We just got back from a week vacation at the Westin in San Jose. We're Starwood members, so we were able to use points to get our room and entrance to the Royal Beach club (breakfast and happy hour free). This turned out to be a very smart move on our part.

First, the Westin a beautiful establishment, well kept, friendly staff, great views, nice pools, nice rooms, and all the usual amenities you expect from a Westin. Our only big beef was the cost and quality of the food and drinks. Since you cant really walk to another bar or restaurant, you are essentially trapped at the Westin. A mixed drink by the pool will run you close to $12 US, $7 US for a can of beer. We fixed this by heading to San Jose and doing a quick stop at the Mega grocery store. We got beer and margarita supplies for the week for under $20 US, and a couple large plastic cups for drinking by the pool.

We only ate dinner here twice. The prices were just crazy for the quality and the portion sizes. A hamburger is about $20 US, same with the pork tacos. The burger wasnt good, and the tacos were really disappointing, especially for the price. We learned quickly to avoid eating there, and just to San Jose where the food is much better and more affordable. There is no refuge either. No mini-market anywhere to get a simple sandwich or snack, no deals for drinks... ever. Either pay or head to town.

Our only other beef was the lack of beach gear in our room. There is an ice bucket about the size of a coffee cup, and nothing else. We used our trashcans to hold ice so that we could keep some beer and juice cold. We had to cut limes on the dresser. We've suffered through worse.

I stayed at the Westin the week of New Years and had a fantastic time. The rooms with the ocean views are gorgeous and the balcony is a wonderful touch to the modern architecture.
We sat at the beach everyday and you can just see miles and miles of the ocean. We even were able to see some Whales from the shoreline. The restaurant at the pool was great and the fajitas were my personal favorite. The overall service at the hotel was great. The
Westin staff really caters to your ever need. I would highly recommend coming here for a
relaxing getaway.

Just returned from a trip here, Jan 14-17 and had an amazing experience at this resort. The service was great, facilities were clean and the room was modern. Upon check-in, we were greeted with welcome drinks and given a tour of the property on the way to the room. This was absolutely the perfect time of year to go as it was very quiet, and there was no problems ever getting chairs at the pool and being attended to immediately when service was needed.

Because of it's location being situated between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo it was actually a benefit to rent a car to explore the area at our own leisure. The Thrifty representative on site was friendly and helped out with this. While it may have been a bit more expensive, he was very helpful in getting that setup. The activities desk was also helpful as it was nice to be able to book a sunset cruise from the hotel. I would recommend skipping this convenience unless absolutely necessary as it is much cheaper booking the same activities at the marina because they can offer discounts that the hotels can not.

The beach was clean and quiet and strolling down the sand provided amazing views of the sunrise and sunset skies. Waking up to the sunrise and the sound of the ocean was amazing.

If you don't mind driving or taking a taxi, I highly recommend the Westin. It has all you need to never have to leave, and is close enough to both Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo to visit during the days. I wish the pools opened later (they closed at 7 and the jacuzzi at 8) and the restaurants had some odd operating hours but overall the experience was great and I would go back in a heartbeat.

We just checked out after five great nights - our second time at the Westin Cabo, the first was six years ago. Last year we were at the Hilton for Christmas, this year back to the Westin from January 7 - 12.

First:

This is absolutely a GREAT week to choose to vacation. All the kids are back in school, and NO ONE is here. There was never more than 10 people at any meal, absolutely none of the "competition at 6:30 am" amongst the husbands to get towels and things down to save prime beach or pool chairs. NONE of that...very quiet, nearly empty....therefore impeccable service.

Comparing the Westin and any "all-inclusive":

I hate to even type that, as it is not a comparison that applies. This is staying at a Westin, with ll of the quality of food and accomodations that you would expect - flawless cleanliness, pool, beach, et al. The majority of the people in the hotel were NOT on all-inclusive food and beverage plans - it is just an option that the Westin offers, and there is no service or room differentiation based on choosing (or not choosing) this plan.

Eat in the restaurants, off the regular menu, three meals a day plus a "snack" meal...drink anywhere, any time....and all of it gets magically removed off your bill. Likewise, no internet charge ($15 a day normally). The food was great, drinks were high quality and made to order - NO COMPARISON to an all-inclusive....Westin restaurants and food and cocktails, just included in the rate. I did the math afterwards.....a fantastic value.

The hotel et al:

The hotel has been remodeled since our last stay - the room we stayed in (1717) had been remodeled 6 months ago. Really really nicely done. The surroundings are constantly being improved...landscaping, painting, etc...but no intrusion on guests and no noise.

The service:

As you'd expect from a Westin. Personalized. After about 2 days, the servers remember you and what you like...and use that knowledge to bring you great service. True in all the venues. There were absolutely no surprises - the best kind of vacation.