Nobu Hotel Los Cabos – Japanese Hollywood Chic in Mexico

Not sure if Japanese/Hollywood/Mexico is a thing but it is now with the entrance of Nobu to the Los Cabos hotel scene.

Examples of what I mean by that:

The design of the 200 rooms and suites is Japanese minimalist with wood elements and a coastal feel, which really doesn’t make sense but it works.

The restaurants are very SoCal (photos in previous post here) with both Nobu and Malibu Farms in both OC and LA.

Nobu Hospitality Group was founded by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert DeNiro, and Meir Teper (a Hollywood film producer). Totally explains everything.

Room categories:

There are only three categories: Deluxe rooms (514 SF), Jr Suites (738 SF), and Specialty Suites (varies). Within the Deluxe and Jr. Suites will be varying views: resort/golf, oceanview, and swim-up.

Property:

As a brand new build opened June 2019 in the gated Diamanté development in San Lucas (about 45 minutes from SJD airport), they were able to architect the layout and space with the important things:

5 pools:

Views from common areas:

For groups: 2 outdoor terrace spaces for events (large terrace can hold up to 600), 1 ballroom that can be split into 3 mini rooms

My experience:

Service was terrific throughout – especially Paul who traded WhatsApps from the start so we could stay in touch (does he live there? why is he always available?)

The only service hiccup was the front desk didn’t have the fitness class schedule and no one was picking up the two times they tried to transfer me to the gym/spa desk. That’s pretty good considering training staff is always an issue for a hotel opening.

I did feel a little weird that it was so empty at something like 35% occupancy. That will quickly change. It was nice to almost have a private resort but also a little ghost town feeling being the only ones eating at restaurant or lounging at the pool. It was a nice comfort when other guests would sit down to eat. Nobu Restaurant was super busy, though so I’m assuming people not staying on the property had come in to dine.

Cons:

There are still some small improvements like lighting fixtures that weren’t installed in an area of the rooms not yet open. All of those details should be resolved soon.

Landscaping will take some time as it feels a bit desert-y with a lack of developed vegetation. Cabo is already kind of a dry terrain and I appreciate the water-conscious plants in place but it does feel a bit barren until the foliage has time to grow.

Ocean is not swimmable but most in Cabo aren’t.

Who I would recommend this for:

Those who want a nice, easy beachfront getaway and not looking for authentic Mexican. The only authenticity it has is it’s own uniqueness. Couples, young families okay but older kids would have more fun next door at the Hard Rock, groups, and weddings (including a chapel with ocean views – shared with Hard Rock).

Pricing:

Introductory pricing is incredibly low right now – like starting at $350 which is great for an upscale 5-star in Cabo. But it is low-season and as the property gets more awareness, rates will be going up. Expect 2019 high season rates to start at $500 and move into the $700 starting range in 2020.

The price point is reasonable as I’d compare it to The Cape Thompson which prices similarly. It’s not quite at the Las Ventanas, One&Only Palmilla, Pedregal level but the rate reflects that fairly.

There’s certainly no shortage of luxury accommodations in Cabo but having another option is always a good thing.

For room tours and property videos, link to my Instagram under highlight reel “Cabo”