Sheraton Grand Los Cabos Hacienda del Mar

Popular with couples and families, this upscale Sheraton sits on beautiful beachfront grounds peppered with palm trees, pristine lawns, flowering shrubs, and manicured hedges. The grapefruit-hued architecture is studded with balconies, arched windows, and other elegant elements. Fountains trickle here and there, providing a soothing touch throughout the grounds; some are particularly lovely with pretty decorative tiling. Interiors are upscale, showcasing some traditional Mexican touches. Wood and wrought-iron prevail, and some spaces have thatched roofing and intricate hand-carved designs. Dining venues are mostly open-air, with ocean views. A fairly even mix of couples and families come here, and the extensive facilities mean travelers can find a quiet or more lively spot that suits them.

At the southern tip of Mexico's Baja Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas -- a beach town on the stretch of coastline collectively known as Los Cabos (The Capes) -- has long been a popular vacation spot for sun-worshipping party seekers (hence, the nickname Cabo San Loco). The Sheraton sits on the southern end of The Corridor, which runs between Cabo San Lucas (a minute drive away) and the artsy town of San Jose Del Cabo, just over 20 minutes from the hotel, where there are lots of galleries and dining options. It's on a a private beach where the waters are usually rough and rocky (typical for Los Cabos). It's good for surfers, but not great for swimmers or families. Los Cabos International Airport is about a 35-minute drive away, while Cabo San Lucas International Airport is around a 20-minute drive.

Rooms here are spacious and feature tasteful decor with a Mexican sensibility, such as terra-cotta tiled floors paired with yellow accent walls and dark-wood furnishings. The design is attractive, if a bit underwhelming. All rooms have private balconies or patios furnished with chairs and tables that overlook the grounds; some have ocean views. Decor in suites varies, and some have wooden floors and exposed-wood ceiling beams. All have living spaces and larger outdoor areas, while some add jetted hot tubs and kitchenettes.Standard amenities found across categories include flat-screen TVs, minibars, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and safes, and Wi-Fi is free for guests who sign up for the Marriott Bonvoy rewards program. Bathrooms have large external double vanities with ample storage space, magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, and individual toiletries. Large walk-in showers have blue tiling and all rooms have separate soaking tubs with windows that look out over the bedrooms. Note that there have been complaints from past guests regarding noise from the restaurants and grounds.

This property's star feature is arguably its five outdoor pools, with views out over the the ocean. Some have little islands sprouting tall palm trees, quaint bridges spanning their sides, or shallow areas ideal for kids, plus one has an infinity edge. There's even a kids' pool too with a waterslide and other fun features. Pool decks are attractive, dotted with palms and lined by padded umbrella-shaded loungers. For those who prefer the beach, the hotel has a beautiful stretch of sandy shore that's lined with loungers, but the water here is too rough for safe swimming (common in Los Cabos).Wellness features include a large gym that's well-equipped with a variety of modern Life Fitness machines that have personal TV screens, including a number of treadmills, stationary bikes, and strength-training machines. The hotel's Cactus Spa has a steam room and plunge pools and offers a range of treatments, including massages, Ayurvedic treatments, facials, mani/pedis, waxing, and beauty salon services. Kids' and couples' treatments are also available.  Other features include meeting and event spaces, as well as a kids' pool. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, but requires signing up for the free Marriott Bonvoy rewards program (though if you have been a member of SPG, Marriott, or Ritz-Carlton rewards programs in the past then you're already a member).

On-site dining is varied and well-regarded. The dinner-only De Cortez Grill and Restaurant specializes in steaks and has regular live entertainment, while Tomatoes Restaurant serves Mediterranean fare for breakfast and dinner. A seafood spot is open for lunch, and a tequila and sushi bar serves guests at dinner. There's also a sports bar and a swim-up bar for casual grub. Room service is available 24/7.