Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos
Pedregal -Review
Written by Kate Albers
Overall:
The Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal is an exceptional resort experience from start to finish. The dramatic cliffside setting and sweeping Pacific Ocean views create a stunning backdrop that feels both secluded and luxurious—yet you’re only a 15-minute walk from
downtown Cabo.
The staff was consistently attentive, friendly, and accommodating throughout our stay. Every room is thoughtfully designed for relaxation, complete with a soaking tub, rainfall shower, and private plunge pool on the balcony. Small touches like the complimentary bottle of tequila and daily delivery of fresh guacamole/ Coronas elevate this from a standard resort to a true five-star getaway.
With our free-night certificates, this trip was an easy choice for effortless rest and rejuvenation.
Tips:
Room selection: Request a room on the west side of the resort (the adults-only section). Choose floor 2 or higher for extra privacy and to avoid foot traffic from guests dining at El Farallon.
- We were initially placed on the ground floor near the restaurant entrance and could hear people passing by. After moving to the third floor, we didn’t hear a thing—much more peaceful!Traveling with kids? The east side of the resort is family-friendly, with pools and activities geared toward children.
Getting There:
It all began with a simple goal: to explore more of the world without draining my bank account. I realized that most credit cards offer generous rewards programs, with points and miles for every dollar spent. But it wasn’t until I started strategically focusing on credit card sign-up bonuses, spending categories, and loyalty programs that I truly unlocked the potential to travel extensively – and often luxuriously – for nearly free.
Flights: We flew first class on American Airlines nonstop from DFW (Dallas) to SJD (Cabo).
Booking: We transferred 30,000 Amex points (taxes were $90) per person (via Hawaiian Airlines → Alaska Airlines) to book first class. Note: Amex discontinued transfers to Hawaiian as of June 30, 2025, but still has many great partners such as Bilt.
Cash value: $2,258 total for two passengers.
Credits: The Hilton Aspire card offers $50 quarterly flight credits—we used three cards, saving $150 total on taxes.
Total cost for flights: $15 in taxes + 30k Amex points per person.
Booking the Stay:
Base rate: $2,543 per night.
Our upgrade: Diamond status got us bumped to a $2,798/night room.
Free nights: The Hilton Aspire card includes one free night annually and another after $30k in spend ($60k earns a third). We had three saved up, and this trip aligned perfectly with award night availability—flexibility pays off!
Resort credits: The card provides $200 in resort credit twice per year, totaling $600 for our stay.
Fine print: Waldorf properties typically offer a $100 property credit for 2-night stays, but since we used three consecutive 1-night certificates, this didn’t apply.
Overall Value:
Rooms: $8,394
Breakfasts: $204
Resort credits: $600
Total hotel value: $9,198
Aspire Card annual fee: $550 — still my top pick for the best hotel credit card on the market, especially after its recent refresh.
Total Value of the Trip:
Traveling the world for free isn’t just a fantasy – it’s entirely possible with the right approach to credit card points. These programs aren’t just for frequent flyers or high-income earners; they’re available to anyone willing to invest time and strategy. So, start where you are, make a plan, and watch as your dream trips transform from ideas to realities. Here’s to more adventures, and may they be (almost) free!
Flights: $2,258 value
Hotel: $9,198 value
Total trip value: $11,456
Out-of-pocket cost:
$30 (flight taxes)
60,000 Amex points
$378 (food after credits)
3 free night certificates
Total actual cash spent: $408 for an $11,456 luxury trip. It truly pays to use points!
Spa:
The spa is a must-visit and worth setting aside a full day to enjoy. The serene common area features a private indoor/outdoor pool
surrounded by lounge chairs, with two additional heated pools, a dry sauna, steam room, ice room, and saltwater jacuzzi. I booked a deeptissue trigger-point massage to relieve neck tension. While there was a slight language barrier, the overall experience was excellent, ending with a refreshing hydrating face mask. The complimentary pre-massage foot bath was a lovely touch.
Given the premium pricing, I’d recommend arriving early and staying for hours afterward—relax, swim, and ideally go with a partner or
friend so you can dine and lounge together by the private pools.
Dining:
Don Manuel’s
The resort’s main restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Breakfast:
Diamond status gets you a continental breakfast; you can upgrade to the buffet for $20 per person. Specialty drinks (mimosas, lattes, etc.) are not included in the upgrade, which was a slight disappointment. In the end, we preferred the lighter continental breakfast after a few indulgent dinners—it was just the right amount.
Dinner:
Elegant fine dining with gorgeous ocean views, attentive service, and creative dishes. Portions are modest but the flavors shine. The house-made bread and butter were easily the best I’ve ever had—don’t skip them.
Crudo
A casual, poolside restaurant near the beach—our favorite spot for lunch. The ceviche, sushi, and oysters were all outstanding, and the staff couldn’t have been friendlier. Enjoying fresh seafood and cocktails while watching baby whales breach offshore made for one of the trip’s most unforgettable moments.
El Farallon
A signature cliffside restaurant, open for dinner only. You’ll start with a drink on the Champagne Terrace overlooking the Pacific before being guided down to your table carved into the rocks. The setting is spectacular and the experience unforgettable. The appetizers and small plates were superb, though the main course proteins felt slightly underwhelming in comparison—it’s more about the ambiance here than the food itself.
Tip:
Reserve the prix fixed menu to ensure a table right on the water. Check the local sunset time and book 30–60 minutes beforehand to enjoy the pink skies over the ocean (the view faces east, so you won’t see the actual sunset).
Pools:
Multiple pools are spread throughout the property. The west-side adults-only infinity pool overlooks the ocean and is perfect for a full day of lounging. The staff goes above and beyond with towel service, drinks, and food orders—pure vacation bliss.
Transportation:
The hotel offers private transfers, though we arranged our own. The property is just a short distance from downtown Cabo and accessible via a private tunnel through the cliffs, adding to the sense of exclusivity.
Takeaway:
If you’re seeking a party scene or a budget-friendly trip, look elsewhere. But if you’re after a romantic, peaceful, and indulgent escape—especially if you can use free nights or points—the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal delivers luxury in every detail.
At Practical Points, we help you travel smarter not spend more. Our mission is to turn everyday spending into premium travel experiences through simple, proven points and rewards strategies.
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