El Encanto Inn & Suites Boutique Hotel

Surrounded by the stunning colonial architecture in the Historic District of San Jose del Cabo, the hacienda-style El Encanto Inn and Suites Boutique Hotel fits in well with the Old World Mexican charm. The 27 rooms of the quiet hotel are housed in two buildings, the main building and the inn building, a four-minute walk apart. Both buildings are decorated in traditional hacienda-style with open-air spaces and archways, natural materials, and bright vibrant colors. The inn building is the simpler of the two options, with only a small garden and terrace, and is best for those looking to explore San Jose del Cabo. The main building is ideal for families and couples looking for a quiet place to relax with a lush tropical garden, a small pool terrace, and a small chapel. While there are plenty of open hallways and lovely archways, both buildings are closed and locked at night with wrought iron gates for security.

Situated in the historic center of San Jose del Cabo, El Encanto Inn and Suites is within easy walking distance of the famed Art District, featuring 14 art galleries, live music, and popular restaurants. The boutique hotel is a three-minute walk to both the Plaza Mijares (main square) and Iglesias San Jose. The white sand of Costa Azul is a 25-minute walk or 10-minute drive from the hotel. For those looking to explore San Jose del Cabo, a car isn’t necessary as everything is within walking distance and cabs are easily accessible. For those looking to explore the rest of the Baja Peninsula, renting a car makes more sense.

The lively and well-known nightlife of Cabo San Lucas is a 35-minute drive along The Corridor to popular beach clubs like Mango Deck or The Office on the Beach. A high concentration of restaurants, golf courses, and outdoor activities are located along The Corridor as well. The shops and restaurants of the Marina are a 40-minute drive. The larger Los Cabos International Airport is a 25-minute drive from the hotel, and the smaller Cabo San Lucas International Airport is a 45-minute drive.

The hotel has 27 rooms housed in two buildings, known as the main building and the inn building, a four-minute walk apart. Standard Rooms and Junior Suites are housed in the inn building, while Pool Suites, Deluxe Suites, and the Two-Bedroom Suite are located in the main building. The major difference between the two buildings (besides price) is proximity to the pool and better views. Rooms in the inn building have no views except for the street or the small garden area, while rooms in the main building overlook the pool and tropical gardens -- but cost more. Note that rooms located in the inn building tend to have street noise.

Standard Rooms are the simple rooms, with limited floor space and the muted decor. Suites are larger, many come with extra sitting room, kitchenettes, or another bedroom. Expect to see wrought iron furniture mixed with carved wooden tables and armoires and vibrant art pieces offset by white walls. All rooms come with standard amenities of TVs (some are still tube-style), air-conditioning, and coffeemakers. Two bottles of water and coffee are provided as well. 

Bathrooms range across the categories from simple, with minimal space to more spacious rooms with whirlpool bathtubs. All bathrooms come with hairdryers, toiletries, and towels. 

Like many boutique hotels, El Encanto Inn and Suites is small with only a few features, but the lovely pool terrace, beautiful tropical garden, and relaxing courtyard and chapel make for a nice list of features. The hotel is spread out into two buildings, but most of the amenities are located in the main building. The inn building only has rooms, a small garden area, a cozy fire pit, and small terrace. A small pool terrace is placed at the center of the main building, ensuring quiet from the surrounding streets. There aren’t many lounge chairs or umbrellas, but don’t expect the pool to often be overrun. A lush tropical garden surrounds the pool and has a few stone walkways to the rooms, lobby, and street. 

There are a few common areas throughout the hotel’s two buildings, including wrought iron tables and chairs overlooking the pool. Common areas are bedecked in traditional Mexican decor of heavy wooden furniture, Virgin Mary scenes, and concrete Mexican-style statues. A spacious courtyard is situated adjacent to the pool terrace and features a small chapel where weddings and events are held. A tiny spa is located above the lobby, but there are only a few rooms and no full-time staff. Guests schedule services through the front desk. 

A small parking lot available for free, and there is also street parking as well. There isn't a restaurant, which is something some guests might miss, but the hotel is within walking distance of plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafes. The hotel is pet-friendly with a fee. Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, but is a bit spotty in some of the rooms.