Where to stay in Cabo San Lucas

October 5, 2012 By nikki Leave a Comment

Many people preparing to visit Cabo San Lucas for the first time imagine golden sand beaches lined with opulent resorts, and guests frolicking in infinity pools perched just above the Sea of Cortez. In many cases, it’s a fairly accurate portrayal. Medano Beach boasts a succession of first-class resorts, and the Marina and Pedregal neighborhoods possess some pretty spectacular hotel properties as well. But there are many more types of accommodations in the area, and savvy shoppers can find quality lodgings at a wide variety of affordable price points.

All-inclusive packages have become an extremely popular way for vacationers to enjoy time at one of the top Medano Beach resorts without breaking the bank. After all, why leave the resort when not only your accommodations are included in the nightly cost, but also all of your meals, the margaritas by the pool, the wines at dinner, and perhaps even the couples massage at the spa? Rates for these deals vary, but regardless of the season, it’s always possible to find luxury hotels offering excellent prices on all-in stays.

Poolside views of the Cabo San Lucas Marina. Image: Marina Fiesta

Budget-minded travelers have many choices in the downtown area of Cabo San Lucas, with a number of smaller hotels, inns, and B&Bs offering accommodation at rates as low as $40 U.S. per person, per night. Rates can spike a bit during the high season (October through May), but even during peak weeks there are very nice rooms available for well under $100 U.S. per night.

Most economy lodgings in the city have their own swimming pools, and they typically provide free wireless internet access as well.

For those who have braved the roads of Baja and arrived in campers or recreational vehicles, there is a nice park, called Vagabundos del Mar, located just outside the city, with water and electric hook-ups, as well as a host of other amenities. In addition to a bar and restaurant, the RV park also features a heated pool with a palapa shaded party area, laundromat, purified water, bath and shower facilities, and a boat storage and maintenance yard. At $18 U.S. per night, it’s a great value.

Looking out over Solmar Beach to the Pacific Ocean. Image: Solmar

If you are traveling with family or friends, condominium and villa rentals are a terrific way to enjoy luxurious amenities and gorgeous seaside views at a much reduced cost. A beautifully appointed villa in Pedregal that sleeps eight people goes for a weekly rate of about $2,000 U.S., or roughly $35 per person, per night. That’s less than you would pay for even the most budget-friendly of hotels, and for much nicer surroundings.

And of course, as most travelers discover when they land at the airport in San Jose del Cabo, timeshares are big business in Los Cabos. Virtually all the major resorts offer fractional ownership opportunities, and for those who love the area and like to visit on an annual basis, buying into a hotel or residential property for one to two weeks every year can be a relatively affordable long-term option, especially when prorated over the duration of the contract.

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Cabo Lodging that Inspires Loyalty: Mar de Cortez and Its Regulars

Filed Under: Tagged With: accommodations, Bed and Breakfasts, Cabo San Lucas Accommodations, Cabo San Lucas Hotels, Inns, Staying in Cabo San Lucas

Inaugural Los Cabos Open Golf Tournament Set to Tee off at Puerto Los Cabos and Palmilla Golf Club

September 25, 2012 By nikki Leave a Comment

Los Cabos Open Golf Tournament

by Chris Sands

Local golfers are working on their waggles, and smoothing out the kinks in their putting strokes. The Open is coming to Los Cabos. No, not the US Open. Not the British Open. The Los Cabos Open Golf Tournament. If Bobby Jones were alive, he’d be shoving his plus fours in a steamer trunk, because the inaugural event is for amateurs only. The golf tournament will be held from October 4th through the 6th, with rounds scheduled at Puerto Los Cabos and Palmilla Golf Club. Winning the Los Cabos Open may not guarantee the golfing immortality enjoyed by course designers Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman, but it’s a good start.

