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What’s the Difference Between a Resort and a Hotel?

LIFESTYLE | Published on 03/07/2025
Blog Lifestyle What’s the Difference Between a Resort and a Hotel?

If you’ve ever wondered whether a resort and a hotel are the same thing, you’re not alone. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend trip or dreaming of a stay at one of the all inclusive resorts Mexico is known for, understanding the difference can help you choose the right experience.

best hotels in cabo mexico

What Is a Hotel?

Hotels vary in quality, from budget-friendly options to luxury brands, but their focus remains consistent: comfortable lodging with basic amenities and services. Here are some key features of a hotel:

  • Comfortable rooms with essentials like beds, bathrooms, TVs, and Wi-Fi.
  • Hotel services such as daily housekeeping, front desk, and luggage storage.
  • Typically located in city centers or near transportation hubs.
  • Many hotels in Cabo San Lucas, for example, cater to both vacationers and business travelers who want to explore the city by day and unwind at night.
Discover How to Plan a Vacation to Cabo San Lucas.

best resorts in cabo mexico

What Is a Resort?

Resorts are designed to provide everything you need in one location, including entertainment, dining, wellness, and recreation. Here are some key features:

  • Full-service accommodations including spas, pools, multiple restaurants, and entertainment.
  • All-inclusive packages that cover meals, drinks, and activities.
  • Often located in scenic areas (beaches, mountains, or natural settings).

If you're considering all inclusive resorts Mexico offers, you'll find top-tier options where everything from breakfast in bed to sunset cocktails is covered. Choose a hotel for convenience when exploring multiple travel destinations, but opt for an all-inclusive resort if you're seeking a relaxing getaway with everything included.

Los Cabos vs. Puerto Vallarta: Which is the ideal destination for you?

cabo san lucas hotels

Feel free to review the comparison table below for a quick and helpful overview.

Feature

    Hotel

    Resort

Purpose

    Basic accommodations

    Full vacation experience

Amenities 

    Limited (bed, bath, sometimes dining)

    Extensive (spa, pools, tours, entertainment)

Dining Options

    1–2 restaurants or room service

    Multiple restaurants, bars, themed dining

Activities

    Minimal or off-site

    On-site (sports, wellness, excursions)

Ideal For

    Short stays, city travel, business

    Longer stays, leisure, relaxation

Location

    Urban or near transit hubs

    Scenic, secluded, beachfront areas

Popular Example

    Hotels in Cabo San Lucas

    All inclusive resorts Mexico

All-Inclusive Options

    Rare 

    Common

Still not sure which is best for your travel style? Think about your priorities: adventure vs. relaxation, flexibility vs. all-inclusive ease.

Learn about these Cabo Packing Tips According to Season.

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Very clean. Everyone is very friendly and helpful. Beautiful tranquil place. Love the heated pool. Loved the food from the grill restaurant by the pool.

Es From Tripadvisor

Loved La Casona!!
We really enjoyed the breakfast La  casona!! There is wonderful outdoor and indoor seating. The buffet was amazing and had so many different options. The staff was very friendly and attentive. We especially loved Mayra, Angela, Dani, and Selene.

Taylor R From Tripadvisor

Day at the Beach
We were very pleased with the awesome service we received from Axel, we spent several days at the beach with our kids. Axel was on top of making sure we had plenty of waters, drinks and snacks. We plan on coming back several more times during our week long vacation.

Patience B From Tripadvisor

First time in Cabo
Great time. Axel, our server, did a wonderful job. All the staff were great. Food and drink service was quick. Overall the facilities were very clean. Food options were plenty. This was our first time in Cabo and can’t wait to come back!  Highly recommended.

Ryan W From Tripadvisor

Memorable stay
Our stay at Villa La Estancia was incredible! The rooms were spacious, super clean, and had plenty of storage—perfect for our family of four. The kids had a blast at the pool, and we loved that the beach was both beautiful and swimmable. The views from the resort were absolutely stunning. The staff…

Yana T From Tripadvisor

Paradise!
This was the most amazing resort- beautiful, peaceful, clean, exceptional service, delicious food… We weren’t sure what to expect when we booked. I have booked other resorts in Mexico and some didn’t live up to the online reviews. This one blew us away. The service here is topnotch and every…

Kelley D From Tripadvisor

Family friendly resort
Peaceful family friendly resort. Staff works tirelessly to maintain the beautiful grounds and help the guests.

Ann Bui From Tripadvisor

Birthday
It was my girlfriend's birthday she rented two villas that sleep 8ea comfortably the resort was beautiful.

J Pratt From Tripadvisor

Pool service
The pool service has been great. A lot of helpful employees, specifically Diego. He was awesome. Gave us some great drink recommendations and had non-stop service and assistance. Extremely professional, yet friendly.

Brock S From Tripadvisor

Excellent!
Our second time at Villa La Estancia and every bit as good as the first. A beautiful resort, great location, quiet but with the town easily accessible by a 25-min walk along the beach. Caring staff, two fine restaurants on site, plus many more in town just a $5 Uber ride away. If you're…

Jenny D From Tripadvisor

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