Tulum is a popular tourist destination for anyone planning a trip to Mexico. It’s known for white sandy beaches, crystal blue water, Mayan ruins perched on the cliffs, vibrant nightlife, and more. Tulum is a charming town that has a lot to offer travelers. But when planning a trip to Tulum, you will realize that there are different areas of town where you can stay. In this guide, we will talk about some of the different areas where you can stay in Tulum, and which area might be a good fit for your travel style and the type of vacation you are looking for.
Where to Stay in Tulum Depends on Your Interests
Anytime you plan a trip you want to consider what part of town you want to stay. Many people just go online and book the cheapest or nicest looking hotel. However, this is a mistake! This is why taking the time to plan a trip and do your research is important because you want to find a hotel that best suits your interests and needs. For example, Tulum is split into different areas where you can stay. Perhaps the beach works best for you and the vacation you want, or maybe you want to be in town close to all the shops and restaurants. There are so many things to do in Tulum, so you want to be convenient to where you will be spending your time & what you want to do most. So let’s talk about some of these places you should consider staying & some recommended hotels in Tulum.
Hotels on the Beach in Tulum
If you want to combine a more urban environment with the beach, then you should consider staying in the Playa area. “Playa” means “beach” in Spanish. Tulum has some gorgeous beaches where you can relax and soak up in the sun. There are a number of hotels along the beach in Tulum; however, it is a short distance from town — maybe 15 minutes by bicycle. So while you have a great beach location for relaxing, it’s further away from some of the local nightlife and activities of town. That is something to consider when deciding where to stay in Tulum.
Popular hotels in this area of town include:
Hotels in Tulum Town (Pueblo)
“Pueblo” is the neighborhood in the main part of Tulum town. Tulum is a vibrant community and quirky town. You can find lots of art and local crafts, museums and cultural attractions. There are also plenty of places to eat and drink – from street food, local establishments and higher end restaurants.
Top Rated Hotels in this Area Include:
Hotels Near the Nightlife in Tulum (Col Huracanes)
If you’re looking for a place to stay for nightly fun, you should stay in the Col Huracanes area of Tulum. This is a relatively small neighborhood in Tulum with lots of pubs, bars, and cafes. The most famous nightclub is Damajuana Mezcaleria. It offers handcrafted cocktails and hosts a DJ at the rooftop terrace. Guarapo Bar and Batey Mojito also provide a great atmosphere. Music enthusiasts will also have a good time at Pasito Tun Tun.
Top Rated Hotels in this Area Include:
Hotels Near the Famous Tulum Ruins (Ruinas)
The Ruinas neighborhood is an archeological area of Tulum town known for the famous Mayan ruins that are perched on the cliff overlooking the sea. In this area you can enjoy easy access to these famous ruins from your hotel, as well as the dramatic landscape of the seaside clifftop. Be sure to visit the ruins in the morning to avoid large crowds. A few minutes-walk from Mayan Ruins, you’ll find a stunning white sand beach. Since you are in this area, you also have easy access to snorkeling, or scuba diving.
Top Rated Hotels in this Area Include:
Hotels in Tulum that are Quiet & Near the Beach (Aldea Zama)
If you are looking for a quiet and relaxing place to stay that is outside of the main Tulum town but also not far from the beach, then Aldea Zama may be a good choice. This area is popular for families and expats and is conveniently located close to a few shops and restaurants. This small neighborhood borders a national park and is a short distance to Mayan Ruins. There’re a lot of things you can do here. You can take a day tour to a lush nature park (Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve) where you can see the dolphins, birds, crocodiles, and more. Nature lovers can watch the colorful birds throughout the trees.
Top Rated Hotels in this Area Include:
Choosing Where to stay in Tulum Depends on Your Budget
Once you have narrowed down the area of town where you want to stay in Tulum, then you may need to consider your budget. Budget often drives where you stay as well, but I do think it’s important to consider the location too. Finding the cheapest hotel that is far away from everything you want to do is not an ideal solution. Still, if you are open to location in town and more interested in finding the best hotels at different price points, then we have compiled a list of some of the top rated hotels in Tulum by budget and rating.
Luxury Resorts in Tulum
At the southern end of Tulum Beach, you’ll find the most luxurious resorts. The Coco Tulum is a beautiful beachfront villa that leaves no details untouched. It features white canopy beds from couples to design lovers. There’s also a beach bar that plays cool music all day. Another gorgeous resort is Be Tulum. It’s famous for its beach parties, so you can be sure you’ll have an unforgettable night. And because it’s designed to showcase the ocean, you can book a room with a private pool or an outdoor bathtub. There’s no better way to soak in that outdoor pool. La Valise is another stunning hotel that is blissfully quiet. It’s located on the southern end of the Tulum beach strip, so you’re guaranteed a relaxing beachfront.
