With luxurious hotels and glorious beaches, Los Cabos delivers if you want an indulgent, relaxing vacation.
Two of the most prominent hotels in the area include the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabo Pedregal and the One&Only Palmilla.
Located less than 40 minutes from each other, these two stunning properties serve as lavish retreats often frequented by celebrities and affluent vacationers.
Find out which of these resorts is the perfect fit for you in this comparison of the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal versus One&Only Palmilla.
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Quick Glance: Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal vs One&Only Palmilla
| Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal | One&Only Palmilla | |
| Location | Baja California Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico | Transpeninsular, Tourist Corridor, Baja California Sur, San José del Cabo, Mexico |
| Getting There | Requires a 35 to 45-minute drive from Los Cabos International Airport (SJD). | Requires a 10-minute drive from San Jose del Cabos and 30-minutes from Cabo San Lucas (CSL). Approximately, it’s a 20-minute drive from Los Cabos International Airport (SJD). |
| Room | 115 Rooms, Suites, Villas, Casitas, and Private Residences | 174 Rooms, Suites, and Villas |
| Amenities | Swimming Pools, Spa, Gym, AlmArte Boutique, Beach Access (non-swimmable), Tennis Court, Wi-Fi | Beach Access (swimmable), Fitness Center, Swimming Pool, Spa, Golf Course, Tennis Court, Kid’s Club, Wi-Fi |
| Food and Dining | 10 Restaurants, Bars, and Café | 4 Restaurants and Bars |
| Staff and Guest Services | Fantastic! There are slight lapses when the resort is near capacity but nothing that would cause guests to be uncomfortable. | Excellent! They treat guests like family, making them feel right at home. |
| Price | Cash rates in the low season start at $1,200 per night. On the average season, prices for a standard room start at $1,772 per night. However, in peak season, the rates for a standard room start at $2,634. | For cash rates, they start at $1,425 per night in the low season. During the average season, it’s around $1,900 per night while in the peak season, it climbs to $2,400 per night for a standard room. |
| Points Redemption | Yes, available using Hilton Honors points. Standard rooms can be redeemed using 120,000 to 150,000 points per night. | No, points redemption isn’t available at the hotel at the moment. |
The Details: Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal vs One&Only Palmilla
Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal
Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal. Image Credit: Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal
Since it was rebranded in 2019 into the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, the hotel has become among the ritziest hotels on Hilton’s roster.
From its dramatic tunnel entrance down to the multiple extravagant guestrooms, the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal knows how to impress guests.
Location
This stunning hotel is located in what’s known as the Baja California Peninsula at Cabo San Lucas. It’s enclosed by large mountains and cliffs making the resort slightly isolated from the rest of Cabo.
Reaching the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal requires a 35 to 45-minute drive from Los Cabos International Airport (SJD). It’s also quite close to the main town of Cabo San Lucas. You can walk into town, take a taxi or have the resort take you to the edge of the property in a golf cart so your walk to town will be even shorter.
It’s also just a 10-minute walk from the edge of the resort tunnel toward the marina. Once you get there, the Puerto Paraiso Mall is right across from it. Meanwhile, there’s a walkable beach called Playa de Empacadora that’s only 15-minutes away. An alternative is the popular Medano Beach, which requires a 10-minute taxi ride.
Room
The Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal offers several room categories. Guests can choose between rooms, suites, villas, casitas, and private homes.
Each of these guest spaces comes with a distinct style designed to accommodate different types of travelers – from solo vacationers, honeymooners, or even large groups and families. All the rooms include a private plunge pool and a spacious terrace. Welcome refreshments including a Clase Azul Reposado tequila in a beautiful handpainted bottle, are also provided for a distinct Mexican touch.
Entry-level spaces are simply categorized as rooms. When you book with Hilton Honors points, the Pacific View King Bed with Plunge Pool is often the room type offered. At 865 square feet, it’s filled with bespoke furniture, striking Mexican décor, and fine Italian sheets with comfortable pillow top covers.
