The Best Hotels in Los Cabos for Tourists
Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo both have long, fascinating histories, but the most remarkable period began in the 1950s and 1960s, when the area’s pioneer developers began building the first resorts. In the space of a few short decades, what had been small fishing and farming communities, respectively, became the twin hubs of the newly minted Los Cabos municipality, and world-class resort destinations.
Hacienda Todos los Santos
Why it made the list
Want to take a dip in the oldest swimming pool in Todos Santos? Visit Hacienda Todos los Santos, set at one end of the town’s main street, Calle Benito Juárez, where the Rodríguez family has provided a pedestal mounted bust of the great national hero. Founded by Rod Rodríguez of Rancho La Cruces fame, the property was originally a getaway for Las Cruces’ guests who wanted to enjoy the region’s superb white-winged dove hunting (now illegal). The pool dates to the 1950s, and is now surrounded by elegant suites and standalone casitas, as well as a lush palm grove.
Casa Natalia
Why it made the list
Boutique, adults-only Casa Natalia could not enjoy a more privileged location in downtown San José del Cabo. Set in what was formerly a hacienda style residence, it is steps from the place where Lt. José Antonio Mijares died valiantly leading a charge against American invaders in November 1847 (the spot is now the centerpiece of the city’s Jardín de los Cabeños Ilustres). Casa Natalia is also less than a block from City Hall, with its historic interior murals and signature clock tower, and the beautiful old Catholic church, Parroquia San José.
Hotel California
Why it made the list
Recent legal battles with the band The Eagles over the name Hotel California are only the most recent chapter in what is a very colorful history. Hotel California was originally founded in 1948 by a Chinese immigrant who, in an attempt at assimilation, took the name Don Antonio Tabasco. Don Antonio, his wife and seven daughters lived in the hotel, which became the first place in town to pump gas and sell cold beer. Today it is a popular boutique lodging, and serves as a site for many of the pueblo mágico’s renowned cultural events.
Hotel Perla
Why it made the list
No lodging in Baja California Sur has more history than Hotel Perla, which has been a fixture overlooking La Paz’s malecón since 1940. It remains one of the capital city’s signature properties, with 110 rooms and a nightclub which opens every Saturday night. Interestingly enough, given its name, pearling – the source of La Paz’s fame since the day Hernán Cortés landed on May 3, 1535 – was banned by the government the year the hotel opened, after salinity changes in the Sea of Cortés caused by the Hoover Dam killed the local pearl beds.
Solmar Resort
Why it made the list
For most of the 20th century, commerce in Cabo San Lucas revolved around the local cannery. The cannery’s last manager, Don Luis Bulnes Molleda, became a pioneer local developer, partnering with Don Luis Cóppola Bonillas’ on the landmark Finisterra before opening his own Solmar Resort not far from Land’s End (and his old cannery) in 1974. Bulnes later opened more resorts, and helped to spearhead growth in Los Cabos. A small museum and photo gallery documents this period at nearby Playa Grande, another Solmar Group property.
One&Only Palmilla
Why it made the list
Abelardo “Rod” Rodríguez Montijo and his wife, Hollywood actress Lucille Bremer, were the first great hoteliers in Baja California Sur, building a resort called Rancho Las Cruces near La Paz that drew many of the world’s most famous people, including movie stars and U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Rodriguez followed his early success with Hotel Palmilla, the first true hotel in Los Cabos, and Hotel Hacienda, the first in Cabo San Lucas proper. Palmilla (now One&Only Palmilla) remains a benchmark local property, with a beautiful wedding chapel that dates to its opening in the late 1950s.
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