The Westin Resort & Spa Los Cabos

Just returned from a 5 night stay at this property. We were burning points for the stay. Of course we know that its low season, but this was our only option because our original vacation got canceled a day before departure due to a death in the family. So this was the only reasonable place to go we hadn't visited before.

We arrived on Monday (Labor day) and were welcomed by a friendly valet bunch who offered us a welcome Margarita on the house. Valet Parking is also complimentary.

I already knew from the spg website that we had been upgraded to a Royal Beach Club Room, but I decided to push for a suite at check in. According to Manuel a suite was not available and wouldn't be due to a wedding.

The Bell man took our stuff to a room on the 17th floor right on the middle of the hotel, so the best view.

We immediately took a trip to the pool and after 4+ hours in a food less AA NotsoSuper 80, we decided to dine at the restaurant by the large pool. There are two main pools, both are gorgeous Infinity pools. There's a main pool and an adult pool with "Margarita Bar", a swim up bar. We just made happy hour at that bar before heading to lunch. Happy hour is every day from 1-2PM and 5-6PM. Half off all drinks, including premium liquor. Beers by the pool are around 50-60 pesos, so around 4-5 bucks.

Lunch was excellent, but pretty pricey. Most mains can be shared, but make sure to ask the waiter which ones. Mains are from 15-25 bucks, most from around 20 bucks.

As a Starwood Preferred Guest Platinum or Royal Beach Club guest, you have lounge access, but the lounge is being renovated so you get the full breakfast buffet and it was outstanding, one of the best I have had at a resort. Both Bloody Mary and Mimosa are available for free in addition to whatever you might want. Just ask, they will make it to you. If you take your coffee seriously, they also will serve you an Espresso etc made to order at the bar. Not the best in the world, but a lot better than the coffee they serve.

At 5PM SPG Platinums and Royal Beach Club guests are welcomed to the bar next to the breakfast restaurant for free well drinks, all beers and wines are free. The buffet is great. There's plenty of hot foods. Everything from Pizza to Quesadillas various meats and cheeses in addition to chips, salsa and plenty of guac. Free stuff for 3 hours.

Had room service one night and it was good, lightning fast and reasonably priced.

They also have another couple of restaurants, but they were closed most days because it was low season Arrecifes is their gourmet place, they also have an Asian Corner at this place with Sushi, Sashimi etc. Didn't get to try as it was only open Thursday through Sunday.

La Cascada (the breakfast restaurant) was the only restaurant open every night and the food there has the same starters as they had on the buffet in the bar. But they do have barbeque (Tuesday) and Italian buffet (Thursday). at 500 Pesos a person is a little pricey for what I saw, but I would do the barbecue, some great looking steaks on the grill.

We headed back to the room and I couldn't shake the thought that I had been BS'ed at check in because the hotel was deserted. 15 persons tops by the pool, one of the wings were closed of entirely.

So I went to spg.com and what do you know: Plenty of suites available. So I went to have a little chat with Manuel again. I approached him nicely and magically a suite materialized, but not till the next day because the maid had already gone home. Got another free Margarita while he apologized for BSing me.

To retrieve your car, a call from the room before you head to the reception and they will have your car ready for you when you get there.

The next day, Manuel had our suite ready and it was very nice. Room 1419. There are 12 of these Baja Suites and judging by the lights, only 3 were occupied the time we were there...Hot tub and day bed + chairs on the balcony. Huge bath room with separate toilet/shower area. huge closets as well. Water was provided daily and it's also free bottled water at breakfast. (you ask for it and they bring it)

The gym was big, but it was a little hot working out there (yeah, I started working out)

Had a spa treatment as well, they had a special, 89 bucks for most 50 minutes massage. It was like a normal massage in Mexico if you know what I mean..

More people arrived on Thursday and Friday, but as everyone knows, it's the low season now and it was also extremely hot 100+ with plenty of humidity made it impossible to stay in the sun long. It was also pretty boring and you totally need a car to get somewhere.

Taxi to San Jose is 15 bucks each way ( a little more than 10 kilometers away). To San Lucas (about 30 kilometers away) it's a cool 27 bucks each way. But it's totally safe to drive at night, roads are brand new and even if there are no street lights, just take it easy and you'll be fine. San Lucas is pretty far away and there's a lot of construction in town so hard to navigate through. I had so many people in my face when we visited San Lucas I hated it. San Jose has a much better atmosphere and appeared to have the best restaurants . We ate at Tequila, great place and easy to find. It's also a lot closer than San Lucas. San Lucas looked like quite the party town, so if that's your thing, that's the ticket.

We also visited Las Ventanashttp://www.lasventanas.com/en/index.cfm. Home of the moviestars etc. They have an awesome ceviche and sushi restaurant. Quite pricey, but extremely fresh and worth the 100 USD per person we paid. It's located next to the Hilton (one hotel north of the Westin)

We took a day trio to Todos Santos and visited Hotel California. If The Eagles were actually really there is not known, but it was a good day trip through the Mexican desert and we had a good lunch at the legendary hotel. Took about an hour and a half each way

We also visited the Sheraton to check it out and it looks great.

In conclusion: If you have Platinum or pay for the Royal Beach Club, you'll have a great time. The rooms are fresh and the service is excellent. I will definitely recommend this place, but the next time, we will go when its a little more busy and a lot cooler.

Pix