Cabo is just freakin' awesome... (1 Viewer)

[Sabertooth]

I'm with you here. Vacations are just worth it. We used to just do a semi-nice vacation once a year (or every other) but have recently decided this is something we enjoy doing, regardless of cost.

So far this summer we've done Michigan UP (this was a cheapie though because we stayed with the inlaws) and an adults only trip to Put-in-Bay. Also have a Fla trip planned for next week (family trip, Disney and Legoland), and we are talking about possibly Grand Cayman or the Fla Keys in Dec.

You were in the UP? Dang we could have met up and discussed something exciting like landlording.

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

Does anyone go to Cabo from the East coast? Just wondering how much nicer it would need to be to justify the longer trip compared to the nice resorts on the east side of the country.

Not sure why you would. You can replace "Cabo" in this title with about a million other places in the carrib / central America that are much closer/cheaper for east coasters and don't include machine guns.

Dude - you are so off base with the machine gun comments. It's amazing how many people have this perception. Safe as can be. Not kidding.

Cabo is very unique. On the southern tip of the Baja peninsula. It's basically a desert with water on both sides. You can play 2 nines of golf, one will be surrounded by cactus and the other 9 on the ocean. Typically not humid at all unless it's July-Sept. World class fishing. I've been to several places in the Caribbean but never Cancun. I agree it's what you are close to. Cabo is a little over 2 hours from LAX on a direct flight. I would choose it over Cancun every time just because of that. Also why I lean to Hawaii. I'm sure if I was on the East Coast I'd be a Caribbean guy.

Machine gun comment was about Yucatan side. They're everywhere from Cancun (which sucks) down to Tulum (which is awesome). Cabo is definitely on my bucket list though. Supposed to be one of best places on earth to catch a rooster fish from the surf.

Now I gotta get the wife on board.

Any suggestions as far as hotels stay? The wife is a bit of a princess when it comes to hotels so my initial search returned this place: Zoetry Case del Mar

Only thing to know here is there is a BIG difference between being in the "Corridor" and downtown Cabo (Medano Beach area). Many of the top all-inclusives are in the Corridor. I stayed at the Hilton Los Cabos my first trip. Only problem? It's a 20 minute drive if you have a rental car or an expensive taxi ride every time you want to go where the action is. The reviews for the Zoetry are good, but it's an AI, very quiet, not much going on at night. If that's what you want, go for it. My opinion? I wouldn't do an AI. So many great restaurants, bars, hole in the walls etc near Medano Beach that I would want a hotel (Casa Dorada, etc) where you can just walk to the action.

Stayed at the Wydam last year...nice enough...small pool but walked across the street anfd three blocks to Cabo Wabo....2 blocks to Salvatores....5 blocks to Happy Ending and Giggling Marlin....etc

Didnt want to google "Happy Ending" so I tried Giggling Marlin... not sure I could make it 5 blocks after a night there.

 

[Random]

I'm with you here. Vacations are just worth it. We used to just do a semi-nice vacation once a year (or every other) but have recently decided this is something we enjoy doing, regardless of cost.

So far this summer we've done Michigan UP (this was a cheapie though because we stayed with the inlaws) and an adults only trip to Put-in-Bay. Also have a Fla trip planned for next week (family trip, Disney and Legoland), and we are talking about possibly Grand Cayman or the Fla Keys in Dec.

You were in the UP? Dang we could have met up and discussed something exciting like landlording.

Stayed in Mackinac. Went to the island, didn't actually make it to the UP this year. However, last summer did a 2 day kayak trip at Pictured Rocks. Also went up to Tahquamenon Falls last summer during our family trip. Where are you located?

 

[Sabertooth]

Escanaba.

 

[flapgreen]

Sounds freaking awesome. Will have to check that out.

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

Wife ok'd a trip to Cabo. Need 5 hotel suggestions for a couple in their 40's.

 

[tonydead]

Wife ok'd a trip to Cabo. Need 5 hotel suggestions for a couple in their 40's.

