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Where to Stay in Cabo, Mexico: Top Areas and Resorts

There’s one place we return to, year after year, for our fix of sun, sand and sea – Cabo (aka Los Cabos).

It’s one of our favorite resort destinations in Mexico!

That’s partly because its beaches, whale watching and snorkeling in October and November can’t be beat.

But there’s another reason. You can bed down in some gorgeous resorts in Los Cabos.

You have to be savvy about where to stay in Cabo, though.

Are you staying in Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cabo? (They’re very different places.)

Also, many of the hotels are on 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 look at the come-hither sea!

But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Here’s our guide on the seven different areas of Cabo – along with the best places to stay in Los Cabos (including Cabo resorts with swimmable beaches and the best boutique hotels) – depending on your interests and budget.

A whale's tail in front of the colorful Cabo San Lucas beachfront
Beautiful beaches, whale watching, glorious sunshine – there’s lots to love about visiting Cabo San Lucas!

Contents: Where to stay in Cabo, Mexico

Best areas to stay in Cabo

1) Medano Beach – Best area to stay in Cabo San Lucas for swimmable beaches

2) Downtown Cabo – Best place to stay in Cabo San Lucas on a budget + for nightlife

3) Cabo San Lucas Marina – Best part of Cabo to stay for activities

4) Pacific Side – Best location in Cabo for quiet beaches + sophisticated hotels

5) Tourist Corridor – Best area to stay in Los Cabos for luxury + all-inclusive fun

6) San Jose del Cabo – Best place in Cabo to stay for art + an authentic Mexican town

7) East Cape – Best area in Cabo to stay for a secluded splurge

FAQs about the best areas to stay in Cabo

Last words on the best place to stay in Cabo

Best area to stay in Cabo?

Gold sand beach in front of the Waldorf Astoria Pedregal, Cabo San Lucas
The beaches at many of Cabo’s resorts, though gorgeous, aren’t safe for swimming (Credit: Waldorf Astoria Pedregal)

So you’re wondering: “Where should I stay in Cabo?” We don’t blame you. There are a lot of places to choose from.

But first things first. We need to get the vocab of the area straight.

Los Cabos comprises the two towns of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, plus the 20-mile Tourist Corridor between them.

We’ve mentioned there’s a big difference between the two towns.

Cabo San Lucas has lots of bars and restaurants and is the center of activities. San Jose del Cabo is smaller, quieter and has a more authentic Mexican feel to it.

The Los Cabos area itself is in the state of Baja California Sur in Mexico.

It’s at the Baja California Peninsula’s southern tip and sandwiched between the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean. So, no matter where you look, it’s a feast for the eyes.

Sailing ship viewed through the Arch of Cabo San Lucas
Isn’t Cabo’s famous Arch stunning?

Los Cabos International Airport, or SJD, is the international airport for 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.

With that geography lesson behind us, you’ll better understand the following seven Cabo areas where you can stay.

1) Medano Beach

Where to Stay in Cabo, Mexico
If you’re out on Medano Beach at sunrise, you might just have it all to yourself!

Medano Beach is the beach if you’re looking for beaches in Cabo where you can swim.

Which definitely can’t be said for all of Cabo’s beaches…

In fact, most of Cabo’s hotels with swimmable beaches are on Medano Beach. So, staying here is a good choice.

And no wonder.

Medano Beach is a two-mile expanse of glorious golden sand, sapphire-blue calm water and all the necessary amenities.

If you’re like us, dining with the sand tickling your toes is the best kind of meal experience.

On Medano, you’ll be spoiled for choices. Think rows of palapa-shaded cantinas and restaurants for your guacamole and margarita fix.

Additionally, it’s the nucleus of all tourist activities. So, if you’re in the mood for adrenaline-pumping water sports, this is the place.

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, especially during high season and spring break.

Visitors in swimsuits walk along Medano Beach
Medano Beach is a popular place to swim, stroll and hang out

When planning your Cabo vacation, you’ll want to consider the following Medano Beach hotels:

Best hotels on Medano Beach

1 Homes Preview Cabo

Located close to the Cabo San Lucas Marina, this exciting new resort in Cabo San Lucas (opened 2021) features modern and swank one- to four-bedroom residences. Some of the 1 Homes Preview Cabo suites even have private plunge pools.

