By Lara Espin | The Scottsdale Travel Chick
If you are planning a trip to Baja California Sur and want an authentic, boutique Mexican experience away from the loud party scene of Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo is the place to be. (If you aren’t sure which town fits your travel style yet, check out our guide on Cabo San Lucas vs San Jose del Cabo: Which Area Is Right For You?).
On our recent stay in San Jose del Cabo, my husband and I checked into the newly updated Tropicana Los Cabos, a historic boutique property in the heart of town that recently joined Hilton’s Tapestry Collection.
Is this 70-room gem the right hotel for your Baja getaway? Below is our honest review covering everything from location and rooms to food, amenities, and our official Scottsdale Travel Chick Score!
At a Glance: Tropicana Los Cabos
The Scottsdale Travel Chick Verdict: We give Tropicana Los Cabos an 8 out of 10. It is ideal for couples and adult travelers seeking a peaceful, walkable town stay near the beach. While standard rooms are compact, the authentic Mexican colonial architecture, relaxing courtyard pool, and prime location right next to the town square and Art District make it a top boutique pick.
| Hotel Brand | Tapestry Collection by Hilton |
| Location | Historic Center, San Jose del Cabo, Mexico |
| Distance to Airport | 7 miles (13 km) from Los Cabos International (SJD), ~20 minutes |
| Property Size | 70 Rooms & 2 Suites across 3 floors |
| Beach Access | In-town property (5-minute taxi to Hotel Zone beaches) |
| Overall Rating | 8 / 10 |
| Best For | Couples and adult travelers wanting a walkable town stay |
Location & Getting There
Location is one of the Tropicana’s biggest selling points:
- Distance to Airport: Only 7 miles (13 km) from San Jose del Cabo International Airport (SJD), a quick 20-minute drive.
- Walkability: Located right off the main town square (Plaza Mijares). Dozens of local restaurants, bars, and shops are within a 2-minute walk.
- Thursday Art Walk: On Friday nights (and the famous Thursday Art Walk during season), local artists and craftsmen line the streets right outside the hotel.
- Two Entrances: There is a street-front entrance facing the main pedestrian area and a dedicated check-in entrance on the quieter street out back.
A Bit of History & Property Vibe
What makes Tapestry Collection properties special is their distinct personality and history:
- History: The building originally opened in 1950 as a local mercado (market) before converting into a hotel in 1989.
- 2024 Hilton Conversion: Hilton took over the property, completely updating it and reopening in January 2025.
- The Vibe: Intimate, peaceful, and historic. Rooms wrap around a gorgeous central courtyard filled with palm trees, shaded sitting areas, and a sparkling pool.
The Rooms: Fresh Updates & Mexican Blue Tile
All 70 rooms and 2 suites were refreshed during the 2024 conversion.
- Room Size: Rooms remain their original historic footprint, so they are on the smaller side. If you travel with lots of luggage, keep this in mind!
- Decor: Clean white linens anchored by gorgeous signature blue tile accents in both the bedroom and the bathroom (including a blue tile sink!).
- Bed Options: Standard rooms come with two double beds or one king bed, plus a small desk and table.
- Wi-Fi: We had zero issues with the Wi-Fi anywhere on the property, from our main-floor room to the pool courtyard.
Food & Drink Options
While the hotel lists three dining outlets on their site, it operates as one cohesive culinary footprint:
- Cocina de Las: The main signature restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- El Patio: Street-side outdoor seating right behind the restaurant, perfect for people-watching along the avenue.
- Back Patio: A quiet courtyard dining area featuring relaxing water-wall fountains (my favorite spot to sit and relax!).
- Courtyard Pool Bar: A small bar adjacent to the pool area, open primarily during peak hours.
Travel Chick’s Tips: If you want to explore off-property, a convenience store is just 80 yards away, and over a dozen top-rated San Jose del Cabo restaurants (including farm-to-table favorites) are within 100 yards!
Hotel Amenities & Activities
For a smaller boutique property, the Tropicana offers some unique perks:
- Central Pool Courtyard: Peaceful, beautifully landscaped, and glowing warmly in the evening. It was our favorite place to unwind.
- Free Yoga & Stretching: The hotel offers complimentary yoga and stretching classes on select mornings, make sure to check schedule availability at check-in!
- Margarita & Spirits Class: Don’t miss this! The staff teaches an interactive class on how to craft a proper Mexican margarita (and yes, you get to drink your creation!).
- Bicycle Rentals: The hotel offers free cruisers. (They could use a bit of maintenance, but they’re fun for a quick ride around town!).
- Gym Access: There is no on-site fitness center, but the front desk provides passes to a non-air-conditioned local gym located about 1 mile away.
The Verdict: Scottsdale Travel Chick Score
Our Score: 8 out of 10
What We Loved:
- Unbeatable walkable location near Plaza Mijares and local dining.
- Authentic Mexican boutique atmosphere with historic character.
- Super relaxing pool courtyard and water-feature patios.
- Fun property activities like free morning yoga and margarita-making classes.
- Earns and redeems Hilton Honors points.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Standard rooms are compact.
- The complimentary rental bikes need a little maintenance TLC.
- No on-site gym (off-site gym pass provided).
- In-town location (not directly on the beach).
If you love staying in a charming, authentic Mexican town while remaining a quick taxi ride from the beach, the Tropicana Los Cabos is a fantastic choice!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How far is Tropicana Los Cabos from the airport?
It is 7 miles (13 km) from SJD International Airport, which takes about 20 minutes by car or taxi.
Is Tropicana Los Cabos part of Hilton?
Yes! It is part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection, meaning you can earn and redeem Hilton Honors points during your stay.
Does the hotel have a pool?
Yes, there is a central courtyard pool surrounded by palm trees and lounging areas.
Is Tropicana Los Cabos all-inclusive?
No, it is an authentic European-plan boutique hotel, which is perfect because you are steps away from some of the best dining in Baja.
Book Your Stay & Plan Your Cabo Trip
Thinking about booking the Tropicana Los Cabos for your trip? Check current rates and availability here:
Want our complete 14-page guide to Los Cabos, including custom maps, top restaurant recommendations, and full day-trip itineraries for Todos Santos and La Paz?