All-Inclusive Resorts in Tulum
Whether you’re looking for a rustic bungalow or a beautiful suite overlooking the ocean, you’ll find many hotels are waiting for you. In all-inclusive hotels, you pay a flat rate upfront for a stay that includes alcoholic drinks, unlimited meals, soft drinks, and a wide range of recreational activities.
Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa features beautifully landscaped gardens. So depending on your accommodation needs, you can choose a deluxe room, Club Honeymoon Suite, Club Junior Suite, or deluxe junior suite. Other resorts include PavoReal Beach Resort, and Kore Tulum Retreat & Spa.
Charming Hotels Full of Character & Unique Vibes
Are you looking for hotels in Tulum that you’ll remember once you’re back from holiday? Charming hotels don’t offer generic rooms that are often found in other towns. Some have historical acents while others are modern & memorable They are warm, welcoming, and have distinct personalities.
La Zebra is a luxurious haven for tourists looking for beach chic experience. It offers soulful drinks and a phenomenal dining experience. Whether you’re on a romantic getaway or family vacation, this is where you become part of the Tulum scene. Other hotels full of character and unique vibes include Ahau Tulum, Mi Amor Colibri Boutique Hotel, Alaya Tulum, and Kai Tulum.
Eco-friendly Hotels in Tulum
The eco-resorts in Tulum are beautifully designed with materials that resemble the jungle. Some rooms have soaking bathtubs and come with outdoor showers. These hotels provide a very unique experience from the standard hotels options.
One of the eco-friendly options is the Papaya Playa Hotel Project. The rustic and minimalistic property has cabins that face the beach. It’s famous for full moon parties, beach lounge, electro music, and incredible drinks. Another budget-friendly option is Nomade Tulum. It boasts of bungalow-style rooms and fantastic yoga classes. The amazing décor and calming spa will meet and exceed your expectations.
Budget Hotels in Tulum
Tulum town also has a number of budget-friendly options for locals and tourists alike. One location that offers unbeatable price is Ginger Tulum. It’s located between a bust station and the main strip. The rooms are comfortable and come with a décor that is hard to find in other properties. Water lovers are not left behind – there’s a pool at the entrance. If you’re on a tight budget, you can be sure you’ll enjoy both worlds.
Families with kids traveling to Tulum will love the Una Vida Hotel. It has meticulously maintained grounds and is quiet. The lighting around the pools provides a relaxing atmosphere.
Hostels in Tulum
If you’re with your friends, why not bring the party to the hostels? The most famous party hostel is Che Tulum. People come here and take a dip in the pool, sip tequila, etc. There are also BBQs, free classes, free tours, and yoga. Other hostels include Hostel Che Babel, Amorcito Corazon Hostel, and Day Tripper Hostel.
Do You Have a Car to Get Around Tulum?
Another thing to keep in mind when looking for a place to stay in Tulum is if you will have your own rental car or not. If you have a car, you can explore Tulum with ease and you are more open to areas of town where you may want to stay. Some of the sites you can visit include Tulum Ruins, Tulum National Park, and of course you can explore some of the stunning Cenotes in the Yucatan.
If you don’t rent a car, then you can also use public transport, rent a bicycle or motorbike, or walk to the attractions. In Tulum, public transportation is limited to vans and taxis. You can use them to get to the ruins quite easily, but keep in mind, taxis hang around hotels and main bus terminus. Some will charge less than 100 pesos to ride from popular hotels to the ruins. Alternatively, you can use a bus (Tiburon) run by the taxi union.
Some hotels will also offer bike rentals and tours to the beaches. If driving or renting the car is not a viable option, you can walk. Depending on where your hotel is located, you can walk to the Tulum ruins, restaurants, bars, and beaches – but it could be a long stroll. Biking will make it a lot faster. Just beware not to walk long distances at night.
** For more information, read our full post about renting a car in Mexico
So Where Do You Want to Stay in Tulum?
There are a lot of things to consider when planning a trip to Tulum. And finding the right hotel in Tulum that suits your interests, needs, and budget is going to make a big difference in how you experience this wonderful destination. Whether you have a big budget or a small budget, if you prefer being in town, partying at night, or relaxing on the beach. There are so many great options for staying in Tulum that it really just depends on you.
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