Heading to Cabo - Staying at the HDM - Need some advice

[oldngrk]

Flying out 12/31, we were scheduled to leave 12/27 but the blizzard that hit the Northeast had us change our trip. We were fortunate that SFX had another week at the HDM that starts 1/1 so we will be down there for 9 days. This is our first time in Cabo. Since we are staying at the HDM, any idea how much a cab costs to go to Walmart from the HDM? We booked Cabo transfer and they'll take us for $40 I just don't know if I want to drop off the family at the resort and take a trip to Walmart after traveling for 6 hours.

I'd like to take my 9 year old fishing, originally we booked a charter with Redrum but the family we were going with can't make the change of dates work. Any suggestion for hooking up with another group to go fishing?
Any suggestions for a short whale watching cruise (2 hours or so)?
Any other ideas that would be fun with 3 boys (ages 9,6 & 6) would be appreciated.

We'd also like to go to mass on Sunday - Where, when, is Sunday attire casual or jacket tie?

Thanks
OldNGrk

 

[Karen G]

We booked Cabo transfer and they'll take us for $40 I just don't know if I want to drop off the family at the resort and take a trip to Walmart after traveling for 6 hours.

Did you book that transfer going from the airport to the resort? If so, you might want to just eat dinner at the resort that first night and get settled in to your unit. See how much storage space you'll have in the kitchen and how big the refrigerator/freezer is so that you don't buy a lot of stuff that you can't store. I would guess that the resort has a small store where you could pick up milk or something for breakfast the next day and some snacks. Then go to Walmart the next day when you are rested and not starving.

The concierge can probably advise about the nearest church, service times, and how to dress.

Hope you have a great trip.

 

[oldngrk]

The price we received from Cabo transfers was $190 for a roundtrip airport to resort plus a stop to Walmart. It would be $150 for the roundtrip with out the Walmart stop.

 

[Karen G]

I hope someone who has recently stayed at HDM will reply. I guess it's possible that a cab ride from HDM to Walmart would cost $20, but that seems kind of high. It has been a few years since I've taken a cab in Cabo because we've had a rental car the last few times we've visited.

Anyway, it's probably about the same price whether you have your airport transportation vehicle take you or you take a cab from the resort later.

 

[Karen G]

I found this info on a Tripadvisor review that might be of interest:

"All in all, the Hacienda del Mar is a wonderful property - not too far from Cabo SL, close to Wal-Mart/Sams for groceries. They have a shuttle ($10 RT to Cabo) or a 1-way ($5) to WM/Sams (will have to take a taxi back - $18). Car rental is on-site (rented a small car for 1 day -$55 plus cost $10 to refill gas)."

 

[siesta]

I'd like to take my 9 year old fishing, originally we booked a charter with Redrum but the family we were going with can't make the change of dates work. Any suggestion for hooking up with another group to go fishing?
Any suggestions for a short whale watching cruise (2 hours or so)?
Any other ideas that would be fun with 3 boys (ages 9,6 & 6) would be appreciated.

OldNGrk

you can get a panga charter that will hold 3 pax for $250-300 a day
one of the whale watching tours listed below, kids under 12 are free

http://www.cabosanlucastours.net/Whale-Watching.htm (have used this company, they are great)

http://www.cortezcharters.com/eltigre.htm (never used them, just an example)

 

[oldngrk]

Thanks Karen and Siesta,

I hope we don't have any problems getting out. I'm watching the news and people are still stuck in the airport and having problems getting a flight home 4 days after the storm.

OldNGrk

 

[travel maniac]

We just returned in early December from a visit to HDM - a wonderful trip.

From what I read before, I thought the shuttle cost approx $16 each way but am not sure because we never inquired.

We rented a car from EZ rent for a week (advance booking on their website) and the total with mandatory insurance was around US$140. Driving is certainly not easy but is not too difficult either - read the thread on driving in MX and you should be good to go.

You will come across Costco first and then Wal-Mart on the way to Cabo from the resort. You will find what you need.

We took a day trip to Todos Santos and it was a fun day trip. If you do that, be careful because there are no shoulders for the major part of the road and there is a lot of construction as well.

San Jose Del Cabo is a nice place as well - a little more "authentic" and quite different from Cabo.

My SIL and her husband did the timeshare presentation and said it wasn't stressful at all.

We can't wait to return to Cabo. Enjoy your trip.

 

[oldngrk]

Thanks Travel Maniac

 

[Karen G]

I think you would really like having a rental car since you will be staying out on the corridor. You would have so many more options if you weren't tied to taking taxis, which will be expensive.

There's a restaurant in San Jose del Cabo called The Rusty Putter. It's kind of behind the Mega grocery store between the main highway and beach. They have a miniature golf course attached to it and your kids would probably enjoy that. It's kind of like a sports bar and the food was good last time we went.

Walking around the marina in Cabo is interesting and there are lots of restaurants and shops. At some point be sure to take a boat ride--either one of the larger boats or a glass-bottom boat out to Land's End--the famous arch that you see in all the Cabo pictures. There's a colony of sealions that live out by the arch and there are always pelicans flying around. The whole family would enjoy seeing it. Your kids would probably enjoy the pirate ship if you choose one of the larger sight seeing boats.

