Tulum is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico, and for a good reason! With stunning Mayan ruins, gorgeous beaches, a selection of fabulous restaurants, and a great, chilled vibe, it’s easy to see why travelers love it.
If you are planning on visiting Tulum and are still looking for where to stay in Tulum, I can help! I know the area well and can tell you that Tulum is roughly divided in two main areas – Tulum Playa and Tulum Pueblo.
I have stayed in both (and actually have a preference for Tulum Pueblo), so whether you are looking for the best Tulum hotels in Tulum Playa or are in search of the best places to stay in Tulum Pueblo, I have you covered.
Make sure to read my post The Best Things To Do In Tulum.
Where To Stay In Tulum: The Best Tulum Hotels
Tulum Playa – Where to stay in Tulum for easy access to the beach
Tulum isn’t just made up of one part. In fact, the part that many people think of as “Tulum” is actually known as Tulum Playa, or Tulum Beach. This is where you’ll find a lot of beachside accommodation, beach clubs, and plenty of nightlife. It’s also in this coastal area that you’ll find Tulum Ruins, as well as a host of other interesting sights and things to do.
In South Playa (“South Beach”) you’ll find some of the best luxury hotels in Tulum, as well as beach clubs, backed by the jungle. Think beautiful water, white sand, stylish design, and less crowded than the northern part of the Tulum Playa. In the north, it tends to be more affordable, but it is still very attractive; there’s also more nightlife and restaurant options.
Why Stay in Tulum Playa?
If you’re in Tulum for a beach holiday, then Tulum Playa is the place to stay for you. Here you will find some of the best places to stay in Tulum that are mere steps from the beach – and sometimes situated right on the sand (or on a stretch of private beach).
There’s a range of accommodation types close to the beach, from bungalows to adult-only, high-end resorts. In general, the closer you are to the sand itself, the more expensive your accommodation will be.
Tulum Playa is best if you like snorkeling, water sports or simply lounging around on the sand all day, or hitting up a selection of beach clubs. The downside is the expense, but then again, it is also possible to find some budget hotels in Tulum Playa, too.
Here is a selection of the best Tulum hotels to suit all budgets and travel styles – located in Tulum Playa.
Luxury Hotels in Tulum Playa
Hotel Ma’xanab Tulum
Hotel Ma’xanab Tulum is definitely a place to come for beachside luxury in Tulum. Located just 50 yards from South Tulum Beach, this sprawling 5-star hotel boasts beautiful accommodation to suit those who really want to vacation in style.
Rooms here come in a range of suites, either with views of the lush gardens and jungle, or ocean views. They’re decorated in neutral tones with wooden furnishings and high, traditional-style ceilings; some even come with their own plunge pool.
Throughout the hotel there’s a range of facilities for guests to use. These include an outdoor swimming pool, a well-equipped fitness center, and restaurant and bar. You’ll find everything you need here.
Cabanas Tulum – Beach Hotel & Spa
Situated practically on the beach itself, but in a secluded location, Cabanas Tulum offers up a deluxe beachside living with a boho-chic aesthetic.
Here rooms are simple with minimalist, white-washed walls, and come complete with outdoor seating areas (some have their own private pools, sea views or inner courtyards). You can even opt for a suite with a rooftop terrace, or one that opens directly onto the beach.
International cuisine is served up at hotel restaurant Fresco’s, while there’s also a beach club here, too, so you can enjoy high-end amenities at the beach – with cocktails and beers served to your lounger.
Mid-range Hotels in Tulum Playa
Zamas Hotel
Zamas Hotel is where to stay in Tulum if you arelooking for value for money on your Tulum vacation. Here, guests can choose from beach bungalows and ocean-view suites, all decorated in simple, neutral colors, with tiled floors and high ceilings.
Ideal for nature lovers, the surrounding area is lush jungle, while the beach is merely steps away. Staff at the hotel are very friendly and welcoming, and will make sure you have a trouble-free stay. Amenities at Zamas include a swimming pool, and a bar and restaurant. But the location, with plenty of drinking and dining options in easy walking distance, is particularly good.
