Tesoro Los Cabos

First timers could have difficulty finding Tesoro Los Cabos -- part of a local brand, with two other resorts in Mexico -- since signage is non-existent, perhaps due to the Wyndham changeover. It may also be confusing since the original entrance is no longer the same; instead there is a new lobby, restaurant, and bar located under a white archway that connects two buildings via the second floor. Guests can park in the outdoor parking lot, adjacent to the street, or get dropped off at the front door. The exterior features white and orange Spanish-style architecture, accented by a distinct lighthouse structure with a turnaround entrance at the marina. This entire area is lined with shops and restaurants, and sees quite a bit of action during the afternoon and night. In fact, the hotel is surrounded by bars and restaurants on both sides, making it a good spot for those who like to walk to several options for both.Though lacking in color, the current lobby is more contemporary compared to the former one, which is still used for group check-ins. Every guest -- whether on an all-inclusive package or not -- is asked to wear a bracelet for ID purposes, and receives literature that highlights penalties for removing items from the minibars (a clear indication that this is a spring break hotel). In fact, there seems to be a lot of rules at the pool, too. Despite the slightly amateurish feel, the spacious upper-floor terrace is unarguably the hotel's best feature. Many attempt to snag a prime seat in the morning and then hit the breakfast buffet, which is on the same level. As morning turns to day-drinking, it is not uncommon to find bikini-clad girls and sombrero-clad boys bouncing back and forth between the two hot tubs and swim-up bar. Other modern highlights include a fitness center and spa, but there are plenty of dated sections on the first level where one may accidentally land. Once adjusted to the hotel's unusual layout, though, it's a simple routine for most: pool by day, town by night. 

At the southern tip of Mexico's Baja Peninsula is Cabo San Lucas -- a beach town and resort hub on the stretch of coastline collectively known as Los Cabos (The Capes). This has long been a popular vacation spot for sun-worshipping party seekers, as it is a base for restaurants, nightlife, golf courses, whale watching, and water sports. Though not on the beach like many other resorts in the area, this hotel's particular location boasts walking distance to downtown, as well as a marina setting where water taxis can transport guests to Medano, Pelican, and Lovers beaches. Guests can quickly take a boat tour of the famous "El Arco" for reasonable prices.Tesoro can be reached via the Transpeninsular Highway that connects San Jose del Cabo to Cabo San Lucas. Guests arrive to Los Cabos International Airport, about 35 minutes away, and either take a taxi, use shuttle transportation (arranged with the hotel), or rent a car. For those who choose the latter, parking is free and protected by a gated entrance and security guard. 

The hotel has nearly 300 rooms in two main sections that sprawl out across the marina with elevator access (some rooms on the far end will require quite a long trek back and forth). Decor is simple with tile floors, white walls, and dark wood furnishings. Renovations that came with the Tesoro takeover perked things up; these include quilted bed coverings, and throw pillows that come with the message “Be Well." Though we photographed empty mini-fridges, they are supposed to come stocked pre-arrival, and all guests are warned that a fee will incur if guests use the mini-fridges for anything other than the items stored. We did see two bottles of water and Cuisinart coffeemakers with Wolfgang Puck coffee in rooms, though. Bathrooms have walk-in showers and decent Bio brand toiletries. Some rooms have balconies that face the marina, while others do not have balconies at all. Not only this, but the unlucky recipient of the most basic room will have a window that looks out onto the hallway. Each Junior Suite has an attached seating area, while Deluxe rooms come with a few extra amenities like bathrobes. 

This resort does not have direct beach access from the property, but guests can get to the sand by taking a healthy walk past the marina to the long shoreline west of the property. For more choice, hire a water taxi from the marina to get to a handful of other area beaches. What the hotel does offer on the premise is a contemporary outdoor pool area raised above the ground with great views, especially at sunrise. Many choose to come up early and snag some of the best seats, like cushioned daybeds and chairs facing the view. There are plenty of sun loungers and orange umbrellas for shade, but guests who get there too late (especially during peak spring break season) might end up sitting quite close together. The rectangular pool has two raised hot tubs facing each other, and a swim-up bar. Guests can also walk to the bar on the other side of the terrace (next to the restaurant) for drinks, or order from the servers who provide drink service. There's a sound system with upbeat party music, along with tropical plants and day beds overlooking the harbor, with rugged mountains in the background. The restaurant on this level is called La Vista; this is where the breakfast is served for those on a plan. For those who do not want to commit to the plan, guests can add the meal on a per-day basis for a reasonable price. The outdoor space is quite nice with beautiful sunrise views over the harbor and pool area. Another new restaurant space is located in front of the lobby for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with outdoor seating. The third restaurant is an indoor Mexican restaurant called Agave Azul serving dinner; this sits in part of the original hotel, however, and can feel dated compared to the other spaces. There's an outdoor bar in front of here, too. (All three bars serve happy hour specials at different times of the day.)Located near the pool is a spacious fitness center and spa with indoor treatment rooms for couples and singles. Guests have free parking, but Wi-Fi comes with a daily fee.