Cabo Azul or Solmar? My Poolside Report

A twenty-something daughter reporting back from paradise so my mom can plan her next trip with confidence and maybe an Aperol Spritz.

Hi everyone. Anna here. I spent a few sunny days in Cabo San Lucas recently and stayed at two very different resorts: Hilton Vacation Club Cabo Azul Los Cabos and Solmar Resort in Cabo San Lucas. If you are deciding where to stay in Cabo and want an honest review from someone who tested the pools, the rooms, and the guacamole situation, here is the full report. Think of it as extremely serious field research. Pool chairs were involved.

Quick Comparison: Cabo Azul vs. Solmar Resort

• Best for luxury & relaxation: Cabo Azul
• Best for budget & value: Solmar
• Best walkability to town/marina/restaurants: Solmar
• Best pools & resort grounds: Cabo Azul
• Best for quiet downtime: Cabo Azul
• Best dramatic sunset views & ocean energy: Solmar
• Best swimmable beach: Neither (strong currents at both — more on that below)

Hilton Vacation Club Cabo Azul Los Cabos

_{Paseo Malecon S/N Lote 11 Fonatur, 23400 San José del Cabo, Mexico}

For travelers who love gorgeous design, huge pools, and that “ahh, I could stay here forever” feeling.

Walking into Cabo Azul feels like drifting into a very glamorous dream. The architecture is all white stone, dramatic arches, and romantic fireplaces that look ready for a magazine shoot. If you like hotels that make you gasp a little when you walk through the lobby, this is the one.

It's a Hilton Vacation Club property (timeshare-style but open to all), so expect large, apartment-like suites and a focus on relaxation.

Cabo Azul resort architecture with white stone arches

What I loved:
• The pools. Plural. Enormous. Sparkling. One of them has those dreamy in-water loungers that make you feel like you have your life together.
• Spacious rooms. Think full kitchens, giant bathrooms, and enough room to twirl around like you are filming your own resort commercial.
• The beach. Wide, scenic, and perfect for morning walks. Swimming conditions vary, but the views alone are worth it.
• The vibe. Calming, elegant, and spotless. It feels like a resort where people actually remember to relax.

Good to know / potential downsides:

It's in San José del Cabo (quieter area), about 30–40 min drive from Cabo San Lucas town. You'll need taxis/Uber for nightlife or marina dining.
Food and drinks are pricey.
Not all-inclusive by default, budget extra for meals if you don't cook in the suite kitchen.

Pool at Hilton Vacation Club Cabo Azul Los Cabos

Check Pricing Here:

Solmar Resort

_{Av Solmar #1 Col Centro., 23450 Cabo San Lucas, Mexico}

For travelers who want ocean views, a more affordable stay, and easy access to the marina and downtown Cabo.

Solmar Resort is older and simpler, but it has a charm that sneaks up on you. It sits right on the Pacific side so you get huge, dramatic waves and some of the best sunset colors I have ever seen. If Cabo Azul is the glam resort, Solmar is the cozy beach friend who shares sunscreen and knows the entire happy hour menu by heart.

What I loved:
• The location. You can walk to the marina in about ten minutes. Perfect if you want dinner in town without sitting in traffic.
• Oceanfront pool. Nothing fancy. Just peaceful, warm, and right above the sand.
• Friendly service. Everyone remembered my name by day two.
• Budget friendly. This is a smart pick if you want to be oceanfront without paying luxury prices. Optional all-inclusive can make it budget-friendly.

Good to know / potential downsides:

The waves here are powerful, so it is a look-but-don’t-swim beach.
The rooms vary a bit in age and style, but they are clean and comfortable.
If you value location and value, Solmar nails both.

Solmar Resort sunset views over Cabo beach

Solmar Resort oceanfront pool with Pacific waves

Check Pricing Here:

Which One Should You Choose?

If you want a relaxing Cabo getaway and you are choosing between Cabo Azul and Solmar Resort, you cannot go wrong with either.

If you want…
• A luxury-leaning resort with big pools and spacious suites: go with Cabo Azul.
• A more affordable stay close to town: pick Solmar Resort.
• An easy, low-stress vacation where you can wander between the pool, ocean views, and fresh guacamole: honestly, either one works.

I loved both for different reasons, and I would happily stay at either again. So consider this your Cabo scouting report straight from the younger half of the SWS team.

Let me know if you want me to go back for more “research.” Seriously. Twist my arm.