Look, planning a Cabo trip shouldn't feel like decoding ancient hieroglyphics. I've booked seven Cabo vacations over the past decade – some amazing, one total disaster (more on that later) – and I'm here to cut through the marketing fluff about Los Cabos hotels all inclusive. Forget those generic "paradise awaits" articles. Let's talk room layouts that won't disappoint, buffets that don't suck, and resorts where "all-inclusive" doesn't mean "all-disappointing."
Why Los Cabos Hotels All Inclusive Make Sense (Most of the Time)
Let's be real: Cabo isn't cheap. After flying five hours from Chicago last spring, the last thing I wanted was sticker shock every time I ordered guacamole. Los Cabos all inclusive resorts solve that. Pay once, relax forever. No math at the pool bar. But – big but – not all AI packages are equal.
Watch for the "Cabo Tax": Some resorts exclude premium liquor or specialty restaurants. My worst Cabo mistake? Booking a place advertising "gourmet dining" where the steakhouse cost extra. Felt like ordering a burger and getting charged for the bun.
Your Resort Matchmaker: Finding THE One
Location, Location...Swimmable Beach?
Most Cabo beaches aren't swimmable (thanks, Pacific currents). If ocean dips matter, focus on Medano Beach. Resorts like Pueblo Bonito Rosé nail this. Tourist Corridor spots? Stunning views but often rocky shores. Here's the breakdown:
| Area | Best For | Swimmable Beach? | Sample Resort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medano Beach | First-timers, nightlife lovers | YES | Sandos Finisterra |
| Tourist Corridor | Romance, luxury seekers | Rarely | Secrets Puerto Los Cabos |
| San José del Cabo | Culture buffs, golfers | No | Barceló Gran Faro |
Food Snob Test: Will You Actually Enjoy the Meals?
Bad resort food is a universal tragedy. After a day at Le Blanc Spa Resort last year, I still dream about their tuna tostadas. But at another spot (cough* RIU Palace), everything tasted like salt bombs. Top performers:
- Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos - 10 restaurants including authentic Mexican. Their breakfast chilaquiles? Chef's kiss.
- Grand Velas Los Cabos - Michelin-trained chefs. Pricey but worth it for foodies.
- Avoid if you hate buffets: Some budget spots serve 80% cafeteria-style.
Pro tip: Always check recent food pics on TripAdvisor. Menus lie. Photos don't.
Top 5 Los Cabos All Inclusive Resorts (No Fluff Edition)
Based on 14 nights across these properties, here's my brutally honest ranking:
| Resort | Price Per Night | Best For | Worth It? | My Hot Take |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Velas Los Cabos | $1100+ | Luxury seekers, food snobs | If budget allows | Pools feel private, butler service is legit |
| Secrets Puerto Los Cabos | $650-850 | Couples, adults who hate kids | Hell yes | Sunset views = insta-gold |
| Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos | $500-700 | Families, variety lovers | Solid choice | Kid zones rock, but can get noisy |
| Pueblo Bonito Pacifica | $400-600 | Adults-only relaxation | Great mid-range | Serene vibe, weak cocktails |
| Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas | $300-450 | Budget partiers | Meh | Loud, average food, spring break energy |
Grand Velas: Is It Overhyped?
Short answer: No. Long answer: Their tequila tasting included añejos I'd pay $50/glass for back home. Rooms average 1,100 sq ft – bigger than my first apartment. Downsides? You'll pay for that space. And their beach has strong currents (like most Cabo spots).
Secrets Puerto Los Cabos: Why Couples Love It
Swim-up rooms overlook the Sea of Cortez. Saw dolphins at breakfast. Twice. Downsides? Far from downtown clubs (30-min taxi). If you want wild nights, pick Medano Beach instead.
Budget vs. Blowout: What You Actually Get
Let's compare two extremes – because "luxury" and "budget" mean different things to everyone:
- $300/night RIU Palace
- ✓ Unlimited basic drinks
- ✓ 24-hour snacks
- ✓ Themed dinner buffets
- ✗ $15/day for WiFi
- ✗ $50/person for hibachi
- ✗ Crowded pools
- $1100/night Grand Velas
- ✓ Top-shelf everything (Patron, Grey Goose)
- ✓ 24-hour in-suite dining
- ✓ Minibar restocked daily
- ✓ All restaurants included
- ✓ Spa hydrotherapy access
- ✓ Airport transfers
Surprise fee I've paid: Resort fees at "cheap" spots add $25-45/day. Always click "show total price."
Los Cabos All Inclusive FAQ: Stuff You Actually Care About
Are drinks REALLY unlimited?
Mostly yes. But at budget spots, expect well vodka vs. Absolut. Premium brands often cost extra. At Secrets last year, Don Julio 70 was included – game changer.
Can I leave the resort without penalty?
Absolutely! Unlike cruise ships, you're free to explore. Taxis to San Lucas cost $10-15. Just don't expect refunds for meals you skip.
Do all Los Cabos hotels all inclusive cover airport transfers?
Rarely. Only luxury spots like Grand Velas include it. Others charge $75+ each way. Book through Canada Transfers for 30% less than resort rates.
What's the tipping situation?
Technically included, but bring $100 in singles. Tip $1-2 per drink, $5 at dinner. Staff remember – trust me, your margaritas get stronger.
Booking Hacks That Save Real Money
After overpaying for my first Cabo trip, I tested every trick:
- Book during "shoulder season" (May-June, Sept-Oct): Rates drop 30-50%. Weather's still perfect.
- Use Costco Travel for Hyatt Ziva/Pueblo Bonito: Free room upgrades + $200 credit.
- Email the resort after booking: Mention anniversaries – I scored free champagne at Secrets.
- Avoid holidays: Christmas prices are criminal.
Flight tip: Fly into SJD (San José) not CSL. Cheaper and less chaotic. Transfer time is similar to most resorts.
Red Flags That Scream "Avoid This Resort"
Because nobody wants a vacation fail. Watch for:
- "All-inclusive" plus asterisks on menus ("premium items extra")
- Endless bad reviews about food poisoning
- Photos showing tiny pools packed with people
- Vague answers when you call asking about WiFi costs
My disaster resort experience: Wi-Fi only worked in the lobby. Paid $200 extra for "ocean view" seeing construction. Lesson learned: Google Earth the exact room location.
Beyond the Buffet: Must-Do Excursions
Even at amazing Los Cabos hotels all inclusive, venture out. My can't-miss list:
- Lover's Beach snorkeling ($45/person): Water taxis from Medano Beach. Saw sea lions underwater.
- Sunset cruise with open bar ($65): Worth every peso. Book with Cabo Adventures.
- Tacos Guss in San Lucas: Best shrimp tacos ever. $2 each. Skip resort dinner for this.
Final Reality Check
Look, Los Cabos hotels all inclusive aren't magic. Some feel like cattle ranches with swim-up bars. But when you nail it – sunset margarita in hand, tacos al pastor seconds away, zero wallet stress – it’s vacation heaven. Skip resorts with more than 20% "terrible food" reviews. Book early for room upgrades. And pack extra sunscreen. Cabo sun doesn't play.
Still unsure? Email me at [email protected]. I reply to every Cabo question – unlike resort "concierges" pushing timeshares.
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