Where to Stay in Cabo: Cool Areas, Hot Hotels!
There’s one place we return to, year after year, for our fix of sun, sand and sea – Cabo (aka Los Cabos, Mexico).
That’s partly because its beaches, snorkeling (especially in October and November) and whale watching can’t be beat.
But there’s another reason. You can bed down in some gorgeous resorts here! (We know – we’ve checked into more than a few!)
You have to be savvy about where to stay in Cabo, though.
Will you base yourself in Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cabo? (They’re very different places.)
And beware – many hotels front beaches where it’s not safe to swim. If dipping your toes in the ocean is a deal-breaker, you’ll be sorely disappointed if all you can do at your hotel is just look at the come-hither sea!
To help, we’ve put together this guide on Cabo’s seven main tourist areas – plus the best resorts and cool boutique hotels in each area (including ones on swimmable beaches) – so you can find your perfect stay, based on your travel style and budget.
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Contents: Where to stay in Cabo, Mexico
- Medano Beach – Best for swimmable beaches
- Downtown Cabo – Best for a budget stay and nightlife
- Cabo San Lucas Marina – Best for activities
- Pacific Side – Best for quiet beaches and sophisticated hotels
- Tourist Corridor – Best for luxury and all-inclusive fun
- San Jose del Cabo – Best for art and an authentic Mexican town
- East Cape – Best for a secluded splurge
Best area to stay in Los Cabos?
So you’re wondering: “Where should I stay in Cabo?” We get it – there are many tempting options!
But first, a quick geography check.
“Los Cabos” comprises the two towns of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, plus the 20-mile Tourist Corridor between them.
Cabo San Lucas is the lively town, with lots of bars and restaurants, and it’s the center for water activities. San Jose del Cabo is smaller, quieter and has a more authentic Mexican feel to it.
The region sits at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean – so, yes, no matter where you look, it’s a feast for the eyes!
Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) serves the area. It’s about a 20-minute drive from San Jose del Cabo and a 40- to 45-minute drive from Cabo San Lucas.
Now that you’ve got the lay of the land, let’s explore the seven main areas of Cabo – and help you find the best place for your getaway.
1) Medano Beach
Looking to stay by a beach in Cabo where you can actually swim? Medano Beach – located at the eastern edge of downtown Cabo San Lucas – is your spot.
(Spoiler: Most of Cabo’s beaches are more “look but don’t touch,” thanks to strong currents.)
But here? You get two glorious miles of golden sand, calm swimmable water the color of blue topaz, and all the action you could want. It’s no surprise many of Cabo’s top resorts call this stretch of beach home.
You’ll also find many great restos here – especially the kind where you dine with the sand tickling your toes. (Is there a better way to dine?) Picture rows of palapa-shaded cantinas and restaurants for your guacamole and margarita fix.
It’s also Cabo’s buzzing heart for water sports—banana boats, jet skis, parasailing, you name it. But if you’d rather just chill in a lounger and sip that lime margarita, you’re still in the right place.
Fair warning, though: Medano Beach gets very crowded in peak season and spring break.
Best hotels on Medano Beach
1 Homes Preview Cabo
Close to the Cabo San Lucas Marina, this chic resort features sleek one- to seven-bedroom residences – some with their own plunge pools. 1 Homes Preview Cabo is modern (it opened in 2021), swanky and made for living your best beach life.
Pueblo Bonito Rose
You can’t miss this rosy-hued resort right on Medano Beach. Pueblo Bonito Rose is in that sweet spot between affordable and fancy, with comfy ocean-view suites (kitchenettes included), a handful of restaurants and a spa for post-sun pampering.
Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos
Right next door, this whitewashed beauty has a more traditional Mexican feel. Also equipped with kitchenettes, Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos is a hit with families. (We’ve stayed at all the PB properties in Cabo, and this one is our fave.)
Club Cascadas de Baja
You won’t find any TVs in the rooms at Club Cascadas de Baja.
