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Hotels

Choose from historic inns, luxurious oceanfront spa and golf resorts, reliable mid-priced chains, charming B&Bs, fully-equipped condo-hotels, basic motels, even stylish boutique properties. You'll find plentiful luxury, moderate, and budget options (though the latter are generally found outside the tourist loop or in downtown Cabo, a few blocks from the action). Beachfront resorts are often stratospheric thanks to the increasing emphasis on such deluxe activities as deep-sea fishing, golfing, and spas, but the ambience and amenities generally compensate. To help you choose the right overnight address convenient to most attractions, we've outlined our favorites in each category.

For the ultimate luxury, we recommend the big four along the Corridor, all legendary for incomparable style, service, and celebrity clientele: Las Ventanas al Paraiso (624/144-2800; www.lasventanas.com) offers 61 enormous, exquisitely appointed suites with such deluxe extras as private patio Jacuzzis, telescopes for viewing the whale- and star-gazing, turndown aromatherapy service, and a personalized sewing kit based on your wardrobe's predominant colors; DVD players and iPods are available at the glorious infinity pool, and the restaurant, tequila/ceviche bar, and spa are sublime. One&Only Palmilla (624/146-7000 or 800/637-2226; www.oneandonlypalmilla.com) is larger but just as posh and pampering, a golf and gourmet paradise with huge ocean-facing rooms, 24-hour butler service, splendid upscale shopping and dining (including the renowned Charlie Trotter's "C"), brilliant 27-hole Nicklaus-designed course, and equally starry clientele over its existence, from Lucille Ball and President Eisenhower to Tom Cruise, Robin Williams, and Oprah Winfrey. Esperanza (624/145-6400 or 866-311-2226; www.esperanzaresort.com), a member of the very exclusive Auberge Resorts portfolio, also offers world-class amenities, 56 luxurious lodgings with stunning sea views, and celebrity following. Comparatively affordable Marquis Los Cabos (624/144-2000 or 877/238-9399; www.marquisloscabos.com) may be the most art-full resort in a destination celebrated for unique design; even the the fanciful furnishings in the spectacular public spaces look museum-worthy; the spa and restaurants are as hedonistic as any in Cabo.

Most top moderate selections are along Cabo's Médano Beach or in and around San José. Casa Natalia (San José; 624/146-7100 or 888/277-3814; www.casanatalia.com), right off San José's Plaza Mijares is a gorgeous, intimate, wonderfully textured (brick, stucco, adobe, bamboo, basketry) restored townhouse with exemplary service, exquisite decor, exceptional food, and all modern conveniences. Best Western Posada Real (San José Beach; 624/142-0155 or 800/528-1234; www.posadareal.com.mx) offers handsome traditional decor, oceanview rooms, abundant amenities (from tennis to nine-hole putting green), and a limited all-inclusive program that make it excellent value. Cabo Surf Hotel (624/142-2676; www.cabosurfhotel.com) sits on Costa Azul beach; excellent food, the Mike Doyle Surf School, and 19 tastefully appointed oceanfront rooms make it a great value at the price. Meliá Cabo San Lucas (Médano Beach; 624/145-7800 or 866/43-MELIA; www.meliasanlucas.com) has sexy, delectably silly rooms – most with glorious views onto El Arco – incorporating hearts, stylish B&W photos and vivid artworks into the decor, plus ultra-contemporary, cosmopolitan conveniences.

The best budget bets, all in Cabo, starting with the Bungalows Hotel (Miguel A. Herrera & Lienzo Charro, CSL; 624/143-5035 or 888/424-CABO; www.cabobungalows.com), an oasis just five blocks from downtown; superb breakfast, true Mexican warmth, sizable traditionally decorated rooms with all the necessities do justice to the concept of mi casa su casa. Los Milagros (Matamoros 116, CSL; 624/143-4566; www.losmilagros.com.mx) is where Sammy Hagar puts extra guests up; expect handsomely folk-arty decor, smiling service, candles and incense, and classical music by the pool. Cabo Inn (20 de Noviembre & Leona Vicario, CSL; 624/143-0819 or 619/819-2727; www.caboinnhotel.com) occupies a former bordello and retains a sensual atmosphere thanks to glorious gardens, top floor pool and jacuzzi with ocean views, and cool young international clientele.

See Cabo San Lucas Travel Guide