, Bump and

We're going to Cabo this fall. We've been going to the carribbean side for many years and now living on the west coast the cheap and fast direct flight is just too tempting. Please keep the suggestions coming, so far:

Bars: Cabo Wabo, Rips, Happy Ending, Giggling Marlin

Restaurants: Salvatores

Hotels: Casa Dorada, Wyndam(probably not just on principal), Zoetry

Need to decide on hotel any help would be appreciated.

 

[tonydead]

Wife ok'd a trip to Cabo. Need 5 hotel suggestions for a couple in their 40's.

, Bump and

We're going to Cabo this fall. We've been going to the carribbean side for many years and now living on the west coast the cheap and fast direct flight is just too tempting. Please keep the suggestions coming, so far:

Bars: Cabo Wabo, Rips, Happy Ending, Giggling Marlin

Restaurants: Salvatores

Hotels: Casa Dorada, Wyndam(probably not just on principal), Zoetry

Need to decide on hotel any help would be appreciated.

Here is what google maps has for hotels both near downtown and near beach:

Casa Dorada

Casa Dorado

Capella pedregal

Playa grande

Pueblo Bonito Rose

Club Cascadas

Caperella pedregal

Villa del arco

Villa del palmar

Any stand out?

 

[Judge Smails]

I personally would not stay at the Pueblo Bonito Rose or Blanco. Nothing wrong with them, just not exceptional. I can't speak to Villa del arco or del Palmar. Casa Dorada is in a great location. You literally stumble from your pool down to the action at Medano Beach, and can walk in to town for dinner. Newer than the Pueblo Bonitos. We love Playa Granda from a timeshare perspective. Great location too just on the other side of the marina (can walk to the marina in 4 minutes) Pedregal is ranked #1. Never been there. Pricey. Sure it's good. Only major decision you have to make is location. Don't stay in San Jose or the Corridor if you want to dine/party in Cabo.

Restaurants:

1) Hacienda Cocina Y Cantina - DO NOT MISS THIS PLACE. Book dinner at sunset. Incredible views, food and value

2) Maria Jiminez - our absolute favorite local authentic Mexican place.

3) Las Mariscadas - terrific seafood (grilled whole snapper, etc). 2 X 1 on Los Cabos Passport Card

4) Salvatores - Italian. Lasagna and pork shank. Not just great Italian for Mexico, great Italian period.

5) Gardenias - best lunch spot for fish and shrimp tacos and a cold beer

6) Burrito Surf - terrific burrito place. Bethany is a Cali girl from San Diego St. Another 2 X 1 on the Passport Card. Great stuff.

7) Gordo Lele's - dive taco place. Javier make great, cheap tacos and tortas, then will put on a wig and start playing Beatles tunes. Seriously.

8) Monkey Business - Miguel makes the best Margaritas in Cabo. All from scratch. Fresh squeezed.

9) Happy Endings - go see Gene, "El Jefe". 2 beers and 2 tequila shots for $5.

10) Sammy G's - Sports bar with terrific burgers/salads. Next to Salvatore's, same owners

11) Maro's Shrimp House - 2 lobster tails and 5 jumbo shrimp for $19. Party place. Drink a Bullfrog. I had 2 and was hammered. The record is NINETEEN.

12) Tiki Sushi Bar - very good sushi and a GREAT fish and chips for $5. Perfect for lunch on the marina. On Diner's Drive Ins and Dives

13) Solomon's Landing - another marina restaurant on Diner's, Drive Ins and Dives

14) Cabo Wabo - fun live band, DJ. Expensive drinks. Better to have a buzz when walking in and just add to it.

15) Billygans - when you want the action on Medano Beach, walk up to the valet out front of Billygans. "Charo". Cool dude. Even if you don't have a car to park, give him a $5 and ask if he can set you up with some lounge chairs on the sand. Only go front row if you don't mind being hounded by the vendors. Otherwise get the 2nd or 3rd row. These guys are on top of it. They will have buckets of beers next to you in minutes, and will open one and hand you a cerveza and lime before you sit down. Great service all day long.