What you will find at this small architectural gem? Palapa-roofed villas with Mexican-style suites (many with outdoor hot tubs or private pools), a mellow vibe and a romantic beach restaurant with tables in the sand.
It’s hard to get into though – like many places in Cabo, it’s a timeshare property. (But it’s not for you if you like everything sleek and contemporary.)
Hacienda Beach Club & Residences
Go big… and beachfront! Hacienda Beach Club & Residences has beautiful digs, from one-bedroom residences to full-on beachfront villas, some with their own pools.
The main bi-level infinity pool has stunning views of Land’s End and its dramatic rock formations.
This luxury resort is fancy and fabulous!
Corazon Cabo Resort & Spa
Formerly Cabo Villas, now reborn as the Corazon Cabo Resort & Spa, this 4-star property has contemporary rooms, outdoor pools (including an adults-only pool) and a rooftop microbrewery.
Many suites in its Corazon Tower (one of three towers) have private hot tubs on the balconies.
Bahia Hotel & Beach House
Technically, it’s not right on the beach. But a three-minute flip-flop stroll gets you to its SUR Beach House on Medano Beach (one of the coolest beach clubs in Cabo), so we’re including it here.
Plus, we’ve stayed at the Bahia Hotel & Beach House several times (and love it!). And it’s a great option for a mid-range hotel in high-priced Cabo. (See our full Bahia Hotel review!)
Medano Beach bottom line?
If splashing in the sea is high on your Cabo wish list, consider Medano Beach. It’s got the beachfront buzz and a lineup of resorts from chill to ultra-luxe. Yes, it can get busy – but that’s part of the scene.
For beach lovers who want to be in the heart of it all, this is the best area to stay in Cabo San Lucas.
2) Downtown Cabo San Lucas
If you’re heading to Cabo and ready to let loose, downtown is your playground. Hit up legendary nightlife spots like El Squid Roe and Sammy Hagar’s Cabo Wabo, and dance until the sun rises.
Another reason to stay downtown? The bevy of food choices on offer.
You can find some of the tastiest tacos in Cabo San Lucas – along with family-oriented seafood eateries and great Italian restaurants.
Downtown Cabo San Lucas is also a more affordable area.
And since you’ve saved some pesos on your hotel, you can go souvenir shopping. Maybe look for traditional arts and crafts to spice up your home décor? Or you can blow it all on some fabulous tours!
Best hotels in downtown Cabo San Lucas
Los Milagros
Hotel Los Milagros is a delightful little retreat right downtown. Yet, it’s quiet. It’s clean. It has a small pool. And it’s within walking distance of everything.
We’ve had a peek at it and met the hosts, and it’s one of the best budget hotels in Cabo we’ve seen.
Casa Bella
Casa Bella is a colonial-style gem with a pool in the heart of Cabo San Lucas.
It’s a family-run property with a lot of charm, a garden and a pool – a sweet oasis at the end of a hectic day.
Downtown bottom line?
If you’re trying to figure out where to stay in Cabo San Lucas on a budget and for nightlife, downtown is your answer.
3) Cabo San Lucas Marina
Cabo’s marina is your launchpad for just about every water adventure imaginable. Stay here, and you won’t need to go far to plan your day!
Whale watching tours? Check. Sunset cruises? Absolutely. Snorkeling, sailing and sportfishing? All at your fingertips. We could go on, but you get the idea.
Along with easy access to all the activities, you’ll be treated to million-dollar views of all the million-dollar yachts moored here.
But wait… there’s more.
Go shopping in all the high-end boutiques at the waterfront Luxury Avenue mall.
Eat at all the diverse restaurants serving the freshest catch of the day. Literally. It was probably swimming offshore a few hours ago.
After dinner, head to hot nightlife spots – from chill lounges and wine bars to places where you can swing wildly from the rafters.
The marina is a great part of Cabo to stay for a little of everything.
