's my 2 cents:

Cabo is a pool place, not a beach place. We stayed at one of the higher end hotels but even still the beach wasn't great. It was very rough and there were signs everywhere recommending that you didn't go into the water. Hopefully your resort has a nice pool.

We had (cheesy) fun and decent food at The Office - watch out for the tequila guy who makes the rounds and will get your drunk in a hurry. Our best dinners were at Edith's (near The Office) and Mi Casa.

We did a snorkeling boat tour and it was so much fun. Bar + boat = fun (but be careful!). The snorkeling is definitely not comparable to some of the good spots in the Caribbean but it's still very fun. We had did an ATV tour which was a lot of fun.

Cabo has a lot of bars. We had fun at several of them - Squid Roe, the Marlin, etc. We did go to Cabo Wabo but we like a different type of music. Like Jennifer said, lots of bars of fun just choose the one where you like the music the best.

[bensgirl1222]

Oh but I highly recommend getting a hotel that has a nice pool with a poolside bar...that was the best part of the trip!

[Sand]

http://www.pueblobonito-loscabos.com/images/photos/photo3vb.jpg

This is our resort, i'm sure I can force myself to cozy up somewhere near the pool with a margi on the rocks with salt! ;)

[ShannonGH]

I just found out this morning that we'll be going to Cabo in a month (beginning of December)! Dh earned a trip through work. It'll be a quick trip (3ish days) but I'm looking so forward to getting away! Only downfall is that I'll be 23wks pg at the time so no poolside drinks for me :(

I'll write down the restaurant and outting recs that were posted above. Thanks!

Sand, definitely come back here after your trip and let me know how it was!:D Your resort looks like heaven!!!

[Lisam618]

I'm going to Cabo too! Thanks for the imput everyone I go in Jan won a trip from work too, though mine is for 5 nights 6 days. I can't wait. Were staying at the Fiesta Americana ~ Grand Los Cabos Resort!

[ShannonGH]

Dh found out last Monday he earned the trip and then 2 days later his company told him it was postponed indefinitely due to problems with rescheduling. (The original trip was to Cancun but had to be changed at the last minute because of the hurricanes...so Cabo was plan B). So now they're saying the trip could be as late as March and that's when I'm due so it looks like we won't be able to go afterall. :( Have fun in January Lisam618!

[Lisam618]

Thanks Shannon I hope we do!!

[adamseve]

Has anyone stayed at the Hilton in Cabo? Looking for feedback! (and I've already read tripadvisor)


Bumped this thread because we are considering Cabo, specifically the Hilton in Cabo. Anyone been there?

[schmeevee]

Our 1st year anniversary is coming up (july 30) and since the 1st anniv gift is paper & DH loves "experience" type gifts rather than "objects", I wanted to give us a ticket for a romantic excursion :)

for those of you who've been to CABO, what are your recommendations?

TIA!

[kk junebug]

:) WELL, my hubby and i honeymooned in cabo...BUT we stayed at an all inclusive...so i cant really recommend too many romantic dinners....BUT i'll try w/everything else:

The Office: is a restauant literally ON the beach (tables IN the sand!)! it serves seafood and various other goodies. slightly pricey, but the BEST margarita on the planet. the best part is you can watch the sun set w/your feet in the sand while you eat!

Hotel Finisterra: they have a bar at the top of the hotel that has the best view of the sunset..overlooking "The Arch" that cabo is famous for.

depending how adventurous you guys are you could go parasailing together? or go on an ATV tour thru the desert...not exactly romantic, but still fun! you can take a water taxi to "Lovers Beach" (where The Arch is) which is where the pacific ocean meets the sea of cortez. some great pictures can be had there and most of the time you can totally be by yourselves to enjoy the beach!

even walking downtown near the marina was nice and relaxing. stopping along the way for a taco or margarita was always fun! Most of our days were spent by the pool at our hotel, walking along the beach, and meandering downtown near the marina...and we had the best time ever! Hoping to go back for our 2yr anniv. next fall!

ALSO: depending on if you get a rental car you can also take a drive to the surrounding communities "the corridor" and san jose del cabo...we didnt make it out there but from what i've heard its more quiet and secluded.......
GOOD LUCK!:)

[taffers]

We are planning to go to Cabo for our one year anniversary trip, but we can't decide where to stay!

Last time we stayed at the Melia San Lucas and loved it, but we'd like something a little more upscale.

The Palmilla is out because they don't have any rooms available under $1,025 per night.