The bathrooms have deep soaking tubs, handpainted vanities, a hairdryer, and Vervan toiletries. There’s also a gas fireplace, robes, beach bags, slippers, and even binoculars, giving you a chance to whale watch from your window. Nightly turndown service and a personal concierge are also offered.
For the suites category, you have three options: the Estrella Suite, Dos Mares Jr. Suite, and the One Bedroom Ocean View Suite. Starting at 1,600 square feet, these suites include three private balconies. The main terrace even comes with a fire pit.
If you’re after beachfront views, book any of these: the Presidential Beachfront Suite, the Pedregal Two Bedroom Beachfront Suite, or the Premium Beachfront One Bedroom Suite.
The Presidential Beachfront Suite is made for ultimate indulgence with its 4,100 square feet of open beachfront living. It has a large private pool, dedicated outdoor spaces, and private beach access.
Families or couples looking for an even bigger space can opt for the resort casitas. The Resort Casita Three Bedroom has 3,454 square feet of space with a fantastic ocean view, a full kitchen, and butler service. Meanwhile, the Resort Casita Two Bedroom also has the same amenities as the three-bedroom casita only with a smaller floor area of 2,395 square feet.
The villas category provides more exclusive privacy. These are perfect for larger groups who want incredible ocean views without necessarily being by the beach.
The Three Bedroom Ocean View Villa is 3,535 square feet containing a single master king and two queen bedroom suites. A full terrace, kitchen, infinity plunge pool, and butler service complete this remarkable space.
Finally, for absolute decadence, book any of the private homes available at the resort. You can choose from the Private Pedregal Home with Marina View – Four Bedroom or the Private Pedregal Home with Marina View – Three Bedroom.
Both these accommodations are over 4,000 square feet and decked with full amenities. These include full kitchens, spacious living rooms, terraces, infinity pools, several bedrooms, fantastic water views, en-suite bathrooms, and of course, a butler to attend to your needs.
Amenities
At the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, you not only get a diverse set of rooms to choose from but you can also enjoy a host of facilities to make your stay fun and enjoyable.
Exercise buffs will love the property’s fitness center with its free weights and two dedicated exercise spaces – one is designed for yoga while the other is for powerlifting. Inside the gym, you’ll find a host of TechnoGym equipment from exercise bikes, treadmills, TRX bands, kettlebells, and workout benches.
After a day at the gym, soothe your aching muscles with a body massage at the Waldorf Astoria Spa – Luna y Mar. With 10 treatment rooms, the therapies offered here are rooted in the Mexican tradition involving the sea and the moon, alongside local rituals. As a treat, most of the treatment rooms lead to a magnificent saltwater pool with manmade waterfalls.
Beach lovers will be happy to know there is a beach on the property. It has gorgeous, powdery sand ideal for long, leisure walks. However, like most beaches in Cabo, this one isn’t swimmable. It has a steep drop-off causing rip tides and powerful currents. You can visit other swimmable beaches close to the area.
For pool lovers, you’ll have a choice of four swimming pools here. The main resort pool is the crème de la crème of the resort as it features an infinity edge with sweeping views of the ocean below. There’s also a dedicated children’s pool, another one close to The Beach Club, and another pool at the spa. Each pool comes with sun loungers and beach umbrellas.
Sports enthusiasts can use the tennis courts near the resort’s tunnel entrance. The hotel provides free rackets and balls to use, along with a small fridge for refreshments. To cure your shopping itch, the AlmArte Shopping Boutique lets you purchase various beach items like swimsuits, hats, or sunscreen. They also sell souvenir items and other locally made pieces.
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Food and Dining
Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal – Beach Club Exterior. Image Credit: Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal
You’ll never go hungry onsite with three signature restaurants to choose from at the resort. Grab breakfast at the poolside Don Manuel’s Restaurant. It has indoor and outdoor seating with a bar area as well as live music during the evenings.
