Complete Waldorf Astoria Pedregal Review: Is This Luxury Resort Worth It?

Want to stay at Waldorf Astoria Cabo? Here’s how we did it with points—plus what to expect from the rooms, dining, and more!

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See the World, Save a Dollar—even at one of the most luxurious resorts in Los Cabos.

The Waldorf Astoria Pedregal can cost up to $3,000 USD per night, but what if I told you there’s a way to stay for free? (Don’t worry, I’ll break down exactly how we did it.)

In this review, I’m diving into every detail of our stay—from beachfront casitas and cliffside dining to spotting marine life right from the resort.

Whether you’re considering splurging on a bucket-list getaway or looking for a way to experience this resort without the huge price tag, this guide will help you decide if Waldorf Astoria Pedregal is truly worth it.

Where is Waldorf Astoria Pedregal?

The Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal is located in Mexico, just minutes from downtown Cabo San Lucas, yet it feels worlds away.

Entering the resort is an experience in itself: after passing through a security gate (and choosing your welcome drink—margarita or hibiscus tea), you drive through a private tunnel carved into the cliffs, and it feels like you’re stepping into a secluded paradise.

Once you emerge from the other side of the tunnel, you’re greeted by sweeping ocean views, where the resort seems to blend perfectly with the rocky coastline.

Despite this secluded entrance, the vibrant downtown Cabo San Lucas area is only a short drive away, making it easy to balance a quiet retreat with some lively local exploration, especially if you have a rental car.

There’s complimentary parking and valet on-site at Waldorf Astoria Pedregal.

Rooms & Upgrades: What to Expect

One of the standout features of the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal is that every single room comes with a private plunge pool and ocean views—though some views are more open than others.

Of note, the ocean views from our second-floor were much clearer than our ground-floor views.

We originally booked a standard option, but thanks to our Hilton Diamond status, we were upgraded to a massive 2-floor, 3-bedroom casita—a huge perk!

If you have Hilton Gold or Diamond status, you’re eligible for free upgrades based on availability, so it’s always worth asking at check-in.

The attention to detail in every room makes the experience next-level:
✔ Private plunge pool overlooking the ocean
✔ Binoculars for whale and marine life spotting
✔ Plush bedding that makes it hard to get up in the morning
✔ High-end toiletries for a spa-like experience
✔ Special-edition, hand-painted Clase Azul bottles that add a unique touch

Upgraded rooms (like our casita) take luxury even further, with extras like a fireplace, soaking tub, spacious patios, outdoor dining areas, and a full living room—making it feel more like a private villa than a hotel suite.

Dining Options

The resort has several dining options, each offering something unique. Whether you’re into fine dining or poolside drinks, you’re covered.

Don Manuel’s

Don Manuel’s is the resort’s main restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

If you’re a Hilton Gold or Diamond member, you’ll get a complimentary continental breakfast, which includes pastries, fresh fruit, and your choice of yogurt with granola or oatmeal.

Want more? You can upgrade to the full buffet for ~$20 USD per person, and honestly, it’s worth it.

In addition to everything from the continental breakfast, the buffet includes warm dishes like shrimp tacos, veggie tacos, and an omelet bar.

There’s also a smoothie and juice bar, where you check off your favorite ingredients, and they make it fresh on the spot.

My husband swears he made the best smoothie in the world, and after tasting it, I can’t argue.

For dinner, Don Manuel’s transforms into an elevated dining experience with live music from 7 PM to 10 PM each night.

As the sun sets, the pool in front of the restaurant starts to glow, creating a stunning contrast against the dark ocean.

It’s a whole vibe.

One thing I appreciated? The illuminated menus—no struggling to read in dim lighting here.

There’s a main menu, plus a dedicated vegan and vegetarian menu, so there’s something for everyone.

And let me tell you, the food did not disappoint, and cost ~$150 USD total for the two of us.

Dinner started on the best note possible: the bread. We kept asking for refills because it was that good. Especially when paired with the pineapple butter spread—trust me, it works.

I also had a spicy margarita that hit the spot.

El Farallon

Perched on the cliffs above the crashing waves, El Farallon is the resort’s signature restaurant and the ultimate spot for a special night out.

Whether you’re catching the sunset glow or dining under the moonlit sky, the ocean views here are unbeatable.

The four-course sea-to-table meal is priced at ~$120 USD per person and includes options for vegans and vegetarians too, so no one is left out.

Every dish was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully plated—making this one of the most memorable dining experiences we’ve had.

Chew Tip: If you want a sunset dinner, book your reservation for El Farallon in advance because this place is popular—and for good reason.

Neutral Coffee Lab

Need a caffeine fix? Neutral Coffee Lab is the resort’s cozy, on-site coffee shop serving specialty drinks and light bites.

Whether you’re grabbing a morning latte or stopping by for an afternoon pick-me-up, this spot has you covered.

Expect to pay around $10 USD per cup, but hey—it’s resort coffee.

Va y Viene Champagne Bar

If you’re in the mood for bubbles by the beach, head to Va y Viene Champagne Bar.

This chic oceanfront bar is all about sipping champagne with a view, and the selection ranges from $40 to ~$90 USD per glass, depending on your choice.