Pueblo Bonito Rose

With a prime Medano Beach location, Pueblo Bonito Rose is a pink-hued resort in the mid-upper range category. It features comfortable ocean-view suites with kitchenettes, several dining options and a spa.

Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos

Pink bougainvillea bloom in front of the white-washed Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos
The Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos is one of our favorite places to stay in Cabo San Lucas (Credit: Pueblo Bonito Resorts)

Beside the Pueblo Bonito Rose (above), this white-washed resort has a more traditional Mexican feel. With kitchenettes, Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos is an excellent pick for families.

Club Cascadas de Baja

You won’t find any TVs in the rooms at this small architectural gem of a resort. What you will find at Club Cascadas de Baja is a relaxing ambience, a beach restaurant with tables in the sand and palapa-roofed villas with Mexican-style suites featuring full kitchens.

Several suites have private hot tubs or pools. 

It’s hard to get into though. (Like many places in Cabo, it’s a time-share property.)

Hacienda Beach Club & Residences

Beautifully furnished living room at Hacienda Beach Club, with view through the window of the ocean and Land's End beyond
With a prime spot on Medano Beach, these residences are very appealing (Credit: Hacienda Beach Club)

This beautiful luxury resort has huge condo-style apartments, from one-bedroom residences to beachfront villas.

Some units at Hacienda Beach Club & Residences have their own pools.

The main bi-level infinity pool has stunning views of Land’s End, with its dramatic rock formations, at the tip of the Baja California Peninsula. 

Corazon Cabo Resort & Spa

Pools at Corazon Cabo Resort & Spa overlooking Medano Beach
Medano Beach resorts offer the best of both worlds – a swimmable beach and great pools (Credit: Corazon Cabo Resort & Spa)

Formerly Cabo Villas, the new Corazon Cabo Resort & Spa is a 4-star property with contemporary rooms, outdoor pools (including an adults-only pool) and a rooftop microbrewery. 

Many of the suites in the all-new Corazon Tower (one of three towers) have private hot tubs on the balconies.

Bahia Hotel & Beach House

This trendy boutique hotel isn’t on Medano Beach. It’s a 3-minute walk away.

But it has its own beach club on Medano, SUR Beach House (one of the most popular beach clubs in Cabo), so we’re including it here. 

Plus, the Bahia Hotel & Beach House is a great option for a mid-range hotel in high-priced Cabo San Lucas. (See our Bahia Hotel review for details.)

Medano Beach bottom line?

If you’re wondering where to stay in Cabo for swimmable beaches, Medano Beach is the first place you should consider.

2) Downtown Cabo San Lucas

The red tin roof of El Squid Roe, Cabo San Lucas
Stay in downtown Cabo San Lucas and you’ll be close to all the happening night spots, like El Squid Roe

If you are going to Cabo for the first time and feel like letting loose, the downtown area is your haven.

Hit legendary nightlife spots like El Squid Roe and Sammy Hagar’s Cabo Wabo, and dance until the sun rises. 

What’s nice about downtown is 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 money on your hotel, you can go shopping. Maybe look for traditional arts and crafts to spice up your home décor? Or pick up some silver jewelry?

Or you can blow it all on some fabulous tours, like snorkeling with whale sharks in La Paz or kayaking in Cabo Pulmo.

Colorful table and chairs at a Mexican restaurant in Cabo San Lucas
It’s not all wild downtown – you can find some sweet spots to eat

Best places to stay in Cabo San Lucas (downtown)

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.

It’s one of the best budget hotels in Cabo we’ve seen.  

Casa Bella

Red stone facade of Casa Bella hotel in Cabo San Lucas
This affordable hotel in downtown Cabo San Lucas even has a lovely pool (Credit: 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 Cabo is your answer.

3) Cabo San Lucas Marina

The Cabo San Lucas Marina at night
The Cabo San Lucas Marina at night

The Cabo San Lucas Marina is where a lot of tours depart for all sorts of water activities in Cabo. You won’t need to go far to plan your day.