Shambala Petit Hotel Tulum
Popular with couples, Shambala Petit Hotel Tulum is a modern accommodation offering, featuring considered interiors accented in tasteful color pops and houseplants. Here you can enjoy various activities, from snorkeling and diving to simply spending days relaxing by the pool or soaking up the sun on the sand.
Throughout this Tulum hotel there’s a relaxing atmosphere. Rooms come in a variety of types, combining minimalist, contemporary design with rustic local materials, all of which also have direct access to the beach. There’s also a healthy breakfast served up each morning in the dining area, while nearby there are beach clubs and restaurants to sample.
Budget Hotels in Tulum Playa
Pal Mar Glamtainer Tulum
This is one of the best Tulum boutique hotels. As you can tell from the name, this budget hotel has ingeniously repurposed containers to create boutique-style hotel bungalows just a short walk from the beach. Pal Mar Glamtainer Tulum is situated right in the heart of the Hotel Zone of Tulum, but still manages to offer fantastic value for money.
The grounds of the hotel are dotted with these containers (or “glamtainers”) and scattered with tropical plants and palms.
Inside, the container bungalows are very chic, with polished concrete bathrooms and boho aesthetics throughout. Guests will find hammocks strung up between trees, and various other relaxing spots to sit and enjoy the ambience.
Hostel Bambu Gran Palas
This adults-only accommodation is located around 100 yards from South Tulum Beach, and provides a welcoming place for those on a budget to stay in a tropical wonderland. Travelers on a shoestring can opt for a bunk in a dormitory, while couples can opt for their very own rustic private room – all connected like a giant treehouse.
Boasting a restaurant and bar, the property is an easygoing place that attracts travelers from all over the world. There’s a great atmosphere and it’s easy to mingle and meet other people (great for solo travelers). There’s plenty of nightlife on the doorstep, too.
Tulum Pueblo – Where to stay in Tulum for nightlife
While Tulum Playa makes up the beachy portion of Tulum, Tulum Pueblo is the main town. Often referred to as “Downtown” Tulum, this is a separate and distinct part of the town, separated from the beach by jungle and the highway. This is where you’ll find a whole host of urban amenities, from nightlife and local taco joints to yoga studios and transport options. It’s all here!
Why stay in Tulum Pueblo?
Tulum Pueblo may not be near the beach, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not easy to reach the sand from this part of town. In fact, many hotels actually offer shuttles to and from Tulum Playa, or you could opt to hire a bicycle or moped to get you around on two wheels.
Tulum Pueblo is also where to stay in Tulum if you want to easily access the Mayan ruins of Tulum and Coba, and many of the cenotes closer to Tulum.
Tulum Pueblo is where to stay in Tulum for nightlife. Think bars, live music venues, and a host of restaurants. There are also other cultural aspects, such as street art and museums. In addition, when it comes to transport, this part of Tulum has it covered. This is where most bus routes will leave from and arrive at, making it a good option if you’re traveling further afield.
Some may say Tulum Pueblo is “cooler” than Tulum Playa (and I agree with them). It’s more authentic, with its local markets, and boasts a plethora of Instagram-friendly eateries such as Matcha Mama and the eco-friendly Burrito Amor. There’s also a youthful energy, thanks to the transient backpacker community that drifts in and out of town.
Lastly, staying in Tulum Pueblo also means you don’t have to spend all your money on a beachside destination to stay in style. In fact, here you will find some of the most stylish places to stay in Tulum, from boutique boho options to luxurious eco-hotels. Here are some of the best hotels in Tulum Pueblo.
Luxury Hotels in Tulum Pueblo
KASA Hotel Parota Tulum
Perfect for a home away from home (but probably more luxurious), this 5-star accommodation option offers up spacious, polished apartments for guests who want to indulge but stay independent during their Tulum vacation. Rooms range from studios to apartments, all the way to penthouses with private terraces and swimming pools.