Best Cabo San Lucas Marina hotels
Breathless Cabo San Lucas
Who wants to party? Breathless Cabo San Lucas is for you! Think fun pool parties with DJs and mixology classes at this adults-only all-inclusive resort.
All 169 modern suites have balconies with a view of the marina.
Hotel Tesoro Los Cabos
While staying at the Hotel Tesoro Los Cabos, you can chill in the hot tubs or large pool while gawking at the yachts.
Don’t expect anything too fancy though. This is more a good value hotel with clean rooms. Its central marina location makes it popular with fishing fans, who don’t have far to go to jump on a boat in the early dawn.
Be sure to book a marina-view room with a balcony so you can sip your beer (or bubbly) as the sunset turns the sky pink.
Marina bottom line?
The Marina area is the best location in Cabo San Lucas if you want to be smack in the middle of the action.
4) Pacific Side
On the western edge of Cabo San Lucas, the Pacific Side is a neighborhood that includes Pedregal, Pedregal Hills and areas further northwest up the Pacific Coast.
It’s the Beverly Hills of Cabo – where deluxe villas hide behind gates, and you might just spot a celebrity or two.
This area is all about refined living, with posh resorts, top-tier dining and a quiet upscale vibe. Still, a few family-friendly places sneak in too.
Staying here puts you near the action, but definitely not in it.
The wide golden-sand beaches (like Playa Pedregal) are stunning, though swimming’s a no-go due to strong currents and big waves. But they’re pure bliss for seaside strolls and catching the sunset.
And without a beach vendor in sight, this is the place to read a book, listen to the surf and dream. If it’s breezy, the infinity pool (which most Pacific-Side resorts have) will be sheltered.
For the most part, the Pacific Side is sedate and luxe – and most resorts aren’t for the budget-conscious.
Best resorts on the Pacific Side
Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal
Carved into the hillside, the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal takes the cake for the swankiest stay on the Pacific Side. (It’s one of the finest luxury resorts in Los Cabos.)
So, sip champagne and nibble on your floating breakfast in your private pool with a view of the ocean – every room or suite has one. It’s the ultimate in extravagance.
Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf & Spa Resort
Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Resort is an adults-only, all-inclusive resort where you can splurge and get your own butler if you stay in the VIP Towers – one certified by the British Butler Institute. (Did you know that was a thing?)
Even if you don’t go the way of the butler, you’ll love your time here. We did.
It’s very Zen, with a restful feel – not a party place.
Grand Solmar Land’s End Resort & Spa
Near the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, Grand Solmar Land’s End offers a touch of old-school luxury without a sky-high price tag.
The suites and villas all come with kitchens – perfect for a relaxed homey stay. And with seven pools to choose from, we’re partial to the ones with swim-up bars and ocean views (vacation, right?).
Playa Grande Resort
The Playa Grande Resort sits on eight acres of private beach, and, yes, the views are everything. The suites all have kitchens and there’s a kids’ club and mini-golf, making this one of the best family resorts in Cabo.
We stayed here on a vacation timeshare exchange when our son was younger, and he was all about the pools. There are five of them, plus two hot tubs, to tempt you – unless you’re too busy at the spa.
Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Golf & Spa Resort
Sister property to the Pacifica Resort above, Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach is a massive beachfront destination with 635 ocean-view suites. The smallest room is 538 square feet, with marble floors, a kitchenette and a private balcony.
With six restaurants and six pools to match every vacation desire you might have, you won’t miss swimming in the ocean!
(For details, see our review on our other blog.)
Nobu Hotel Los Cabos
Nobo Hotel Los Cabos is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World – and you’re immersed in luxury the moment you arrive.
A mash-up of understated Japanese elegance and modern design, it offers unique swim-up rooms with direct pool access.
Its restaurant, Nobu Los Cabos (by celebrated Chef Nobu Matsuhisa), serves Japanese fusion cuisine, including their legendary miso black cod.
Pacific Side bottom line?
This is where to stay in Los Cabos for quiet beaches and sophisticated hotels.
