The Real Deal: Round-trip airfare and three nights' accommodations, from $496 per person—plus taxes of $117.
When: Through Sept. 27, 2008. The listed starting rate is based on departures on Aug. 16.
Gateways: L.A.; add $28 for San Francisco; $44 for Denver; $50 for San Jose; $95 for Houston; $150 for D.C., Seattle; $220 for Phoenix; $246 for Philadelphia; $256 for New York City; $310 for Atlanta; $333 for Chicago; additional cities available.
The fine print: Airport taxes and charges are an additional $117 per person. Hotel taxes are included, but breakfast is not. Airport-hotel transfers are available for an additional $36 per person per round-trip. Prices are per person based on double occupancy; single supplement is $228. Read these guidelines before you book any Real Deal.
Book by: No deadline; based on availability.
Contact: Pleasant Holidays, 800/742-9244, pleasantholidays.com.
Why it's a deal: According to a recent search on Kayak, the lowest round-trip fares between L.A. and Los Cabos for departures in mid-August start at $344 (multiple carriers). For an additional $269 per person, including taxes, Pleasant Holidays will also provide three nights' accommodations. The package price represents savings of more than $200 per person, as from June through September, the listed rates at Hotel Finisterra are $326 per room per night, including taxes and service charges, or about $163 per person per night, which would total $489 per person for the three-night stay.
Trip details:The package includes round-trip airfare on U.S. Airways and three nights at the 286-room Hotel Finisterra, located on a seven-acre secluded private beach on the Pacific Ocean.
The starting rate will get you accommodations in the Traditional Finisterra Section, the original part of the hotel built into the mountainside overlooking the bay and downtown Cabo. You'll stay in a standard room featuring two double beds and a balcony or patio. If you want to upgrade to a slightly more luxurious ocean-view room at the modern addition to the hotel, the Palapa Beach Club, you'll pay an additional $33 per person for three nights.
The property has soothing natural stone, mahogany, and Mexican-tile accents, and boasts a large outdoor pool, a gym, a boutique, the Whale Watcher Bar, and a restaurant, Blue Marlin. Exploring outside the hotel grounds is easy, as major attractions, such as the rock formation known as the Arch at Land's End (El Arco) and downtown Cabo San Lucas, are a 15-20 minute walk away.
The former sleepy fishing village has caught the attention of tourists looking to unwind and party. (Rocker Sammy Hagar of Van Halen owns Cabo Wabo Cantina, one of many late-night spots.) Even with the influx of visitors, Cabo keeps an easygoing feel. Attractions include the downtown Cabo San Lucas harbor, of the giant rock formations known as the Arch at Land's End (El Arco); a full-service marina; and Boulevard Mijares, Cabo's main street which connects Plaza Mijares to the beach area. History buffs should stop by the Museo de las Californias and Iglesia de San Lucas (Church of San Lucas), which dates back to 1746.
You can extend your stay for an additional $152 per room per night. For more tips on what to do in the area, visit the official Web site of the Los Cabos tourism board.