- Introduction: A Week Of Rest And Relaxation In Cabo
- Review: Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos Ocean View Double Room
- Review: Zen Spa, Pools And Other Activities At Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos
- Review: Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos Restaurants And Bars
- Review: Final Thoughts On The Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos
- Review: VIP Lounge Los Cabos Airport
Corporate Groups
I briefly mentioned in a previous post that Wrigley’s Mexico division arrived near the end of our trip and in many ways took over the resort. They must have spent a fortune because the Ziva even let them put their branding on the large white balls in the reflecting pool seen below.
I don’t think it’s a big deal and many hotels rely on groups and corporate functions as an important revenue stream. It can even be interesting to see what kinds of groups show up. But there is a point where the groups are so large, the events are too noisy or you have a difficult time avoiding the private events where it has a direct impact on leisure travelers.
So, I think it’s only fair to include a caution that your experience will definitely be different if/when a large group shows up.
Final Thoughts
About halfway through our trip at the Ziva Los Cabos, I had a thought I couldn’t shake for the rest of the trip:
I don’t think this is a “Family Resort.”
It might sound like a silly nuance. But the more I thought about it the clearer it became. The Zilara brand is Hyatt’s adults only all-inclusive. And the Ziva is Hyatt’s all-inclusive where kids are permitted. Here are a few examples of what I’m talking about:
- No car seats for the kids on transfers to and from the airport
- Freezing cold kids water park
- Very loud live music played past 9pm
- It’s a poor value for 3 year-olds (they’re charged full price but can’t take advantage of the Kidz Club until age 4)
- A family of four is better off booking two rooms because it’s the same price (using points)
If you don’t have kids, this is probably good news. You might have previously overlooked the Ziva assuming it’s a bunch of obnoxious kids running around terrorizing the adults. That definitely was not our experience. In fact, almost all of the kids we encountered were really well behaved. And there were plenty of adults without kids having a nice time.
If you’re traveling as a family, I don’t think this is a reason to skip the Ziva. But, you might want to temper your expectations a bit.
I don’t want to give the impression we didn’t enjoy our stay. The truth is, we had a great time and in many ways, the Ziva is a victim of their own success because they nailed it in so many other areas:
- They serve very good food, especially compared to other all-inclusive experiences I’ve had.
- The drinks were also very good and servers were proactive with refills. I never had to fight a long line for weak drinks.
- The staff is so warm and welcoming you really feel like honored guests. The hospitality is sincere and they care if you’re having a nice stay.
But, if they can nail down some of the other issues, which seem like simple fixes, it would only enhance a family’s experience at the resort.
Hyatt has marketed the Ziva and Zilara brands as the “Evolution of All-Inclusive.” I agree it’s a step in the right direction and our stay was definitely better than our previous experiences with other all-inclusive properties. But, there is still some room for improvement and I’d love to see what they can do if they continue to focus on enhancing the guest experience.
In the end, I think that’s why I’m harping on the limited failures we experienced at the Ziva. I want to go back and I want it to be an even better stay.
I didn't see a laundromat when we were there.
Great write up. Do they have washer and dryer facility for the swim clothes ? We are planning to go next week.
@Dave - There is a fair amount of walking because the resort is pretty big. Restaurants, pools and activities are spread out enough that you probably aren't going to benefit from being in a particular area. IE, close to one thing means farther from another. That said, our stay in the main building (A in the map on the room review post of this report) was nice. Also, there are elevators to make the stroller easier to use.
Thanks for the detailed review. I was wondering if there are a lot of stairs or walking while at the Ziva resort? We are bringing our 1.5 year old who's walking and wondering if we would benefit from bringing our travel stroller? Do you recommend any specific floors for rooms so less stairs because we are also bringing our grandma too for the family vacation?
What month did you visit the Hyatt Ziva?
Who did you use for transportation from the airport to the resort? The resorts is very overpriced $50 per way per person...any suggestions.
We used Transcabo. Looks like they are $89 per way in a private suburban. Might pencil out better depending on how many people are in your group. Still overpriced given how short the drive is on the new highway.
Do they charge for room service?