A great option for families, KASA Hotel Parota is also great for couples looking for a quiet spot for their Tulum trip. Located five minutes drive from the beach, the hotel actually boasts a complimentary shuttle to and from the sands each day, making it easy to travel between Playa and Pueblo.
KAN Tulum
The eye-catching design of this hotel makes it one of the best places to stay in Tulum for nature lovers and design enthusiasts alike.
KAN Tulum is definitely where to stay in Tulum if you’re looking for somewhere to unwind; it’s a sustainable property that’s been designed with bio-architecture principles in mind. Treehouse style rooms are located in bamboo buildings, surrounded by the jungle.
But don’t let that fool you. This is a polished and super stylish hotel, and boasts a number of luxury amenities to go with it. With a cenote as an outdoor swimming pool, and a complimentary vegetarian breakfast, this hotel takes ecotourism to the next level.
Mid-range Hotels in Tulum Pueblo
Aloft Tulum
Part of the Aloft hotel chain, this Tulum iteration is a modern, trendy place to stay. Throughout, the social spaces are cool and considered, with a buzzing bar area, stylish restaurant and chilled-out guest lounges.
Amenities here allow you to keep up with your work-outs at the complimentary gym, or sip on cocktails at the rooftop bar with views of the ocean.
Rooms are a stylish affair. They boast a stripped-back aesthetic, using natural wood, polished concrete and white-washed walls. In terms of location, it’s not situated near the nightlife area of Tulum Pueblo, which means it’s great for couples looking for a tranquil place to kick back and relax.
Hotel Tiki Tiki Tulum
Boasting rooms with retro interiors, Tiki Tiki is one of the nicest Tulum boutique hotels. Decoration and furnishings have been carefully considered, with mid-century modern vintage pieces, colorful tiled floors, and contemporary flair throughout.
Rooms are no exception, with large, comfortable beds, wooden furnishings and private outdoor spaces. Set in a quiet neighborhood, you’ll be able to hear the jungle instead of the noise of the city.
In terms of amenities, guests can make use of the swimming pool, which is surrounded by tropical plants; enjoy a cocktail or two from the bar; or dine in style at the onsite restaurant. There’s bicycles and mopeds available to hire, so those who like to explore can get further afield.
Budget Hotels in Tulum Pueblo
Maison Tulum
Located just two blocks from Downtown Tulum Pueblo, and a 10-minute drive from the beach, this accommodation is one of the friendliest, most welcoming places to stay in Tulum. Full of character and quaint charm, its overflowing tropical garden makes you feel like you’re staying in the jungle itself.
Rooms are well-appointed, cozy and clean, and offer good value for money. There’s an on-site restaurant and bar, as well as an outdoor terrace, for guests to enjoy drinks in the evening. The owners and staff bring their friendly, welcoming personalities to create a place that makes for an unforgettable (and very affordable) stay in Tulum.
XscapeTulum
The location is one of the best things about this budget hotel in Tulum. It’s just a five-minute walk to the center of Tulum Pueblo, where you’ll find plenty of restaurants and bars. The hotel itself is a relaxing, surprisingly stylish place to stay, complete with grassy gardens and an outdoor pool, where you can unwind after a long day exploring Mayan ruins.
Rooms here are decorated in neutral tones, with wood floors and stone sinks, and pops of color here and there. Each one boasts its own outdoor terrace, ensuite bathroom and large, comfortable beds. Despite its bargain per night price, the restaurant is excellent and the service is always impeccable. There are also bicycles to hire to explore the surrounding area.
Further Readings
Make sure to read my other posts to help you plan an incredible trip to Tulum:
- The Best Day Trips From Tulum
- How To Get From Cancun To Tulum
- The Best Things To Do In Yucatan
- The Best Travel Tips For Mexico
- The Best Mexico Itinerary
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