Creating family memories is what we are all about. Recently, I had the pleasure of making those memories with three generations in Cabo on points/miles. Initially, my daughter Kasey and I had decided to go to Cabo and use points to stay at two different hotels—The Cape and the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal. At the last minute, Kasey’s daughter Sienna, who is a Senior in high school, wanted to come, so that made it a three-generation trip! Want to know more about the Waldorf Astoria? Listen to Podcast 66. Living the Dream: Saving on Our Los Cabos Luxury Escape to the Waldorf Astoria.

 

Flights to Cabo Using Credit Card Miles

I’ve mentioned before that I pay cash for most of my cheaper flights to save my points/miles for international business-class flights. I also do this to keep my United Airlines status, which gets me more upgrades from Economy Plus to first class. I did just that and got an upgrade to first class on the flight to Cabo.

Kasey used 20K United miles each way to book herself and Sienna from Denver to Cabo. She, too, has elite status, so they were able to sit in Economy Plus for no extra charge. There are numerous other ways to use credit card miles/points for nearly free travel to Cabo.

 

 

 

 

The Cape on Credit Card Points

Our first two nights were at The Cape, a Thompson Hotel.  I stayed there one night in the past, and Jess has stayed there before. It is a newer, beautiful hotel outside Cabo’s bustle, with a gorgeous view of the arches. When we checked in, they informed me that our third person was not reflected on the booking so that they would charge her for Globalist breakfast. I slightly pushed back (nicely) on that info, and they agreed to cover her. (Note to self: Edit your guest number if that changes.)

The hotel was quite full, so no upgrades to a suite. The room was large, and all of the rooms had an ocean view, so that was appreciated. They did have truffles and wine as a welcome amenity with a nice note. I reached out to my Hyatt Concierge to tell her I don’t drink alcohol in hopes that they can start leaving me Diet Coke! 😜

 

We ate on the Rooftop on our first night, and it was hopping! The music was loud, and it was extremely busy. Of course, it was a Friday night. We enjoyed the food, but it wasn’t cheap, and the portions were small.

 

Globalist Breakfast at The Cape

As a Globalist, we could eat at the buffet (usually $55) or order off the menu. I had the eggs benedict, my daughter had the huevos rancheros, and Sienna had the buffet. We could also have smoothies that ranged from $12-$22. All in all, our bill came to about $175, and we paid nothing for it. It was also delicious—we were all happy with our food!

 

 

Poolside at The Cape

We were here for the weather. Period. Escaping the cold of Colorado on points/miles is my favorite redemption. We mainly remained poolside with a little beach (not the greatest for children) and looking for seashells. In fact, I didn’t even see children during our time at The Cape.

Our favorite meal was lunch. The shrimp tacos, carne asada tacos, and the nachos were all great. The service was great, too—I love that they remember your name. I was called Miss Pamela all the time! (It’s been a minute since I’ve been called that!) Warning: The food is expensive—we spent almost $50 on every meal (and we don’t drink alcohol).

 

 

 

We did have one bad experience on our last night. We were in room 509 under the Rooftop, and it was so loud that we felt like we were at a party. We were also next to an elevator, and we swore people were having a party there, too. It didn’t close till 1:00 am on Saturday, so make sure you get a room on the other side if you want some sleep!

 

 

I transferred points from these cards to Hyatt to book The Cape:

 

Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal on Credit Card Points

Last year, Alex, Jess, and I all opened the American Express Hilton Business Card when it had an offer for points + a free hotel night certificate. This certificate could be used at almost ANY Hilton hotel or resort where you could find standard award availability, and we all had the same goal in mind—the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal. We also had our spouses apply for the card, and we each put $15,000 on the card to earn another free night certificate. We REALLY wanted to stay at this hotel!

I used my husband’s two certificates and my two certificates to book four nights here. Standard award nights go for 120,000 Hilton points. The cash price would have been over $6,000 for our stay.

