Marquis Los Cabos- any info?
Aug 19th, 2003, 06:50 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Marquis Los Cabos- any info?
Does anyone have any info. on this new resort? I know it is owned by the same company that owns the Marquis Reforma in Mexico City, but would like to hear of anybody who has stayed here. My wife & I are considering staying at one of the Pool Casitas so any info. someone has on those rooms (or the resort in general) would be appreciated. Thanks.
Nov 24th, 2003, 08:03 PM
#4
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My husband and I just returned from a stay at Marquis. The property is beautiful..rooms are very well decorated and the pool area is very nice. However, the service around the hotel needs a lot of work. During our stay the 27,000 square foot spa which they boast about was still not open, the exercise room had no air conditioning, and the hot tubs around the pool did not work. I was very disappointed. The employees were very nice and friendly however it seems as if there is no leadership...no one telling them what to do.
We ate breakfast at the restaurant every day and dinner there twice. The food was very good however service was terrible (and not just by Mexico standards).
I would stay here again but not for awhile as they really need to work out all of the "kinks" at this new property.
We ate breakfast at the restaurant every day and dinner there twice. The food was very good however service was terrible (and not just by Mexico standards).
I would stay here again but not for awhile as they really need to work out all of the "kinks" at this new property.
Dec 29th, 2003, 10:22 AM
#5
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We just got back last night. Overall, the resort, as well as the area, which I'd never visited, exceeded my expectations. My wife and I stayed in one of the casitas and my 3 children (18-28) stayed in a standard Jr. Suite. The service was always extremely pleasant and friendly and, for the most part, quite good. There were some exceptions, but they were ore than outweighed by everything else. More about the problems after I first talk about what I liked.
While the resort is not quite 100% finished, it was finished enough that there was little lacking that will be available upon total completion. More about that later.
First, the casita was spectacular, probably the finest and most tastefully decorated accomodations we've ever stayed in (to put that in context, that would include the Kea Lani in Wailea - a close second, Cap Juluca, Peter Island, and other extremely nice places). It was not just huge, but it was perfectly appointed. Even the 2nd bathroom was exquisite and the main bathroom exceeded even that of Cap Juluca. The small private pool was just the right size, slightly larger than what I would call a plunge pool. We had 3 large patio doors to the outside on the ocean side (which opened completely in a truly ingenious manner, hiding the entire door in the wall), two of which went to the patio with two lounge chairs and a table and two chairs and the 3rd which opened to a niftly little bridge that crossed over the pool. Note, however, that private pool means that it is for your private use and not that it is screened for total privacy. Instead, it is just 50 feet or so from the infinity pool (there are two, one on each side of the resort), where we usually chose to sun, read, and snooze with a wonderful view of the ocean and beach. The infinity pool is a brisk, but pleasant 70 degrees or so; it is attached to a large jacuzzi with not much jacuzzi action and still at that same teperature. Not sure if they always plan to keep it like that. We were among the few that actually liked the cool, refreshing water of the infinity pool. Note that there is another infinity pool on the other side of the resort and a "main" pool that is heated to 92 gegrees, way too high for lap swimming. The pictures on the web site do not do the casita justice; it is way larger than it appears there and even more attractive.
The Jr. Suite was nice and adequate for my kids, but not spectacular. Think very attractive and very large hotel room, but it's not a true suite. It does have a very nice balcony, but no lounge chairs on the balcony, just a table and two regular chairs and it also has a nice sitting room.
The beach had mostly pluses and a couple minuses. First, it is a large (perhaps 50 yards deep and several miules long) sandy beach and the entrance to the water is also sandy. It is virtually empty for miles (a golf course is to the east and the Hilton is about 3/4 mile to the west). Only a couple vendors walked the beach and they were not terribly aggressive. The wave action is a bit rough for many people and definitely too rough for children and seniors, but my daughter and I went in and while it was scary at first and at exit, as long as you stayed close to shore, it didn't seem extremely dangerous. The temperature seemd to be in the 70-75 degree range.
The food at the resort was excellent and, in my opinion, quite reasonable for a resort area. The restaurants were among the lovliest I've ever seen. There is a waterfall that runs during the day that enhnances what is already a fabulous view from the restaurants (at the pool and a couple floors above, the later with either outside or inside seating). A small inside gourmet fixed-price restaurant just opened on the 26th and we did not go there, but it looked very nice. Dress is nice casual in the evening, but not jackets or ties are needed.
