Review: Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal

Maybe I’m alone in this, but I would love to see a post on the logistics of traveling internationally with Winston. Always was curious about the hoops, or lack of, you need to jump through.

Lucky, what's your secret unlock code to find 4 consecutive nights at the 120k point level? Cause it does not exist to us mere mortals.

I know you didn’t use it, but for such a “nice” hotel, a few words about the spa would have made this an even better review.

@ Leo Guam -- Great topic that I'll try to cover in a separate post. Mexico is super easy, you just need proof of vaccination (and no, Winston wasn't complaining that his constitutional rights were being violated), and the entry process is seamless. Germany is a different story...

@ Luis -- Hah, the key was booking just several days in advance during a period of extremely low demand. Agree, otherwise finding awards here can be tough.

@ Pete -- Fair feedback that I'll keep in mind for future reviews. I figured I'd share a bit of background on why I didn't even bother visiting.

I love spa treatments and I'm usually not the most price sensitive person on earth (in the sense that I expect treatments to be expensive at a five star hotel, even somewhere that labor is cheap). However, I can't get over the price of spa treatments in Los Cabos, almost across the board. For example, a 50 minute deep tissue massage at the Waldorf Astoria costs $195, plus a 31% tax and service charge. So yeah, we're talking over $250 for 50 minutes, or over $5 per minute.

I've been trying to use my Hilton free night certificates at this property for months, but I just cannot find any availability over any weekend next year.
How did you find availability for standard rooms here?
Did you have a strategy or were they widely open when you booked your trip?

Are the nicer restaurants in Cabo generally showing prices in USD?

Great review Ben! I enjoyed my stay here earlier this year as well and had similar experience. I may have even gotten the same room as you did but I didn't really feel the rooms were in need of any updating. I think the tv placement was a little awkward as well as the shower as you mentioned but I was more interested in the view anyway.

Also, I found out after my stay that the complimentary tequila in the room is Casa Azul tequila and a bottle retails for $100+ so it's a rather generous gift to all the guests.

I don’t usually share a negative opinion, but I have to here. I absolutely despise El Farallon. Tasted so low quality to me, like fancy banquet food. It was good until Pedregal switched to WA. Vile place, but to each their own.

When I saw the menu, I initially assumed the prices were in MXN because that's commonly indicated with "$" in Mexico, but I assume they're not.

Obviously prices at the WA are going to be extortionately high, and Cabo is no exception. Off property, did you find most things, directed at tourists at least, were on par with what you'd expect to spend in Southern California?

Thanks Ben!
I think for me, just saying those prices would’ve been enough for me as I also think that’s a bit exorbitant!

I second this! And I'd also like to know how you fly with Winston. Is he a service dog or do you pay the pet fee? Thank you!

When it comes to hotel architecture, Mexico is the best. What a beautiful complex

I'm curious about the restaurant price, is that USD or Pesos? It's either pricey but fair or an incredible bargain.

In small text at the bottom it says USD.

13 USD for one (1) clam is outrageous.

Great review as always Ben, thanks so much for taking the time!

I do have to share one concern. I appreciate how you mention at the end of the article, how you are sensitive to others and would only allow Winston to run on the beach when others are not around.

As someone who has Dog phobia, I would be the one standing from a distance and scouting at the scene of the beach before resting there. If I did see a dog running loose, that would really ruin my experience. I understand that a public beach you have dogs all around, but I would expect to be able to get rest and peace at a private hotel beach. I am sure no harm was done, I just ask that dog owners be considerate that not everyone will want to go near a dog that is not on a leash. I may be 100 feet away and will feel scared to get any closer.

@Ben
I'm also interested about traveling with your dog. Did you fly economy or business? Which airline was it?

Brilliant review, Ben. Then again, given how long (and how well) you've been doing this, that's to be expected.

