One&Only Palmilla

I paid $20 for horchata and told myself it better be the best I've ever had — but nope.

The pricing here is truly something else, even by luxury standards. Twenty dollars for a simple horchata that tastes like every other horchata you've had. I still like the hotel overall, but come prepared for a food and beverage bill that will make your eyes water. It's not just expensive, it's almost aggressively so.

One and only is an unbelievable resort, but the food is somewhat outrageous — it's a splurge but worth it.

The property itself is truly spectacular and the experience justifies most of the expense. The food pricing will test your limits though, even if you're used to luxury travel costs. But when you're there experiencing everything they offer, you understand why people keep coming back despite the premium.

Everything was exceptional except their drink prices are outrageous — $60 for a California Cab we pay $35 a bottle for.

A margarita is $30 and a pina colada $50 per drink, which is just insane pricing. But setting that aside, everything about our experience was truly exceptional. The service, the amenities, the rooms, the location — all first-rate. You just have to budget for beverage costs that will shock you even if you're used to luxury pricing.

I tip the butler $50 right from the start and they make sure you have dinner reservations and look out for you the entire trip.

We've found they really take care of you when you show appreciation upfront. Last time, the butler left a star map in my room because we'd been talking about celestial events earlier that day. They decorated my mother's room for her birthday with balloons and cake, then did the same for mine. It's the little personal touches like that that make this resort so special for our anniversary trips.

I've stayed at luxury properties worldwide, but Palmilla's backstory makes it special — this is where Mexican tourism began.

We're talking about a property with genuine pedigree here, built by a former president's son in 1956 when Cabo was just cattle ranches. Conrad Hilton once called it a boarding house, but that misses the point entirely. The celebrity clientele came for the discretion and exclusivity when you could only reach it by boat or small plane. That DNA of understated luxury still runs through everything they do.

I didn't expect to like this property as much as I did, but I was truly blown away by the beauty and charm.

Maybe it's my cynicism about newer properties being better, but Palmilla surprised me completely. The lushness of the landscaping in this desert climate is remarkable — you emerge from the entrance into a canopy of foliage that's been years in the making. The heat dissipates, the crisp white buildings feel elegant, and the overall ambiance is uniquely charming and refined yet understated. While there are pieces that could be tuned up, the sum total was unforgettable.

We spent 5 nights there and had a nearly flawless experience — the swimmable beach makes everything worth it.

I was worried about the cost, but the swimmable beach alone justifies the price. Our one bedroom grand suite was gorgeous, not outdated at all despite what some say. We had two butlers who were incredibly attentive, and our kids used the beach cabana which felt like a bargain at $500 with $200 credited back. The Omakase at Hoshi was the best meal we had, very expensive but worth it for a special occasion.

I'm currently here and just in shock at the level of rudeness from management.

We're staying in two suites and while the location is amazing and the spa is top notch, the management is awful. We had an issue with our room and have been met with terrible customer service from management. The people lower down are all lovely, but when you need actual problem-solving, the experience falls apart. The wait for room service is also incredibly long for what you're paying.

Totally worth it, especially with kids that age — the kids club is special and a few hours of margaritas at the adults pool is gold.

I hate all inclusives because the quality is never great, and I like having options beyond the resort. If you book with a travel agent you get free breakfast, so we'd eat big and then just drink and snack until dinner. We stopped at the grocery store for wine and tequila for the room, but honestly their drinks were delicious. Do a night in town and Flora Farms, otherwise enjoy the resort. We preferred the steakhouse for dinner.

Palmilla is one of those properties that reminds you why One&Only is in a league of its own.

I've been coming here for decades with the very loyal following, and it's quintessentially Cabo with a classic vibe rather than trendy. The arrival experience sets the tone — warm and deeply personal. My oceanfront casita had a spacious terrace, plunge pool, and sweeping Sea of Cortez views. The new Social Club that opened in December 2025 is fantastic, and Hoshi Japanese restaurant is not to be missed. The swimmable beach is one of the few in Cabo.

We had an incredible first time experience — it felt like a second honeymoon.

We also had amazing personal concierges Jesus and Damian who made our stay. While O&O is expensive and the currency conversion wasn't in our favor, it was well worth it. They've thought of every little detail, so much so that it felt like a second honeymoon for my husband's birthday. The level of attention to detail is remarkable and we'd rebook in a heartbeat.

This place is nothing short of breathtaking — it feels like stepping into a world of luxury and serenity.

I can't give enough praise to our travel agent Alex and this incredible property. The resort is nestled in perfect paradise with views that look almost unreal. The staff don't just meet expectations, they exceed them with grace and warmth. Whether lounging by the crystal-clear pool, enjoying gourmet dishes, or unwinding at the world-class spa, every moment is magic. It's not just a resort, it's a transformative experience.

This is by far the nicest place we've ever stayed — every staff person greets you with a kind smile as you walk the beautiful grounds.

Our butlers Diego and Gemma went above and beyond for our entire family. We needed a phone charger and they brought that plus personalized cookie decorating kits for each kid with cookies shaped as their names. Free foot massages by the infinity pool overlooking the Pacific where we spotted gray whales daily. The KidsOnly club is free and amazing — our girls loved popping in to make crafts. Even the lifeguard was friendly and welcoming.

This is the worst 5 star hotel I've ever been to — a run down property with Holiday Inn service at Ritz Carlton prices.

I stayed in a suite with a leak coming from the ceiling and they offered to put a bucket in the room and nothing else. The rooms are sparse with no personal touches. After being here for a week, people don't know your name. There's no personal touch and the staff is indifferent. Moreover, housekeeping wasn't done until 2-3pm and sometimes 8:30pm. For 2k a night, I'd rather light my money on fire than spend it here.

Our family stayed here and it exceeded expectations at every level — the staff make this place truly memorable.

The beach and pool were both phenomenal, the food outstanding, and our boys enjoyed the kids club immensely. But most importantly, it's the staff that elevate everything. Every interaction felt genuinely caring and professional. It was one of the best family vacations we've ever had, and we're definitely coming back.