Our top choices right now are the Esperanza An Auberge Resort, and the Villa La Estancia. Has anyone stayed at the Esperanza? Thoughts?

Any other great hotels?

Also, if there are any restraunts you loved, please share! We always go to the Office, we're going to Mi Casa one night and "C" at the Palmilla another night, but please let me know if there are any other can't miss places!

Thank you!!

[Shapsgrl]

Sorry, no advice on the hotels. I've stayed at the Westin which was nice but not as upscale as the Esperanza. And we're getting married at the Cabo Surf Hotel but it's definitely more boutique-y rather than resort-ey (but the rooms do look fabulous! www.cabosurfhotel.com)

for food, you have hit a few of the spots that we love but in addition, I like Nik San in downtown Cabo for sushi

and if you make the drive to Todos Santos, don't miss stopping at Art & Beer for one of their famous Bloody Caesars, or other tropical & strange concoctions. The owner is a hoot!

[taffers]

I LOOOOVE Nick-san...I forgot to write that down, but I think we'll definitely be going there because it was one of our favorites last time. I wish we had more nights to eat out! ;)

[wine_o_girlie]

What about the Marquis los Cabos? I haven't stayed there but a friend has and loved it. What is up with the pricing at the Palmilla? I know it's nice and all but that is nuts! We stayed at the Sheraton and it was very nice but probably not what you are looking for.

We were only there for a few days but we hit The Office (sounds like you've been so you know the food isn't the star of the show , it's the tequila guy ;) ), Mi Casa (very good and loved the eclectic and spread out nature of the restaurant), and Edith's (very good and great views, romantic). C sounds amazing - please give us a foodie report after you return!

Have fun! :)

[Mrs. Alting]

We went to Cabo for our honeymoon. We stayed at the http://www.pueblobonitosunsetbeach.com/

It was on the coast so much quieter than staying in town. Also there is a nice breeze off the ocean so it didn't seem so hot.

The only downfall to this hotel is that the try and sell you a time share uggg! But I guess that's everywhere in Cabo. We just told the sales people we were under 30 and they didn't bother us anymore. You have to be 30 to buy a time share. But other than that it was wonderful! The food at the resturants there are very good and they have a shuttle that takes you in to town it drops you off at their other hotel.

[taffers]

Wine_o_girlie: The Marquis was on my list, and it looks beautiful (and cheaper than Esperanza!), but it's 30 minutes from town so I figured we'd stay at Esperanza over Marquis since Esperanza is only 4 miles from town (although I still think you have to taxi it???). Marquis is still a contender though!

Isn't that crazy about Palmilla?! They have rooms for $650/night, but apparently those are all booked because when I checked availability, it was only the $1025 rooms...NOT in my budget!!!

You don't care for the food at the Office? I love it! Especially the seafood. But the drinks are good too. ;) I've heard good things about Edith's, but we're running out of nights! I feel like maybe we should only go to places we haven't been before so maybe I'll add Edith's to the list and cut out Nick-san.

Thanks for your help!

[taffers]

Mrs. Alting: The pictures look really pretty for that Pueblo Bonito. Aren't the time share people annoying! We got it at the airport, and then on the ride to our hotel. We just kept saying NO!!!!! ;)

[Mrs. Alting]

Very Annoying!

[laura]

In my head we were going to go to Cabo in 2 weeks. If that were happening, I think I would pick the Marquis for one of their rooms w/ a private pool. I am intrigued by that idea.

[GoCougs]

We stayed at the Finisterra (http://www.finisterra.com/htdocs/index.html) during our honeymoon back in 2001. I thought the hotel was very nice and and we were close enough to down to walk in (it was about a 5 minute walk through the marina area).

[taffers]

Laura: The Marquis looks great...I just wish it was closer to town. And the rooms with the private pools are very reasonable compared to other hotels with that option.

GoCougs: My good friend is staying at the Finesterra in August for her HM! There are so many great hotels in Cabo...which is why I'm having such a hard time deciding!

[amyinlosangeles]

The Esperanza is amazing! Best vacation I've had in a long time. They wait on you hand and foot, the restaurants in the resort are wonderful and rooms are to die for! Every time we came back to the room there was some kind of treat waiting like chips, salsa & guacamole w/2 bottles of tequila to keep; yummy desserts, etc.

Also, I would die to have the bed in our room - hands down, the most comfortable bed I've ever slept in.