A complimentary buffet breakfast is served here between 7:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. You can also pay an extra $9 for a full Mexican breakfast which includes coffee, a fruit plate, pastries, and juice (same as the ones offered at the buffet) along with a delicious hot dish.
In the outdoor section, you’ll also find Don Manuel’s Bar, where you can grab a selection of cocktails.
On the other hand, El Farallon is the hotel’s signature restaurant. It’s so popular even those staying at nearby hotels make the trek to visit this restaurant. Come prepared by making an advanced booking the moment you arrive at the hotel if you want to dine here.
What makes El Farallon so popular isn’t just the food but its iconic location and views. It’s found at the farther side of the hotel, right by the cliffs where diners are presented with a striking view overlooking the Pacific.
To order here, all you need to do is pick your mains and sides. You’re automatically offered appetizers, soup, as well as dessert. Also, make sure to try out their cocktails, they have a great selection to try out.
If you want burgers and tacos, The Beach Club is the ideal place to visit. For a laid-back lunch, drop by Crudo. This bar also serves as a swim-up pool bar serving ceviche, sashimi, and sushi.
More drink options are available at The Peacock Alley. Here, you can do tequila tasting or try out the agave experience. Coffee lovers can hop next door at the Neutral Coffee Lab.
Want to sip champagne by the beach? You can! Just visit Va y Viene Beach Bar. This little area has swings for seats and a brilliant view of the blue waters.
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Staff and Guest Services
The Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal takes pride in delivering outstanding service. This extends to their guest staff services. They are extremely attentive and with a personal concierge just a text or Whatsapp message away, you can easily get a response within minutes or seconds.
All of the staff are well-trained and personable, ensuring each guest feels attended to even during busy times.
Price
For paid rates, a standard room in the low season averages around $1,200 per night while in the average season, the same room starts at $1,772 per night. However, bookings in the peak months can cost around $2,634 per night.
Points Redemption
What’s amazing about this luxury resort is you can book a free night here using Hilton Honors points. You can exchange between 120,000 to 150,000 points per night for a standard room.
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Who Is It For?
The Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal is the perfect place whether you’re intending a romantic private honeymoon or a family-filled adventure. With a gorgeous beach, spacious and luxurious guest spaces, and world-class amenities, you’ll always have something to relish while here.
Oh, and if you’re planning on vacationing with your pet. The Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal loves dogs and will gladly welcome your furry family member.
Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal Gallery
Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal – Private Pool. Image Credit: Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal
Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal – Ocean View. Image Credit: Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal
Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal – Swimming Pool. Image Credit: Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal
Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal – View. Image Credit: Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal
Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal – Two Bedroom. Image Credit: Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal
One&Only Palmilla
One&Only Palmilla. Image Credit: One&Only Palmilla
The One&Only Palmilla is popular with luxury vacationers who want great food and a quiet locale yet be within driving distance to the towns of San Jose del Cabo or Cabo San Lucas.
Location
The One&Only Palmilla occupies 250 acres of land. It’s a quiet, sprawling escape, surrounded by private residences and beaches.
To reach the resort, it’ll take a 20-25 minute drive from the Los Cabos International Airport (SJD). If you want to visit the party town of Cabo San Lucas, the resort is approximately a 30-minute drive. However, if you prefer a quieter vacation, the artsy town of San Jose del Cabo is only a 10 -15 minute drive away.
You can also explore other sites nearby including the Costa Azul (a 10-minute drive) which is a popular surf break for locals and tourists. For a longer day trip, Todos Santos is about 75-minutes away.
Room
Just like the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, One&Only Palmilla also has several room categories guests can choose from.
What’s exciting is the guestrooms face toward the ocean, giving all the guests a superb view of the water regardless of which room they choose. They also come with balconies and terraces which have daybeds and chairs so you can make yourself comfy.
The categories are divided between rooms, suites, casita suites, and villas.
Featuring a view of the Sea of Cortez, the Oceanfront Room serves as the entry-level space. It boasts 600-700 square feet and can accommodate up to 4 people at once. You can choose from a king bed or two queens.
