Bahia Hotel & Beach House

While there are plenty of hives of activity in buzzing Cabo San Lucas, the Bahia Hotel & Beach Club manages to feel lively without being over the top. First impressions are solid, and after the valets whisk away guests' cars, travelers are greeted by a modern lobby that's bustling with activity day and night. There are sharp pendant lights hanging from the ceiling, low-slung seating areas, and rustic hardwood details all around. Tones of white and warm wood abound, reminding everyone that they're actually in Mexico (despite how touristy Cabo can feel), though it all seems delivered by way of California or South Beach. Guests congregate in two distinct areas: the bumping pool and poolside bar, and the hotel's trendy restaurant and bar. Both were busy throughout the day during our stay, though the level of clamor stayed tolerable. The restaurant and bar -- with their live music, spacious terrace, and breezy atmosphere -- draw plenty of guests from other hotels and are a fine place for mingling with other tourists. Of course, like most hotels in the area, things get rowdier during spring break. Guests here skew a bit younger, with a mix of domestic and international tourists, and include groups of friends and couples. 

Although the hotel isn't directly on the beach, its location is one its largest assets -- just a block from the beach, within a short walk from dining, nightlife, shopping, and other activities that line Medano Beach. The immediate surrounding area is very walkable. Mango Deck, one of the city's most notorious nightlife destinations, is just around the corner, while the touristy marina will take five minutes to reach on foot. Squid Roe, another infamous nightclub, is about 10 minutes away in an area packed with bars, cheap taco joints, and touristy shops. For a taste of more authentic street food, head to Calle Jose Maria Morelos, where vendors sling everything from churros to tres leches cake amid local shops and restaurants. It's a 45-minute drive to the quaint town of San Jose del Cabo, which has a happening arts scene and lots of quaint cafes and boutiques. The airport is outside of San Jose, a 40-minute drive from the hotel.

The rooms here are a bit of a mixed bag, and it's worth the upgrade to the hotel's Deluxe and Designer Rooms to guarantee more modern decor. Older rooms have stucco details like seashells built into the walls over the beds, and while the look is retro, things are well kept and clean. More modern rooms feature faux-concrete floors, stone built-ins, and brown velvet banquette seating. The white, brown, and blue color palettes keep things bright, and all rooms are spacious. There's even island kitchenette seating in some rooms, though the lack of kitchenette features beyond microwaves and minibars in those rooms feels like a missed opportunity. Other rooms have full kitchens, like the Two Bedroom Suite that we visited. It's worth noting that rooms closest to the hotel's lobby on the ground floor do pick up significant restaurant noise until late. Standard features include televisions (we did see a few tube TVs during our visit), air-conditioning, ceiling fans, safes, and minibars. Many rooms also have balconies, some of which overlook the pool. Wi-Fi is available, but it costs extra and we occasionally had trouble connecting on our visit. Bathrooms have walk-in rainfall showers and separate vanity areas, though the lighting can be a bit dark. Uparket toiletries and towels are provided.

While rooms aren't uniformly awesome here, the features are actually quite great, especially for a mid-range hotel right in the thick of Cabo San Lucas' party scene. SUR Beach House is a five-minute walk from the hotel or a two-minute shuttle ride in one of the hotel’s golf carts. The elegant SUR Beach House is an open-air terrace with a straw-thatched roof overlooking Playa El Medano, where there are plenty of wooden lounge chairs on offer for guests and a few white cushioned cabanas. SUP Water Sport Activities is located adjacent to the private beach area where guests can use stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and glass-bottomed boats. The upscale restaurant is bedecked in chic blues and whites with rustic plank floors, and open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.Back on-site, the pool is busy all day long and is ringed by lounge chairs. The adjacent hot tub sits next to the swim-up and walk-up bar, which also serves food. Pop and dance music play at upbeat, but not deafening levels throughout the day. The hotel's restaurant -- Bar Esquina -- is a major highlight. Decor is modern and the distinct spaces include a sharp bar, an open kitchen, and a spacious outdoor terrace. Live music accompanies the meals in the evenings, and there's an impressive cocktail menu. Food draws on international inspirations, with foodie-worthy pizzas and curries on the menu during our visit. There's also a coffee shop that opens early and serves great baked goods and excellent espresso and drip coffees. Room service is available as well.Valet parking is free at the hotel, though we were a little unnerved at the lack of a ticket for our car. Wi-Fi is available for a fee, though it's technically free in the restaurant. In any case, we had trouble keeping a connection from time to time. A small boutique sells a limited selection of tourist goodies. The hotel's front desk can also help with concierge services, including arranging stand-up paddleboarding off of Medano Beach.