09/14/2026
What does the difference between a 4.2 and a 4.8 Google rating look like in real life?
We spent three nights at Krystal Grand Los Cabos (4.2/5), followed by four at Sandos Finisterra (4.8/5).
Sandos was our favourite, but the reasons mattered more than the number.
At Krystal, our upgraded oceanfront room was comfortable and the view was incredible. The Grill was excellent, and we had the teppanyaki table to ourselves for my birthday dinner. Maybe 6:00 was too early for everyone else! 😂
The other food was inconsistent, the buffet was small, specialty coffees cost extra and drinks varied by bar.
Krystal was quiet, with few activities and limited evening entertainment.
One person might call that peaceful.
Someone else might call it boring.
Both could be honest.
The Altitude pool and hot tubs were dirty, so we didn’t use them. We also had an Altitude room but not the amenities, which wasn’t explained beforehand.
Sandos felt livelier and more social. Staff remembered our name and room number, food and drinks were more consistent, and there were activities, clean pools, a beach party and a swim-up bar.
I won bingo, Chris placed third in Name That Tune, and the Cupcake Café became our daily stop. The specialty coffees and desserts were included!
Sandos wasn’t perfect. The pools needed easier access for anyone with knee or mobility concerns, and the only shade in the water was beneath the swim-up bar roof.
Small room details mattered too. Krystal’s curtains didn’t fully close, and Chris likes a pitch-black room. Sandos had blackout curtains, but the air-conditioning display occasionally blinked and lit up the bedroom. 😂
Krystal is in San José del Cabo. Sandos is in Cabo San Lucas near the marina and shops.
At the same price, I would choose Sandos because it suited us better. Someone wanting a quiet vacation with an incredible view might choose Krystal.
That’s why firsthand experience matters. There is no perfect resort for everyone.
Let’s find the best one for you. ❤️
Which do you prefer: quiet and relaxing, or social and lively?