5) Tourist Corridor
Between the two towns of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo lies a 20-mile stretch of coastline, lined by lavish resorts and golf courses.
Imagine deluxe amenities, blue ocean hues and each resort more extravagant than its neighbor.
And with about a dozen championship golf courses, you can hone your swing on a course designed by Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Robert Trent Jones Jr. or Greg Norman. You choose.
While nightlife isn’t the focus here, all the exquisite restaurants will more than make up for it.
Since the Corridor runs along the Sea of Cortez, a few of the beaches on this side are swimmable. And all of them are postcard-worthy.
Cabo is dog-friendly, and several resorts also pamper pets as much as they do guests!
Note that resorts on the Corridor aren’t within walking distance of either Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cabo. So if you want to explore and get around Cabo easily, you may want to rent a car.
Best resorts along the Corridor
Grand Velas Los Cabos
The Grand Velas Los Cabos might just be our favorite all-inclusive in Cabo. Its opulent spa treatments, outstanding service, great restaurants, massive suites and pool butlers had us swooning.
Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos
Right next door to the Grand Velas Los Cabos (above) is its chic adults-only sister hotel – Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos. With just 79 suites and a private (non-swimmable) beach, it delivers a more intimate, refined experience.
Along with access to the hotel’s exclusive Loto restaurant (helmed by two-Michelin-starred Chef Sidney Schutte), you can enjoy all the restaurants at the bigger Grand Velas.
It’s easily one of the top luxury all-inclusive resorts in Los Cabos for adults.
The Cape, a Thompson Hotel
The Cape Cabo, a Thompson Hotel is luxury with an edgy vibe.
From our copper soaking tub, we soaked up killer views of El Arco (Cabo’s famous rock arch). And the hand-etched crystal bottle of welcome tequila in our room? We polished it off and brought the bottle home – it’s now a flower vase filled with memories.
Plus, the hotel gets bonus points for being pet-friendly.
Las Ventanas al Paraiso
You won’t out-dream the staff at Las Ventanas al Paraiso.
When the sun shifted a smidge, pool butlers swooped in to move our umbrella or lounger – no finger-lifting required. And they misted us with Evian water.
There’s 24-hour room service, and if you bring your pup, the dog butlers are standing by with doggie massages.
The hotel’s spa is also one of the best spas in Cabo. And a Romance Director can set up a private movie night on the beach.
Indulgence here knows no limits.
Mar del Cabo
You’re fussy. You want an intimate stylish place to stay on the beach. But you don’t want to blow a bundle on your accommodations.
Enter Mar del Cabo.
This beautiful boutique hotel has 48 one- and two-bedroom suites, some with garden views and others with ocean views.
Colorful Mexican tiles in the kitchens and bathrooms add bright pops of color to the otherwise white-on-white décor.
Its restaurant, Encanto Farm & Sea, gets rave reviews. Which is to be expected, as Mar del Cabo is run by Velas Resorts (the same group that operates the Grand Velas Los Cabos above).
Chileno Bay Resort & Residences
The Chileno Bay Resort is an Insta-worthy hotel for the well-heeled.
It’s set on a swimmable beach. But, oh, that pool is where we spent most of our time.
Prefer golf over lounging? The private Tom Fazio-designed 18-hole course (Chileno Bay Club) might be your kind of paradise.
Montage Los Cabos
The super-modern Montage Los Cabos is on a swimmable beach – Santa Maria Bay, one of Cabo’s best snorkeling spots. Walk right in and swim with tons of yellow porkfish before the tour boats show up.
Then unwind… Maybe rent a private cabana by the pool, complete with a cabana butler, bottle of champagne and hourly treats? Or take your teen(s) for family facials at the fabulous 40,000-square-foot spa. It’s a tough decision.
But as this is one of the top 5-star hotels in Cabo, you win either way.