Inaugural Los Cabos Open Golf Tournament Set to Tee off at Puerto Los Cabos

The Los Cabos Open Golf tournament will be comprised of 36 holes of stroke play on two of Los Cabos’ most celebrated courses, with players being grouped by handicap into three separate categories. Category A is reserved for players with handicaps ranging from scratch to 10, Category B for bogey golfers in the 11 to 18 range, and Category C for high handicappers whose number is between 19 and 36. Although each player is responsible for his own handicap, the tournament committee reserves the right to adjust the handicaps of sandbaggers, even if the sandbagger’s playing partners have already thrown him in a water hazard.

The opening round to be held October 5th at Puerto Los Cabos, with the first group teeing off at 8:30 a.m. The course is a collaborative effort between Norman and Nicklaus. The Great White Shark designed the front nine Mission Course, the Golden Bear the back nine Ocean course. Eventually, each designer will expand his nine hole layout into a full loop, but for now, golfers can check out the contrasting design styles of these living legends. Prizes will available on several of the holes. Closest to the hole on the par 3 6th gets a free car, so participating golfers will want to tighten up their iron play. All they have to do is hold the green after a hundred foot drop from an elevated tee box, and they can drive home in a new Jetta.

Hole #8 at Palmilla Golf Club will present challenges at the Los Cabos Open Golf Tournament

The action shifts to Palmilla Golf Club on October 6th, with the first golfers going off at 7 a.m. Jack Nicklaus, the godfather of golf in Los Cabos, also designed Palmilla, and the championship-level course has been ranked among the 100 best in the world. Palmilla consists of Mountain, Arroyo, and Ocean nines, but for a little consistency, only the Ocean and Mountain layouts will be used for the tournament. Prizes include another new Volkswagen model, a Movado watch collection, and a three night stay for two at the fabulous Sheraton Hacienda del Mar. Courtesy food and beverages will be available for participants at both Palmilla and Puerto Los Cabos.
A welcoming cocktail reception is scheduled for the evening of October 4th at Sheraton’s Pitahayas Restaurant, with festivities to begin at 7 p.m. The closing awards dinner will also be held at Pitahayas, and in addition to the restaurant’s excellent Pacific Rim cuisine, will include prizes, awards, raffles, and live music courtesy of Cabomax and The Twins. Sponsors for the inaugural event include Sheraton, Puerto Los Cabos, Palmilla, Telmex, Avaya, Cuervo Tradicional, Cabo Faces, Bisbee’s, Volkswagen, and Diamonds International. For more information, visit www.loscabosopen.com.

Don’t forget! The Inaugural Los Cabos Open Golf Touranment is Set to Tee off at Puerto Los Cabos and Palmilla Golf Club…make your plans now!

Baja.com is a comprehensive online source of first-hand travel information for the Baja California Peninsula, supported by a full-service tour operator staffed by Baja locals (our “Baja Travel Savants”). We offer Baja travelers expert advice about local restaurants, hotels and vacation rentals, as well as guides, maps and articles about events, sports and activities. We provide bilingual customer support, information and sales seven days a week, 365 days a year. For more information, please call toll-free (US/CAN) 855-BAJA-411 or email us at info@baja.com.

Filed Under: Cabo San Lucas, Los Cabos, Play, San Jose del Cabo, Uncategorized Tagged With: accommodations, Cabo San Lucas, chris sands, golf, Greg Norman, Jack Nicklaus, Los Cabos, Los Cabos Open, Palmilla, Palmilla Golf Club, the Great White Shark

Who is Mike Doyle and What is He Doing in Los Cabos?

September 16, 2012 By nikki 2 Comments

by Meghan Fitzpatrick

“Life is like a wave, so why not take a big one and get a long ride all the way to the beach!” Mike Doyle

Who is Mike Doyle? For the third year, Los Cabos is home to the annual SUP Mexico-Mike Doyle Los Cabos Classic Stand Up Paddle Race. So, who is this guy and what is he doing in Los Cabos?

Mike Doyle circa late 1960's

Mike is a champion surfer and paddler from the 1960’s. Today, Mike is also known for his custom surf and paddleboards and for being the author of his own highly popular story, the autobiography “Morning Glass.”