 

[oldbuyer]

Since transportation to/from airport is a minimum of $150 using your source I would definitely consider an airport car rental. The short ride taxi rates are high in Cabo. The alternative is the local bus that runs between San Jose del Cabo to CSL and runs 25 pesos per person one way for adults (sorry don't have the kids rate). You can also catch ABC or Aguila bus service from CSL Near CCC to Todos Santos for about 160 peso/p R/T. ( La Paz is about 320/p R/T) If you are planning on any side trips the rental car might be the easiest and less costly in the long run for a family traveling and it's more time efficient than the bus. Just remember stop signs are a "suggestion" for the local drivers.
Lastly, try and spend locally as the resorts are starving the town dry with their resort credits and all inclusive plans. CCC on the north side of CSL is an excellent alternative to Walmart and is similar in content. Again, because of your resort location you would really need a car to take advantage of the less traveled Cabo. Enjoy your trip!

 

[beach_bumz]

We stayed at Hacienda del Mar last month and were extremely grateful we had a car. In fact, most people we met at the resort that didn't have a car commented how they wished they'd rented one.

You might also want to check out Los Cabos Guide online before you go. There are many many activities listed there (restaurants too) and you can purchase vouchers for all kinds of activities for 35% - 50% off, including fishing, sailing, snorkeling, ziplining, atv tours etc. You can call and order them over the phone and they'll deliver them to your hotel.

You are going to love the resort - truly beautiful with a great beach! Have fun!

 

[Karen G]

oldngrk, how is your week in Cabo going? Did you end up renting a car?

 

[oldngrk]

Hola Karen!
Having a great time. It is a little chilly at times and sometimes windy. We rented a car but only for a day for $75. I think when they quoted us a price for the week it was $400 or $500 (at that point my attention began to wander). The taxi's are $20 one way. We're going back to Medano beach today, I think we'll try and find some room at PB Los Cabos or Rose. And try and have dinner at the Hacienda Bar at the beach.
We ate at Maria Corona 2 nights ago. It was a little tricky to find. My wife loved her dinner and the atmosphere. My taco shells were a little dry. We'll give it another try.
You guys are a tremendous resource - thanks for all of your advice and suggestions.
OldNGrk

 

[Karen G]

So glad to hear that you're having a good time. We'll be heading down to the PB Rose in August.

 

[oldngrk]

I was corrected

The resort we were hanging out at was Pueblo Bonito Blanco - not PB Los Cabos. Lunch at the Hacienda on the beach was GREAT! Highly Recommended! The Hacienda is a Beautiful resort.

The weather has gotten a little warmer and the winds have died down a bit -So I would classify it as "Perfect".

I have some of my receipts. So here are some of the prices we spent on food and beverage.

Girasole
Breakfast Buffet 175 Pesos (1/2 Px for kids)
Tuna Tacos (3 tacos) 140 pesos
Chicken Tacos (3) 125 pesos
Steak Tacos (3) 185 pesos
Cokes 50 pesos

Sirenas Restaurant
Hot Dog 75 pesos
Fish Taco 165 pesos
Ceviche 170 pesos
Ice cream sandwich 45 pesos
Margarita/Glass of wine 111 pesos

There is only 30 min of free internet time so
Submit any other questions, I'll get back to you ...
Adios
OldNGrk

 

[siesta]

I believe PB Blanco and Los Cabos are the same place. Those prices are reasonable considering your at a resort, and I'm sure the food was outstanding. Have a wonderful time, and thanks for keeping us up to date. Check out Maro's Shrimp house cheap and good.

 

[joe-holiday]

HDM Prices

Wow....
$4.10 for a Coke
$9.10 for Wine/Margharita

I will be going to Wallmart for certain
Joe

 

[Karen G]

The resort we were hanging out at was Pueblo Bonito Blanco - not PB Los Cabos.

That is the same resort. It's listed in RCI at PB Los Cabos, but it is referred to as PB Blanco because it is the white resort. It sits next to PB Rose, which is the pink resort.

 

[DaveNV]

Wow....
$4.10 for a Coke
$9.10 for Wine/Margharita

I will be going to Wallmart for certain
Joe

Keep in mind those high prices are table service inside a restaurant. If you just want poolside refreshments, get stuff at Cabo Costco or wherever, and take it with you. The "captive audience" thing can get expensive. And if you want the definitive example of inflated prices, wait till you check out the HDM convenience store on site. Their prices with knock you out. Buy your consumables in town, and provide your own. You'll be miles ahead of the game.

Dave

 

[siesta]

keep in mind it said cokes plural, for 4.10, and margherita and glass of wine for 9, unless I am reading that incorrectly.

 

[joe-holiday]

Prices

Thats alot for a coke...
I hope I dont Need to go to the convience store
Ill find out in 10 days
Hey,ill be on Vacation
Im staying a week there for $540 so ......
I am starting a list for Wallmart now
Joe

 

[pittle]

We thought Cabo was more expensive than Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Playa del Carmen. We stayed at the Grand Mayan in Cabo San Jose last year and they have a new Mega. We bought beer, snacks and breakfast stuff there and it saved us quite a bit. We still ate out once each day.