16) Cabo Klin. Pack LIGHT. There is a lavenderia 4 blocks from Billygans/Medano called Cabo Klin. Bring in your laundry. Come back 5 hours later with it washed, fluffed and folded. We took four pillow cases in and paid $20. Ridiculous.

17) Senor Sweets. Got to have our gelato fix. Other side of the marina.

18) Golf - Cabo del Sol Ocean course if awesome, but very pricey. Got to do it once if you're a golfer though. Diamante was one of my best golf experiences ever. Like golfing in Vegas, golfing in Cabo isn't cheap.

19) FISH

The forum on Trip Advisor is great. You'll find many more hotels/restaurants/bars advice on there. I only gave recommendations to those I've been to. Missiones de Kino looked great when I passed it. It'll be on my list next time. PM me if any questions.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

This Thead may convince me to do cabo for the first time for my 10th anniversary. Thx smails!!!

 

[Hot Diggity Dog]

Saw a ton of federalies with machine guns and had a knife pulled on me by some local tough last time I was in Cabo. But still an awesome place. it is very true the food is awesome.

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

Saw a ton of federalies with machine guns and had a knife pulled on me by some local tough last time I was in Cabo. But still an awesome place. it is very true the food is awesome.

And I'm out!

 

[Hot Diggity Dog]

Saw a ton of federalies with machine guns and had a knife pulled on me by some local tough last time I was in Cabo. But still an awesome place. it is very true the food is awesome.

And I'm out!

Slip them a hundy no problemo gringo.

 

[dal_boys_phan]

 

[tonydead]

I personally would not stay at the Pueblo Bonito Rose or Blanco. Nothing wrong with them, just not exceptional. I can't speak to Villa del arco or del Palmar. Casa Dorada is in a great location. You literally stumble from your pool down to the action at Medano Beach, and can walk in to town for dinner. Newer than the Pueblo Bonitos. We love Playa Granda from a timeshare perspective. Great location too just on the other side of the marina (can walk to the marina in 4 minutes) Pedregal is ranked #1. Never been there. Pricey. Sure it's good. Only major decision you have to make is location. Don't stay in San Jose or the Corridor if you want to dine/party in Cabo.

Restaurants:

1) Hacienda Cocina Y Cantina - DO NOT MISS THIS PLACE. Book dinner at sunset. Incredible views, food and value

2) Maria Jiminez - our absolute favorite local authentic Mexican place.

3) Las Mariscadas - terrific seafood (grilled whole snapper, etc). 2 X 1 on Los Cabos Passport Card

4) Salvatores - Italian. Lasagna and pork shank. Not just great Italian for Mexico, great Italian period.

5) Gardenias - best lunch spot for fish and shrimp tacos and a cold beer

6) Burrito Surf - terrific burrito place. Bethany is a Cali girl from San Diego St. Another 2 X 1 on the Passport Card. Great stuff.

7) Gordo Lele's - dive taco place. Javier make great, cheap tacos and tortas, then will put on a wig and start playing Beatles tunes. Seriously.

8) Monkey Business - Miguel makes the best Margaritas in Cabo. All from scratch. Fresh squeezed.

9) Happy Endings - go see Gene, "El Jefe". 2 beers and 2 tequila shots for $5.

10) Sammy G's - Sports bar with terrific burgers/salads. Next to Salvatore's, same owners

11) Maro's Shrimp House - 2 lobster tails and 5 jumbo shrimp for $19. Party place. Drink a Bullfrog. I had 2 and was hammered. The record is NINETEEN.

12) Tiki Sushi Bar - very good sushi and a GREAT fish and chips for $5. Perfect for lunch on the marina. On Diner's Drive Ins and Dives

13) Solomon's Landing - another marina restaurant on Diner's, Drive Ins and Dives

14) Cabo Wabo - fun live band, DJ. Expensive drinks. Better to have a buzz when walking in and just add to it.