Also, if you like Thai food, the best I've had anywhere in my entire life was at a little place called Baan Thai.

here's a few pix

our room w/view of the ocean
http://hedlab.typepad.com/photos/private/dsc02135.jpg

looking out our bathroom at the infinity spa
http://hedlab.typepad.com/photos/private/dsc02130.jpg

one of the pools w/bar you can swim up to
http://hedlab.typepad.com/photos/private/dsc02338.jpg

http://hedlab.typepad.com/photos/private/dsc02321.jpg

http://hedlab.typepad.com/photos/private/dsc02327.jpg

http://hedlab.typepad.com/photos/private/dsc02334.jpg

[taffers]

Oh Amy, thank you so much!!!! Finally someone that has stayed there! Your pictures are great...the room looks just like the one on the website (you know how sometimes they don't?). My husband LOVES swim up bars, and they said they had one, but there is no picture so I'm glad you had one. I think you have convinced me. :)

Two questions...where is the hotel located? I can't figure it out, and none of the hotel maps have it. It can't be on the Corridor...is it on the other side of the marina on the Pacific side?? Also, can you walk to town, or is a car/cab needed? It sounded like from the tripadvisor reviews that you need to take a cab.

Thanks again!

[wine_o_girlie]

Oh Amy, thank you so much!!!! Finally someone that has stayed there! Your pictures are great...the room looks just like the one on the website (you know how sometimes they don't?). My husband LOVES swim up bars, and they said they had one, but there is no picture so I'm glad you had one. I think you have convinced me. :)

Two questions...where is the hotel located? I can't figure it out, and none of the hotel maps have it. It can't be on the Corridor...is it on the other side of the marina on the Pacific side?? Also, can you walk to town, or is a car/cab needed? It sounded like from the tripadvisor reviews that you need to take a cab.

Thanks again!

Oh the Esparanza looks great! I haven't been but Amy's pictures look great and judging by her posts of her daughter's (future) outfits on the Parenting board, she has great taste. :) Cabs were very easy to come by and it was so nice to not have to worry about drinking and having to drive somewhere.

Our hotel had a swim up bar and my husband and our friend's husband spent many an hour there - they were quite prune-ish! Edith's was very good and the atmosphere was really nice. We got the bananas foster dessert and it was worth it for the "show" alone, they made it tableside. Have fun for your anniversary! :)

[taffers]

wine_o_girlie: Doesn't it look gorgeous?! I think we're going to rent a car instead of cabbing it, only because we're going to C at Palmilla for dinner one night and the cab ride alone is $90 (my friend just got back from Cabo and actually cancelled her reservations at C b/c she refused to pay $300 or $400 for dinner and then $100 for a cab ride!) so the rental car is covered with just that! Plus, it's much cheaper to drive to and from the airport then pay for a bus or hotel transportation. Although cabs are MUCH easier! I figure if we drive to dinner, we'll take turns on who can drink. ;)

Swim up bars are the greatest! We spent almost all our pool time at the Melia at the swim up bar...sadly, the bartenders knew us and would get our drinks ready w/o asking! :o

That dessert sounds delish!!!!! We are definitely going to have to look into eating at Edith's one night...yum!

[amyinlosangeles]

thanks for the plug wine_o_girlie! :D

taffers - I'm glad I could help - we had gone to the Greek Islands the month before (we were getting all our vacations out of the way before getting pregnant!) and decided that Cabo was just as great, if not better, since you don't have to deal w/a really long flight! Unfortunately I'm still a Cabo virgin so I couldn't tell you where it is exactly..all I know is you will need a car or a cab and it's kind of near the Palmilla.

Wherever you end up staying, I'm sure you'll have a blast! :)

[taffers]

Amyinlosangeles: I want to do Greece too, but I agree about Cabo- I like it better than Hawaii!

We booked the Esperanza!!!!!! Unfortunately, I couldn't get the room we wanted so I'm hoping we can upgrade when we get there, but I'm sure any of the rooms are fabulous. I also booked us a car...we did the airfare yesterday so we're set to go!

Thanks everyone for your help!!!

[Shapsgrl]

Wow, the Esperanza looks fabulous. Going to have to check it out!

[skraus75]

I actually just read a magazine story on the One and Only resort (www.oneandonlyresorts.com).... kinda of expensive but looks like it would be nice, epsecially if you do the spa too!

[taffers]

Yes, the Palmilla is beautiful as well, but they only had rooms available over $1,000 per night...none of their less expensive rooms were available! And we wanted to be closer to town- Esperanza is only 5 minutes from town, but Palmilla is about 20 minutes.