Whale watching tours? Check. Sunset cruises? Check. Snorkeling and sailing trips? Sportfishing? Check.

We could keep going, but we’re sure you get the point. Staying in the marina area means easy access to all the activities. 

Not to mention the million-dollar views of all the million-dollar yachts moored there. 

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 the hot nightlife spots – from chill lounges and wine bars to places where you can swing wildly from the rafters.

Naturally, several hotels call the marina home. 

The marina is the best area of Cabo to stay for a little of everything.

Best Cabo San Lucas Marina hotels

Breathless Cabo San Lucas

Pool party time at Breathless Cabo San Lucas
It’s pool party time! (Credit: 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 Los Cabos 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 to stay in Cabo San Lucas to be close to lots of activities.

4) Pacific Side

Luxury homes on the hill in Pedregal, Cabo San Lucas
The Pedregal area is home to some fabulous luxury villas

The Pacific Side is a neighborhood that comprises Pedregal, Pedregal Hills and further northwest up the Pacific Coast.

Pedregal is the Beverly Hills of Cabo in Mexico, and you might hobnob with a few celebs here.

Much of the area oozes sophistication from its high-end hotels and resorts to its fine dining restaurants – some of the best in the area. But you can still find family-friendly digs.

Staying here puts you near the action, but definitely not in it. 

Even though the area’s beaches are impeccable with thick golden sand, you can’t swim here due to the strong rip currents. Nevertheless, they are pure bliss for walking and lounging on. 

Without a beach vendor in sight, this is the place to read a book and dream.

If it’s breezy, the infinity pool (which most Pacific side resorts sport) will provide shelter.

For the most part, the Pacific Side is sedate and luxe – and most resorts aren’t for the budget conscious. 

Best Cabo Pacific-Side resorts

Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal

White cushion-covered pool loungers under white parasols at the Waldorf Astoria Pedregal
Pick your spot by the pool, and prepare to be pampered (Credit: Waldorf Astoria Pedregal)

Carved into the hillside, the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal takes the cake for the swankiest hotel in the area and one of the best 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 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

Near the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula is Grand Solmar Land’s End.

It’s where to stay in Cabo if you want an old-school luxury vacation rental at somewhat reasonable prices. All accommodations come with a kitchen. It has seven pools, but our faves have swim-up bars. 

Playa Grande Resort 

Orange cushioned pool chairs by the pool at Playa Grande Resort
One of the resort’s pools (Credit: Playa Grande Resort)

The Playa Grande Resort has eight acres of private beach, so the views are everything. The suites all have kitchens and there’s a kids’ club, so this is one of the best family resorts in Cabo.

In addition, the Mexican-styled resort has three pools and a hot tub to chill in 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 of marble floors and private balconies. 

With six restaurants and six pools to match every vacation desire you might have, you won’t miss swimming in the ocean. 

Nobu Hotel Los Cabos

Japanese food at Nobu Los Cabos
It’s almost worth staying here for first dibs at dining at the Nobu restaurant! (Credit: Nobu 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

Tables and chairs in the sand overlooking the ocean at Grand Velas Los Cabos
There’s no end of luxury resorts in Los Cabos along the Tourist Corridor (Credit: Grand Velas Los Cabos)

Between Cabo and San Jose del Cabo is a 20-mile stretch of coastline lined by lavish resorts and golf courses.

Imagine deluxe amenities, Sea of Cortez hues of blue and each resort more extravagant than its neighbor.

With about 12 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 here 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 places in Cabo to stay 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.

The Cape, a Thompson Hotel 

Surfing-style fitness class on the beach at The Cape, a Thompson Hotel
Fancy a surfing-style fitness class on the beach? (Credit: The Cape, a Thompson Hotel)

The buzzy Cape Cabo is a super-edgy hotel with magnificent views of El Arco (Cabo’s iconic rock formation at Land’s End) from your copper soaking tub. And you get a hand-etched crystal bottle of tequila at check-in – a nice touch. 

Plus, it gets bonus points for being pet friendly. 

