Cabo San Lucas: An Honest Luxury Travel Review
I recently returned from an anniversary getaway to Cabo San Lucas, and as always, I'm sharing my honest insights to help you make informed decisions for your own travels. This trip included a stay at Marquis Los Cabos, airport transfers with All Ways Transportation, and dinner at Bagatelle. Here's what you need to know...
All Ways Transportation: The Clear Winner
If there's one thing I want you to take away from this post, it's this: book All Ways Transportation for your Cabo airport transfers. I've used them on multiple trips to Los Cabos, and they consistently deliver exceptional service.
From the moment we landed, everything was seamless. The vehicles are immaculate, the drivers are professional and genuinely warm, and the little touches matter. They offered complimentary beverages in the car (which we didn't take advantage of, but the gesture was appreciated), and they took the time to acknowledge our anniversary, making the journey feel special rather than transactional.
In a destination where transportation can feel like an afterthought, All Ways Transportation stands out for their reliability and attention to detail. They're safe, punctual, and simply make the experience better. I'll absolutely use them again, and I recommend them without hesitation to clients seeking that elevated travel experience from arrival to departure.
Marquis Los Cabos: Setting Realistic Expectations
Let me be direct: Marquis Los Cabos positions itself as a luxury, adults-only resort, but the reality falls short of true luxury standards. We stayed in an ocean view king room, and while the location is convenient and the adults-only policy is a plus, several factors prevented this from feeling like a five-star experience.
The Midday Heat Challenge: Everything at the property is outdoors, which sounds wonderful in theory. In practice, during unseasonably hot and humid weather, there was virtually nowhere to escape the heat except our room or a tiny coffee shop. The main restaurants operate only for breakfast and dinner, leaving a significant gap for midday refuge. For a resort in this climate, the lack of indoor common spaces felt like a notable oversight. A swim-up bar would have been a welcome addition, giving guests a way to stay cool and social without retreating to their rooms.
Service and Amenities: The service was warm and well-intentioned but lacked the polish you'd expect from a luxury property. Despite communicating my severe nut allergy multiple times (at their request), the welcome amenity they kindly sent for our anniversary contained peanuts. The air conditioning struggled to keep up with the extreme heat, though admittedly, the temperatures were exceptional even for Cabo.
The Overall Vibe: The best way I can describe Marquis is "Midwestern luxe" or elevated all-inclusive. The rooms aren't updated and feel somewhat dated, though they're certainly not in disrepair. The pool area was quiet and calm - not the lively scene some travelers seek, but also not the refined, luxury atmosphere others expect. Food options were limited and mediocre, drink selections felt standard rather than curated, and the overall experience had that unmistakable all-inclusive feel, even though it's not technically marketed as one.
Who Might Enjoy It: If you're looking for a quiet, adults-only property without high luxury expectations, Marquis could work for you. It's not a bad resort - it's just not a luxury one. For travelers seeking true five-star accommodations with updated facilities, exceptional service, and refined amenities, I'd recommend exploring other options in Los Cabos.
Bagatelle: Know What You're Getting
Bagatelle is the Cabo outpost of the international hospitality group known for its Mediterranean cuisine and lively atmosphere. We chose it for our anniversary dinner, and while the experience was entertaining, it wasn't quite what we were hoping for.
The Scene: The vibe skews heavily toward bachelor and bachelorette parties. The energy is high, the music is loud, and the entertainment is engaging - there are performances, dancing on tables, and an overall party atmosphere. If you're celebrating with a group or looking for a fun, boisterous night out, Bagatelle delivers.
The Food and Value: For what you're paying (and you'll pay a premium here), the food was disappointingly mediocre. The drinks were similarly expensive without being exceptional. You're paying for the experience and the scene more than the cuisine.
My Recommendation: Would I recommend Bagatelle? It depends entirely on the occasion. For a bachelorette party, a milestone birthday with friends, or a group celebration where the vibe matters more than the meal, absolutely. For a romantic anniversary dinner or an evening centered around exceptional food, look elsewhere. Know what you're signing up for, and you'll have a great time.
Final Thoughts
Cabo San Lucas offers incredible potential for luxury travelers, but not every experience lives up to the promise. My advice? Invest in the details that truly matter—like reliable, elevated transportation with All Ways Transportation. Be selective about your accommodations and dining, and don't assume that every property or restaurant marketed as "luxury" will deliver on that promise.
As always, I'm here to help you navigate these decisions and craft trips that truly meet your expectations. If you're planning a Los Cabos getaway and want personalized recommendations that align with your travel style, let's talk.
Have you been to Cabo? I'd love to hear about your experiences—drop a comment or reach out directly.