Thanks to the expertise of interior design firm, Anderson/Miller, you can expect stylish Mexican decor mixed in with contemporary finishes. Dark furniture blends in with carved wooden accents alongside sleek marble floors. Traditional patterned fabric showcases bright pops of color, typical of Mexican artwork. This also matches well against the creamy, off-white walls.
Guests at the resort receive free “unpacking service” where staff will happily unload your suitcase for you. All rooms have a satellite TV with a DVD player including a Bose sound system for crisp audio.
In addition, there’s a minibar, a complimentary tequila bottle, chocolates, and daily fruit provided. Look around the room and you’ll even find a telescope so you can stargaze or whale watch during the winter months.
The bathrooms have trendy decor with large twin marble vanities, brass fixtures, and private pebble floor showers. Fragrant shampoos and soaps are created exclusively by Blue Agave for the resort. A personal concierge is always there to attend to your needs too. They’re extremely responsive and showcase the resort’s high-level commitment to quality service.
Higher-end rooms like the Pool Casita Suite have the same open-plan design as the other rooms. It also comes with a private plunge pool that looks out to the beach. If you’re traveling with the entire brood, book the four-bedroom Villa Cortez and enjoy your infinity swimming pool along with an expansive terrace.
Perhaps the most extravagant room you can book is the amazing 14,000 square feet Villa One. With rates reaching up to $25,000 in cash per night, this huge two-story villa contains four bedrooms, a private theater, a dramatic glass-walled infinity pool, a full kitchen with a butler pantry, and a personal chef.
Amenities
Guests can frolic in the resort for however long they want since there’s always something to do and enjoy. The One&Only Palmilla has two ocean view infinity pools – one designated for adults and the other for families called the Agua Pool.
Apart from the pool, a highlight here is the stunning beach. Cabo is notorious for having strong currents hence there’s hardly any swimmable beach. But, One&Only Palmilla has the only swimmable beach in Cabo. This long stretch of sand is a favorite for swimmers, surfers, and paddleboarders. You can also grab food and book serviced cabanas here.
You can’t leave the resort without indulging in the impressive 22,000-square-foot One&Only Palmilla Spa. Make use of the private treatment villas designed with soaking tubs, comfortable outdoor beds, and surrounded by stunning gardens. The spa offers a host of unique treatments including a shaman-led healing ritual, sleep therapy massage, and even massages designed for surfers and golfers.
There are also exclusive treatments men can enjoy like a deep cleansing facial, fitness massage, and personalized shaving service. On the other hand, the Magic Moment treatment is made for couples who are looking to get treatment together.
Other notable amenities include a dedicated kid’s club where you can park the kiddos. They can play a few games or watch movies. It comes supervised all day. If you’re up for a quick workout, visit the resort’s modern gym. They offer free spinning classes, TechnoGym equipment, weights, and more. You can also join the daily garden yoga.
Golfers who want to indulge in a game of golf will be happy with the Jack Nicklaus-designed 27-hole golf course. There’s also a tennis court, a rentable 95-foot luxury yacht, a chapel for destination weddings, and of course, luxury shops within the property.
Food and Dining
One&Only Palmilla – Agua Restaurant. Image Credit: One&Only Palmilla
SEARED by One&Only headlines the dining experience at One&Only Palmilla. Premier Michelin Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten showcases delicious seafood alongside premium aged Kobe and Wagyu steak cuts coated in specialty house sauces and a heaping selection of sides.
Matching the food is an extensive wine list—the most comprehensive around Los Cabos. Expect both local and international vintages on offer, perfect for pairing with sumptuous meats.
For a Japanese culinary experience, head to Suviche. Filled with a lively atmosphere, the restaurant serves Japanese delights with a unique twist. On select nights, there’s live music to serve as the perfect complement to delightful sushi and ceviche.
Agua is an oceanside casual restaurant that blends Mexican fare with the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern elements. It’s the ideal spot for a romantic dining experience since you can enjoy open-air dining paired with impressive sea views.
