Fodor's Expert Review Tropicana Inn

It's not on the beach, but this hotel in a quiet enclave along one of San José's main boulevards is a delightful, reasonable find. Though the hotel restaurant faces the street, the guest quarters are tucked away at the back of the property around a pool and fountain with tropical birds. The warm yellow buildings frame a pool and palapa bar, and all rooms are outfitted with fine Mexican artwork and textiles. Two suites, El Troje and El Jacaranda, are situated poolside. Compared to the typical price at Los Cabos properties, the rates for the freestanding El Troje make for a very special and very romantic find. The hotel is central to shopping, several restaurants, and is a stone's throw from City Hall and the plaza principal.

room

Traditional Mexican appointments and accents are the norm: colorful pillows and linens, authentic artworks, antique furniture. The retro atmosphere is not at the expense, however, of modern amenities like air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and televisions.

The signature suite is Troje, a charming poolside cabana housed within a 100-year-old Tarascan Indian wood cottage.

bathroom

Colorful hand-painted tiles dominate the traditionally furnished bathrooms, from Talavera style sinks to beautifully accented countertops, mirror frames, and showers.

lobby

The hotel’s mascot, Paco the parrot, is one of several birds in residence outside the reception area, which is not a traditional lobby but merely an office for check-ins, check-outs, and concierge service.

pool

Lush tropical foliage, from palm trees and bougainvillea to trained column climbing vines, fringe the spacious courtyard pool area. Additional shade is provided by lounge-side umbrellas, and a palapa which overhands the pool’s swim-up seating area.

Photo: Pool day! #LosCabos #tropicanaInn / @joyjazz_armento

Photo: Our new digs, the Tropicana Inn in San José del Cabo. Authentically adorable and CLEAN. And so inexpensive we thought it was too good to be true. (Truth be told, as we were driving up we thought that was the truth????) I made a new friend as Heimy was checking us in. Isn't he gorgeous? Saying hola and hello didn't work but I told him he was so handsome and he said hello! ?? #tropicanainn #tropicanainnsanjose #sanjose #cabo #baja #2017adventurescontinue #soblessed #lovethislife / @2_to_go

spa

Suite 111 has been transformed into a wellness center, Seven Zenses Cabo Spa, which offers massages and salon services like manicures, pedicures, and waxing.

dining

Tropicana Restaurant has been a downtown dining mecca for better than three decades, serving up traditional Mexican fare and international favorites, and spotlighting live entertainment four nights per week. The airy sidewalk café is for people watching over breakfast or lunch, while the exquisitely appointed hacienda style dining room is the preferred place to enjoy dinner and music.

Live music is featured during dinner hours, Thursday to Sunday, 7 to 10 p.m.

drinking

Tropicana Restaurant offers a generous cocktail menu, plus plenty of tequila options, and wines from Baja’s Valle de Guadalupe.