My wife and I recently jetted off to Cabo San Lucas for a rejuvenating three-night stay at The Cape, a Thompson Hotel, redeeming 35,000 World of Hyatt points per night. We lucked into an upgrade from a standard room to a junior suite, enhancing the luxury vibe. Nestled at the tip of Baja California, Cabo boasts stunning contrasts of desert and sea, with landmarks like El Arco drawing visitors. Our focus was on unwinding by the infinity pools, indulging in fresh Mexican fusion cuisine, and catching epic sunsets, blended with quick town explorations. This guide details our experience for fellow travelers planning a short trip, incorporating day-by-day plans, cost transparency, packing essentials, a thorough hotel review, and some lesser-known spots for an authentic touch.

Hotel Review: The Cape, a Thompson Hotel

Perched on a rocky beachfront just outside downtown Cabo, The Cape offers a chic, modern escape with mid-century aesthetics and Baja-inspired touches.

It features 161 rooms, all with ocean views, plus amenities like two infinity pools (one adults-only with a swim-up bar), a spa, fitness center, and private beach access—though the rough waves make it better for surfing views than swimming.

The hotel’s design emphasizes luxury with in-room cocktail bars, filtered water stations, and complimentary artisanal tequila upon arrival.

As Hyatt Globalists, we enjoyed perks like room upgrades, complimentary breakfast (an entrée, fruit bowl, baked goods, and coffee/juice), and discounted Sunday brunch ($50/person instead of $100).

Pros:

• Panoramic ocean and El Arco views from rooms, pools, and the rooftop lounge.
• Excellent on-site dining: The Ledge for casual bites, Manta for innovative tapas-style fusion, The Rooftop for sunset vibes, and the Sunken Bar for breakfast and views.
• Lively atmosphere with DJ like music and infinity-edge pools.
• Complimentary house-made tequila and filtered water in rooms.

Cons:

• Rocky beach with strong currents—not ideal for swimming or kids although there were kids looking for sea creatures at towards the end of the afternoon.
• Party-centric vibe, especially around the pools with bachelor groups and music—great for energy but less so for total seclusion.
• Higher dining prices, though quality justifies it; early check-in isn’t guaranteed.

Our junior suite was expansive, boasting a king bed, living area, and balcony with a couch swing overlooking the pool and beach—perfect for fireworks spotting. We’d rate it 4.8/5, exceptional value on points compared to cash rates of $350–$600/night.

Day-by-Day Itinerary: 3 Nights in Cabo San Lucas

Our relaxed itinerary centered on the hotel, with short outings for variety. Cabo in summer means warm days (85–95°F) and balmy nights, ideal for pool lounging.

Day 1: Arrival, Settling In, and Evening Indulgence

We flew into Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) from Los Angeles on a direct flight costing about $250 round-trip per person, arriving around 11 AM.

A 50-minute Uber ride ($55) delivered us to The Cape by noon. With check-in at 3 PM, we started at The Ledge restaurant, savoring cocktails, fish tacos, guacamole, and seafood ceviche—all deliciously fresh—for $101.09. To pass time, a $7 Uber took us to Costco (2 miles away), where we spent $30 on snacks, bottled water, and electrolyte packets for the heat.

Back at the hotel, we lounged in the open-air areas enjoying ocean views until our upgrade text arrived. The junior suite impressed with its size, modern decor, and balcony swing—plus that complimentary bottle of The Cape’s house-made tequila, which we sampled neat. The rocky beach below buzzed with surfers riding massive waves.

Dinner at Manta was a highlight: Tapas-style dishes like “Beans hummus with grilled vegetables and macadamia,” “Lettuce salad with radish, avocado, sunflower oil, and yuzu,” “Roasted sweet potato with almond mole,” “Mushroom dumplings with quesillo, dashi, truffle oil, and serrano,” plus a cocktail, totaling $144.56. Flavors were bold and innovative. At 9 PM, fireworks erupted over the bay for a minute visible from our balcony. We unwound with stargazing and a nightcap.

Day 2: Pool Bliss, Sunset Spectacle, and Downtown Vibes

Globalist breakfast at The Ledge’s buffet (until 11:30 AM) fueled us: Eggs, fresh fruits, pastries, and coffee outdoors with beach panoramas. We spent the day at the infinity pool, swimming, ordering snacks like guacamole and chips, and soaking up the sun. The scene was vibrant—bachelor parties mingling, drinks flowing—but we claimed a shaded spot underneath the umbrellas, which were plenty available. Cababas offer more privacy, but also costs $250/day to rent. A few families dotted the area, but limited kid activities kept it adult-oriented.

