We just returned from an 8 day vacation in Cabo San Lucas and stayed at the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Resort & Spa. Overall, the location was fantastic and the resort was exceptional!!

We had seven people in our group so we rented a minivan from Alamo. We were concerned about the liability, etc so we purchased the full insurance. We checked with our auto policy and credit card and both said they would not cover us in an accident in Mexico. It’s about a wash if you rent a car or use taxi service, but we wanted the flexibility, so we just rented.

Since we had a rental car, we went to Costco the first evening to purchase some essentials (bottled water, snacks, breakfast items, etc). The hotel staff was very quick to tell us the best way to get there, so it seems that a lot of people do that.

The biggest surprise was the timeshare presentations. It seemed at every turn, someone was trying to get us to go to a presentation. The deals offered were very good. We went to the one at the Sheraton and received $100 in cash and $100 in restaurant credit for ~ 2 hours of our time (including breakfast). After we didn’t purchase one there, the lady at the checkout offered to help us book our activities at the promised discounted rate. After choosing our activities, she added up the total to $460 … BUT she could give them to us for $200 if we attended another timeshare. While my time on vacation is supposed to be used for relaxing, I figured that was a pretty good deal, so we attended a second one. After we didn’t buy the second, they offered us $300 cash to attend a third. My wife and I both had enough and said thanks, but no thanks. Overall, I didn’t think the presentations were high pressure, enjoyed the breakfast and got rewarded well, so I think it’s a good idea to attend – just know if you’re going to buy or not up front. One word of caution – after returning, we did some research on the web and found that the timeshares can be purchased as resells for around 50% of what they offer there, so be forewarned!

We did several activities including snorkeling tour, sunset cruise, parasailing and glass bottom boat ride. Since we attended the second timeshare presentation, we got all of this for 7 people for $200. The glass bottom boat ride is great, not for the glass bottom portion, but they drop you off on Lover’s Beach near Land’s End. It’s by far the best beach we visited while there and there was no rush since the return ride was up to you. We swam, rock climbed and snorkeled while we were there. You can kayak or rent snorkel equipment on the beach from vendors there ($12 for snorkel). Parasailing was awesome. My only comment was that the transfer of passengers from the ferry to the parasailing boat occurs while both boats are moving – so be prepared! The sunset cruise was good. We did it on the Bucanner Queen which is supposed to be the boat they used to film Captain Cook. The crew was great and it was a good time with sightseeing. My only comment was that it is more of a party boat than I thought it would be. There is an open bar and couples performing for a free dinner (we were one of them)! If you think it’s just going to be a easy sail around for sight seeing, you may be disappointed. The snorkeling cruise was aboard “La Princessa”. It was not good. Once arriving at the snorkel sight, the captain told us to get out and snorkel behind the blue and white boat. Literally 10 minutes after getting in the water, he sounded for the everyone to come back. To be fair, the weather was not good and it took us more time to get there and back than on a normal day, but it was very unorganized overall and I would try a different boat next time. There was a boat there from the SpinDoctor that seemed nice and organized.

My only complaint on the resort itself was on the gymnasium. I’ve been working out quite a bit and didn’t want vacation to spoil it, so I vowed to work out every morning. The gym itself is being remodeled and all of the equipment is in a small room away from the main area. I never had to wait for a machine, but there are only 4 treadmills, 2 bikes, 2 elliptical machines along with the free weights. I’m a Starwood Preferred Guest, so the gym was complimentary for me, but there is a charge of $17 per use if you’re not.

The beach was not swimmable and a bit dangerous in my opinion. The undertow was so bad that it knocked down myself, my sister and my mother every time we went. I did not allow my children to go in it and I didn’t go after the first time. If you’re expecting to swim at the beach you will have to go to the beach down by the Marina. We went to another local beach (Playa Palmilla) and my daughter was stung by one of the many jellyfish there.

Since the beach was un-swimmable, we spent a lot of time at the pools. While the infinity edge pool was very nice, it seemed to be a bit crowded and we spent most of our time at the newest pool – the saltwater pool. It’s located closer to the golf course away from the others. Saltwater pools are nice in that there isn’t any chlorine and really wasn’t that salty. Our little one was able to float better and there was the only swim up bar there. Drinks were expensive everywhere ($9 each), but at happy hour, they were 2 for 1.

We ate at many places and tried to get away from the resort as the dining was much cheaper. We did eat at the steak and seafood restaurant there and the view is fabulous, so I would recommend it. If you have a special occasion, they will set up a table on the beach. The restaurants is San Jose were generally cheaper and better than those in Cabo San Lucas. Our favorite was the Tropicana Inn which had a great Mariachi band, good food and reasonable prices. We had breakfast there and it was by far and away the best while we were there.

I played golf on the Ocean Course and have to agree with all reviews I’ve read – I’m glad I played it and the views were spectacular, but I expected more for $200 green fees. Be sure and eat the tacos at the turn (they’re free and delicious).

We went in the first part of July and the weather was HOT! It was 105 F every day and the first two days had very little breeze. With a breeze it was bearable at the pool, but it was still hot. Everyone says it perfect in the winter with low heat and humidity.

All in all, it was a great vacation and a fantastic location. Be forewarned of the timeshares, buy water at Costco, rent a car and have a great time!!

