Cabo San Lucas and The Resort at Pedregal via Alaska (VX) First
#16
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Thanks nequine.
I took my first trip down there with Alaska First mainline (737) earlier this year. It was pretty disorganized as you accurately describe, but otherwise an interesting destination. I'm not sure if it actually compares with Hawaii but it made for a nice change of pace than our usual island holiday.
Excellent report as usual, SFO777. Based on your photo and reviews, Cabo definitely looks like a great destination outside summer, and the resort must added a lot of extra memories to your trip. Getting there from Australia is a real problem though (I'm talking about flying at least 8,000 miles and two transits to get there). Stay tuned for my upcoming Jakarta and Bali trip in September (spoiler: flying Y only, I'm poor on miles now )
#17
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A relaxing day at The Resort at Pedregal
After a late night... a late morning. The beautiful view from our terrace.
Oh yeah, a filling breakfast goes a long way to help with the hangover.
It was well after noon by the time we finally left our room. OMG, from 68 degrees to over 100 outside. Yikes. Despite the oppressive heat, I decided to explore.
Despite the 100+ degree temps, lots of crazies out in the sun.
The fitness center is the place to be today with much nicer 70 degree temps.
... and a view.
Now after 2pm, we headed for a light lunch at Don Manuel's, near the beach.
Much more pleasant inside with cooling fans.
Food was excellent as we shared the Blue Fin Tuna...
... and shrimp tacos. Fabulous.
Then back up to the room to cool down. A little after 4pm, snack time! With some creature moving in from the left. LOL.
By 7pm, the temps had cooled into the upper 80s, and the walk to dinner was more pleasant.
Tonight we're dining at el Farallon, the resort's signature cliff side restaurant.
A drink to start as the sun sets...
el Farallon serves a 4 course quasi prix fixe menu featuring ocean-to-table selections. The starters are standard, you just have to pick your main and two sides from a variety of choices... all explained here prior to being seated.
Yummy bread basket.
Up first, excellent clam chowder.
Then a trio of delicious starters.
The octopus was sensational.
The ceviche divine.
And a lovely beet salad.
Our mains. Mrs. SFO777 enjoyed the Mexican red snapper and her sides of Mexican rice and zucchini.
And my Cajun shrimp with sides of roasted tomato with pesto and capellini with home made chorizo. Fabulous.
And desserts to die for.
Heading back to our room after a wonderful meal.
Poolside entertainment, nice with a drink at the bar. Not so nice in our room. Mercifully, they packed it in at 10pm.
The view from our room, with el Farallon off in the distance cliffside.
After a late night... a late morning. The beautiful view from our terrace.
Oh yeah, a filling breakfast goes a long way to help with the hangover.
It was well after noon by the time we finally left our room. OMG, from 68 degrees to over 100 outside. Yikes. Despite the oppressive heat, I decided to explore.
Despite the 100+ degree temps, lots of crazies out in the sun.
The fitness center is the place to be today with much nicer 70 degree temps.
... and a view.
Now after 2pm, we headed for a light lunch at Don Manuel's, near the beach.
Much more pleasant inside with cooling fans.
Food was excellent as we shared the Blue Fin Tuna...
... and shrimp tacos. Fabulous.
Then back up to the room to cool down. A little after 4pm, snack time! With some creature moving in from the left. LOL.
By 7pm, the temps had cooled into the upper 80s, and the walk to dinner was more pleasant.
Tonight we're dining at el Farallon, the resort's signature cliff side restaurant.
A drink to start as the sun sets...
el Farallon serves a 4 course quasi prix fixe menu featuring ocean-to-table selections. The starters are standard, you just have to pick your main and two sides from a variety of choices... all explained here prior to being seated.
Yummy bread basket.
Up first, excellent clam chowder.
Then a trio of delicious starters.
The octopus was sensational.
The ceviche divine.
And a lovely beet salad.
Our mains. Mrs. SFO777 enjoyed the Mexican red snapper and her sides of Mexican rice and zucchini.
And my Cajun shrimp with sides of roasted tomato with pesto and capellini with home made chorizo. Fabulous.
And desserts to die for.
Heading back to our room after a wonderful meal.
Poolside entertainment, nice with a drink at the bar. Not so nice in our room. Mercifully, they packed it in at 10pm.
The view from our room, with el Farallon off in the distance cliffside.
Last edited by SFO777; Aug 8, 2019 at 11:45 pm
#19
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Denver, Colorado
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Not 100% sure about Cabo, but when I was in Mexico City couple months ago, the Kiosks are just an automated passport and customs/immigration machine which can be used by US citizens. I used it to clear immigration. It's equivalent to the automated kiosks used at US Airports for the Non GE people.