Esperanza
A sister resort to Chileno Bay, Esperanza is a Zen-like sanctuary with a traditional Mexican feel. Entry-level rooms are 925-square-foot casitas, many with private infinity-edge hot tubs.
Kick up the luxury factor a notch by opting for a hacienda, complete with twice-daily housekeeping, so you don’t have to lift a pampered finger.
Marquis Los Cabos Resort & Spa
If staying in a work of art is your style, the Marquis Los Cabos has your number. It certainly had ours.
A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, the boutique adults-only, all-inclusive property has 400 oil paintings from Latin American painters to gaze at throughout your stay.
Le Blanc Spa Resort Los Cabos
Without a doubt, the all-inclusive Le Blanc Spa Resort is all about the finer details.
It manages to tickle all your senses. From the different aromatherapy scents wafting through the air to the all-white hues of the resort, the smallest detail is tended to.
Even the fitness center is inviting – you won’t be deterred from working out here.
Le Blanc gives the Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos (above) a serious run for its money. (But personally, we have to admit, we’re still partial to the Grand Velas brand.)
Corridor bottom line?
This area has the widest range of luxury and all-inclusive resorts, so you won’t have any trouble finding great accommodation here!
6) San Jose del Cabo
San Jose del Cabo is the more mellow sister town to Cabo San Lucas.
But what it lacks in energy, it makes up for in authenticity and culture.
The cobblestone streets are lined with 19th-century architecture that radiates old-world Mexico.
At the popular Art Walk – held every Thursday evening between November and June – you can mingle with gallery owners and artists and discuss their work over wine and nibbles.
You’ll also find some great farm-to-table restaurants in the San Jose del Cabo area.
These organic culinary experiences are so delectable you’ll want to make another reservation for the next night.
Best hotels in San Jose del Cabo
Hotel El Ganzo
Rooms at this trendy adults-only hotel overlook the San Jose del Cabo marina (called Puerto Los Cabos), so you won’t lack good views. But it’s really all about the rooftop bar and its glass-sided hot tub and infinity pool… And the hotel’s beach club, accessed by a 5-minute water taxi ride (free).
Hotel El Ganzo is also one of the best hotels in San Jose del Cabo for art and music lovers. Artists are invited to paint the walls and record music in their underground recording studio – you as a guest get to enjoy the results.
We keep returning to it for a few nights before checking into our vacation timeshare condo, and it’s always reasonably priced (for Los Cabos). Read our complete El Ganzo review for details.
One&Only Palmilla
Just outside San Jose del Cabo is the One&Only Palmilla, which exudes opulence.
We were so pampered we didn’t want to move – see our One&Only Palmilla review.
But if you’re an active vacationer, five clay tennis courts and a 27-hole Jack Nicklaus golf course await.
Cabo Surf Hotel
Also just outside San Jose del Cabo, the uber cool and eco-friendly Cabo Surf Hotel has a surf school on site. Beach-chic rooms have private balconies, some overlooking the beach.
It’s a great place to stay in San Jose del Cabo if you’d like to surf (or learn how). The instructors are fabulous. We almost rode a few waves in… almost.
Casa Natalia
Decorated with regional Mexican motifs, the graceful 18-room Casa Natalia is located in the heart of downtown San Jose del Cabo.
It’s not on the beach, but that means you get a great price cut.
Splurge for one of the suites and you’ll have a hot tub and hammock on your large terrace.
Their upscale Mi Cocina restaurant is also great – we’ve enjoyed a few delicious “Euro-Mexican” dinners here.
San Jose del Cabo bottom line?
San Jose del Cabo has plenty to offer visitors, yet it still feels like an authentic Mexican town. If you love art galleries and fine dining in charming colonial-style surroundings, this is the best place to stay in Cabo.
7) East Cape
The East Cape is ideal for secluded escapes.
It’s close enough for day trips to places like Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park (a UNESCO site known for snorkeling and diving) and Todos Santos, a picturesque pueblo magico known for its charming artisan shops.
