Originally Posted by
robochick84
tl;dr: as the title states, the “third time’s the charm” on receiving our first upgrade at this property (Diamond). The overall vibe, the people, and the Agave Study are still the star of the show and what will drive our continued return. If Hilton dabbles in Senior Care facilities, we’ve got dibs on a specific room at this property. 😊
Booking & Room
We just returned from our third stay at the WA Cabo (five nights booked on points). Booked in mid-late November prior to the devaluation. Our first two stays (February 2023 and March 2024) were both 6-night stays, and we very much missed having that additional night this year. It took three years/visits but we finally received an upgrade above and beyond the base room layout to the Dos Mares Junior Suite. The Dos Mares Suite is almost 3x the size of our old apartment in SF, so we really are uncomplicated guests.
Our specific Dos Mares Suite was the perfect fit for us. 23 private steps led to the patio/doorway, and 72 steps in total from the lobby. If you ever wondered what nerds do on vacation - they count steps. Our building was not accessible in any way, so I realize this room would be a nightmare for some. We tipped housekeeping well as the lack of elevator made their tasks more complicated than usual.
The Dos Mares Suite bedrooms are cookie cutter to the base King rooms. It may have a smidge more floor space, but minimal. The best bonus feature for us – above and beyond the extra work out on the steps – was the private patio with a table. We never have the ability to fully disconnect and the lack of a desk/table in the base rooms has been a hurdle during past visits. An outlet was conveniently in reach of the table too.
We also enjoyed having loungers by the plunge pool in the Dos Mares Suite. I regret not asking for a third lounger (the lightweight beach loungers that are moved around daily) on our first day. With a third lounger for the kid, I do not think we would have gone to the pool(s) at all this year.
One of the more frequent complaints about this property is in regards to the open concept shower found in the standard rooms. The Dos Mares Suite has an enclosed shower, with an adequate threshold for water control, and a (glass) door. Otherwise, no additional advantages in the functionality of the room. The same lofty number of switches and knobs to chase each evening to turn all the lights off.
Amenities
Everything has remained relatively unchanged the past three years. The Clase Azul was in the room as usual, along with the cashews. The cashews were restocked daily this year (minus one day, which was cranberries). The restocking has not been consistent other years. The beach bag is still in the room, but the bathroom amenity kit has not been seen since our stay in 2023.
Welcome drinks, daily chips + guac, mini fridge drinks, turndown treats, etc. were all unchanged. The departure cookies and water were back this year. It is silly, but the turtle cookies are adorable and we missed receiving them last year. The poolside snacks were still present in the afternoons. Our kid is obsessed with the little ice pops.
Housekeeping, once again, immediately observed how much water we consume and began leaving extra water bottles for us. Coffee pods were well stocked throughout our stay too.
The Negatives
My prior two long form reviews have been heavily positive, but I do not want to overlook negatives either.
Food Fail
The first 24-hours on property this year were a major miss for food. One aspect that has drawn us back for repeat visits is the over-the-top acknowledgement and respect for food allergies. As a geriatric Millennial, I did not grow up with any type of food allergy accommodations. I adapted and learned to never depend on anyone other than myself. I find it exceptional that the WA Cabo even asks guests.
It was late in the evening after arriving to the property and unpacking. I sent my husband down to the Agave Study to get situated and order some food while the kid wrapped-up a class he was in. After waiting 20-minutes, my husband gave up. Nobody returned to take his drink order and the person acted like food could not be ordered there. We ordered room service. Same kitchen, so we had the same expectations. Unfortunately, food allergies were overlooked. The food also, oddly, did not taste or present the same as what we were used to out of Don Manuel’s.
A very similar theme to the next morning at breakfast. Food allergies can make food boring, but the property has always tried to be creative and swap in something different to make it more appealing. The Mexican breakfast offering that morning was the worst we had ever experienced (included sliced deli meat) at this property. If someone has only been on property for 1-2 days and had a similar awful breakfast experience, I understand why they would not want to pay for the breakfast upgrade.
Thankfully, after that initial 24-hours, the food situation was restored to what we have always loved. In fact, one morning, the Mexican breakfast was the best we have ever had on property – an oversized pepper carefully stuffed with eggs, cheese, and meat. We also did two “dinners” at the Agave Study after we knew our favorite bartender was back on-site. Nachos and the taco bar menu have become our go-to for the Agave Study dinners.
The Pool Chair Game
A few recent posts have noted the hoarding of pool chairs and it persisted throughout our stay. We have always found properties with the early morning rush to pool chairs to not be our vibe and appreciated that this did not occur at the WA Cabo. On past visits, chairs were only held for a small amount of time (for example, you needed to run to your room and grab an item). During this stay, chairs were claimed early in the morning and held for hours with nobody using them.
Airport Transfer
We used a new, smaller company (“Need a ride?”) this year. Excellent experience. I will drop the contact details below. We have used both the WA for the airport arrival and another commonly mentioned business (awful experience). The WA transfer was ok, but nothing astounding. I call the ride pickup area “The Baby Shark Tank” and find it as intimidating as the big Shark Tank inside the airport. “Need a ride?” is so new that they are at the very end of the ride pickup area (Umbrella 10). That turned out to be a bonus as you walk straight past the sea of sign holders. They are also small enough that the driver is waiting for you and not a “ride organizer” like the other companies. On time, zero hassle, and courteous.
Juan Pablo – “Need a ride?”
Cellphone +526241299608
Mail
[email protected]
WhatsApp
https://wa.me/message/FPLCLR4T4F3BF1
Off-site food
“1 & Only Taco” remains to be a global favorite, must-eat location for us. If you want a super casual, show up in shorts and flip flops experience - where someone is essentially cooking in their home kitchen – go here. This is a late afternoon or early evening spot. We always try to be over there by 5pm. They cook until they sell out. We have befriended the owner/cook (more on this later) and asked for a Churros recommendation this year. He immediately told us to check out “Churros Rellenos” Address: C. José Ma. Morelos y Pavón 1728, Downtown, Juárez, 23469 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico and it was a big hit. Off the main tourist strip (Marina) and closer to local pricing. FYI, Cabo churros are not the same style as the churros you may have crossed paths with in Spain. You may love the Cabo style, or you may despise them.
Payment
Played the card switch game at check-out. Zero issues. Stacked a Hilton Mexico properties promo on AmEx Platinum with the $50 Q1 Surpass credit. We also asked to be charged in Pesos and saved $22 USD.
Why We Will Return
My prior reviews have noted that I am immunocompromised. We still live in a world that looks very different. 40+ countries and countless Hilton experiences, nothing quite compares to the open-air design of WA Cabo. It is the only non-wilderness place that we have identified that allows us to blend in and exist like it is 2019. This makes the hard product a big win for us.
The soft product is also unlike anything we have experienced elsewhere. If you are familiar with Asian hospitality, then you are mesmerized by their ability to remember your name across shifts and days throughout your stay. People in Cabo, on and off property, not only remember you across days – but across years. It is truly mind blowing to us. From employees at the WA Cabo, the taco shop restaurant owner/cook, and even local fishermen and shop keepers along the Marina (we run there daily) – people just remember us year after year. A handful of favorite WA Cabo employees not only remember us as familiar faces, but unique details of our lives, our training, etc. in the same way you would catch-up with a colleague you only see a few times a year.
We are off to the new-ish Conrad in Tulum in April, but we already feel regret for not booking the WA Cabo. We will be keeping an open mind, but we expect the amenities and hospitality of the WA Cabo to remain unmatched.
wow thanks for such an awesome review!! Did you already see the upgrade in your app before arrival?