#20
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 147
Sadly Alaska is cutting SNA to SJD (and PVR). I think the last flights are this month. Only option SNA to SJD will be Southwest. And that leaves the unfortunate decision of what's worse: LAX or Southwest …
Not sure what day you arrived, but never arrive Cabo on a Saturday. Most of the timeshares are Saturday to Saturday so you get an excessively high number of arrivals and departures that day. I've twice arrived on a Saturday and finally learned my lesson the second time. I will never make that mistake again.
Not sure what day you arrived, but never arrive Cabo on a Saturday. Most of the timeshares are Saturday to Saturday so you get an excessively high number of arrivals and departures that day. I've twice arrived on a Saturday and finally learned my lesson the second time. I will never make that mistake again.
#21
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Chicago, IL
Programs: AA, SPG
Posts: 202
Whats wrong with southwest? When i have to fly economy they are my go to instead of the other 3 and they are super nice to my 4.5 yr old.
stupid question......can you swim in the water? I heard you cant
stupid question......can you swim in the water? I heard you cant
#22
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Not 100% sure about Cabo, but when I was in Mexico City couple months ago, the Kiosks are just an automated passport and customs/immigration machine which can be used by US citizens. I used it to clear immigration. It's equivalent to the automated kiosks used at US Airports for the Non GE people.
Sadly Alaska is cutting SNA to SJD (and PVR). I think the last flights are this month. Only option SNA to SJD will be Southwest. And that leaves the unfortunate decision of what's worse: LAX or Southwest …. Not sure what day you arrived, but never arrive Cabo on a Saturday. Most of the timeshares are Saturday to Saturday so you get an excessively high number of arrivals and departures that day. I've twice arrived on a Saturday and finally learned my lesson the second time. I will never make that mistake again.
We're getting too old for 2+ hours in Southwest Economy. Apparently, strong undercurrents is the problem on the Pacific side.
#23
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Heading home to The OC
With an 11:30am pickup, we enjoyed a leisurely morning before heading down to San Miguel's for breakfast. Nice breakfast buffet station where you order your main which is then delivered to your table.
We brought some fruit and pastry back to the table while we waited for our mains.
Mrs. SFO777's loaded omelet...
... and my huevos rancheros. Both excellent.
Our pre-arranged Eliker driver was on time and we headed off for today's 30 minute drive to the airport.
Adios until next time... in the winter, not in the summer.
Terminal 2 at SJD.
We had checked online and printed boarding passes at the hotel, but checked in at the counter for a document check.
And then upstairs to security.
... where they was virtually no one in line.
With six open scanning stations, we were thru in no time, and into the typical duty free shop on the way to the concourse.
I guess it works as there were at least 40 people waiting in line for the cashier. Go figure.
At the far end of the small concourse is the VIP Lounge, a Priority Pass lounge.
This lounge was quite pleasant and comfortable. The lounge has two levels, with a bar and food station on each level. The larger and nicer 2nd level.
\
\
And the lower level.
With an 11:30am pickup, we enjoyed a leisurely morning before heading down to San Miguel's for breakfast. Nice breakfast buffet station where you order your main which is then delivered to your table.
We brought some fruit and pastry back to the table while we waited for our mains.
Mrs. SFO777's loaded omelet...
... and my huevos rancheros. Both excellent.
Our pre-arranged Eliker driver was on time and we headed off for today's 30 minute drive to the airport.
Adios until next time... in the winter, not in the summer.
Terminal 2 at SJD.
We had checked online and printed boarding passes at the hotel, but checked in at the counter for a document check.
And then upstairs to security.
... where they was virtually no one in line.
With six open scanning stations, we were thru in no time, and into the typical duty free shop on the way to the concourse.
I guess it works as there were at least 40 people waiting in line for the cashier. Go figure.
At the far end of the small concourse is the VIP Lounge, a Priority Pass lounge.
This lounge was quite pleasant and comfortable. The lounge has two levels, with a bar and food station on each level. The larger and nicer 2nd level.
\
\
And the lower level.
#24
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Our flight today was assigned a bus gate, as half of the terminal and gates are still under construction. The completed portion...
... towards the not so completed part and our gate.
San Jose de Cabo SJD to Orange County SNA
Alaska AS 1223
A319
2:20pm-3:40pm (sked)
2:15pm-3:20pm (actual)
First Class
Seats 2AC
Bus boarding was called at 1:25pm or around T-55. The usual priority boarding was followed, which at least permitted us to get seats on the bus.
Excellent service again today from our First Class flight attendant Jessica. In the air, time to dry out.
Lunch choices were a protein plate or chicken and cheese sandwich.
The chicken sandwich was actually very tasty and included real, non-processed chicken.
For desert, we finished off our parting gift from The Resort at Pedregal, delicious turtle-shaped shortbread cookies.
We arrived home at SNA 25 minutes early. John Wayne/SNA has a very small CBP facility with only three agents today. Since we were one of the first to arrive, we bypassed the 3 Global Entry kiosks and just headed directly to an agent. What an enjoyable quick two day trip to Cabo. We'll definitely return but never again in the oppressively hot summer. Thanks for following along on this short report.