15) Billygans - when you want the action on Medano Beach, walk up to the valet out front of Billygans. "Charo". Cool dude. Even if you don't have a car to park, give him a $5 and ask if he can set you up with some lounge chairs on the sand. Only go front row if you don't mind being hounded by the vendors. Otherwise get the 2nd or 3rd row. These guys are on top of it. They will have buckets of beers next to you in minutes, and will open one and hand you a cerveza and lime before you sit down. Great service all day long.

16) Cabo Klin. Pack LIGHT. There is a lavenderia 4 blocks from Billygans/Medano called Cabo Klin. Bring in your laundry. Come back 5 hours later with it washed, fluffed and folded. We took four pillow cases in and paid $20. Ridiculous.

17) Senor Sweets. Got to have our gelato fix. Other side of the marina.

18) Golf - Cabo del Sol Ocean course if awesome, but very pricey. Got to do it once if you're a golfer though. Diamante was one of my best golf experiences ever. Like golfing in Vegas, golfing in Cabo isn't cheap.

19) FISH

The forum on Trip Advisor is great. You'll find many more hotels/restaurants/bars advice on there. I only gave recommendations to those I've been to. Missiones de Kino looked great when I passed it. It'll be on my list next time. PM me if any questions.

Thanks, we'll stop looking at the Pueblo Bonito properties. Do you think Casa Dorada is worth twice the price of Playa Grande? Playa Grande seems like it would suit our needs, looks like you'd have a nice spot on the beach if you walked out and to the right of that property. The other question I had is about kids. I noticed there aren't very many Adult only properties and I'm not really keen on pushing past a bunch of 5 year olds with water wings to get to the pool bar. It's been a long time since we've been anywhere that wasn't a private villa or adult only hotel. Also, the old lady wears skimpy bikini tops and thongs (see avatar). Acceptable? How do these to properties stack up? Thanks again.

 

[Judge Smails]

I love Playa Grande. Only stayed in the 2 bedroom condos though. Best location for walking to restaurants in town, the marina, etc. The beach is great - though not swimmable. Have to water taxi it over to Medano Beach (where Casa Dorada is) to swim. Takes a few minutes. Just make sure any property you want has an adult only pool. Playa Grande has a cool sky pool on the upper tier with a swim up bar, but you can walk down steps to a separate pool with a water slide for kids. You'd just stay up top, or go to the main pool. More adults at Casa Dorada, cool swim up bar there.

 

[kutta]

We stayed at the Finis Terra 22 years ago. Not sure if it's still there or still awesome, but it was awesome then. The good Judge can probably answer.

 

[tonydead]

All set. 5 nights at Playa Grande, upgraded to deluxe suite with kitchen, round trip airfare and transfer from/to airport to hotel all in for $1,870. Surprisingly while shopping around found Orbitz had a package lower than anyone else. Used promo code 150VACA for $150 off.

 

[towney]

Good for a family vacation spot? We've pretty much been to every Caribbean Island and the Yucatan so looking for something different.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Smalls - no love for Mi Casa, the Office, or Felix's?

 

[flapgreen]

Saw a ton of federalies with machine guns and had a knife pulled on me by some local tough last time I was in Cabo. But still an awesome place. it is very true the food is awesome.

And I'm out!

Yeah nm

 

[tonydead]

Saw a ton of federalies with machine guns and had a knife pulled on me by some local tough last time I was in Cabo. But still an awesome place. it is very true the food is awesome.

And I'm out!

Yeah nm

There is crime in just about every city, probably even where you live.

 

[SWC]

is it more or less awesome than that dude that gives rotatos to his friend every year because that guy is really awesome take that to the bank brotato fans

 

[Chaos Commish]

Just got back from 2 weeks in Cabo. Great resorts, pools/beaches every day, great views, much bueno tequila and sensational food. World class fishing, terrific golf and everything you'd want to scratch your particular itch. Have some cervezas, bet a few horse races at the casino, then take your winnings for a massage across the street.

Still recovering. That Double Double after landing at LAX helped.

I haven't read this thread yet, but I also just got back from two weeks down there. We flew into La Paz and spent five nights at a resort 30 minutes outside of town. Just freakin' awesome. From there we spent three nights in Todos Santos. Last five were in Cabo. Best vacation I can remember. Just need a Double Double to aid my recovery. Or a two day nap.

