Cabo San Lucas, or just “Cabo” for veterans, is Baja California’s most southern and most popular beach resort town. A temperate climate, great beaches, whale watching and sport fishing draw thousands of visitors to Cabo every year, and every year hundreds decide to stay for good. If you’re just visiting Cabo for a short time, however, a good hotel or resort is essential.
We chose the best based on factors such as services and amenities, aesthetics, design, price and location. While it’s easy to spend hundreds of dollars a night on a 5-star luxury beach resorts, we’ve included the best options for all budgets. Here’s what we found:
The Resort at Pedregal
From $450/night
The Resort at Pedregal is one of the most luxurious beachfront resorts in Cabo, but it’s also one of the most expensive. The design theme is desert and nautical, which meshes perfectly with the secluded surroundings. The hotel has private beach access, and the grounds of the hotel blend in quite naturally with the edge of the ocean. Most suites offer stunning ocean and sunset views with covered balconies and infinity pools. Guacamole and snacks are brought up in the afternoon, and new guests are welcomed with a complimentary margarita and bottle of tequila.
Esperanza
From $636/night
Esperanza offers casitas (little houses), suites and 1- and 2-bedroom villas with spacious bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms, dining areas and outdoor terraces with ocean views. Five onsite restaurants serve Mexican, American, Italian, Japanese and Korean dishes with many vegan, vegetarian and gluten- and diary-free options. At twilight, cool breezes condense to mist and cover the water’s surface with a layer of fog. The only downside is that Esperanza’s beach access is narrower than many other resorts and the waves can be rough. If you’re planning to stay in the infinity pool that overlooks the beach, however, it shouldn’t be a problem.
Hacienda Encantada
From $175/ night
Set in contemporary Mexican hacienda style, Hacienda Encantada offers an authentic, local feel in luxurious surroundings. With only 151 rooms, the Hacienda balances the comfort and privacy of a boutique hotel with the affordability and amenities of a larger resort. Perched on the cliffs of the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, the Hacienda makes a great choice for weddings, anniversaries or any event that needs an epic backdrop.
The Bungalows Hotel
From $105/ night
A home away from home, The Bungalows is a rustic Mexican-style posada with a diverse selection of suites that each come with their own unique charm. While most suites come equipped with a kitchen, you won’t want to miss out on The Bungalow’s signature gourmet breakfasts. From mouthwatering French toast filled with cream cheese to fritatas with grilled potatoes and sauteed mushrooms and wraps stuffed with Cuban black beans, The Bungalows offers one of the best breakfasts in Cabo. Just three blocks from downtown Cabo and just 5 minutes from Medano Beach, The Bungalows is located close enough to the action but far enough away that you’ll still get a good nights sleep. If you’re looking for a homey, cozy, authentic stay in Cabo San Lucas, The Bungalows is your best bet.
San Angel Suites
From $60/ night
Spacious apartment-style suites with full kitchens and well-appointed living areas make San Angel Suites a great choice for a long-term stay in Cabo San Lucas. San Angel Suites offers onsite parking and is a favorite stop for roadtripping Americans and Canadians. The grounds are lush with vegetation and offer plenty of places to relax in the shade or have a BBQ. Just a short walk from downtown Cabo, the marina and the beach, this hotel is in the perfect location.
Hotel El Ganzo
From $209/ night
Hotel El Ganzo strives to be more than a hotel, and it succeeds spectacularly. A hotspot for local artists and musicians, there’s always something happening at El Ganzo, but it still manages to feel like a refuge from the hustle and bustle of downtown Cabo. Live music performances and art exhibitions find a home within El Ganzo’s hip, pop-art style. After taking in a live show, chill in the rooftop pool that overlooks the hotel’s private marina or relax with a hot tub and sauna in the hotel’s wellness center. The onsite sushi restaurant serves up rolls made with locally-sourced ingredients with a Mexican twist.
Tesoro Los Cabos Resort
From $137/ night
Overlooking the marina with great views of the ocean and just a short walk from the beach, Tesoro Los Cabos Resort is close to everything. Be sure to get the breakfast rate as the buffet consistently gets rave reviews. The suites are comfortably but not lavishly appointed and offer city and ocean views. The outdoor pool area is a real treasure, with plenty of places to relax under the sun or in the shade. After a long day of relaxation, head to Tesoro’s onsite spa for a sauna and a massage.