Las Ventanas al Paraiso

You won’t be able to out-dream the staff at Las Ventanas al Paraiso. It’s indulgence beyond your wildest imagination. 

Besides 24-hour room service, pool butlers will happily mist you with Evian water. (And dog butlers will give your pooch special dog massages.)

Its spa is also one of the best spas in Cabo. And a Romance Director can set up a private movie night on the beach. It’s limitless.

Needless to say, Las Ventanas is one of the finest luxury resorts in Los Cabos.

Mar del Cabo

Pink and peach bougainvillea grace the grounds of Mar del Cabo
Pink and peach bougainvillea grace the grounds at this Los Cabos boutique hotel (Credit: 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 also on a swimmable beach but, oh, that pool! Or maybe the exclusive access to the private 18-hole golf course designed by Tom Fazio will woo you instead?

Montage Los Cabos  

Pools overlooking Santa Maria Bay at Montage Los Cabos
Swim and snorkel at the beach? Or chill by the pool? (Credit: Montage Los Cabos)

Even though the super-modern Montage Los Cabos is on a swimmable beach (Santa Maria Bay), you’ll be tempted to stay in the mesmerizing adults-only pool and rent a private cabana. 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, the 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

Open-air lobby at Marquis Los Cabos
This grand open-air lobby was designed to wow (Credit: Marquis Los Cabos)

If staying in a work of art is your style, the Marquis Los Cabo has your number. It certainly had ours.

The adults-only, all-inclusive, AAA Four Diamond 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, even the smallest detail is tended to.

Even the fitness center is inviting – you won’t be deterred from working out here.

In short, Le Blanc is one of the top luxury all-inclusive resorts in Los Cabos for adults. It rivals the Grand Velas above (except Le Blanc adults-only).

Corridor bottom line?

This area has the widest range of luxury and all-inclusive resorts), so you won’t have any trouble finding accommodation here.

6) San Jose del Cabo

San Jose del Cabo's Art Walk
San Jose del Cabo’s Thursday evening Art Walk is a must-do when you visit Cabo

San Jose del Cabo is a much mellower sister town to Cabo San Lucas.

But what it lacks in mayhem, 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. 

Where to stay in San Jose del Cabo (Best hotels)

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. 

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.

Read our complete El Ganzo review for details.

One&Only Palmilla 

Table for two with an ocean view at One&Only Palmilla
Table for two with an ocean view? (Credit: 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 

Colorful suite with Mexican decor at Casa Natalia, San Jose del Cabo
A cool colorful suite (Credit: Casa Natalia)

The graceful 18-room Casa Natalia is one of the best boutique hotels in Cabo. Decorated with regional Mexican motifs, it’s 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. 

San Jose del Cabo bottom line?

While it offers lots for visitors, San Jose del Cabo still feels like an authentic Mexican town. It’s the best place to stay in Cabo for checking out art galleries and dining at fine restaurants.

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. 

Where to stay in Cabo on the East Cape

Zadun, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Umbrellas and pool chairs at Zadun, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Los Cabos
So close, yet far away in feel (Credit: 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, this is the best area to stay in Cabo for a secluded splurge, far from the madding crowd.

FAQs about the best areas 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 and Chileno Beach.

Where do celebrities stay in Cabo?

There are a lot of extravagant hotels in Cabo, but the ones they frequent most are:

  • Waldorf Astoria Pedregal
  • One&Only Palmilla
  • Las Ventanas al Paraiso
  • Zadun, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

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.

Last words on the best area to stay in Cabo for your trip!

So, where is 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!

Where to stay in Cabo San Lucas

Discover more of Los Cabos!

Planning your trip to Cabo?

Here are our favorite travel resources:

  • 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 planning your trip?

Pssst! If you make a booking or purchase through our site, we may earn a small commission (at no cost to you). Thanks!

Photos: 9 © Janice and George Mucalov, Cabo Visitor

About the authors

Award-winning travel writers Janice and George Mucalov are frequent visitors to Los Cabos. Here on Cabo Visitor, they share their essential tips for discovering the best of Cabo!

Sandy M.

Wednesday 1st of February 2023

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

Janice and George

Wednesday 1st of February 2023

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!