Built in the likeness of the most famous castle in all of Ireland, the Blarney Castle Inn is Boston resident Joseph Evans’ gift to his adopted city of Cabo San Lucas. Evans, a native of Monaghan, Ireland, began vacationing in “Cabo” in the early 1980s. In 1988, Evans purchased land on the mountainous site he loved to hike and soon began building his dream home there.
What started out as a single penthouse for Evans and his family soon grew to become a hotel consisting of eight fabulously eccentric suites. Each Irish-flavored suite includes its own sense of style, a custom kitchen and a view that is to die for. The inn is for the discerning vacationer seeking a one-ofa- kind getaway that won’t break the bank.
Up from Downtown Cabo San Lucas
The Blarney Castle Inn is a bed and breakfast-style boutique hotel. The hotel is a 35-mile drive from the Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), but a mere five-minute drive from downtown Cabo San Lucas. In order to point taxi drivers in the right direction, simply state you are going to the hotel on “the road to Sunset Beach.” The cost of your taxi fare should be stated in advance.
Upon arriving at the inn, march the steps up to the terrace level in anticipation of a real treat. The final step leading to your suite gazes down at the city of Cabo, the marina and the Sea of Cortez. This elevated view is what sets the Blarney Castle Inn apart from its all-inclusive peers residing on the sea-level shores of Medano Beach below.
Eye-Opening Ambiance
“I love to watch people’s eyes when they get to the top step of our hotel or restaurant,” said Brian Santoyo, manager of the Blarney Castle Inn. “Their eyes lock in on the view and open real wide. The next thing I usually hear is the word WOW!”
Santoyo arrived on the castle scene six years ago after tiring of the freeway traffic that accompanies Southern California living. Santoyo, a native of Huntington Beach, California, exemplifies the vibe one can’t help but feel after spending a day at the Blarney Castle Inn. Santoyo’s business casual garb consists of sunglasses, a golf shirt, shorts and flip flops. “I no longer wear a watch,” said Santoyo. “I just love the lifestyle here.”
The historic Irish-themed ambiance of the Blarney Castle Inn is best evidenced by the original Castle Penthouse and Hidden House suites. The Castle Penthouse is a 2,900-square-foot, multi-leveled beauty that holds a maximum of 10 guests. The outdoor patio deck can easily host a private fiesta for up to 30 people. For $325 per night, the penthouse is a perfect venue for a family reunion. The memories your family and friends will share of the spectacular penthouse view will linger well into the next millennium.
Gaelic Wall, Guinness Beer and Gorgeous Views
The spacious two-bedroom Hidden House is where the luck of the Irish find a home in Cabo San Lucas. The face of the Blarney Stone was built into the Hidden House sculpted fireplace wall. Look closely and you’ll find a Gaelic inscription written into the fireplace surround. At $225 per night, the Hidden House is a Cabo escape that is hard to beat.
The Studio Suite and one-bedroom Junior Suite accommodations will make you think your bill includes a four-leaf clover. At $99 and $125 per night, these cozy suites include a full breakfast each morning. Relax in the hammock on your private terrace, take a dip in the pool or just check out the view. With a full moon up above, there is nothing quite like sipping a margarita or cool cerveza while gazing at the city lights of downtown Cabo.
You can also enjoy a great dinner at the hotel. Brennan’s Bar & Grill features Guinness beer, a wide selection of wines and a menu featuring chicken, seafood, steaks or Mexican dishes. Brennan’s terrace can accommodate parties of up to 200 people and is a superb site for weddings and special events.
New Year’s Eve and St. Patrick’s Day in Cabo
“We’ve had many a couple hold their wedding reception and honeymoon here,” said Santoyo. “With our elevated view, this is also a fantastic place to take in the fireworks on New Year’s Eve. On St. Patrick’s Day, we have world-class Irish dancers perform here.”
Many vacationers come to Cabo because of its spectacular beaches, championship golf and renowned deep sea fishing. At the Blarney Castle Inn, just because you’re not on the water doesn’t mean you have to do without. “We can arrange whatever excursions you desire,” said Santoyo. “We lend out golf clubs, fishing and snorkeling gear for guests. At the Blarney Castle Inn, all you need to bring is yourself. We supply the rest.”
A Bit of Blarney in Baja
When traveling to a destination for the first time, it’s easy to have a preconceived notion of what you expect to see and feel. Hardly anyone anticipates discovering an Irish castle and pub in the heart of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
But for those of you who reach the top step of the entrance to the Blarney Castle Inn, a single word is sure to cross your lips—a word that translates in any culture, but especially in English, Irish and Spanish. “Wow!”
