My brother and his family invited my family and I to join them at their timeshare in Cabo. At first, based on some of the reviews, I was skeptical. This review is meant to eliminate some of the fears others may have based upon those my family and I had going in.
Airport:
Even though it isn't the law until this coming January do yourself a favor and get all of those traveling with you passports. We didn't waste a lot of time in the airport at Cabo and the primary reason was the fact that our entire party of 7 all had passports.
A word of warning: You are going to be nailed right after you clear Mexican customs by dozens of people trying to get you to agree to take a timeshare tour. Do yourself a favor and negotiate a little. It cost $105 USD to get from the airport to Cabo Villas each way for 7 people and we managed to negotiate this, some free gifts, two free meals, and free drinks. Frankly it was worth 75 minutes of our time. Just hold out for a good deal - they will offer more, believe me. (their first offer was simply the free transportation)
Now about Cabo Villas:
Pros:
1. This place is literally right on the beach. And it is near shopping. Be sure to go to the City Club (like a Sam's Club) and buy yourself some water, soda, and snacks. Do this early and you can save some serious money from your bar tab and it is only 3 blocks away. The cab fare back to the resort with all of our groceries was $5 US.
2. Claudia, who makes the arrangements for activities, was awesome. Be sure to use her services and listen to her advice.
3. The AC in the room worked quite well but we needed to use the ceiling fans. It is extremely hot and the AC needed that little extra air movement to really make things feel cool. This might seem like a common sense statement but I overheard another guest talking about how hot it was in her room and when I asked her if she was using her ceiling fan she advised "no, I don't usually use those".
4. The lower "infinity pool" is really nice but for privacy use the upper one. Be sure to order one of their bacon cheeseburgers from the grill.
5. Everyone is very servile and you will be made to feel like a king. Need a different pillow? Or perhaps another blanket? Whatever you need, they are more than happy to help.
Cons:
1. As others have said there is a LOT of construction noise that starts around 8 in the morning. I have a travel "whitenoise maker" and it covered it quite nicely. But my brother wasn't so lucky and he ended up losing a little sleep.
2. They will try to sell you a timeshare. Get over it, take the tour, get the freebies, and enjoy the rest of your vacation. Be sure to negotiate in order to get lots of freebies.
3. The towel card system is a pain. DO NOT lose your beach towel card or you will be paying $25 to replace it. I kept ours in the safe with our passports when they weren't in use.
4. Getting USD can be a little difficult. But there IS an ATM that gives them out! In the Marina there is a bank right on the corner. (down from Hardrock) This ATM gives USD which are much easier to bargain with when you go shopping for silver, pottery, and the like. This little secret wasn't even known to some of the frequent visitors. My brother and I were running low on cash, hit this ATM, and were pleased to see the choice of Pesos or Dollars.
5. Some of the cabbies will try to rip you off. Bottom line it should never cost you more than about $10 to go anywhere in Cabo. And that is for a family. If they quote you more tell them "too much" and start to shut the door. Then watch how fast the price drops.
6. The entrance to the resort is on a dark alley. We walked back as late as 1 in the morning and encountered no trouble. But it looks dangerous. They really protect tourist in Cabo but use common sense and walk in a group.
7. The beach is close but the vendors will swarm to you. Just be aware that they are going to come up to you and don't let it upset you. If you stay at one of the pools they cannot bother you. And there is a bright side also. They have some really beautiful pieces and are willing to barter. Have fun with it and don't let it ruin your vacation.
And Finally...
When you return to the airport be sure that you negotiate not just "return transport" to the airport but "private return transport". We were almost late because of a bus that was delayed.
The Cabo airport was actually quite user friendly and we were through customs in about 1/2 hour. We flew on Frontier which probably made a difference - United and Continental were really busy with long lines. Just be prepared, no matter what, to have ALL of your bags searched. Thoroughly....
Overall this vacation was incredible. We parasailed, cruised to the Land's End, and jet skied. And we ate some awesome meals all the while spending some really nice, quality family time. I sincerely hope that this review serves to remove some of your questions and/or fears.