Looking to relax by the pool? Breeze is an excellent brasserie to visit for casual Mexican bites, sandwiches, and salads.
Sip finely-crafted cocktails with views of the Sea of Cortez at the Agua Bar, their Serrano margarita is a must-try!
Staff and Guest Services
The On&Only Palmilla emphasizes service and hospitality. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be greeted by name and as you spend your days at the resort, it’s as if they’ve been cued to greet you at all times. This makes staying at the resort a truly unique experience.
As seasoned professionals, they are trained to pay attention to your needs, rushing up to you with towels on hand the moment you swim up the pool or offering you refreshments when it gets too warm outside.
Price
Understandably, prices for a standard room at the One&Only Palmilla are steep compared to other properties nearby. It’s right up there close to Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal with standard rooms starting at rates of $1,495 in the low season. During the average season, the same room goes for $1,900 per night and reaches up to $2.400 per night during peak season.
Points Redemption
No, there is currently no points redemption program offered at the One&Only Palmilla.
Who Is It For?
Honeymooners and couples will love how private the One&Only Palmilla is. Even though it’s closer to the party town of Cabo San Lucas, it’s not particularly rowdy and promises you a relaxing vacation.
Families also won’t feel out of place here. Their extensive kid’s club, dedicated family pool, spacious rooms, as well as their kid-friendly swimmable beach, make this ideal for those traveling with children in tow.
One&Only Palmilla Gallery
One&Only Palmilla – Accommodations. Image Credit: One&Only Palmilla
One&Only Palmilla – Bathroom. Image Credit: One&Only Palmilla
One&Only Palmilla – Swimming Pool. Image Credit: One&Only Palmilla
One&Only Palmilla. Image Credit: One&Only Palmilla
One&Only Palmilla – Golf Course. Image Credit: One&Only Palmilla
Best For: Which Resort Should You Go For?
| Winner | What Makes It Great | |
| Best for Food | Tie | Both resorts offer celebrated restaurants. The Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos has El Farallon while the One&Only Palmilla has SEARED. |
| Best for Pools | Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal | Because all rooms have a private plunge pool in addition to the sprawling infinity pools for public use on the property. |
| Best for Spa | Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal | Offering a host of unique local treatments together with an incredible saltwater pool and manmade waterfall, the Waldorf slightly edges out in the spa department. |
| Best for Beaches | One&Only Palmilla | It has one of the only swimmable beaches in Cabo! |
| Best For Adults | Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal | Because of its immense size, adults will love the privacy the resort offers. |
| Best for Families | One&Only Palmilla | It has a lovely kid’s club and great amenities for kids to enjoy. |
| Best Location | Tie | Both resorts are situated in key spots of Cabo. The One&Only Palmilla is quieter with a swimmable beach nearby while The Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal is built on a cliff with sweeping views of the water as well. |
| Best for a Calm Vacation | Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal | Relaxing and comfortable, you’ll get a calmer vacation at the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal. |
| Best for Diving or Snorkeling | One&Only Palmilla | You’ll find calm waters at Pelican Beach. The waters here are great for swimming and various water activities like SUP, surfing, and kayaking. |
| Best for Service | Tie | These two resorts have nailed service at their finest. Both offer personalized service with highly-trained, professional staff to attend to your needs. |
| Most Exclusive | Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal | The Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal is slightly more exclusive. |
Wrapping Up
Staying at the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal or the One&Only Palmilla ensures your Cabo vacation will be a fun-filled, luxury adventure. Both these resorts are pet friendly and deliver amazing service with complete amenities to make all their guests feel welcome.
The Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal stuns with its dramatic landscape, celebrated signature restaurants, and incredibly spacious accommodations. Plus, you can book it with Hilton Honors points – a fantastic deal for points hackers!
On the other hand, the One&Only Palmilla has the only swimmable beach in Cabo making it the ideal escape for those who consider a beach dip a must-do when on vacation. It’s also great for golf lovers and those who want a quiet yet indulgent escape, even for a few days.
Safe travels!