OK, time for the negatives. Although open since April, on occasion (but the exception, not the rule), it appeared that the staff was still not fully trained. specifically, one evening in the main restaurant, the service was very slow and the food did not arrive at a proper temperature. We had to frequently tell somebody what they had forgotten (menus, bring a wine list, etc.). It was pretty much a disater that evening and had it been the norm, it would have upset us a lot. but, it was an exception and not the norm. Also, housekeeping on one occasion in the casita and two occasions in the Jr. suite, needed to be called to either make up the room or do the evening turndown and towel replenishment. There was always an effort to make amends, however. Service at the pool during the day was really good and complimetary beer and water were plentiful. Another complaint was with a few guests who felt the need to stake out their territory each morning at the lounge chairs by the pool and then not use the chairs until afernoon. It was so silly and unnecessary here, unlike Maui and larger Caribbean resorts. But, it was more annoying than anythign else as we always found chairs in good locations and together when we wanted them. The fitness room was very spacious and had a lot of potential, but the equipment could have been better. Treadmills and elliptical machines were very good, but the Nautilus machines were ancient and they had a rack of about a dozen crummy looking dumbbells, all of which were 10 pounds. I suspect this will improve. The spa has finally opened most of its facilities and they are extremly nice. Hydrotherapy is still not open, but most other things are. Very good staff at the spa.
This was both our first visit to Los Cabos as well as our first visit to Mexico, so I'd like to briefly give some impressions of the area. Cabo San Lucas is super touristy as many have said, but it seems reasonably safe and is worth going to for a change of pace and to try other restaurants (Mi Casa was very good). It does have its seedy aspects, but they aren't terrible. The Marquis Los Cabos is a long ways away from that. San Jose Del Cabo is a quiet little town a little closer and in the other direction and also has a few good restaurant choices.
While the resort is not quite 100% finished, it was finished enough that there was little lacking that will be available upon total completion. More about that later.
First, the casita was spectacular, probably the finest and most tastefully decorated accomodations we've ever stayed in (to put that in context, that would include the Kea Lani in Wailea - a close second, Cap Juluca, Peter Island, and other extremely nice places). It was not just huge, but it was perfectly appointed. Even the 2nd bathroom was exquisite and the main bathroom exceeded even that of Cap Juluca. The small private pool was just the right size, slightly larger than what I would call a plunge pool. We had 3 large patio doors to the outside on the ocean side (which opened completely in a truly ingenious manner, hiding the entire door in the wall), two of which went to the patio with two lounge chairs and a table and two chairs and the 3rd which opened to a niftly little bridge that crossed over the pool. Note, however, that private pool means that it is for your private use and not that it is screened for total privacy. Instead, it is just 50 feet or so from the infinity pool (there are two, one on each side of the resort), where we usually chose to sun, read, and snooze with a wonderful view of the ocean and beach. The infinity pool is a brisk, but pleasant 70 degrees or so; it is attached to a large jacuzzi with not much jacuzzi action and still at that same teperature. Not sure if they always plan to keep it like that. We were among the few that actually liked the cool, refreshing water of the infinity pool. Note that there is another infinity pool on the other side of the resort and a "main" pool that is heated to 92 gegrees, way too high for lap swimming. The pictures on the web site do not do the casita justice; it is way larger than it appears there and even more attractive.
The Jr. Suite was nice and adequate for my kids, but not spectacular. Think very attractive and very large hotel room, but it's not a true suite. It does have a very nice balcony, but no lounge chairs on the balcony, just a table and two regular chairs and it also has a nice sitting room.
The beach had mostly pluses and a couple minuses. First, it is a large (perhaps 50 yards deep and several miules long) sandy beach and the entrance to the water is also sandy. It is virtually empty for miles (a golf course is to the east and the Hilton is about 3/4 mile to the west). Only a couple vendors walked the beach and they were not terribly aggressive. The wave action is a bit rough for many people and definitely too rough for children and seniors, but my daughter and I went in and while it was scary at first and at exit, as long as you stayed close to shore, it didn't seem extremely dangerous. The temperature seemd to be in the 70-75 degree range.
The food at the resort was excellent and, in my opinion, quite reasonable for a resort area. The restaurants were among the lovliest I've ever seen. There is a waterfall that runs during the day that enhnances what is already a fabulous view from the restaurants (at the pool and a couple floors above, the later with either outside or inside seating). A small inside gourmet fixed-price restaurant just opened on the 26th and we did not go there, but it looked very nice. Dress is nice casual in the evening, but not jackets or ties are needed.
OK, time for the negatives. Although open since April, on occasion (but the exception, not the rule), it appeared that the staff was still not fully trained. specifically, one evening in the main restaurant, the service was very slow and the food did not arrive at a proper temperature. We had to frequently tell somebody what they had forgotten (menus, bring a wine list, etc.). It was pretty much a disater that evening and had it been the norm, it would have upset us a lot. but, it was an exception and not the norm. Also, housekeeping on one occasion in the casita and two occasions in the Jr. suite, needed to be called to either make up the room or do the evening turndown and towel replenishment. There was always an effort to make amends, however. Service at the pool during the day was really good and complimetary beer and water were plentiful. Another complaint was with a few guests who felt the need to stake out their territory each morning at the lounge chairs by the pool and then not use the chairs until afernoon. It was so silly and unnecessary here, unlike Maui and larger Caribbean resorts. But, it was more annoying than anythign else as we always found chairs in good locations and together when we wanted them. The fitness room was very spacious and had a lot of potential, but the equipment could have been better. Treadmills and elliptical machines were very good, but the Nautilus machines were ancient and they had a rack of about a dozen crummy looking dumbbells, all of which were 10 pounds. I suspect this will improve. The spa has finally opened most of its facilities and they are extremly nice. Hydrotherapy is still not open, but most other things are. Very good staff at the spa.