Just a quick question: I remember for Thanksgiving 2019 you stayed at the Ritz-Carton Sarasota, FL. Did that review ever get published? We've been going on vacation to Sarasota (or, SRQ as many refer to it, after the airport, which I'm told is HORRIFICALLY underused, even pre-pandemic) every year barring the last two since 2005, so we know the area well. However, we generally stay at a condo on Longboat Key (about 20 mins north of Sarasota, past St. Armand's Circle) or Anna Maria island, so a review of what it's like would be so helpful, especially once America starts opening up again (I live in Harrogate, England). However, I've heard it be described as an embarrassment to the Ritz-Carlton brand, though I believe a Westin has now opened up opposite the blue Chase building where John Ringling Causeway finishes, by Marina Jack's. Cheers, Alex.

It really depends on the venue. There are restaurants that are touristy yet far cheaper than LA and some places that are on par or even more expensive than LA.

I just did a bunch of 2-3 night searches throughout the next year and found nothing anywhere close to the standard room 120k. But if you can get on a plane right now, they have standard room rewards available for tonight until Friday. It would not surprise me at all if they don't make standard rooms available until they are fairly confident that it will not sell.

Heading there for a 4 night award stay in November - can't wait!!

I did do a spa treatment at the Waldorf Astoria Cabo primarily because I had to use up my resort credit from the Aspire card before it expires so I can provide a little details.

I can't remember which massage service I selected but it was probably the deep tissue massage as I think it was one of the lower priced services on the menu. The service starts off with a foot rub and then you are taken to a room which overlooks the private pool. I believe they tried to upsell me on using more special oils for extra charge which I did not do. The massage service itself was fine but nothing particularly memorable which is probably a good thing.

What I enjoyed more was the use of the other facilities in the spa; private pool, sauna, whirlpool, steam room, and an ice room. I probably spent an extra hour or two after my massage just relaxing in the spa area and making good use of the steam room.

I probably wouldn't pay for the spa service out of my own pocket but I was fine with using it towards the resort credit.

Good eye! Thanks

Yes, not sure i have ever spent pesos anywhere in cabo before, all USD pretty much everywhere.

Everyone i know loves El Farallon i wish more people did not like it so it would be easier to get a reservation and it would be cheaper if the demand dropped haha.

Cabo has tons of variety especially in the town. So you can go real cheap or high end like what Lucky featured especially if you are staying in pedregal like the WA. There's a costco on the way from the airport to the cabo san lucas / pedregal so its easy to stop there and grab food if you a renting a house or beer liquor if you want to save some money on alcohol.

I was trying to process that too, short circuit trying to guess those prices were in MXN, but that would be too low. Totally agree that those price levels in USD are on the extortionately high end.

WA Dubai Palm or WA Los Cabos?

Regarding the room amenity of guacamole and Coronitas, they can swap the Coronitas for any other drink. I'm also not a beer drinker, so I asked them if they could bring me a glass of red wine instead. Fabulous hotel!

Th thing I didn't like about this hotel is they make you text every single day that, yes, I want the Coronitas and chips. And the delivery window, 4-6 pm, is just too long. By 6pm I may be heading out to town or for dinner. I would find myself in the room at 4pm and waiting and waiting and waiting for the coronitas and chips. I really think they should just hire more staff and deliver them all between 4-5 or something.

Beautiful photos, Ben! And a great review.

Cool to bring Winston on your trip.

$60 USD for a four-course meal at a waterfront resort restaurant is extortionately high end to you?

In general, I prefer more sleek, modern designs, but there's something about these rooms that I really love (we've been to WA Pedregal 3 times now). They are spacious, open, nicely appointed & they all have private pools. Further, I love the bathroom & open shower / tile work throughout the room. I think there's great character vs some of the other hotels in Cabo...

That's simply not true - we've booked this hotel 3x on points, all for 5 or even 7 nights. You just have to check frequently and be flexible on when you go.

As I was reading this review, I was wondering what the Winston situation was, so was very happy to see he got a section at the end. Please continue (and mention if you Winston didn't travel with you so we know he didn't have the opportunity to review the hotel).

Same.

