Choosing the best hotel in Cabo San Lucas can be confusing. There are more than 100 hotels in the Los Cabos region, ranging from luxurious all-inclusive resorts to boutique budget hotels to super-social backpacker hostels. They also span a wide distance, from the famous Los Arcos rock formation through the city center and along the Baja California coast, all the way to the neighboring town of San Jose del Cabo. So where should you stay in Cabo San Lucas?
On my recent trip to Cabo San Lucas, I decided to stay in the center of Cabo San Lucas. I’m not a big resort traveler and didn’t want to spend my days by the pool with a drink in hand – I was more interested in exploring the town, doing some excursions and looking for more authentic travel experiences. All of the hotels that I’m going to recommend below give you easy access to many of the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas.
In this guide, I’m going to highlight some of the best hotels in Cabo San Lucas, with a specific focus on properties in the center of town. If you’re wondering about resorts, though, don’t worry – I will mention a few noteworthy Cabo resorts at the end!
The Best Hotels in Cabo San Lucas
These hotels are all in the center of Cabo San Lucas, within easy walking distance of local restaurants, supermarkets, shops and the launch point for many of the most popular day trips and excursions. If you’re staying at any of these Cabo San Lucas hotels you won’t need a rental car.
Hotel Tesoro Los Cabos
Many people say that Hotel Tesoro Los Cabos has the best location of any hotel in Cabo San Lucas. This waterfront hotel is situated right in the middle of the Cabo San Lucas marina, with its lobby opening directly onto the waterfront promenade. The hotel has a rooftop pool with a pool bar and two hot-tubs, two restaurants and several bars. They have a wide selection of rooms and suites, and you can choose between an all-inclusive or breakfast-only room rate (I recommend breakfast only, as there are lots of good restaurants nearby).
Collection O Casa Bella Boutique Hotel
One of the highest-rated boutique hotels in Cabo San Lucas, O Casa Bella Boutique Hotel is just five (short!) blocks from the waterfront marina. The simple front facade hides the beauty inside this Los Cabos hotel: verdant gardens, a tranquil courtyard and a pristine swimming pool make this hotel feel like an oasis in this touristic town. As a family-run hotel, you can expect personal touches in the fourteen colorful colonial rooms.
Los Milagros Hotel
If you want to be near the town center but set back from the hustle and bustle, look into the superb Los Milagros Hotel. Behind its tall white walls you’ll find affordable rooms set around a flowery courtyard dotted with palm trees, a plunge pool and a rooftop terrace. Rooms here are airy and spacious, and if you’re on a budget they have four suites complete with kitchenettes (there’s a huge supermarket just a few blocks away). For travelers arriving by car, the property also has secure parking inside its walls.
Medano Hotel & Suites
A new, large hotel on the road to Cabo San Lucas’ best beach, Medano Hotel & Suites has a resort feel at hotel prices. Amenities here include a heated outdoor pool, a wellness center, a children’s play area and even pickleball courts. There are three restaurants right on site, and travelers have been raving about the included breakfast. Rooms here sleep between two and four people, making it an ideal option for families in Cabo San Lucas.
The Best Hostels in Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas can be expensive for backpackers, as it caters more to the resort crowd than the budget travel crowd. However, there are two popular hostels in Cabo San Lucas for travelers looking to save money on accommodation.
Mayan Monkey Los Cabos
If I was backpacking in Los Cabos, I would definitely stay at Mayan Monkey. I can say that with 100% confidence. This super-cool hostel is located right on the marina, close to some of the busiest bars in town. They have both private rooms and modern dorms, but the real draw here is the epic rooftop pool and bar that is perfect for meeting other travelers.
Sofia Hostel Cabo
Sofia Hostel Cabo San Lucas offers a range of budget accommodations for backpackers in Cabo San Lucas. Located in a converted house about five blocks from the marina, Sofia Hostel has private rooms, dorms and even an apartment for rent. They have lots of activities (like yoga classes and beer pong) and staff can help you join up with other travelers to get a good deal on excursions.
The Best Resorts Near Cabo San Lucas
© Photo courtesy Hilton
As I mentioned at the start of this post, I stayed at a regular hotel, not a resort, when I visited Cabo San Lucas. Still, I know that most of the best hotels in Cabo San Lucas are actually all-inclusive resorts, and that these luxurious resorts are what Cabo is known for. I won’t pretend to know all about every resort in Cabo San Lucas, but I can tell you about a few that I noticed (and that have great reviews) while I was there.
Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal
Consistently ranked as one of the best resorts in the entire world, The Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal is actually super-close to the center of Cabo San Lucas. Shown in the photo above, this five-star luxury property has 115 rooms, each with a private terrace and private plunge pool. 😍 There are three upscale restaurants, a luxurious spa and a concierge team who can organize once-in-a-lifetime experiences like a private sunset whale-watching tour. Take note, though – this is not an all-inclusive resort.
Breathless Cabo San Lucas Resort & Spa
Breathless Cabo San Lucas is the most popular all-inclusive resort in the center of Cabo San Lucas. It is on the little piece of land that separates the marina from Playa Medano, one of the few swimmable beaches in the area (author’s warning: stay in the designated swimming area!). This adults-only resort has twelve restaurants and bars, a rooftop swimming pool and a cocktail menu that will blow your mind. If you’re coming to Cabo San Lucas as a couple or a group of friends, this is a great place to let loose a little.
If you’re thinking of staying at a resort in Cabo, make sure to read my guide to tipping at all-inclusive resorts in Mexico. I explain exactly when you should tip and how much.
Playa Grande Resort & Grand Spa
Just next door to the Waldorf Astoria you’ll find Playa Grande Resort, a huge all-inclusive resort right in Cabo San Lucas. While you can’t swim in the sea here, there are three on-site pools (including an adults-only pool with a swim-up bar) and a full schedule of activities to keep you busy. Many families choose this hotel, as it has a kids club and rooms that can sleep up to four people.
Where do you usually stay when you travel? Hotels, hostels or all-inclusive resorts? Let me know in the comments!
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