One of the defining characteristics of Mike Doyle and his surfing style is his attachment to the tradition of ‘The Waterman.’ This term refers to someone who embraces surfing, paddling, rowing, and rough-water swimming as well as possibly being skilled at diving, fishing, spear fishing, tandem surfing, lifeguarding, and handling outrigger canoes. Sort of a ‘renaissance’ approach to surfing.

Today, such notions in regards to surfing and paddling are sometimes considered to be old-fashioned and unimportant…yet it is quite possible that it was this approach that separated Mike Doyle from other surfers. Mike saw the importance of learning and understanding the water, believing that knowledge about the ocean, the tides and even the etiquette of water activities were extremely important.

Mike started surfing when he about 13 years-old. Mesmerized by the older surfers he saw when he was just a tyke, Mike decided at a young age that surfing was for him and he was determined to learn and be the best he could possibly be at the sport. Mike’s surfing career took off when he was voted “Best Surfer” by Surfer magazine in 1965 and 1966. He earned the nickname”Ironman” for his participation in surfing, tandem and paddle races all in the same day and usually winning at least two of three competitions. In 1968, Mike won the coveted Duke Kahanamoku Contest at Sunset Beach, Hawaii and the world surfing title in Peru. He holds the honor of inventing the first snowboard and the soft surfboard. Today, Mike lives every surfers dream by splitting his time between San Diego and Cabo San Lucas where he surfs and paints scenes of the ocean and the flavor of Baja. And, he has become wildly successful at another aspect of surfing and boarding.

Today, Mike Doyle custom surfboards are among the best that money can buy. Mike has been studying, designing and crafting surfboards for more than 35 years and is recognized not only for handcrafting individual boards but for designing and producing customized selections for surf shop owners. Mike Doyle surfboards are shipped all around the globe. The company logo states “Working closely with the individual surfer during the ordering process to ensure that we tailor a board to each surfer’s specific needs.” It is this commitment combined with Mike’s extensive experience that make Mike Doyle surfboards so famous within the industry.

It was a natural progression that Mike would come to be involved with the Los Cabos Classic Stand Up Paddle Race. In 2012, after two very successful years, the race will be even bigger and better than ever before. Hennessey’s Stand Up Paddle World Championships has joined forces with the race (The 3rd Annual SUP Mexico-Mike Doyle Los Cabos Classic Stand Up Paddle Race & Hennessey’s World Paddle Championships) for what is sure to be an outstanding event — and with none other than Mike Doyle as the SUP championship ambassador.

Who is Mike Doyle: surfer, author, creator, artist and ambassador of the The 3rd Annual SUP Mexico-Mike Doyle Los Cabos Classic Stand Up Paddle Race & Hennessey’s World Paddle Championships Photo courtesy of Cabo Surf Shop

Who is Mike Doyle and what is he doing in Los Cabos? To find out more, or for tickets and entry information about this year’s, “3rd Annual SUP Mexico-Mike Doyle Los Cabos Classic Stand Up Paddle Race & Hennessey’s World Paddle Championships” please view the event information here: http://baja.com/cabo-san-lucas/events/hennesseys-world-suppaddle-championships-los-cabos-2012/.

Baja.com is a comprehensive online source of first-hand travel information for the Baja California Peninsula, supported by a full-service tour operator staffed by Baja locals (our “Baja Travel Savants”). We offer Baja travelers expert advice about local restaurants, hotels and vacation rentals, as well as guides, maps and articles about events, sports and activities. We provide bilingual customer support, information and sales seven days a week, 365 days a year. For more information, please call toll-free (US/CAN) 855-BAJA-411 or email us at info@baja.com.