The first time I went to Cabo, there was a dog on my flight who was known by the airport customs agents because he would come to Cabo every few weeks (with his owner of course).

Are you calling TM a liar?

@Ben you said the bed looked lumpy, which indeed it does. How was it in actual use? Even at a resort, getting a good night’s sleep is still my number one priority.

Great review! Just finished a stay here as well using 3 free Hilton certificates! Agree with you on just about everything.....I think I liked the room more than you guys did.....I didnt want to ever leave. My room was the same as yours but right up against the fancy restaurant, which people could see onto my balcony and plunge pool.
My only complaint about the property is that they start closing down the pool area at 5pm, covering chairs, removing umbrellas, and sort of discouraging pool use. Although, if you want to use the pool or take a beach chair, they will allow you. I found it odd, as the pool is a center piece of the resort.

Random question, but why is the hotel serving totoaba?! Totoaba are currently and endangered species and seems like it’s illegal to hunt? Anyone know more details on the legality of the fish

Ok, the restaurant is outrageously expensive, but that should be expected in a 5* where you shell out 1000USD + for a night.

But charging for the 'upgrade' to a Mexican breakfast in Los Cabos is adding insult to injury. They should be ashamed of themselves.

I think it’s fair price for a resort like that. Keep in mind Ben is staying there for no cost so pricing at the hotel is really not an issue. If one is trying to stay there at a paid rate (even through a certain program with free breakfast, etc.) $80 all in with tip and tax and throw in at least $20 for drinks is $200 for two people. That adds up. Most of us can’t just fly somewhere on a whim when awards open up.

Ben,

In the future why don't you mention when you searched for and book for point and/or free night redemptions. Very cool that you redeemed all 4 nights from the nights afforded by the Aspire card, but very relevant to mention that you booked 3 nights out and that redemption availability is extremely limited or non-existent for booking farther out. Not everyone's job is travel which means flexibility is built in to the job. If you have to go spur of the moment then redemptions at that property would largely be irrelevant. That said the property is very nice. Love the layout. Well overpriced to me in that the rooms really do suck and there's no beach access. The real value I guess in in the pools and restaurants which meals are not included. The $1,800/night is a joke, but then this is only a relevant property if we can stay for no cost. People that don't care what their credit card bills are and don't collect points and miles are the only ones that aren't going to look twice at that cost or what they charge while at the hotel. To me I'd value that stay at $800-$900/night which is still a great redemption value.

Yes, be flexible. I'd use a free night certificate, but not worth the points to me unless doing the 4 nights get 5th free redemption.

Great post and writing Ben. Hard to believe this is not an all inclusive resort.

Again, I don't think is true. We've booked here 3x on points, once was the day before, but every other time was at least 2 months prior. You just have to be patient and look frequently.

Really stung by the upcharges on breakfast on a $1,850 a night hotel! I just feel like that should be included at that price. Like, corona is included but not an iced latté?

My girlfriend and I stayed in the same room in May. 5 night points redemption (5th night free) 6th night with Aspire cert. 6 nights for 480,000 points. Free breakfast was great (upgrades for a few bucks to the full Mexican -- delicious). Magnificent property, really special place. Watching the rays jump in the ocean from our balcony plunge pool was great stuff.

Ben’s upgrade experience may not be typical. I stayed for four nights on points in May and was put in a very back building near the south boundary of the resort. While I was escorted to the room the employee emphasized that as a diamond member I got upgraded to the 2nd floor. I was just thinking “gosh, instead of the worst room I got the second worse room!“ Non of the pictures shows that next to the Waldorf is a lower end 10+ story resort with music blasting all day.
The service at the resort was excellent thought, I especially enjoyed the (complementary) yoga classes by the ocean.

You would think it could be an “on demand” item for $1,800/night or at least “on demand” if you notify them by a certain time in the morning.

Inquiring dogs want to know… Winston has never been to a Florida beach?

We texted at 4pm everyday and specified we wanted it now; the goods always came within 10 minutes.