@David - I don't. Perhaps the Hyatt Twitter team could help put you in touch with the GM.
Would you happen to have the GM's email address?
I'm mexican and I can tell you that few people use those car seats for kids, so maybe that's the reason why you didn't get one.
We were there this Thanksgiving - Two adults and a 7 year old - We all had a great time - I totally agree with your comment about groups - There was a large group there while we were there and they also had their logo's on the balls - They had a huge loud party on the beach with a DJ till early AM - That being said, we did not hear a thing...
We were there this Thanksgiving - Two adults and a 7 year old - We all had a great time - I totally agree with your comment about groups - There was a large group there while we were there and they also had their logo's on the balls - They had a huge loud party on the beach with a DJ till early AM - That being said, we did not hear a thing in our room - The rooms are constructed well and they are quiet.
The food wasn't especially good - I would compare it to a cruise ship - I don't go on RCCL or Celebrity expecting a fine meal - So it was fine for what it was .
I don't understand why the pools are so cold considering how warm it is - I agree with you on the heated pool being busy, the main pool was brisk but usable while we were there - It was great playing volleyball and basketball in the pool and my daughter loved the kids club.
We also did a "Swim with the Dolphins" which is located across the street from the hotel.
I will be going back - For points redemption its a great value - It forces you to relax - The service is terrific and there is something about not having a bill at the end.
@Michael - Cabo's beaches are generally not safe to swim because of the strong current. However, there are several beaches throughout the cabo region where the water is very calm and safe where you can swim and even snorkel. The Hyatt resort just doesn't happen to be on one of those beaches.
@Michael - We got our feet wet and some people were swimming despite the Blue Flag warning about hazardous sea life. But, it's very common in Cabo to see the Black Flag up on the beach because there is a very strong undertow.
Wow -- not swimming at all in the ocean?
What's the point of going to a beach resort then? Confused.
@Michael - It probably depends on what your twins are into. I probably would have played some of the games in the teen room if some of my buddies were on the trip. So, I think that would be a great way to spend some time. We killed a lot of time relaxing next to or swimming in the pool. And the beach has more options (volleyball, loungers, etc). I just wouldn't plan on swimming...
@Michael - It probably depends on what your twins are into. I probably would have played some of the games in the teen room if some of my buddies were on the trip. So, I think that would be a great way to spend some time. We killed a lot of time relaxing next to or swimming in the pool. And the beach has more options (volleyball, loungers, etc). I just wouldn't plan on swimming in the ocean at all.
As far as safety goes, we always felt really safe. Even the vendors on the beach were polite and respectful. They were not nearly as pushy as some of the people we've run into in Jamaica or the Bahamas. One of my buddies is paranoid about visiting Mexico and my wife and I were joking that even he would rethink his stance if he had joined us on the trip.
We have twin 13 year olds -- do you think the 13 year olds would have fun? Is it safe for them to be all over the resort?
Thanks, Mike for the great review! We're heading there later this month.
Did you notice any significant mosquito activity - what with the whole Zika scare right now?
@Ry - Not a single bug bite on any of us and we were there for a week. That said, if my wife was pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant, I'm sure we'd play it safe and skip it.
I can't find a single day that it's available with points.
do you have to call to search for availability??
@asdfasdf - You have to call Hyatt to book with points at the Ziva and Zilara.
Maybe "sex on the beach" isn't just a name of a drink at zilara.
They serve very good food, especially compared to other all-inclusive experiences I’ve had.
That's a very good point. I think people need to price out various options and weight the pros and cons. Is the food at the $750/night all inclusive better? Most likely. Is it better at the $500/night place where you're spending $500/day on F&B? Absolutely.
If you're a foodie, is this the place you're going for your 50th birthday or 25th...
They serve very good food, especially compared to other all-inclusive experiences I’ve had.
That's a very good point. I think people need to price out various options and weight the pros and cons. Is the food at the $750/night all inclusive better? Most likely. Is it better at the $500/night place where you're spending $500/day on F&B? Absolutely.
If you're a foodie, is this the place you're going for your 50th birthday or 25th anniversary? No. Is it fine for a couple days of sitting by the pool with a cocktail? Sure.