Stay
My Cabo trip count is now at 17, with stays at seven different resorts on all three tourist beaches in town, so clear favorites have emerged over the years. Read on to learn why my favorites earned their top spots (and why others didn't).
Playa Grande Resort
Solmar Beach (Pacific)
Playa Grande, a Solmar Resort, is easily my favorite place to stay in Cabo. It offers a walkable central location on a quiet, semi-private beach. From the bellhops to the bartenders, the staff are friendly and helpful. The suites throughout the property are comfortable, and there are Instagrammable views around every corner. The Ridge section has panoramic views of the city and Medano Beach on one side, plus the ocean on the other. Their dining options and drinks (try the Calima Special!) are superior to most of the other hotels I've tried. They even have a miniature golf course nestled into the rocks on site.
Pueblo Bonito Rosé
Medano Beach (Sea of Cortez)
This resort is a pink slice of Greco-Roman paradise. With statues throughout the property and a pool dedicated exclusively to its resident black swans, this isn't your typical Mexican hotel. I like to stay here when I want to be in the middle of it all: you can walk to most of the town's bars and restaurants, plus all of the top spots on Medano Beach (e.g., Tabasco Beach, The Office). Rooms are comfortable and quiet, with views of the pool area and bay. All the watersports and beach bars on Medano Beach are just outside your door. Take a free shuttle to their sister resort on Sunset Beach, if you want a change of scenery from their Sky Pool perched atop a cliff.
Solmar/Grand Solmar Resort
Solmar Beach (Pacific)
The Solmar hotel has sat on the southernmost stretch of Baja beach since the 1960s. In 2009, they tore down the oldest buildings to erect Grand Solmar... and it is grand! With its position just feet from the crashing waves and infinity pools around every corner, Grand Solmar is worth a splurge. In addition to shiny new tower rooms, several buildings from the older Solmar timeshare section remain for more affordable access the stunning amenities on this Pacific-facing property. I've toured the newer section and stayed in the older buildings, and would gladly visit again. I also hear their oceanfront spa is incredible.
Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach (Pacific)
Views from the resort's Sky Pool are truly breathtaking, and the spa is a blissful experience. You can easily spot whales breaching in the Pacific throughout the property. Sunset Beach isn't located within walking distance to town, and it's perched on steep hills that require a golf cart squad to ferry guests around. When I stayed here, they offered us the all-inclusive plan for free in exchange for a smaller room, and we were pleased with the food and drinks available. At the right price for able-bodied travelers, this resort is a viable option. However, I prefer to have better access to downtown Cabo.
Villa Del Arco
Medano Beach (Sea of Cortez)
Yeah, that's a pirate ship in the middle of the pool. There's a peaceful zero-entry pool for wading far away from the persistent vendors on Medano Beach. They make the best limonada (limeade) in Cabo here, which is a refreshing break from Dos Equis or daiquiris. With the pirate ship at Villa Del Arco and the whale-shaped waterslide at Villa Del Palmar, the Villa resorts are solid options for families with kids. The negatives with this property are walkability to the tourist zone in town and the ability to enjoy a peaceful night's rest with certain room types. Light sleepers may struggle with the thin walls in the lockout-style adjoining rooms.
Others I've tried
Sandos Finisterra
Solmar Beach
This all-inclusive resort has beautiful pools and palapas with an adorable cupcake shop overlooking the marina. The food isn't stellar, but its convenience to town makes it worthwhile if you get a deal.
Riu Santa Fe
Medano Beach
This is a beautiful all-inclusive resort but it's farther from town and the food is terrible. Add thin walls, hard beds, and a shouty party crowd to round out the reasons why I don't recommend this hotel.
Consider
There are many luxury resorts in and around Cabo, like the Waldorf Astoria at Pedregal, the Cape, Esperanza, Casa Dorada, Pueblo Bonito Pacifica, and others. There are also numerous modestly priced hotels like Quinta del Sol, Hotel El Ganzo, and Marina Fiesta, and smaller boutique hotels with rave reviews. You might want to consider "the other Cabo" and The Corridor as well, especially if you want to extend your trip and explore. Trip Advisor is your best bet for learning about each of these and deciding which hotel is right for you.