Lovely review, thanks a lot.
However, I really do not understand why anyone would pay 2.000 USD per night for this property. Maybe their concept is the same as is ALILA - the place is a heaven for point redeemers, the operating company gets the whole amount reimbursed by Hilton.
One & Only Palmilla is undoubtedly a different league and roughly 30% less expensive.

We been to the WA Palm, after reading this review, WA Los Cabos seems much better!

WA Palm is too large and food qualities weren't that great.

The dog is max 15 pounds. May I suggest therapy or acupuncture? Also, beaches are public places, stop discriminating against dogs man.

What’s up with this hotel only showing standard room award availability in the next few weeks instead of throughout the year? It’s like they’re only opening up standard award space in the current month. The following month arrives and suddenly there is plenty of award availability when there wasn’t any during the previous month. Am I missing something?

I just got back from a very disappointing stay here using 2 free night certificates, so I pulled up this review to see if I had missed any warnings. You may want to revisit this because either I was very unlucky or things have changed a LOT in the year since you visited.

I was especially shocked to see you speak so highly of the service because that was not my experience at all:
- My concierge emailed me the day before to say that my room would be ready at 1pm. I had been staying in Todos Santos for the few days before my stay, so I had planned to spend the whole day in Todos Santos and come down late, but decided to come down early since I knew the room would be ready. Well, I showed up at 1:15 and the room wasn't ready until 3:15. They said the delay was because I had been upgraded, but I still just received a standard room.
- They took my cell number at check-in and sent me a generic text message to confirm the number, but they only told me that this was to confirm they had the right number so they could text me when the room was ready. It was never explained that I could/should be texting that number to request service from the concierge.
- I only had housekeeping one day, but they left a wet dirty rag on the counter in my bathroom partially draped over two of the "clean" hand towels.
- At breakfast, the table next to mine was left un-bussed for 15 minutes while several birds on it were fighting over the leftover remnants of the prior guests meals
- I had three meals on the property and every one had service lapses that were not big deals, but that I wouldn't expect at such an upscale place

Also - I don't care about this at all, but since you pointed to it as a sign of the attention to detail - there was a small portion of sand by the entrance to El Farallon that was raked every day, but none of the other sand near the paths anywhere else in the resort was ever raked during my entire stay.

The individual plunge pool on the balcony is both the best and the worst thing about this place. It's great to have the plunge pool, but it also means that there is a water pump running 24/7 right outside the window of your room. The hum of the pump was so loud that I wasn't able to hear the sound of the waves or even wind rustling through the palm trees from my room. Overnight with the balcony doors closed, the hum of the pump was still a constant 40 dB in my room.

There were some nice things:
- The toiletries were outstanding. Probably my favorite that I've ever had in a hotel
- The guacamole and Coronitas are now automatically delivered to each room between 4-5pm
- I no longer regret using an expiring Hilton free night at a Home2 Suites earlier this year, because I feel like I got about the same value from that redemption as from this one.

lol - so three days after my checkout, I just now got a text from a concierge welcoming me to the Waldorf Astoria and telling me to text if I needed any assistance. This place is a joke.

Why would it be all inclusive? Food stinks with all inclusive and service suffers. No thanks for the trailer park all inclusive options.

Booked months in advance with points and certificates, so it is a non issue. Pick better dates. Lol.

Hi Max,

It's illegal to hunt/fish/sell/serve wild totoaba, but the fish is also farmed along the Sea of Cortez, and it's legal to serve farmed totoaba

An update from November 2023:

The prices at El Farallon are now $92-$98 USD for the various fish options
The breakfast upgrade option is now $20
I never heard a pool pump
The beers and guac get delivered automatically, but they never mentioned it to me, so I didn’t notice them until the next morning

Yes, the hot breakfast is a $20 upgrade now, crazy! I was fine with continental breakfast, it's really good and filling (had yogurt with granola).

Also the margaritas instead or Coronitas is now a $10 upcharge.