Yet, it’s secluded enough to allow you to recharge those batteries and decompress.
The true East Cape is further up the coastline, but still only 45 minutes north of the airport.
It’s what Los Cabos felt like 30 years ago. Its rustic beauty hasn’t been overrun by the masses. In fact, few even know the area exists.
And we like it that way.
Take advantage of that and head to these exclusive hotels before the secret gets out.
Best resorts along Cabo’s East Cape
Zadun, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Your private plunge pool awaits at Zadun, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. It’s an ultra-posh property with personal butlers at the ready via text.
We wouldn’t blame you if you never left the resort. It’s perfection.
But it’s actually close to San Jose del Cabo (a 15-minute drive away), so you should leave the resort, and check out the area. You won’t regret it.
Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas
As you’d expect from the Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos, it epitomizes elite chic. It’s tony. It’s private. And it’s the ideal splurge you’ve been needing.
East Cape bottom line?
Home to some of the destination’s most exclusive resorts, the East Cape one of the best places to stay in Los Cabos for a secluded splurge, far from the madding crowd.
FAQs about the best places to stay in Cabo
Which part of Cabo has the best beaches?
If by “best” you mean swimmable, then the beaches on the Sea of Cortez are, without a doubt, the best. Head to:
- Medano Beach (our #1 pick)
- Santa Maria Beach
- Chileno Beach
Which area is best for first-time visitors to Cabo?
Cabo San Lucas is our top pick if it’s your first visit. You’ll be within walking distance of the marina, lively bars, great restaurants and loads of tours. And if you stay on Medano Beach (a 5- to 20-minute stroll from downtown), you’ll also have a wonderful swimming beach at your fingertips!
Prefer a more resort-style all-inclusive escape? The Tourist Corridor is lined with plenty of beachfront all-inclusives.
For a quieter vibe, San Jose del Cabo offers charming streets, art galleries, excellent restaurants and a relaxed pace.
Is it better to stay in Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cabo?
It depends… Cabo San Lucas is livelier and more touristy. San Jose del Cabo is quieter, more charming and artsy. (For details, read our guide on the differences between the two places.)
Where do celebrities stay in Cabo?
There are a lot of fabulous hotels in Cabo, but the ones celebs go to most are:
Where do the Kardashians stay in Cabo? Usually, they head for Las Ventanas.
Where does Jennifer Aniston stay in Cabo? She goes for the One&Only Pamilla.
Do you need a car to stay in Cabo?
Not if you stay in Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cabo proper. But if you’re in the Corridor or want to explore more, it helps. (See our guide on renting a car in Cabo.)
Last words on the best area to stay in Cabo for your trip?
So, what’s the best place to stay in Los Cabos?
With this many options, it’s impossible to choose just one. But rest assured, no matter where you decide to lay your head, Los Cabos has something for everyone and for every budget.
We think you should take a leaf from our playbook. Go often and keep trying new hotels and resorts.
What’s your favorite place to stay in Cabo? Let us know in the Comments below. We need to plan another trip!
See our other accommodation guides
- 21 Cabo Resorts With Swimmable Beaches
- 10 Amazing Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts
- 12 Unique Boutique Hotels in Cabo
- Top 5 Hotels With Swim-Up Rooms for Poolside Fun
- 10 Affordable (But Charming!) Cabo Hotels
- 7 Best Cheap Hotels in Cabo San Lucas
- Review of Hotel El Ganzo: Oasis of Creative Cool
- One & Only Palmilla Review: There’s Only One!
- Review of the Hip Bahia Hotel and Beach House
- Where to Stay in Todos Santos: 11 Coolest Hotels
Our favorite resources for planning a trip to Cabo
Resorts: Booking.com is great for scoring a “wow” hotel in Cabo – or at least a decent one. (We especially like their flexible cancellation policy!)
Vacation homes, condos and rentals: We prefer and use Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner).
Tours: For the best local guided tours in Cabo, see Viator and GetYourGuide.
