The Ridge at Playa Grande

As part of the Playa Grande Resort & Grand Spa, The Ridge is a slightly quieter section of the larger development. The look is mostly upscale, though some of the marble and details are starting to look a bit dated. Intricate tile work, boldly painted stucco walls, and oversized wicker furniture adorns most of the common areas, creating an atmosphere that's more sophisticated than many competing resorts in Cabo. The social scene begins and ends with the property’s dramatic rooftop deck. The space seamlessly blends two pools (including a water slide and kiddy pool), an open-air restaurant, and several hot tubs -- all with stunning city and water views. Clientele tends to be couples and families seeking a beachfront getaway with plenty of resort-style amenities, but with an atmosphere that’s more reserved than that found at the neighboring sister property.

The hotel’s location on a ridge overlooking the city and sea is a mixed blessing. While the views are spectacular, ambient noise from the city’s late-night bars can be a problem. Guests can access the city center -- including Cabo San Lucas’ famous restaurants, shops, and marina -- in five to 10 minutes on foot (of course, this depends on one's destination and location in the resort). The beach attached to Playa Grande is reachable in roughly five minutes, though it's not swimmable. The closest swimmable beach is a 10-minute walk away, though the more bustling and developed part of Medano Beach will take over 30 minutes to reach on foot, and most will want to take a taxi -- it's a 10-minute drive. The galleries and quaint cafes of San Jose del Cabo are a 35-minute drive from here, and the airport for the region is 10 minutes beyond that by car. 

Decor in rooms has a classier finish than many of the region's competing resorts, though it's a traditional and homey look that -- in the end -- is familiar. Expect polished travertine marble floors, off-white walls, orange accents, and plenty of modern dark wood furniture. The padded headboards in bedrooms are a particularly handsome touch. Granite countertops in kitchens and kitchenettes add a sharp finish, and appliances include cooking ranges, microwaves, coffeemakers, and refrigerators. Both room categories -- One Bedroom Master Suites and Two Bedroom Presidential Suites -- offer spacious, apartment-style layouts. The latter offers substantially more floor space with three full bathrooms, a full kitchen, a whirlpool hot tub in the master bathroom, and multiple water-view balconies. The beds in every room are well-reviewed as comfortable. Unfortunately, some rooms -- particularly those facing the marina -- are subject to noise from the city’s late-night clubs and bars. Every room also features air-conditioning and multiple flat-screen TVs, though Wi-Fi is only available through a paid plan.Bathrooms make liberal use of brushed nickel, marble, and stone to create a look that’s elegant and sophisticated. Walk-in shower stalls are standard, but the master bathroom in the Penthouse Suites also features a jetted hot tub.

The resort’s showpiece is its panoramic roof deck -- a single space that combines all of its common amenities. The three-tiered design features two beautiful pools, including an adult-only infinity pool with twohot tubs, plus a lower-level family pool with a water slide. Rows of upscale lounge chairs and umbrellas line the space to provide ample shaded seating. With less than 100 rooms on-site, guests will hardly feel crowded.Adjacent to the adult-only pool, The Ridge Restaurant serves a free American breakfast, and a la carte lunches and dinners. The menu is a predictable mix of Mediterranean and Mexican cuisine. Nearby, a covered bar overlooking the pool provides a full list of beer, wine, and cocktails, and serves as the property’s only nightlife option. Guests have full access to all of the amenities at the attached Playa Grande Resort & Grand Spa. The long list includes a semi-private beach (that's not swimmable), three restaurants (including a sushi bar), a mini-golf course, a modern spa and fitness center, and two huge pools.Valet parking is provided free of charge in a secure garage, though there are fees for Wi-Fi.