[elissa]

*bumping*

Anyone have any recs for a place to stay while traveling with a four-six month old in Cabo?

[Shapsgrl]

what kind of a resort are you looking for?

I've stayed at the Westin, and Marquis and was married at the Cabo Surf hotel in March.

I would recommend the Cabo surf if you are interested in staying in a boutique type hotel. It's beautiful, the rooms are very nice, and it feels very "private" - there are only 22 rooms.

I would also recommend the Marquis if you are looking for more of a luxury resort. It is beautiful and the service is great.

I would not recommend the Westin.

[elissa]

Not really sure what we are looking for totally. I don't think we care if it is boutique or one of the major hotels. This isn't the type of vacation we typically do, and having a new baby, we'd like it to just be pretty easy, so those are the major factors.

Close enough to go to dinner at night without always having to get a cab (not sure if we'd rent a car), enough to do at the resort, etc. Thanks for any help!

[jesvet]

My husband is thinking of looking into a Cabo timeshare...neither of us has been and everyone he knows from work enjoys it. Anyone have any thoughts? We go to Hawaii a lot but this would be an alternative.

We have two young kids, would want someplace fairly nice on the water. I guess maybe we should go ourselves and try it out, but I was wondering if anyone had personal experience.

[Sazoo]

DH and I are heading down to Cabo in 3 weeks for our first-ever vacation in Mexico. We're staying at Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach (http://www.pueblobonitosunsetbeach.com/), where my bosses own a timeshare membership. We booked the resort and airfare a few months ago, but now suddenly our trip is only 3 weeks away and I'm realizing we have not really done any research on things to see and do, recommended restaurants, etc. :o I've jotted down a few ideas from this thread today, though - thanks ladies! :D

[kimthebride]

We're off to Cabo, and would love to know which spas are best out there.

We're staying at the Melia Cabo Real - anyone been to the spa there? Is there another great spa walking-distance to it?

I believe another hotel is right next door that may have a spa, but I can't remember which it is (maybe the Hilton?).

TIA! :)

[linekelei]

I've stayed at the One & Only Palmilla and the spa there is AMAZING. Definitely take a cab (don't think it's within walking distance) there and get some treatments. It is one of the most oustanding spas I've ever been to.

[kimthebride]

linekelei
Thanks for the recc! Any treatments in particular that I simply MUST have?

[linekelei]

I had a massage and facial, but it's the setting of the spa that is so amazing. You get your own hut for your treatment room. It's just a very lush environment. And the treatments were great, too!

[kimthebride]

FYI:
The spa at the Melia hotel is crap. The manicurists had no idea what they were doing, and the "spa" was a joke. Don't bother ("spa" is a very loose term down there!).

We stayed at the Melia Cabo Real http://www.meliacaboreal.com/ , and it was okay. They have all-inclusive packages, so if you want to save $$ and aren't super picky go there. I think it was about $40 per person for a whole day of eating & drinking on the resort. Restaurants are ok, nothing too fancy or great but I can't actually complain about the food or the service. The rooms? Didn't live up to the website's photos, lol. Pool is huge and really nice.

The Spa Oasis at Hilton Los Cabos was so relaxing. I was very happy with ALL my treatments (hot stone massage, reflexology, manicure, deep tissue massage, brow wax, swedish massage). Quiet, small, professional, clean. A nice true spa, without being too lavish.

We ate a lot of the Hilton and the food was very good! Did the beach there as well.

Be prepared for people to approach you ALL day on the beach to sell you hats, sarongs, jewelry & "extracurricular" items. It was a little odd, to say the least! No one was too pushy, but I could have done without it.

The weather is incredible, hey said it rains a few days in November each year and that's it. Can't argue with that!

The water was really rough, so no real swimming.

You HAVE TO go to this restaurant: Morgan's Encore.
http://www.igougo.com/dining-reviews-b327441-Cabo_San_Lucas-Morgans_Encore_Restaurant.html
We tok a cab with 2 other couples to this place....and I have eaten at a LOT of restaurants, and have to say this is one of the top meals I have had anywhere ever. The food was ridiculous. The service perfect. The setting, unbelievable. You HAVE to eat there! I wanted to change one thing in my dish, so the chef came out, asked for some ideas, and in the end created something totally different that knocked my socks off. For 3 days we all couldn't stop talking about that dinner! And it was a prefixe of I think $30 for 3 courses...soooooo underpriced!