Barcelo Gran Faro Los Cabos

Spanish-brand Barcelo is known for its large all-inclusive resorts, so it’s no wonder it jumped at the chance to take this property over from the previously named Hola Hoteles & Resorts. The hotel's surrounding area is home to many other large hotels, and thus is applicably called Hotel Row. Though these resorts range in modernity, this older one one is easily recognizable for its unusual tower (visible from the street) that holds a sports bar at the top. Like the tower, the entrance has the feeling of a retro conference center with flags (a Barcelo staple), a fountain, and a turnaround entrance with valet parking for those who drive. A steeple-like covered breezeway leads to the reception area, past hints of bold color like bright pink and yellow, which help it feel like a beach resort. Then there's the view: gorgeous vistas from this second-floor lobby look out over the pools and towards the sea. There are ample sun loungers to plant oneself for the day, surrounded by palms and manicured gardens. The best part, though, is that the beach, pools, and restaurants are all a relatively short walk away from the three sections of rooms. It's a great layout for the size, and views of the sea really come into play (keep an ear out for the cow bell which denotes a whale sighting). 

Baja benefits from near constant sunshine, and guests will likely need to come in and take breaks from the rays. There aren't too many options, but the spacious lobby bar, which opens early, has drinks and games to stay occupied. (Upgraded rooms get access to the Premium Lounge for snacks, espresso, and cocktails.) If staying at the beach or pool, you can participate in the regular activities the animation team puts on, and the snack bar and pool bar also see plenty of action. Breakfast and lunch take place at the buffet by the water, while dinner buffets are in a separate space by the lobby, which helps shake things up. (Guests are allotted access to a la carte restaurants based on how many nights they are staying at the resort.) Nightlife after dinner is pretty tame and most head to the sports bar tower for drinks. 

It's a good place for relaxed budget-seeking honeymooners, and also for budget-minded families. Young couples, however, will likely want to take a taxi to the historic part of town where there are several bars and live music.

Barcelo Grand Faros is located on the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Sur. The town of San José del Cabo is the second of two major hubs that make up Los Cabos. Most of the resorts in this eastern part of the coast sit along a stretch of beach that fronts the Sea of Cortez, commonly called Hotel Row. This tourist hub has some shops and restaurants on the opposite side of the street, though they stay pretty quiet since most of the hotels are all-inclusive. 

To arrive, guests will fly into Los Cabos International Airport, 14 miles away, and either take a taxi or rent a car to get to the property. Those who choose the latter will be rewarded with free valet parking, though few do actually drive -- again, all-inclusive eliminates the need to leave the property. Taxis are easy, and a quick two-mile ride will get you to the colonial downtown area of San José del Cabo (it is possible to walk here in daylight hours). This photogenic historic section is well worth a visit -- especially near the Town Square -- with its charming restaurants, cafés, bars, and art galleries, which are often featured in chic travel magazines. Also worth the trek is Flora Farm in the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains, a destination in itself with a 10-acre organic farm and restaurant. There are several golf courses and excursions like whale watching and diving nearby as well. Young ones searching for bumping nightlife will want to head to Cabo San Lucas, 20 minutes away -- but be forewarned, taxi fares from the hotel are quite high. 

This is a big resort with 350 rooms in three sections wrapped around the main pool area, which face forward with private balconies that have two chairs for enjoying partial views of the pools and/or sea. All rooms were renovated during the Barcelo name takeover and include new tile floors, lightweight white bedding, wood furnishings, a dining table and two chairs, flat-screen TVs, and minibars (free) stocked daily with bottled water, soda, local beer, juice and a few snacks. Bathrooms are pretty spacious with large countertops and glass walk-in showers that have rain shower heads. Toiletries are Barcelo brand. Though renovated, most rooms show subtle signs of wear or tear (like spots on the ceiling), due to the resort's age.

Upgraded room types have similar decor, but include better views -- many that face the sea -- and additional amenities like bigger bathrooms with jetted tubs, as is the case with the Oceanfront Club Premium Superior Room. Guests can expect an upgrade speech on arrival, which will offer a VIP bracelet for the Premium Lounge -- a chic space with areas for working and socializing, all-day gourmet snacks, espresso, and make-your-own cocktails. This VIP status also gains free Wi-Fi, free room service, and unlimited access to the à la carte restaurants. It may be worth the extra cost, especially for honeymooners. 

This huge stretch of golden sand beach along the Sea of Cortez is absolutely stunning, especially in the early morning before the vendors arrive. The only hitch: it is not swimmable due to strong currents (usually a black flag is up). The resort has several sun loungers and palapas set up in the sand though, and a volleyball net. Vendors do arrive on a daily basis and set-up shop directly in front, but are usually respectful of guests who say "no, gracias."  Up some stairs on the pool level, guests will be able to find hundreds of sun loungers spread out on two terraces directly facing the sea, as well as around this entire pool area. Umbrellas are available for those who need some shade, and it is best to get hands on one early in the day before their all snagged up. All three of these pools are either freshwater or saltwater, and only adults are allowed in the infinity area. Between this hub and the beach, there is plenty of space for everyone to spread out without overcrowding. There are also two hot tubs for cooler evenings, but they, like the pools, close later in the evening. Kids, for their part, will have access to their own pool at the kids' club. 

The hotel offers five restaurants: two buffets and three a la carte options (the latter being Mexican, Italian, and Seafood -- reservations are required). There's also adults-only sushi available in the Sky Bar. Guests staying for one to three nights can dine in a specialty restaurant once, and more often for longer stays (reservations are made in the morning and opening times vary depending on occupancy). The buffet restaurant by the beach serves breakfast and lunch, and the buffet restaurant by the lobby serves dinner, with nightly themes to stave off boredom. The all-day snack bar by the pool is consistent with burgers, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, fruit, salad, and chips and guacamole. 

Drinks are also included in the all-inclusive package with water, soda, juice, and coffee, including espresso. There are three bars -- the swim-up pool bar, the lobby bar, and the Sky Bar -- offering house wine, domestic beer, and basic liquors. Waiter service (for drinks) is offered at the the swimming pool areas and on the terrace facing the sea. After the pool bar closes, guests will stick to the Sky Bar, which has incredible 360-views of the golf course and sea, along with TV screens showing sporting matches. There is live music here on certain nights. The lobby bar with a pool table is a big space with lounge areas and opens early. (VIP guests have access to the Premium Lounge for better liquor options and self-serve cocktails and wine.)

The Barcy Club is free for kids aged four to 10 years old with a heated pool, toys, games, and daily activities. There's also a separate juniors club with books, games, and movies. 

A fitness center has been renovated with newer Life Cycle equipment, and has big windows that look over the gardens. There's also an indoor racquetball court. A hospitality room with a shower and changing area is available for those with early check-in and late check-out. Renovated meeting and conference facilities are in a separate building closer to the lobby. There's a renovated low-lit spa, quite modern actually, offering massage and body treatments. There is also a hair salon.