Hotels + Resorts Luxury Hotels This Brand-new Cabo Hotel Has Rare Mezcal Tastings and a Weekly Taco Truck There's no better place from which to explore the city's trendy Gallery District. By Stefanie Waldek Stefanie Waldek Instagram Twitter Website Stefanie Waldek is a freelance space, travel, and design journalist who loves aviation, storm chasing, and "The X-Files." She's happiest when cruising at 36,000 feet or at sea level in polar regions. Her favorite places in the world are Antarctica and Oklahoma City, and her travel bucket list includes eating hot dogs at all 30 Major League Baseball stadiums. * 8+ years of writing and editing experience for print and digital publications * Former editor at Architectural Digest, Tripadvisor, and ArtNews * Traveled to all seven continents, each more than once Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on November 24, 2021 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Courtesy of DRIFT There are any number of reasons to visit San José del Cabo — beaches, wildlife, historic architecture — and you can stay in all types of accommodations, from all-inclusive resorts to charming little boutiques. But if you're looking to dive into the artistic side of the Mexican city, you'll want to book a stay at Drift San José del Cabo, the newest hotel in town, located adjacent to the Gallery District in the historic city center. With an industrial-chic aesthetic (and a focus on mezcal, we might add), it's easily the trendiest hotel in the neighborhood, where you'll find plenty of art galleries and studios, plus restaurants, bars, and cafés. "We're thrilled to open the first Drift Hotels property in the charming city of San José del Cabo," Philip Bates, co-founder and CEO of TMC Hospitality, said in a statement. "With a prime location in the heart of town, the hotel is a welcoming retreat that reflects the vibrancy of its surroundings. We look forward to bringing this same adventuresome spirit to additional markets in 2022 as we continue to expand the Drift Hotels footprint across North America." Francisco Estrada Welcoming guests for the first time last week, Drift is a former eight-room inn that's been expanded by local architecture firm RIMA, which was inspired by Cabo's rugged coastline. Throughout the 29 guest rooms, you'll find dusty desert hues, stark white walls, and raw stone — the stunner here is the poured concrete bathtubs. Though the rooms have a minimalist vibe, they're anything but cold, as the more austere materials are complemented by earth-tone textiles and crafts by local artisans, plus bath products by Santo Cabo. Francisco Estrada The accommodations, the majority of which have floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies, line a courtyard oasis with palm trees, hammocks, and a pool. There's also the outdoor Mezcal Bar at Drift San José that serves up spirits produced by Mezcal Exiliado in Oaxaca — try a guided tasting, or order up a cocktail or a beer. (Don't miss the free mezcal shot upon check-in.) Melina When you fancy a bite to eat, head down the courtyard on Thursday evenings from 8 to 11 p.m., when the hotel hosts a taco truck and live music in the space. It's the perfect complement to the Gallery District's weekly Art Walk, which runs from 5 to 9 p.m. that night. For a quieter evening, head to the rooftop terrace, where you can take in the views of the Gallery District from above. All in, Drift San José del Cabo is a calming counterbalance to the lively city, despite being located in the heart of it. Rates start at $128 per night. Stefanie Waldek is a freelance space, travel, and design journalist. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter at @stefaniewaldek. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit