At first glance, Posada Real Los Cabos looks like a bit of an underdog. In the crowded Los Cabos hotel scene, the Posada Real is relatively discreet when compared to the sleek new resorts that dot the beach along the peninsula. This three star hotel looks a little worn from the exterior, with the dated 1980s architecture juxtaposing pretty direly with some of Posada Real’s more modern competition down the road. However, looks aren’t everything, and Posada Real shines when it comes to delightful staff and folksy charm. This is the kind of place where the underside of the bed is probably a bit rusty, the staff mellow and conversational, and the food hearty. So if you’re looking for a papered five star resort, then Posada Real isn’t for you. On the other hand, if you’re here for a relaxing beach holiday, then Posada Real is a good choice. Plus, the prices here can be as much as half the price of some of Posada Real’s neighbors.
General view of the hotel
Like most of the hotels in Los Cabos Posada Real has a great beach right in front of the hotel. Unfortunately, like with the rest of the hotels, swimming is forbidden because of strong waves and currents.
Location
Posada Real Los Cabos is located about a mile out from Baja California’s tourist hotspot, Cabo San Lucas. This is one of two resort towns in the area, with the other being San Jose. While San Jose is the stereotype of a lazy beach hamlet, San Lucas is more of a party town. Mercifully, Posada Real is about a mile out from the party, on a fairly quiet stretch of beach. Unfortunately, the beach isn’t suitable for swimming due to dangerous, unpredictable currents. Having said that, the beachside is pristine and utterly stunning in the evenings. It’s a good spot for a walk in the sand, and beach chairs are usually set up in the afternoons during peak season.
If you’re up for a bit of an adventure, San Lucas can be reached from the hotel in around 20 minutes. Along with some lively nightlife, San Lucas also has a good mix of museums, restaurants and golf courses. Among these is Palmilla Golf, a Nicklaus-designed course that’s widely considered among the best in Mexico.
Meanwhile in the other direction, San Jose’s Old Town makes for a good day trip. In particular, the Gallery District is well worth your time, and a good spot to check out local art. If you’d rather get out in nature, then consider visiting the San Jose Estuary. This 2,000 acre marshland is a great place for bird watching, and tours can be organized from San Jose.
Enjoying our first dinner at Posada real
Both San Jose and San Lucas are good for adventure tourism. Snorkeling, scuba diving and surf classes are plentiful and competitive.
Rooms
The Posada Real has just two room types: standard and suite. The standard rooms sleep a maximum of two or three guests, depending on configuration. Rooms with two double beds or one King are available. The standard rooms also come with air conditioning, coffee and tea making facilities, cable TV and free wifi. These rooms are good for single travelers or pairs, but can get a bit squishy beyond that.
Our room was a suite, which consisted in two standard rooms connected through a door.
The second room type, the suite, is more suitable for small groups and families. They come with one bedroom, two bathrooms and a small dining area. Generally when booking either room type, you’ll be asked whether you want a garden or beach view. In the past, guests have complained of being given garden instead of beach views, though staff are usually happy to rectify this on arrival. Some of the beach views are likewise a bit inconsistent – some are fantastic, while from other rooms it can be pretty underwhelming. Again, though, staff are usually extremely happy to let you move to a different room. Ultimately, it’s worth having a peak in a few rooms, especially in low season. Our suite was actually two standard rooms connected through a door with beach views.
Other Amenities
Posada Real doesn’t exactly overwhelm guests with its amenities, though it holds its own. Along with its blessed air conditioning and ubiquitous wifi, the hotel also has a heated swimming pool and jacuzzi, a moderate fitness center, beach volleyball court and laundry services. They can also help organize tours in the nearby area. The on-site Terramar agency offers fishing charters, with regular departures in peak season. Posada Real can likewise organize golf trips. They also do all-inclusive accommodation and golf packages.
The main restaurant.
Salad and fruit bar
Without a doubt, Posada Real’s best amenity has to be the on-site restaurant. The Cactus Restaurant can whip up some hearty Mexican fare anytime of day, though it’s at breakfast time that it really comes into its own (or is it dinner?). The breakfast buffet is an endless stream of pancakes, French toast, chilaquiles and huevos rancheros. At other times of day, opt for fish dishes where possible. More often than not, the fish is locally caught and fresh.
If you're visiting Los Cabos with kids you'll find that you spend a lot of time in the pool as swimming in the ocean is out of bounds.
One last feature worth noting is the poolside taco stand. In a spark of genius, this little stall dispenses cocktails and antojitos like tacos and quesadillas throughout the day, though the food is not even close to what it is in the main restaurant.
Conclusion
While Posada Real Los Cabos may not be a luxury resort, it does offer a warmth and hospitality that I find difficult to match. The rooms are OK, the hotel is not new but has a nice garden. However what it does have is superb food, very friendly and helpful staff, and a great unpretentious vibe that I really love. I'f you're willing to pay three of four times the rate just to have modern and nice furniture, look elsewhere. But if you want to put you money where it really matters and not over spend, Posada Real Los Cabos is a great choice.