 

 

Check-in and Service at Los Cabos Pedregal

We were greeted at check-in by a concierge and some refreshing hibiscus water. If you prefer alcohol, they have that also. We took a taxi from the airport to the Waldorf for $30. One of the most interesting things about the resort is the long tunnel you drive through from the entrance to the actual resort.

Check-in is done while you relax in comfy chairs with a majestic Pacific ocean view. The resort certainly has a wow factor the moment you step into it. There is a gorgeous tree with ornaments (lit up at night) that sits center stage when you arrive.

 

 

Service was impeccable throughout our stay. Everyone was friendly, helpful, and respectful. While everyone at The Cape had been friendly, they took it up a notch here. Your concierge takes you to your room, orients you to it and the resort, and checks on what time you would like your room cleaned daily—love that you could pick your time.

 

Ocean View Plunge Pool Bedroom

Our room was large, with a king bed, fireplace, two chairs, a plunge pool, and a gigantic bathroom. The bathroom had a large rainfall shower and a big soaking tub. We had a rollaway bed brought in for the stay at a cost of $100 total.

 

 

 

The terrace is also large, with two couches. In fact, my granddaughter preferred to sleep on one of them and listen to the ocean at night.

 

 

There is a mini fridge in the room, and it contains complimentary sodas, water, and juices. We were also told we could call anytime to have it refilled. Additionally, a decorative ceramic decanter of tequila makes a nice gift to take home. A beach bag is provided in the closet, and daily chips and guacamole are brought to the room between 4:00 and 6:00 pm each day along with beverages (beer or non-alcoholic drinks). I also like ice in my Diet Coke or water, and they keep the ice bucket filled. (It’s the little things!)

 

 

Restaurants at the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal

There are two main restaurants at the resort. Don Manuel’s is the restaurant for breakfast. I have Gold status through my American Express Platinum Card, so we got two complimentary continental breakfasts daily. Upgrading to a full buffet would have been an additional $20/person. You could also order a la carte off the menu. The food was excellent here.

 

 

We had our first dinner there, also. I had been pre-warned that the resort food was expensive, so there wasn’t much sticker shock. The meal we had at Don Manuel’s was about $50 for the day’s catch and $14 for a side (truffled macaroni) that we shared. We also shared some delicious empanadas for about $20. It was a delicious meal, and the service was amazing.

They have a cliffside restaurant, El Farallon, that Jess said had an exquisite view, but the food was a little underwhelming when she went, so we passed on it. There are a few bars, a coffee shop, and several poolside restaurants.

 

Location of Resort

The resort is located close enough to the town of Los Cabos that we could walk to The Outpost, a restaurant I enjoyed on my last trip to Cabo. We also took a taxi to Torote Restaurant one night for dinner. It is a cliffside restaurant that is well-known, and it did not disappoint.

We enjoyed a whale-watching excursion one day, and we could walk to the location where it began as it was only one mile away. The trip was about $100 for 2 hours, and you get up close to El Arco also. We saw several whales. This was my second tour with Cabo Trek (booked through Viator), and I think they have a great tour.

 

 

Pool Area and Ocean at the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal

There is an adults-only pool near Don Manuel’s with seating there and on the beach below. We were surprised that when we went to breakfast, the seats were already filling up quickly. There is also a family pool with seating. An attendant sets your chair up and brings you ice water. Again, they are so attentive.

 

 

 

The ocean is not swimmable in front of the resort. The Pacific side is the untamable side, but also an area where you can see whales, fishing boats, and beautiful sunsets.

 

Bottom Line

We definitely did these two resorts in the correct order. While The Cape was wonderful, the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal was magical, serene, and therapeutic. The ability to stay at this caliber of hotel for pennies on the dollar will never cease to amaze me!

 

Related Posts

Review of the Cape, a Thompson Hotel

Success Story to Cabo

Reader Success Story: Cabo

Podcast 66. Living the Dream: Saving on Our Los Cabos Luxury Escape to the Waldorf Astoria.