For more pics and an HD version of this report, please visit SFO777.com...
• Off to Cabo
• The Resort at Pedregal
• Relaxing day at Pedregal
• Heading home to The OC
• Alaska First Class to John Wayne
... towards the not so completed part and our gate.
San Jose de Cabo SJD to Orange County SNA
Alaska AS 1223
A319
2:20pm-3:40pm (sked)
2:15pm-3:20pm (actual)
First Class
Seats 2AC
Bus boarding was called at 1:25pm or around T-55. The usual priority boarding was followed, which at least permitted us to get seats on the bus.
Excellent service again today from our First Class flight attendant Jessica. In the air, time to dry out.
Lunch choices were a protein plate or chicken and cheese sandwich.
The chicken sandwich was actually very tasty and included real, non-processed chicken.
For desert, we finished off our parting gift from The Resort at Pedregal, delicious turtle-shaped shortbread cookies.
We arrived home at SNA 25 minutes early. John Wayne/SNA has a very small CBP facility with only three agents today. Since we were one of the first to arrive, we bypassed the 3 Global Entry kiosks and just headed directly to an agent. What an enjoyable quick two day trip to Cabo. We'll definitely return but never again in the oppressively hot summer. Thanks for following along on this short report.
For more pics and an HD version of this report, please visit SFO777.com...
• Off to Cabo
• The Resort at Pedregal
• Relaxing day at Pedregal
• Heading home to The OC
• Alaska First Class to John Wayne
Last edited by SFO777; Aug 9, 2019 at 11:11 am
#25
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Aberdeen, Scotland
Programs: BA Bronze, Emirates Silver, Virgin Silver, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 1,403
It looks quite controlled/organised the bus gates compared to some airports I have seen!
Love the cookies you took from the hotel!
Thanks again for another TR from you.
Love the cookies you took from the hotel!
Thanks again for another TR from you.
#26
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Great TR and what a mess at immigration. I’ve had similar at LHR and probably others. I really hate it. It’s another good excuse to avoid flying in general :-)
#28
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Programs: Priority Club (Platinum)
Posts: 166
The Google transition of part of the Mexican page about the Viajero Confiable system is this... (I speak no spanish so it's entirely a google translation)
"If you are a Mexican, American or Canadian citizen (belonging to the Global Entry and NEXUS Programs) and reside permanently in Mexico, the National Migration Institute has launched an action that allows you to quickly and safely enter Mexico through Automated kiosks located in the participating airports in the internment rooms, where you can scan your passport, provide your fingerprints and fill out the Migration Form, which will reduce your waiting time considerably when you enter Mexico."
"If you are a Mexican, American or Canadian citizen (belonging to the Global Entry and NEXUS Programs) and reside permanently in Mexico, the National Migration Institute has launched an action that allows you to quickly and safely enter Mexico through Automated kiosks located in the participating airports in the internment rooms, where you can scan your passport, provide your fingerprints and fill out the Migration Form, which will reduce your waiting time considerably when you enter Mexico."
#29
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Thanks so much Madone59.
The Google transition of part of the Mexican page about the Viajero Confiable system is this... (I speak no spanish so it's entirely a google translation)
"If you are a Mexican, American or Canadian citizen (belonging to the Global Entry and NEXUS Programs) and reside permanently in Mexico, the National Migration Institute has launched an action that allows you to quickly and safely enter Mexico through Automated kiosks located in the participating airports in the internment rooms, where you can scan your passport, provide your fingerprints and fill out the Migration Form, which will reduce your waiting time considerably when you enter Mexico."
"If you are a Mexican, American or Canadian citizen (belonging to the Global Entry and NEXUS Programs) and reside permanently in Mexico, the National Migration Institute has launched an action that allows you to quickly and safely enter Mexico through Automated kiosks located in the participating airports in the internment rooms, where you can scan your passport, provide your fingerprints and fill out the Migration Form, which will reduce your waiting time considerably when you enter Mexico."
#30
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Thanks for this SFO777. I'm actually gearing up for a half long weekend, half mileage run to Cabo next month. Nothing like JFK-MEX-SJD r/t to rack up the Delta MQMs on a cheap fare, topped off with an AM redeye MEX-JFK! Still don't know where I'm staying but I'm sure it won't be as lux as your weekend.
Those machines are a god send, MEX has long been a cluster f... I'm not sure the full list of countries that can use them, but Canadian citizens can as well. I used them earlier this year connecting in MEX.
Not 100% sure about Cabo, but when I was in Mexico City couple months ago, the Kiosks are just an automated passport and customs/immigration machine which can be used by US citizens. I used it to clear immigration. It's equivalent to the automated kiosks used at US Airports for the Non GE people.