My husband and I and my in-laws recently stayed 6 nights at the Hacienda Del Mar. The resort itself is beautiful and well maintained. The pools are nice and there is always chairs available. The resort does nickel and dime you for everything but that is typical. The food at the resort was good but pricey. The rooms are clean and very nice and the beds held up to their reputation.

The one disappointment was the spa. The real spa is under renovation for the next 6 weeks, so what they've done is move the spa treatments to a couple of hotel rooms. The treatments where fine, but if you are expecting a spa experience to go along with that $120 massage, you will be very disappointed. If you want to use the gym they tell you it's a $12 per day fee, but there is no one there to sign you in or charge you. I used it everyday and wasn't charged. The conceirge desk was very friendly and helpful, but beware of the timeshare people. Just be firm the first time and they won't bother you again. My in-laws were friendly to them and they bugged them for two days. When you get off the plane you will be attacked by timeshare people so be prepared to keep walking and DON'T STOP till you are outside.

We ate outside of the resort most of the time. We had great meals at the Trailer Park (make sure you ask for the old one) huge menu and great lobster and steaks - share entrees they are huge, La Dolce- great pasta, pizzas, and salads, Pancho's- good mexican with seafood selections, Peacock's - nice meal, was a little fancier, and Mi Casa (both their mexican place and their seafood place) - make a reservation for the orginal Mi Casa (mexican food) it can get very busy. All of these eating establishments are outdoor dining - so plan to eat after 7:30 PM or you will be hot. After that it is very nice outside.

My husband and father in-law when fishing with the folks from Poncho's - RIP OFF is all I can say. Do your homework ahead of time and I'm sure your fishing experience will be much better than ours. The snorkelin was OK- but nothing like you get in the Carribean, the water is cloudy and typically rough.

My husband and I went here to celebrate our 10th anniversary. I coud not have asked for a better and economical vacation. The resort was beautiful and staff amazing. Dining is expensive but isn't it everywhere unless you are in a dump. 5Besides eating at all the fine dining places at the resort, we went in town to the "Office", which is inexpensive, entertaining being that it is on the beach and there is so much to see while you eat. It is a very casual place and getting pressured to buy things by natives selling everything from beaded necklace to wood carved ornaments is constant. But its just funny and you need some gofts for friends anyway. Make sure you bargin them down on their prices. Horse back riding on the beach was terrific, we went with the cheap and slightly worn down looking horses but we had more freedom then the better looking horsing company. I basically flew pass the other group and had the time of my life. I was going too fast for my husband and most of my group. A few of us got a kick out of being rebellious and the leaders did not seem to mind much.

I have never had frozen drink as delicious as at this resort. Every other place just comes up short. Make sure you go to different pools at the resort to get the happy hour two for one. There is always a happy hour at one of the pools , if you are at a poolside that the happy hour is over just go to the pool that does have it.

Save money by going in town to eat. There was a place on the marina which had a steak, fish and lobster meal for two at a crazy low price and the food was perfect. I thingk it was called Galleria.

Don't listen to the negative reviews about the resort, there will always be some to find something to complain about. The resort is absolutely beautiful.

If you want to get alittle wild got to EL Sqid after midnight "what happens in Cabo, stays in Cabo". Before midnight there is this fun place called "Giggling Marlin's'". Be apart of the show and laugh about the memory for years to come. If you are a woman and like me don't want you boobs grabbed skip the first opt and wait for the second call for volunteers, its less riskay to be frisked by a stranger.

While driving in town we saw a spa, which is much cheaqper than the resort but lacks in nothing. You can't miss the spa if you are driving back to the resort from town its on your right, just pull in. You could never get a massage for so cheap in the states.

We did the ski jets and booze criuse and both was fun. Skip the bull fighting, it was a absolute waiste of time and money. Trust me don't do it. The only thing we saw was cute little girls dancing in a beatiful costumes but we didn't pay for that.

My boyfriend and I just got back from 6 days at the Sheraton in Cabo. We were immediately impressed with the look and feel of the resort as well as the rooms. Rooms are large with great bathroom, tub that fits two, large stall shower and cal king sized bed. We were really impressed and had a compliementary bottle of champagne upon arrival.

Pools were great and we always got a chair even if we went down at 11 or 12pm. Seats by the lovely main infinity pool go fast but chairs to be had for all, unlike many of my Las Vegas trips.

Hotel staff is friendly and speaks a lot of English for those who need a margarita or two before they start to habla en espagnol. Great help for planning and booking activities as well. They have a welcome breakfast that we did not attend but is a great way to get discounts on future activities and a free breakfast, great way to learn about their time shares.

July is a very hot time to go, so most of our time was spent by the pool or walking on the beach. The Sheraton beach area is pretty but water has a strong tide and is not for a weak swimmer. Our only activity was a sunset horseback ride on the beach with a view of El Arco. For $30-40 dollars it was a fun activity and nice way to enjoy the scenery at a cooler time of day.

Food at the Sheraton was good but not great and yes a little pricey but to be expecte from eating at the resort. All in all it was a great place to stay and i have no regrets. Definitely worth it to do some meals in town or Dinner at the Esperanza next door, but its pricey. 5 star cuisine and price but great for those who want to splurge. Viva Cabo! Its growing, so go now and enjoy!