This was both our first visit to Los Cabos as well as our first visit to Mexico, so I'd like to briefly give some impressions of the area. Cabo San Lucas is super touristy as many have said, but it seems reasonably safe and is worth going to for a change of pace and to try other restaurants (Mi Casa was very good). It does have its seedy aspects, but they aren't terrible. The Marquis Los Cabos is a long ways away from that. San Jose Del Cabo is a quiet little town a little closer and in the other direction and also has a few good restaurant choices.
Dec 31st, 2003, 10:04 AM
#6
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
SteveL, thanks for that trip report on the Marquis - it is the only detailed one I've seen so far for this new resort. I've read and enjoyed numerous of your other comments, mostly on Caribbean destinations. My wife and I are staying at the Marquis for six nights in March, and I hope you would not mind answering a couple of questions?
(1) You mention that the service was for the most part quite good, albeit with a couple of exceptions. How would you compare the service at the Marquis to well-known Caribbean luxury resorts such as Cap Juluca?
(2) You don't mention any "activities" you may have enjoyed (or not enjoyed) while in Cabo. How was the shopping? Golf? Whale-watching? Others?
(3) Besides the Marquis, which restaurants do you recommend? I'd generally prefer to avoid Cabo san Lucas proper to the extent I can. I've read good reports of Mi Cocina (at the Hotel Natalia in San Jose) and Damiana, also in San Jose.
(4) You note that the food at the Marquis was reasonably priced for a resort. Could you give an estimate of what one might expect to pay for a typical lunch/dinner? Also, I didn't know about the complimentary water/beer poolside. Is that for all guests that you know of, or did you have some sort of package? Finally on this topic, what did you think, if anything, of the continental breakfast that apparently is provided to all guests?
(5) You note that the wave action in front of the Marquis is fairly strong (Having only seen Caribbean and Atlantic beaches (and Lake Erie doesn't count), this is something I'm very much looking forward to). I realize that this can vary, but in your experience how large were the waves?
(6) Would you recommend a rental car, or using taxis? We plan to venture out a little bit for a day or two of shopping, perhaps two rounds of golf, and for dining a couple of evenings.
Thanks!
(1) You mention that the service was for the most part quite good, albeit with a couple of exceptions. How would you compare the service at the Marquis to well-known Caribbean luxury resorts such as Cap Juluca?
(2) You don't mention any "activities" you may have enjoyed (or not enjoyed) while in Cabo. How was the shopping? Golf? Whale-watching? Others?
(3) Besides the Marquis, which restaurants do you recommend? I'd generally prefer to avoid Cabo san Lucas proper to the extent I can. I've read good reports of Mi Cocina (at the Hotel Natalia in San Jose) and Damiana, also in San Jose.
(4) You note that the food at the Marquis was reasonably priced for a resort. Could you give an estimate of what one might expect to pay for a typical lunch/dinner? Also, I didn't know about the complimentary water/beer poolside. Is that for all guests that you know of, or did you have some sort of package? Finally on this topic, what did you think, if anything, of the continental breakfast that apparently is provided to all guests?
(5) You note that the wave action in front of the Marquis is fairly strong (Having only seen Caribbean and Atlantic beaches (and Lake Erie doesn't count), this is something I'm very much looking forward to). I realize that this can vary, but in your experience how large were the waves?
(6) Would you recommend a rental car, or using taxis? We plan to venture out a little bit for a day or two of shopping, perhaps two rounds of golf, and for dining a couple of evenings.
Thanks!
Jan 2nd, 2004, 11:21 AM
#7
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mr. Wilson (that name makes me smile and think of Dennis the Menace):
Thanks for the compliments.
1) As this was my first trip to Mexico, I was struck by some interesting differences between there and the Caribbean. I thought the service was very friendly, in the restaurants more friendly than at Cap Juluca, and quite competent, with the one dinner as a glaring exception, just as competent as at CJ. Housekeeping service was as good or better except for the occasional complete misses. So, when things didn't go completely wrong, they went very well, at least as good as at CJ.