 

[Judge Smails]

Smalls - no love for Mi Casa, the Office, or Felix's?

Not really. A lot of the older restaurants have been passed. Mi Casa is OK - Maria Jiminez is way better IMO. I used to think Pancho's was good - it's just average. The Office is not in the top 20 anymore either. Can't say I've ever been to Felix's...

 

[tommyGunZ]

Smalls - no love for Mi Casa, the Office, or Felix's?

Not really. A lot of the older restaurants have been passed. Mi Casa is OK - Maria Jiminez is way better IMO. I used to think Pancho's was good - it's just average. The Office is not in the top 20 anymore either. Can't say I've ever been to Felix's...

It's been 8 years since I've been to Cabo, so I'm ay out of the loop.

 

[El Floppo]

Just got back from 2 weeks in Cabo. Great resorts, pools/beaches every day, great views, much bueno tequila and sensational food. World class fishing, terrific golf and everything you'd want to scratch your particular itch. Have some cervezas, bet a few horse races at the casino, then take your winnings for a massage across the street.

Still recovering. That Double Double after landing at LAX helped.

I haven't read this thread yet, but I also just got back from two weeks down there. We flew into La Paz and spent five nights at a resort 30 minutes outside of town. Just freakin' awesome. From there we spent three nights in Todos Santos. Last five were in Cabo. Best vacation I can remember. Just need a Double Double to aid my recovery. Or a two day nap.

Went to Todo Santos once- and remember thinking I had to get back there to spend more time. Beautiful, laid back beach.

 

[culdeus]

Where can you go in cabo on a 500/day budget all told for 2 people?

 

[Wooderson]

Last time we were on Cabo we did an all inclusive adults only resort.

I'm by no means anti kid but man was it relaxing not having any around.

 

[Judge Smails]

Where can you go in cabo on a 500/day budget all told for 2 people?

Check this out...http://www.travelzoo.com/vacations/mexico/-599-Cabo-4-Night-All-Inclusive-Vacation-from-LA-1820786/?utm_source=top20_us&utm_medium=email&utm_content=1820786&utm_campaign=us_top20_2014_32_deal%3a1820786

 

[culdeus]

Where can you go in cabo on a 500/day budget all told for 2 people?

Check this out...http://www.travelzoo.com/vacations/mexico/-599-Cabo-4-Night-All-Inclusive-Vacation-from-LA-1820786/?utm_source=top20_us&utm_medium=email&utm_content=1820786&utm_campaign=us_top20_2014_32_deal%3a1820786

Well, I should have said in the summertime. Not low season.

 

[bigbottom]

This could be fun.

 

[Gawain]

It will be very interesting to see Cabo in the morning. They don't see too many storms like this one.

 

[Johnny Rock]

Saw some pics of the damage. Rough going.

 

[bigbottom]

Really nervous. Our place there (wife's place to be accurate) is on the market. No idea whether there has been any damage. No power so haven't been able to get in touch with our agent. Value may have just taken a big hit. Damn.

 

[Judge Smails]

My Mom lives in San Ignacio (here with me in CA now) and showed me a bunch of pictures tonight. Airport is ripped apart. Roads destroyed. Resorts are a mess. I know one resort has their infinity pool now floating in the Pacific. Man.....

 

[tonydead]

Best place to watch Sunday Night Football? Leaving tomorrow for a long weekend.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Really nervous. Our place there (wife's place to be accurate) is on the market. No idea whether there has been any damage. No power so haven't been able to get in touch with our agent. Value may have just taken a big hit. Damn.

update? Was your place ok?

 

[MarcO]

Where can you go in cabo on a 500/day budget all told for 2 people?

