The trendy adult-oriented ME Cabo is a fun and sexy four-pearl party hotel situated on the white sands of Playa el Medano and a seven-minute walk to the clubs in downtown Cabo. Centered around a massive pool terrace, ME Cabo has a small fitness center, tranquil YHI Spa, and a DJ spinning house music seemingly non-stop. Guests can grab a bite or order bottle service at the casual poolside restaurant, swim-up bar, or international restaurant and bar. The 162 rooms include flat-screen TVs and minibars, and many feature lovely ocean views. For travelers looking for a quieter atmosphere and lower rates, check out Bahia Hotel & Beach House -- it's one block from the beach and offers a private beach club.

True to its name, the upper-middle-range Pueblo Bonito Rose is a massive pink resort situated on the most swimmable beach in Cabo, Playa el Medano. Arranged in a u-shape around the massive freeform pool, all 260 suites are spacious and come with kitchenettes and balconies. With a private section of the public beach, several dining options, optional all-inclusive rates, pool activities, and a shuttle between sister resorts, the hotel is an ideal pick for families. There are a few wellness options including an up-to-date fitness center and tranquil spa with a beauty salon. The biggest complaint here is pesky time-share pitches. For those looking for a little more quiet, check out the sister resort Pueblo Bonito Pacifica, a more tranquil option on a quieter stretch of beach.

Perched on a cliff overlooking the Sea of Cortez, the massive Hacienda Encantada Resort and Residences is one of the top upscale hotels in the area, known for its sweeping views, beautiful pools, and all-inclusive options. All 237 rooms are Mexican-inspired and feature modern amenities: flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and balconies. The resort is ideal for families, with a massive kids' zone, plenty of games, and an activity pool. There are several dining and drinking options -- Italian, Mexican, and buffet -- and a few wellness choices such as a small spa and fitness center. Though sun loungers are set up on a rocky stretch of shore, there isn't a real beach here. Past guests have complained about everything from time-share pitches to closed restaurants. For those who want sand access, the Casa Dorada Los Cabos Resort & Spa is right on swimmable Playa el Medano.

With an emphasis on all things regional and authentic, Montage Los Cabos is the first Mexican outpost of this North American luxury brand. With only 122 rooms, including three private casas, this boutique resort offers a casually posh vibe that's similar to Chileno Bay Resort & Residences just up the coast. It's also one of the few resorts in the region to be situated on a swimmable beach -- though there are beautiful ocean-view pools as well. Dining here is a treat, with both contemporary Mexican and great international options, plus local treats at Paletas. The spa here is a dream, with gorgeous landscaping and a beautiful hydrotherapy circuit, while a chic boutique sells local art and crafts -- all with a story behind them.

Friends and families with big budgets can stretch out in these pinch-me-now, three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom cliffside villas overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The luxury development is a few miles outside of Cabo San Lucas within a gated community under the umbrella of Pueblo Bonito, with sister resorts here and closer to town. Montecristo, for its part, offers 151 bi-level houses that can sleep eight guests each. Villas are similar in design with high-end amenities such as infinity pools, gourmet kitchens, and stainless steel Weber grills, to name a few. Guests are granted free access to Montecristo's own facilities, as well as Pueblo Bonito's beach, pools, and restaurants (all-inclusive packages are available). Golfers also have access to the award-winning Quivira golf course. Free shuttle service is provided to key points around the resort and to town, though a car will come in handy.

Located just outside of downtown Cabo San Lucas, the Riu Santa Fe is a classic Cabo all-inclusive megaresort. This enormous hotel has 902 simple rooms with huge bathrooms. The all-inclusive program here includes drinks -- although don't expect a variety of liquors -- meals, and entertainment. While some guests complain about mediocre food, this resort does offer a gigantic pool with plenty of space to sunbathe. Extra hotel perks include a fitness center, spa, and nightly entertainment, but lounge chairs can fill up early and the water is too dangerous for swimming.

The Riu Palace, located right outside of party-hearty Cabo San Lucas, is packed with entertainment. This colossal 642-room all-inclusive resort offers meals at six restaurants, activities, and nightly entertainment -- such as a Michael Jackson impersonator -- all included in the price. Spacious rooms have palatial bathrooms and great views, but furniture could use an update and there are no duvets -- only old comforters. Perks include two large pools, one designated for relaxation and the other for activities, along with a swim-up bar and decent-sized fitness room. While the resort is scenic with its manicured grounds, there are complaints about pool crowds and lounge chairs taken early. Water is also too rough for swimming and taxis are required to reach central Cabo San Lucas.

The 526-room, three-pearl Grand Fiesta Americana Los Cabos is trying. Eight restaurants and all-inclusive rates are appealing, and the well-liked food ranges from simple grill fare to higher-end a la carte dining. The bars are busy all day -- as are the sparkling clean pools -- and the terrace restaurants overlooking the beach are lovely spots for taking in the ocean views. The minimalist-modern rooms include balconies -- most with sea views -- and bathrooms feature separate walk-in showers and bathtubs. However, flaws included a lack of power during some of our visit, malfunctioning in-room features, shabby design details, a few dated common areas, and inconsistent Wi-Fi. Check out the Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos instead -- rates there are lower and the hotel has a far more polished atmosphere.

Boasting scenery in every direction, this 250-room cliffside resort has enjoyed icon status ever since Keith Richards wed Patti Hansen here in ’83. Sandos has undergone expansion and renovations since then, but one thing didn't change: the panoramic views of the sea, the bay, and rugged mountains in between. All guests have unlimited access to multiple bars and restaurants, 24-hour room service, and a kids club; there are also an expansive beach leading to El Arco and four gorgeous pools. Simple rooms come with minibars and balconies, but romantic couples should consider upgrading to the Finisterra Suites for modern decor and access to VIP areas. Rates are among the most competitive in the area for an upscale resort; the Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas is similarly priced but larger and more crowded.

True to this high-end brand's reputation, The Cape, a Thompson Hotel is arguably one of the swankiest hotels in Cabo San Lucas. The 161 rooms vary greatly, but all have a sharp look plus luxury amenities including spacious glass-enclosed bathrooms, ocean-view balconies or terraces, in-room cocktail bars, and (optional) private hot tubs. Many include services like butlers and in-villa check-in. The property has two pools, an excellent surfer’s beach, a world-class Mexican restaurant, and a breathtaking spa, it’s unlikely guests will find much to fuss over. However, the secluded location away from town may dissuade some guests, though that's just what others are looking for. Although it lacks a usable beach, The Resort at Pedregal has a more rustic-chic finish and the same amenities for less money.