2) Marquis Los Cabos did not have a lot of activities at the resort itself, i.e., mostly it was the spa and the pool as well as courageous forays into the ocean and lovely walks on the beach. The Cabo area has a lot of activities; we took part in only one, a charter of a sailboat for a few hours out of Cabo San Lucas for snorkeling and a fruitless attempt at whalewatching ("we saw lots of whales yesterday!"). The golf courses looked outstanding. There are numerous more serious whalewatching, diving and snorkeling excusions available as well as horseback riding, parasaling and ATV adventures. The concierges at Marquis Los Cabos were excellent and had great recommendations.
3) We ate at only two restaurants outside the resort, Mi Casa in Cabo San Lucas which was really excellent and Di Giorgio's, between the Marquis and San Jose, which was good, but not outstanding. The concierge had a number of suggestions in a variety of price ranges. Cabo San Lucas is a tourist trap, but to be honest, it wasn't all that bad and you should not be deterred from eating there.
4) Lunch entrees, including nice salads and sandwiches ranged from under $10 to well under $20 and dinner ranged from $13 to about $20. Wines were available from $20 for decent wines to $75. I'm not sure if the complimentary beer/water was a regular thing or something they were doing during the holidays (oddly, the free beer was Molson's!). They did that for anybody lying out at the pool. Beer you paid for was still under $3, even in your minibar. The continental breakfast was small, bit nice. It was coffee and 4 small pastry/croissant-like things (we were a bit irked that, despite having and paying for a triple for our children, they still only would bring 4 pastries). The breakfast buffet, while sort of expensive at $20, was extremely good. We did that only once though. Room service is also reasonable; I had excellent huevos rancheros one morning for less than $10.
5) The waves were not that high, perhaps 3-5 feet, but they were much stronger than other 3-5-foot waves I've experienced. I'd love somebody to explain the physics of how that might be possible. A couple miles west is Bahia Chileno, a beach that's calm and that has various toys to rent.
6) I tend to not like driving on vacations; it's part of my way of relaxing, but if you can get your insurance in order, I think I'd recommend that you rent a car. We took taxis and they were always available, but not particularly cheap (about $50 roundtrip to Cabo San Lucas and $35 roundtrip to San Jose).
You are absolutely going to love the weather!
Thanks for the compliments.
1) As this was my first trip to Mexico, I was struck by some interesting differences between there and the Caribbean. I thought the service was very friendly, in the restaurants more friendly than at Cap Juluca, and quite competent, with the one dinner as a glaring exception, just as competent as at CJ. Housekeeping service was as good or better except for the occasional complete misses. So, when things didn't go completely wrong, they went very well, at least as good as at CJ.
2) Marquis Los Cabos did not have a lot of activities at the resort itself, i.e., mostly it was the spa and the pool as well as courageous forays into the ocean and lovely walks on the beach. The Cabo area has a lot of activities; we took part in only one, a charter of a sailboat for a few hours out of Cabo San Lucas for snorkeling and a fruitless attempt at whalewatching ("we saw lots of whales yesterday!"). The golf courses looked outstanding. There are numerous more serious whalewatching, diving and snorkeling excusions available as well as horseback riding, parasaling and ATV adventures. The concierges at Marquis Los Cabos were excellent and had great recommendations.
3) We ate at only two restaurants outside the resort, Mi Casa in Cabo San Lucas which was really excellent and Di Giorgio's, between the Marquis and San Jose, which was good, but not outstanding. The concierge had a number of suggestions in a variety of price ranges. Cabo San Lucas is a tourist trap, but to be honest, it wasn't all that bad and you should not be deterred from eating there.
4) Lunch entrees, including nice salads and sandwiches ranged from under $10 to well under $20 and dinner ranged from $13 to about $20. Wines were available from $20 for decent wines to $75. I'm not sure if the complimentary beer/water was a regular thing or something they were doing during the holidays (oddly, the free beer was Molson's!). They did that for anybody lying out at the pool. Beer you paid for was still under $3, even in your minibar. The continental breakfast was small, bit nice. It was coffee and 4 small pastry/croissant-like things (we were a bit irked that, despite having and paying for a triple for our children, they still only would bring 4 pastries). The breakfast buffet, while sort of expensive at $20, was extremely good. We did that only once though. Room service is also reasonable; I had excellent huevos rancheros one morning for less than $10.
5) The waves were not that high, perhaps 3-5 feet, but they were much stronger than other 3-5-foot waves I've experienced. I'd love somebody to explain the physics of how that might be possible. A couple miles west is Bahia Chileno, a beach that's calm and that has various toys to rent.
6) I tend to not like driving on vacations; it's part of my way of relaxing, but if you can get your insurance in order, I think I'd recommend that you rent a car. We took taxis and they were always available, but not particularly cheap (about $50 roundtrip to Cabo San Lucas and $35 roundtrip to San Jose).
You are absolutely going to love the weather!
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Steelersfan
Mexico & Central America
2
Mar 6th, 2012 04:58 AM