The Bahia is a great place to stay without breaking the bank. The hotel is not right on the beach but it's a block off and walkable to everything.

having said that, personally I think Cabo sucks anymore. It was enjoyable at one time, before the Costco, the Walmart, the Ruth's Chris, the Harley store, the Planet Hollywood, etc...

it's basically turning into a place for middle age adults to escape their lives for 7 days and try to act like they are 20 again. Most of the people that used to enjoy Cabo for it's fishing, surfing, relaxation, etc, are now seeking other places up the cape on either side. it's unfortunate that most vacationers act like ##### bags while on vacation - American ##### bags attract Mexican ##### bags.

 

[Bucky86]

Where can you go in cabo on a 500/day budget all told for 2 people?

The Bahia is a great place to stay without breaking the bank. The hotel is not right on the beach but it's a block off and walkable to everything.

having said that, personally I think Cabo sucks anymore. It was enjoyable at one time, before the Costco, the Walmart, the Ruth's Chris, the Harley store, the Planet Hollywood, etc...

it's basically turning into a place for middle age adults to escape their lives for 7 days and try to act like they are 20 again. Most of the people that used to enjoy Cabo for it's fishing, surfing, relaxation, etc, are now seeking other places up the cape on either side. it's unfortunate that most vacationers act like ##### bags while on vacation - American ##### bags attract Mexican ##### bags.

I prefer San Jose over Cabo

 

[bigbottom]

Really nervous. Our place there (wife's place to be accurate) is on the market. No idea whether there has been any damage. No power so haven't been able to get in touch with our agent. Value may have just taken a big hit. Damn.

update? Was your place ok?

Thanks for asking. About a half inch of water throughout the first floor, but it's all tile and we had already cleared out all the furniture. Some tile damage on the roof, but that's cosmetic. Lost a couple palms. Some damage to a canopy and other miscellaneous stuff. Around $4k or so for clean up and repairs. We consider ourselves VERY lucky. Problem is that all the devastation hurts the real estate market, so it will likely take longer for the place to sell.

 

[Archer]

Let me take you down.....

I will show you all around....

 

[Judge Smails]

Best place to watch Sunday Night Football? Leaving tomorrow for a long weekend.

I'd go to Sammy G's for the TV and food. Not sure what type of crowds they are attracting these days. Was jammed during World Cup

 

[tonydead]

Best place to watch Sunday Night Football? Leaving tomorrow for a long weekend.

I'd go to Sammy G's for the TV and food. Not sure what type of crowds they are attracting these days. Was jammed during World Cup

Thanks, back now. Maria Jimenez was the best recommendation super super good. I didn't like Hacienda so much and found it more expensive.

We didn't find crime an issue at all. Cab driver said all the police is changed with the new president. They were every where and not carrying weapons. We felt as safe as any other place we've traveled.

Great and inexpensive get away for a few days if you live on the west coast. We recommend.

 

[Judge Smails]

Best place to watch Sunday Night Football? Leaving tomorrow for a long weekend.

I'd go to Sammy G's for the TV and food. Not sure what type of crowds they are attracting these days. Was jammed during World Cup

Thanks, back now. Maria Jimenez was the best recommendation super super good. I didn't like Hacienda so much and found it more expensive.

We didn't find crime an issue at all. Cab driver said all the police is changed with the new president. They were every where and not carrying weapons. We felt as safe as any other place we've traveled.

Great and inexpensive get away for a few days if you live on the west coast. We recommend.

Glad you liked Maria Jimenez. Great place. You are the first person I heard with a meh experience at Hacienda. I thought for the quality the value was insanely good. Maybe you caught an off night. Bummer.

 

[Quez]

I was supposed to go there in October until it got wrecked by the hurricane. Ended up going to Playa, which was a shorter & cheaper plane ride, so I was cool with it.

 

[gianmarco]

How would this be for a trip with the wife and 11 yo son?  Fun stuff to do for family with someone that age?  Or more adult oriented?  Would be looking at going in July.  Still safe?

 

[Judge Smails]

Haven't been in 2 years now but personally I wouldn't worry about safety if you use common sense.  Fun stuff to do would be typical beach/pool stuff.  We've done zip lining and other stuff, but in that heat you'll want to be near water.  Then good restaurants at night.  Obviously you'll have less nightlife options with your 11 year old if that's your thing.