Filed Under: Cabo San Lucas, Connect, Los Cabos Tagged With: accommodations, Cabo San Lucas, Hennessey's, Los Cabos, Mike Doyle, paddle boarding, Peru, SUP Mexico, Surfboard, surfing, World Paddle Championships

The Best Value Hotels in Cabo

June 13, 2012 By nikki Leave a Comment

By Meghan Fitzpatrick

Cabo San Lucas is a town with no shortage of hotels and resorts. Your choices seem endless, from some of the most luxurious hotels in the world to some definitely questionable establishments. Most people coming to Cabo are staying in one place for the duration of their trip, and they have decided upon their lodging prior to their arrival. However, for those just passing through Cabo, or simply in need of a room at the last minute, the following hotels are options that might be available without reservations, even for late night arivals. The added advantage is that most are budget-friendly.

The beach by Marbella Suites

1) Marbella Suites. This hotel is possibly the best value hotel in all of Los Cabos. It is extremely affordable and, for the price, you get a lot. As the name suggests, these are not rooms, they are suites. Thus, every room has a kitchen and living area to accompany it. The hotel has a very welcoming reception area – an open air lobby with polished white stone floors and comfy couches and chairs. The best thing about the open air lobby is that you can immediately see the ocean. The hotel sits on the south side of Highway Mexico 1, built into the side of the cliffs and hills overlooking the ocean, on the eastern Sea of Cortez side of the Baja Peninsula.

I have stayed in Marbella Suites often. The staff are friendly and accommodating, the suites are clean, and their restaurant serves above average food at a very good price. I am really pleased with what I get every time I stay here. Guest comfort is important at this pleasant hotel, where guests are literally welcomed individually via a written message on the ‘Welcome Board’ outside of the restaurant.

Finally, a special note about the beach and pool at Marbella Suites. The pool is large, complete with a fountain and shallow area for kids. Pool-side there is a fantastic full bar in addition to a ping pong table and some comfortable lounge chairs. The beautiful beach is right next to the pool, near volcanic rock formations. Waves crash over the rocks along the shore, making for some beautiful pictures. It’s not a swimming beach, but it’s definitely a nice beach for relaxing and enjoying a cocktail.

The suites at Marbella Suites vary in price, but even during peak season, it is not more than US$100 a night – and it’s worth every penny.

2) Hotel Mar de Cortez. This hotel is another little hidden gem in Cabo San Lucas. In terms of its location, if you are looking for a central location, you cannot beat it. Situated on Avenida Lázaro Cardenas, this hotel is just a short distance from all of the clubs (Pink Kitty, Mandala, Squid Roe and Baja Junkie way). That makes it handy if just in case, for whatever reason, you decide to spend the night in this immediate vicinity.

The hotel itself is clean and offers all of the basic conveniences that any traveler could need. In addition, there is a large swimming pool in a hotel’s courtyard. The best thing about this hotel though is definitely the restaurant, Baja Peppers. Baja Peppers offers great food at very affordable prices. They have hearty breakfasts for an average of approximately US$3, excellent tacos, healthy-sized sandwiches, and a full dinner menu. They also boast a very ample wine list with a generous variety of wines to choose from.

A room at the Hotel Mar de Cortez is around US$50 per night – definitely a bargain.

3) The Cabo Inn Hotel. The Cabo Inn Hotel is said to be one of the most economical places in town. The location is great and very convenient — just off of the marina and right behind the clubs. It is a good alternative if the night has been long and you don’t feel like driving or leaving the area. All rooms have basic amenities and private bathrooms, and the hotel offers free wifi, a library, gym and more. Additionally, the rates at this hotel are not matched anywhere else in Cabo. A single room starts at US$39 nightly, and a 6-person room is available for US$120 per night. There is also a Palapa room with a hot tub available for US$120.

Cabo has it all, from the most spectacular resorts in the world, to some of the best bargains in the Baja. These hotels will all give you the most bang for your buck, and they have all come highly recommended by Cabo locals.

Do you know of any other hidden Cabo bargains? Let us know where you lodge when you’re on a budget.

Filed Under: Cabo San Lucas, Stay Tagged With: accommodations, Budget, Cabo, hotels, lodging, value

Cabo San Lucas