Fodor's Expert Review Hotel El Ganzo
Tiburón s/n, La Playita,, San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur 23403, México See on Map Fodor's Choice
This recent addition to San José del Cabo has an uber chic vibe where guests can interact with artists, musicians, and filmmakers in a creative and luxurious setting. Artists-in-residence display work ranging from murals and photographs to sketches and even a vintage fridge mounted in the lobby. Musicians are invited to record in an underground studio where videos are later aired on the hotel’s internal TV channel. Bigger names have included the likes of Ed Sheeran, Damien Rice, and Joshua Radin. Despite the celebrity appeal, the rooms alone are a designer’s dream with wood plank walls, cement floors, and glass balconies that overlook the quaint marina and lap pool. A second infinity pool dominates the rooftop deck where parties take place Saturday nights. Guests have access to kayaks, paddleboards, and beach chairs at El Ganzo’s neighboring beach club or can stay local at the spa and gym.
room
Many of the accommodations have received “paint jobs” from artists in residence, but all feature stylish décor, as well as basic luxuries like large comfortable beds and high thread count linens. Sea of Cortés views and terrace set jacuzzis are a feature of many rooms and suites.
Master suites come with king-sized, four poster beds featuring ocean views.
bathroom
Large soak tubs, roomy walk-in showers, and double sinks and mirrors are standard bathroom amenities.
lobby
The high-ceilinged lobby boasts plenty of artistic accents, including a painting from Gabriel Macotela, the man who created the majestic hillside cross which overlooks the entire Puerto Los Cabos development.
pool
The 2,000 square foot wraparound rooftop infinity pool is spectacular, with spectacular Sea of Cortés and marina views to match. Safe swimming is also available from the beach.
spa
Relaxing massages and pampering therapies are available in five treatment rooms at the on-site spa. Signature indulgences include a Mezcal Ritual and a Damiana Flower Treatment.
gym
Rustic chic furnishings and a large al fresco deck area distinguish Ganzo Downstairs, the restaurant just off the lobby. It’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The rooftop Gachoo Sushi Bar is perfect for fresh local seafood and other light fare between dips in the pool, and the nearby beach club, Ganzo de Playa, specializes in comfort food favorites like burgers and fish tacos.
dining
Rustic chic furnishings and a large al fresco deck area distinguish Ganzo Downstairs, the restaurant just off the lobby. It’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The rooftop Gachoo Sushi Bar is perfect for fresh local seafood and other light fare between dips in the pool, and the nearby beach club, Ganzo de Playa, specializes in comfort food favorites like burgers and fish tacos.
drinking
The Ganzo Downstairs Bar serves up cocktails and fine wines from 7 to 11 p.m.
LOCATION
Getting Around
Complimentary bicycles are perfect for rides around the marina, and panga (water taxi) service is available to the nearby beach club. For visits to cape cities Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, however, traditional taxis or rental cars are a necessity.
Restaurants
Although set apart from downtown San José del Cabo, El Ganzo is conveniently close to acclaimed regional farm-to-table restaurants like Flora’s Field Kitchen, Acre, and Huerta Los Tamarindos (all 5 to 10 minutes by car to Col. Ánimas Bajas, off the East Cape Road).
WHY WE LIKE IT
As its unique name would suggest – El Ganzo is a portmanteau word combining ganso, the Spanish word for goose, with gonzo, the outlandish style of expression pioneered by outlaw journalist Hunter S. Thompson – this is one of the most idiosyncratic hotels in Los Cabos. In addition to its chic and boutique accommodations, El Ganzo showcases artists in residence, curated art exhibitions, live musical performances, and even an underground recording studio.
QUICK FACTS
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