Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort

During our late 2018 trip through Los Cabos, the Hilton Los Cabos proved to be one of the liveliest options that we visited. It successfully rides the line between upbeat -- where guests revel with margaritas in hand around the pools all day long -- and classy. While you thankfully won't see any beer pong matches at the Hilton, it's not a sedate or quiet property either. Even so, the sheer size of the Hilton Los Cabos means that if the central pools are a bit too crowded for your liking, you can escape to the casual beach bar, or the slightly calmer Dolphin Terrace Pool, which is secluded at the property's northern side. The breezy and open common areas let in plenty of warm ocean air, which pairs nicely with the scene at Azul, the central bar that reportedly has one of the largest selections of tequila in the region. The style throughout the resort melds typical hacienda flourishes and more contemporary Mexico City and Baja style elements. While the hotel trades on its upscale reputation, we have to say that service during our visit was uneven -- we weren't provided welcome drinks, and nobody escorted us to our rooms or offered to porter our luggage. Even so, rates can be reasonable for the area, and the resort draws plenty of loyal guests year after year. Keep in mind that Casa Dorada Beach & Golf Resort -- the timeshare wing of this Hilton property -- is also on-site. Reviews are equally as enthusiastic from previous guests. 

The Hilton Los Cabos sits along the coast to the south of San Jose del Cabo. It's about a 15-minute drive into town, and valet parking at the resort is free. You'd be wise to rent a car to explore the region, as San Jose del Cabo hosts a Thursday night Art Walk, which is a charming way to spend your evening. The town is filled with cute restaurants, craft breweries, boutiques, and cafes, and is worth checking out. Keep in mind that you can't swim at the Hilton's beach due to dangerous surf, and the nearest swimmable beach is at Playa El Chileno, which is a 10-minute drive from the Hilton. Cabo San Lucas, the wilder of the two Cabo cities, is about 25 minutes away by car. There is almost nothing to do within walking distance of the Hilton Los Cabos, and even the Cabo Real Golf Course sits across the busy highway and cannot be reached on foot or by golf cart. Neighbors of the Hilton include other resorts, like Las Ventanas al Paraiso, whose gourmet restaurants are open to the public and can make for a nice change of pace from what's on offer at the Hilton (if you're staying for several nights). Budget 30 minutes to reach the airport by car or taxi. Valet parking is free at the resort.

Rooms at the Hilton Los Cabos are done up in an attractive casita style that includes marble tile flooring, carved hardwood furniture, and textiles that draw on Mexican traditions. Colors skew neutral, with beiges and whites accented by deep turquoise and dark metal touches, though we particularly like details such as woven chairs and punched-tin mirrors. Even entry-level rooms have plenty of seating, both indoors and out on the roomy terraces -- most of which overlook the hotel's grounds to the ocean. Keep in mind that even those who have explicitly booked ocean view rooms may find that the hotels lush landscaping sometimes obstructs their uninterrupted ocean views. Features include minibars, free Wi-Fi, full closets, plenty of storage, 48-inch flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and king or queen beds. The lack of in-room coffeemakers is disappointing, though free coffee is available in the lobby in the mornings. Some suites are available with additional space and extras like dining areas, as well as top-of-the-line Presidential and Governors Suites, which feel quite opulent overall. Junior Suites only add with a bit more seating than entry-level rooms, so do your research as to whether this is worth it for the pricey upgrade. La Vista Club Rooms are on the resort's top floors and have the best views in the house. They also come with special access to exclusive pools and other in-room perks like fresh coffee and tea delivered daily. Bathrooms look a bit dated compared to the rest of the room decor, with travertine marble tubs and showers, plus separate stalls for toilets. The entire bathroom opens to the main sleeping area through wooden peek-a-boo windows, though these can be fully closed off for privacy. 

The Hilton Los Cabos has a number of features that make this a solid value for the region, though the lack of all-inclusive rates means that you'll be paying as you go. There are six restaurant, bar, and cafe options, including upmarket Italian fare, farm-to-table plates, and Azul -- the centerpiece bar, lounge, and restaurant that has one of the largest tequila selections in Los Cabos. It's a handsome space that looks out across the resort, and buzzes with hotel guests as the sun begins to set in the evenings. Otherwise, you'll find a simple cafe with grab-and-go options as well as bright poolside spots for light meals, bar snacks, and cocktails. The look at all outlets is modern and sharp, with lots of local Mexican touches (except in Vela, the Italian restaurant).Pools form the centerpiece of this resort, and both complexes look out across the beach and sea, and come with poolside drink service as well as swim-up bars. There are shallow sections for children, plenty of poolside loungers, and a hot tubs at both as well. The Dolphin Terrace Pool was slightly quieter during our late 2018 visit, while the main pool had lots of buzz throughout the day. For La Vista Club guests, there's a private roped-off pool with poolside butler service. Club guests also receive an array of other perks, including turndown service, a dedicated concierge, limited laundry and pressing services, and free coffee and tea delivery to their rooms.The spa at the Hilton Los Cabos is attractive and offers an array of massages and treatments. There's also a gym that's outfitted with an array of weight equipment and cardio machines. Tennis courts are available on-site, though despite advertising itself as a golf resort, the Cabo Real Golf Course is separately owned and located across a busy highway from the Hilton. A kids' club and outdoor playground are both available for kids aged 4 to 12. The kids' club is free and is staffed throughout the day. There's a daily roster of free activities as well. Only babysitting services will cost extra. Valet parking and Wi-Fi are both free. Keep in mind that the hotel doesn't offer a regional shuttle, though airport pick-up and drop-off services are available for a fee.