At 7 PM, The Rooftop reservations delivered sunset magic: Two drinks, tacos, and nachos for $94.41, with a DJ spinning tropical beats and crowds photographing the orange-hued ocean. It was romantic and electric.

Later, a $12 Uber to downtown’s Pier let us stroll the marina amid street performers and vendors in 75°F weather. We devoured carnitas and al pastor tacos at El Paisa—topped with guacamole, onions, and cilantro—for about $20 total; the spot’s casual vibe and fresh salsas made it a local favorite. Back at the hotel by Uber ($8), we relaxed on the balcony.

Day 3: Leisure, Shopping, and Room Service Wind-Down

Breakfast at the Sunken Bar (included): Huevos rancheros, fruit bowl, baked goods, and juice. Morning and afternoon mirrored yesterday—pool dips, gym, beach walks watching surfers, and light snacks.

Evening brought an Uber to Plaza Puerto Paraiso mall for air-conditioned shopping: We scored handmade jewelry and local hot sauces for $50, browsing amid fewer tourists. An Uber back ($8) led to room service—steak tacos, salads, and margaritas—for $134.39, enjoyed in room next to balcony window.

Day 4: Departure with Brunch Vibes

Final breakfast at The Ledge (à la carte included): Omelets, fruit, bakery items, and juice. We passed on the $50/person Sunday brunch for something simpler. After checkout, a $55 Uber returned us to the airport, capping a fantastic trip.

Budget Tips and Cost Breakdown

Cabo averages $150–$200/day per person, but points and Globalist perks kept ours low. Fly off-peak for deals; Ubers are cheaper than taxis ($20–$30 more for airport runs). Stock up at Costco to cut snack costs. Our breakdown for two (excluding flights ~$500 total):

Category	Cost (USD)	Tips to Save
Accommodation (3 nights on points)	$0 (105,000 points)	Use Hyatt points; cash ~$2,000 total.
Transportation (Ubers: Airport $55 x2, Costco $7 x2, Downtown ~$10 x4, Mall $10 x2)	$192	Uber over taxis; share rides if in a group.
Food & Drinks (Ledge lunch $101.09, Manta $144.56, Rooftop $94.41, Room service $134.39, El Paisa $20, Costco $30, Pool snacks $40)	$564.45	Free breakfasts; eat local tacos ($10–$15/meal) vs. hotel.
Shopping & Misc (Mall souvenirs $50, tips)	$100	Bargain at markets; skip impulse buys.
Total	$856.45 (~$143/person/day)	Aim for $100/day budget with street food and buses.

Packing List and Gear RecommendationsSummer in Cabo is hot and humid, so prioritize breathable, quick-dry items. Pack light in a carry-on to dodge fees.

• Clothing: 3–4 swimsuits, cover-ups, tank tops/t-shirts, shorts, linen dresses/pants for evenings, light jacket for AC, flip-flops, water shoes for rocks, hat.
• Essentials: Reef-safe SPF 50 sunscreen, sunglasses, bug spray, reusable water bottle, aloe gel, electrolytes.
• Tech & Gear: Waterproof phone pouch, portable charger, rash guard, travel adapter (U.S. plugs work and USB-C available).
• Documents & Misc: Passport, Hyatt app and credit card, pesos/USD cash, empty bag for souvenirs, motion sickness meds for potential boat trips.
• Pro Tip: Extra swimsuits—they take time to dry; we wished we’d packed more hats for sun protection.

Local Experiences and Off-the-Beaten-Path Spots

Beyond the hotel, Cabo hides authentic gems. El Paisa offers no-frills tacos with generous toppings—skip tourist traps for this local gem. Although we did inhale a lot of smoke and it stuck to our clothing.

Plaza Puerto Paraiso mall provides cool respite with shops and eateries. For hidden vibes: Trek to Playa Las Viudas, a secluded cove with calmer waters (10-minute drive).

Drive to La Ventana for kitesurfing and quiet beaches, or explore Cabo Pulmo’s marine reserve for snorkeling—far from crowds.

These spots capture Baja’s serene side, balancing the party’s energy. This getaway was pure bliss—highly recommend for couples. Happy planning!