Car rental: Renting a car in Los Cabos is one of the best ways to explore. Discover Cars searches car rental companies so you get the best rates.
Travel insurance: SafetyWing is designed for frequent travelers, long-term adventurers and digital nomads. It covers medical expenses, lost checked luggage, trip interruption and more. We also have and recommend Medjet for global air medical transportation and travel security.
Need more help?
- See our Start here page. It lists everything we’ve written on Cabo.
- Also check our Ultimate Cabo travel guide and our article on Planning your Cabo vacation: Essential tips.
Pssst! If you make a booking or purchase through our site, we may earn a small commission (at no cost to you). Thanks!
About the authors
Thank you so much for the reviews!
My husband and I are planning to visit Cabo in May or June.
I am having a difficult time – can’t decide whether to stay at an AI such as Le Blanc or Grand Velas, or to stay at a non-AI resort with a swimmable beach. Any idea on which resort to stay? Do you suggest non-AI or AI?
Please share your experience and feedback.
Thank you.
Sandy
Hi Sandy,
You’ve picked a great time to visit Cabo!
Your first decision is probably the AI vs non-AI choice. And then you need to answer the questions: Is this your first time to Cabo? Are you going for a week? (or longer?) What do you want to do? Is swimming in the ocean right at your resort important for you? (i.e., are you a water lover?) Are you a foodie?
You’ve also mentioned some high-end resorts (Le Blanc and Grand Velas), so let’s talk about resorts in the same budget range.
If you want to swim right in the ocean, check out:
Chileno Bay Resort (on Chileno Bay)
Montage Los Cabos (on Santa Maria Bay)
One&Only Palmilla (on Palmilla Beach)
Hacienda Beach Club & Residences (on Medano Beach)
These are all top-tier non-AI hotels. At the first two hotels, as well as swimming, you’ll be able to snorkel and go SUP and kayak right from the beach, using the hotel’s free “toys.”
Once you add in food costs, however, they’ll likely be more expensive than Le Blanc. (You’ll have to compare the rates for this time of year.)
On the plus side, however, at One&Only Palmilla, you can take a taxi for dinner to San Jose del Cabo (One&Only is fairly close), where there are some fabulous farm-to-table restaurants like Acre and Flora Farms. Cabo is gaining a widely deserved reputation for its superb farm-to-table dining! So you’ll be blown away by this (and appreciate this if you’re a foodie).
Also, if you stay at a non-AI resort, you’ll have more variety in terms of dining. As well as Acre, there are other fantastic top-notch restaurants worth going to (Nick-San, El Huerto, El Farallon, etc.)
If you want to be closer to restaurants (less taxi driving and cost), another fab non-AI resort right in Cabo San Lucas is the Waldorf Astoria Pedregal. It’s not on a swimmable beach, but it has private pool suites. It’s also closer to Medano Beach for a day of beach swimming (you can take an inexpensive Uber). And it’s way closer to lots of restaurants for dinner than the other hotels above.
Less pricey 4-star, non-AI hotels we like for closer access to other restaurants in Cabo San Lucas include the Grand Solmar (but it’s not on a swimming beach). We also really like the Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos – it’s perfectly located right on Medano Beach (great swimming) and you can get it on a non-AI basis (which we’d recommend for this hotel).
Also, don’t forget that you’ll probably want to do some tours.
AI Choice
We personally love the Grand Velas Los Cabos. (We’ve stayed there, and at all the Grand Velas hotels in the Puerto Vallarta area and Riviera Maya).
Le Blanc is also quite impressive. But it feels bigger (we inspected it a couple of weeks ago!) and its wide open design incorporates less greenery.
Grand Velas feels more intimate and its pool area is more lush and luxurious. (And you’ll want that shady pool feeling in May, June.) The Grand Velas food is great too. If you just want to chill and relax, you can’t go wrong with the Grand Velas :-).
Anyway, we hope this helps and that we haven’t thrown too much back at you. Have a great trip!