It’s the perfect place to toast to a luxury getaway.

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Room Service

There’s also 24-hour room service available for those lazy mornings or late-night cravings.

Amenities: What Does Waldorf Astoria Pedregal Offer?

The resort has a range of amenities to make your stay as relaxing (or active) as you want.

When you check into the resort you’re assigned a personal concierge who’s available 24/7 via text. They can help you book anything your heart desires during your stay.

Spa: The Waldorf Spa offers indulgent treatments, though be prepared for premium pricing. Think $350 USD+ massages. If you want in-room spa services you can do so for an additional ~$60 USD per treatment.
Fitness Center and Free Yoga: The fitness center is well-equipped, and there’s complimentary yoga every morning except Mondays.
Pools and Lounging Areas: Beyond your private plunge pool, the resort has other pools and lounges perfect for relaxing and soaking up the sun. Plus, they come around with complimentary water and snacks.

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Can You Swim at the Beach?

While the beach looks beautiful, the ocean currents are too strong for safe swimming. This is one of the first things staff will tell you upon arrival.

“Welcome home to Waldorf Astoria. Take in this beautiful view! Bare in mind that the beach is not for swimming.”

Instead, enjoy the view, walk along the shore, and take advantage of the resort pools.

If you have a rental car, you can also take some time to venture out to some of the best swimmable beaches in Cabo.

Sea Turtles, Manta Rays, and Whales

One of the most unexpected highlights of our stay was witnessing incredible marine life right from the resort.

Baby Sea Turtles

We visited in September, right in the middle of sea turtle hatching season. The resort has a turtle nursery, where they collect eggs and monitor them until they hatch.

The day we checked in, 42 baby turtles made their way into the world!

At sunset, the resort staff gathered guests by the beach to watch as the tiny turtles took their first crawl toward the ocean—a truly magical and humbling moment.

Our concierge texted us about an hour before the release, so we didn’t miss it.

Watching them get swept into the waves and begin their journey in the big blue ocean was unforgettable.

Manta Rays

Each morning, we were stunned by hundreds of manta rays leaping out of the water. At first, we thought they were dolphins, but the way they flipped and glided mid-air was something we’d never seen before.

It felt like our own private nature documentary from the resort.

Whale Watching

While we visited during turtle season, we learned that whale season starts around December. Guests can see humpback whales breaching right from the shore!

Each villa and suite comes with binoculars, so you can watch the action unfold from your own private balcony.

Pros and Cons of Staying at Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos

Pros:

Unmatched privacy and a peaceful atmosphere
Luxurious, well-appointed rooms with private pools
Exceptional dining options with vegan/vegetarian menus available
Opportunities to see marine life like sea turtles, manta rays, and even whales
Conveniently close to downtown Cabo San Lucas for off-site exploration

Cons:

Pricey, especially for dining and spa services (though there are ways to save if you’re a Hilton Gold or Diamond member with free room upgrades and free breakfast)
Beach access is beautiful but not swimmable due to strong currents

How We Made This Luxury Stay Fit Our Budget

Luxury resorts like Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal can be expensive, but we booked a two-night stay for free using Hilton points, free night rewards, and credit card perks.

Here’s how we did it:

How We Earned the Points & Perks

At the time, Hilton was offering a sign-up bonus on the Hilton Honors Surpass Card: 150K Hilton points + 1 Free Night Certificate after spending $4K USD in 3 months.

This card also gave us:
✔ Gold Status → Free breakfast + room upgrade opportunities
✔ $50 USD Hilton resort credit per quarter → We pre-paid $50 USD every quarter before the trip, stacking up $200 USD in resort credit (this is what we used towards one of our dinners!)

We also have the Hilton Aspire Card, which gives us Diamond Status—meaning:
✔ Better room upgrades (when available)
✔ Daily guacamole + Coronas delivered to the room

How We Booked Our Stay for Free

Hilton offers two types of reward nights:
✅ Standard Room Rewards → You can use Free Night Certificates + Hilton points
❌ Premium Room Rewards → You can’t use Free Night Certificates, but you can book with points

When we booked, a standard night cost 120K Hilton points, so we used:

One Free Night Certificate (from the Surpass Card bonus)
120K Hilton points for the second night (also from the Surpass Card bonus)

Total Cost: $0 out of pocket for two nights!

Our Advice on Travel Credit Cards

Credit card points are amazing—but only if used responsibly. We always pay off our balance in full to avoid interest.

If you have a big upcoming expense that you’re planning to pay for anyway, it’s a great time to open a travel card to hit the sign-up bonus naturally.

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Final Verdict: Is the Waldorf Astoria Pedregal Worth It?

For those looking for a truly luxurious, private getaway in Los Cabos with stunning ocean views and top-tier amenities, the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal is absolutely worth considering.

From secluded beachfront casitas to unforgettable dining, it’s the kind of place that feels like a true escape.

And with some planning, it’s possible to make the stay more budget-friendly—whether you’re using points, taking advantage of Hilton benefits, or just opting for a quick luxury experience.

If you’re up for a memorable splurge (or a well-worth-it points redemption), this resort offers a one-of-a-kind experience in Cabo San Lucas.

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