Cabo Vista Hotel

The surrounding neighborhood is an unassuming residential suburb of downtown Cabo San Lucas. However, Cabo Vista Hotel stands out with its vine-covered stone exterior, Mediterranean-inspired trellises, and wrought iron accents. The look is charming and intimate -- far more than so many of the terribly dated and barebones budget hotels we've seen in Cabo. While the Cabo Vista's vibe is quaint, there's no space to socialize, and it's best used as a nice place to recharge after a day checking out the bars, restaurants, and sights of Cabo San Lucas. This relaxed property caters to a foreign clientele seeking clean, unpretentious -lodging with few frills and many guests are long-term stays. 

The hotel is in a residential neighborhood without much to see or do in the immediate area. However, it's just an eight-minute walk to the heart of Cabo San Lucas. As such, dozens of the city’s most popular restaurants, bars, shops, and the marina are all reasonably close at hand. Squid Roe -- one of the city's most notorious night spots -- is a 12-minute walk away. However, it's a bit of a hike to reach the city's popular Medano Beach. Expect a 10-minute cab ride there. Travelers looking to surf should head to Costa Azul, a 25-minute drive up the Sea of Cortez. Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) is 40 minutes away by car, about five minutes past charming San Jose del Cabo. 

For a modest, budget motel, the rooms here are a really welcome sight. Decor is bright, modern, and well-thought-out, with a rustic charm. Materials are a tasteful blend of rough wood, creamy stone, tile, and white stucco that blend contemporary style with colorful local details. The two room categories are virtually identical, except for the size and bed configuration. Suites are cozy, though not cramped, with a tiny private balcony and a kitchenette (with a microwave, sink, electric cooktop, and mini-fridge) plus a breakfast bar. Upgraded Two Bedroom Suites feature all of the above, plus additional square footage to allow for a separate bedroom. The list of modern amenities is excellent. Fast, free Wi-Fi is provided (via a dedicated wireless router in each room) throughout the property, as are large, flat-screen TVs with access to Netflix and more than 300 digital channels. The beds are well-reviewed as comfortable, however, the property is subject to a decent amount of road noise day and night from the adjacent street. Bathrooms are equally well designed, with stone tiling, quartz mirror surrounds, and high ceilings. Walk-in shower stalls and generic bath soaps are standard.

There are almost no features at this hotel. A basic continental breakfast (including fresh fruit, pastries, juice, and coffee) is provided for free each day in the tiny reception office. The hotel lends free beach amenities as well, including towels and umbrellas. Free parking is available via a handful of individually gated spaces just off the street. Wi-Fi is likewise fast and free throughout the property.