Marina Fiesta Resort & Spa

Is this the most modern all-inclusive resort to be found in downtown Cabo San Lucas? No. But for travelers in search of a simple, mid-range property that has a relaxed atmosphere with just enough socializing, it definitely fits the bill. Stepping inside the hotel's lobby from the street is a clue to the overall vibe here: families, couples, and young travelers are all coming and going, with a bustling, upbeat air. From a style perspective, the hotel won't win any major awards, and is eclectic in the extreme. We spotted a mix of heavy oil paintings, religious objects, classical sculptures, animal prints, and bright colors all side-by-side in the open-air lobby. Still, this is an unfussy property with enough to keep most guests happy for a few days.The hotel's pool and the Golden Zone make up the hotel's social hub. The main pool is ringed with lounge chairs that are filled with guests all day long. The swim-up bar (with space on dry land as well) is also lively, and couples and friends mingle with drinks throughout the day. The Golden Zone -- two blocks of restaurants and bars lining the marina and just outside the hotel's secure gates -- is bumping day and night with a mix of hotel guests and other visitors to Los Cabos. There are roving packs of mariachi bands and plenty of boat-trip hawkers all around, making the area feel a bit too touristy -- but that's almost inescapable in downtown Cabo. No one is allowed on the property who isn't listed as a guest, which helps keep things relatively calm -- even during spring break. Outside of spring break, the vibe is mostly relaxed, but definitely convivial. We spotted packs of bachelorettes, mature couples, domestic families and groups of friends all hanging out and sharing a laugh or drink in most corners of the hotel. 

Location is one of this hotel's strongest assets, particularly for those in town to party. The hotel sits right on Cabo San Lucas' bustling marina, where hawkers sell sport-fishing tours, glass-bottom boats to El Arco, and tickets to the party boats that are frequently heard in the waters off Medano beach -- you'll know they're nearby when you hear the high-pitched "Woo" screamed by revelers onboard. All manner of internationally recognizable restaurants ring the marina's perimeter, and the high-end shops of Puerto Paraiso mall are just next door. Mango Deck, one of the more infamous nightspots in town, is less than a seven-minute walk from the hotel, and the sandy shores of Medano Beach are just beyond that. Squid Roe, another of the town's well-known bars, is a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Some quieter cafes and foodie-style spots are located a 15-minute walk from the hotel, near the intersection of Miguel Hidalgo and Francisco Madero. A day trip to San Jose del Cabo is worth it for those wanting something a bit more cultural -- the town is packed with galleries and quaint boutiques. It's a 35-minute drive from the hotel, and Los Cabos' airport is 10 minutes beyond that by car.

In terms of what we've seen during our time in Cabo San Lucas, the rooms here are a pleasant option for travelers without pretensions. Everything is well-kept and clean, though in some rooms the nautical theme feels a bit much. Expect to see dark wooden furniture, white tile floors, and an abundance of patterns and fabrics in reds and blues -- many adorned with anchors and sailboats. While the style is nominally modern, it's not exactly contemporary or trendy, and rooms are a bit dark despite glass sliding doors to the furnished balconies. Additionally, the dark tiling and dark tan marble in the bathrooms doesn't look particularly modern, and some of the grout could use a deep scrub.All rooms include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and kitchenettes or full kitchens. The latter are done with handsome granite countertops and mostly modern appliances that include microwaves, refrigerators, coffeemakers, and electric ranges. Dishware is provided, but coffee and water are not free for those not on the all-inclusive plans. Additionally, during our stay we could only log on one device per Wi-Fi code, which must be purchased. Higher-category rooms, like the Presidential Suite that we visited, have their own private hot tubs on expansive furnished terraces. While the overall vibe at the resort is subdued, it's worth noting that rooms facing the marina -- while benefitting from lovely views of yachts and boats -- will pick up some noise. During our stay the live entertainment at Jack's Bar & Grill -- a man with a guitar doing Metallica covers -- lasted for quite a while after sunset. Still, those looking to capitalize on the party vibes in town might like the free show. 

The hotel has a compact footprint right in the heart of Cabo San Lucas, but it packs a number of features into that small space. The main pool is a nice freeform option, ringed by plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas, and patrolled by attentive staff ferrying drinks and snacks to guests. There are lots of little nooks that seem readymade for couples, and a lively swim-up bar. Pop music plays throughout the day, but at a mostly quiet level, and most of the sounds heard are of guests mingling and laughing. The quiet pool is a smaller alternative on the back side of the hotel with its own small bar and a few games tables. There's also a terrace with hot tubs on the upper floors of the hotel.The food and beverage program is extensive and includes La Palapa, which is on-site and serves breakfast and lunch next to the pool. It's also the hotel's main on-site bar. The Golden Zone offers an even wider array of dining options, and most of the restaurants and bars partake in the hotel's Dine Out All-Inclusive Plan. These a la carte restaurants offer a wide variety of options, from seafood restaurants to traditional Mexican, Japanese, and Italian. Each one is themed -- for instance, the Japanese and Mexican restaurants feel stylish and quaint (respectively), while Jack's Bar & Grill is more tourist-zone tacky. The outdoor terraces at each restaurant remain popular day and night with hotel guests and other tourists staying in town. There's an excellent coffee stand next to the marina that's part of the Golden Zone as well.The contemporary gym, on the hotel's top floor, is an unexpected perk for a hotel of this category. It's a bright and airy space with views across the marina and is stocked with modern weight and cardio equipment. Chlorophyll water is available, as are towels, and a trainer is on-site for help with workouts. Classes can be arranged at no extra cost. Unfortunately, the spa is outdated and gaudy, with a mix of clinical fixtures and Renaissance style frescos. Massages and other treatments are available as well as beauty services.The hotel's concierge desk is helpful in planning tours and excursions, and there are scheduled shuttles to the airport, though they aren't included in room rates. Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas of the hotel, but comes with a fee in rooms and is limited to one device per code. Free coffee and tea are available in the lobby during the day. A mini-mart is handy for those who don't want to trek to Oxxo to stock up on bottled water or sundries.