Posada Real Los Cabos

Simple Posada signage leads guests down a driveway overlooking views of the Sea of Cortez, where they are met with a pale yellow-and-orange exterior that dates back three decades. (The current owners bought the property in 1987 from the government, and it does have a certain Mexican-owned authenticity not found in other chain resorts nearby.) Guests self-park and then head into the lobby, home to a comfortable bar and lounge, restaurant, and meeting rooms. Staff at the front desk provides newcomers with envelopes containing helpful information, and bracelets for the all-inclusive package. From here, paths lead to two sections of rooms in three-story buildings separated by a lawn scattered with healthy cacti of varying sizes. Keep walking to the the front of the property and one will eventually land at an outdoor pool and beach with several bright blue sun loungers and umbrellas.The hotel attracts mostly Canadians and Americans, as well as locals on extended stays. For instance, several power company employees and police were living at the hotel while based in the area to help with Hurricane Odile's aftermath. If not here for work purposes, most guests are taking advantage of the sun (and pool bar) during the day, before they head to the lobby for pre-dinner drinks. Though the grounds and lobby are in pretty good shape, other areas of the property -- like some rooms, the tennis court, and fitness center -- need some renovations. The pool, which is newer, can get crowded, especially since the beach is un-swimmable, but thankfully buffet meals have stretched out opening times, so there never seems to be a terrible rush or crowd. It’s certainly a lively adult party scene -- many seem to be regulars, or traveling together in large groups, and dinner starts with a traditional shot of tequila at the host stand. Dinner turns to live music, and yes, there is dancing, which can easily occur between the guests and the musicians themselves. When ready to turn in, a walk back to the room when the moon is out, past cacti that are lit, with mariachi music in the background -- well, it sure feels pretty Mexican. 

San José del Cabo is the second of two major hubs that make up the Los Cabos area in Mexico's Baja California Sur. Most of the resorts, like this one, are along a wide but un-swimmable stretch of beach that fronts the Sea of Cortez commonly called Hotel Row. To get there, guests will arrive to Los Cabos International Airport, 14 miles away, and can either take a taxi or rent a car to get to the property. For those who choose the latter, self-parking is easy and free. Compared to its louder neighbor to the west, San José del Cabo experiences a slower pace, with fewer options for touristy nightlife. There is not much within walking distance on the main strip, other than a few shops and cafés, but a short drive leads to downtown San José del Cabo. The quaint, historic part of town is definitely worth a visit -- especially near the Town Square -- with its authentic restaurants and art galleries that see more locals than tourists. Also worth the trek is Flora Farm in the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains, which is home to a 10-acre organic farm and restaurant. There are several golf courses and excursions -- like whale watching and diving -- nearby as well. Those searching for clubs and nightlife will want to head to Cabo San Lucas, 20 minutes away, but be forewarned -- taxi fares from the hotel are quite high. 

There are 152 rooms in two sections of the resort on either side of a lawn dotted with cactus plants. Rooms are in three-story buildings and come with balconies that are angled slightly to face the sea, with partial views of the water. Since the resort is 30 years old, rooms are continually getting updates from the local owners. For instance, all rooms have newer mattresses and bedding, though patterned bedspreads will turn off modernists. Standard rooms have king-sized beds or two double beds, wood furnishings, working desks, flat-screen TVs, newer A/C units, mini-fridges, two bottles of water, and coffeemakers. Bathroom fixtures could use a makeover, but on the bright side, marble vanities offer counter space. All have tub/shower combos and Posada-brand toiletries. (Note that no conditioner is provided.) Each balcony has two plastic chairs and a small table. Most rooms are standard, while eight units are each one-bedroom with two full bathrooms, a dining table, and a separate living room furnished with a queen-size sofa bed. In addition, a handful of newer Beachfront Double Rooms were added after Hurricane Odile. All rooms come with beach towels and free Wi-Fi. 

The beach directly in front of the property is truly breathtaking with a huge stretch of light golden sand for taking long walks or jogs along the shore. There are local vendors who make their way back and forth between here and other nearby resorts, but they do not impose on space. Though the black flag is often up to denote "no swimming" due to the sea's strong current, the hotel provides several blue sun loungers, umbrellas for shade, low beach seats and dining tables facing the view. Adjacent to the sand, also with views of the sea, is a nice terrace and small two-section outdoor pool separated by a little walking path. There are occasional animation activities like aqua aerobics, which receives participation. There’s also a large hot tub in this area. While checking in, guests who are on the all-inclusive package receive a bracelet and a slew of information on their package. Drinks are included in the price and are available at two bars (one by the pool, and one in the lobby). This includes soft drinks, juices, domestic beer (light and dark), red and white house wine, rum, vodka, tequila, whiskey, brandy, and gin. El Dorado Lobby Bar is air-conditioned and starts serving in the late afternoon through the evening until the live music is over (before midnight). Starting in the late morning, Wahoo next to the pool has a full-service bar, including swim-up service. Free drinking water is provided in containers at the bars and in a hallway closer to the rooms.Cactus restaurant is the main dining room, with indoor and outdoor seating. It has bright Mexican decor and serves buffet-style meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Self-serve tequila shots are offered at the beginning of dinner, and self-serve Mexican coffee is offered at the beginning of breakfast. Buffets have extended opening times, which helps spread out the crowds. Adjacent to the swimming pool, Wahoo offers daytime dining at an open-air restaurant with sandwiches, tacos, ceviche, and other snacks. There's free Wi-Fi throughout, and guests can use the desktop computer and printer while sitting at a somewhat dilapidated desk area beyond a pretty barebones and dilapidated fitness center (both areas, along with the tennis court, could use some love). By the beach, there is a massage hut for couples' treatments. There is also a mini-golf area with putting clubs and balls available to borrow. In the front, there's a convenience store for snacks, sundries and drinks, and a car rental office.