Best Tulum Hotels in 2023 (I Visited 40+ & Ranked Them)

Nerea Tulum (New Beach Luxury Hotel)

The rooftop suites come with private pools

View of Nerea Tulum via drone

The bathtubs are sublime

View of our beachfront hotel room

Nerea (#1 Overall)

Tip: order breakfast to your room!

The pool has several areas connected by mini “rivers”

View of the hotel from the air

The hammocks on the dock are a great place to chill

Aerial view of Clara in the pool

Nerea is one of the newest hotels in Tulum. It is located in the exclusive Tankah bay, a sheltered beachfront community with a guarded gate 10 minutes north of the Tulum ruins. If you want a secure, private, luxurious, and peaceful escape from the crowds, Tankah is the best area to stay in Tulum.

Clara and I visited for the hotel’s soft opening in January 2022. We loved the stylish rooms, the delicious onsite restaurant, the kayaks and snorkel gear, the hammocks and massage station on the hotel’s private dock, and the comfortable beach loungers with bar service. The highlight was the incredible multi-sectioned geometric pool (check out my drone photos above to see what I mean). This Tulum hotel is just so photogenic!

If you want (and can afford) the best luxury boutique in Tulum, we’d say just book at Nerea Tulum now and get on with planning your trip. If that’s not the right fit for you, we’ve still got 19 more top hotels in Tulum to show off ….

Nerea Website | Hotel Phone: +52 (984) 147 6515 | $$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Nerea Tulum on Booking

Cabañas Tulum Hotel (Boutique Hotel, South Beach)

I think Cabañas has the single best beach area among Tulum’s hotels. The beach is just bigger in front of this hotel compared to others, and the sand is super soft. 

The hotel is just exceptionally well cared for and maintained. The rooms are truly beautiful. If you can, book one of the beachfront units that come with private dipping pools or jacuzzis. They are just spectacular! 

Cabañas has the perfect location, pretty much right in the middle of the main beach area. But the property maintains a relaxed atmosphere, with no loud music or parties. If you want to be in the middle of the action while still having your own private oasis to retreat to, this is the place.

Overall, I think Cabañas is the single best all-around hotel in Tulum’s main beach zone.

Cabañas Website | Hotel Phone: +52 984 871 1131 | $$$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Cabañas Tulum Hotel on Booking

La Zebra (Luxury Family Hotel, South Beach) 

I can confidently say that La Zebra is the single best family-oriented hotel in Tulum. It’s just a stunning beachside property with a staff that really “gets” what families are looking for. There are multiple play spaces for children of all ages, plus special activities and events like movie night. 

All the 30 rooms have a king sized bed plus two pull out twin beds. If you can, snag one with the private plunge pools. If they are booked up, you can still enjoy La Zebra’s excellent rooftop swimming pool! 

The Mexican restaurant has a beautiful seating area and is quite popular. For a special treat, reserve the “Chef’s table” area in advance for a private chef-hosted dinner. 

Another thing I really love about La Zebra is the beach club area. There are loads of comfortable seating areas and loungers, and the staff works hard to keep the beach clean of sargassum. And as a special unique selling point, the beach features several marked and protected turtle nests. 

La Zebra Website | Hotel phone: +52 984 115 4726 | $$$ | 👉 Check Prices for La Zebra on Booking

Coco Hacienda Tulum (Boutique Hotel, Town)

Clara says you can just melt into the beds at Coco Hacienda Tulum

If you’re looking for affordable luxury, then stay at the Coco Hacienda Tulum. It’s located in the La Veleta neighborhood of the Tulum city center, but the lush green gardens and two expansive pools make it feel like its own private jungle retreat.

The rooms are spacious and well appointed, there is an attached restaurant featuring exhibitions from local artists, and large pool offers views over the nearby plant nursey. It’s the perfect luxury oasis for enjoying your time in Tulum (especially when the beach is covered in seaweed anyway, as it often is).

Oh, and can we talk about the bathrooms for a minute?

I’ve never seen Clara so excited about a bathroom before. After her most recent scouting trip to tour more top hotels in Tulum, she came back raving about the spacious and luxurious bathrooms. Coco Hacienda is definitely one of the best hotels in Tulum town.

Coco Hacienda Website | Hotel phone: +52 984 277 2575 | $$ | 👉 Check Prices for Coco Hacienda on Booking

Layla Tulum (Design Boutique, Tulum Town) 

Layla Tulum is definitely the most Instagrammable of the hotels located in Tulum central town. The star is the stunning rooftop pool. I mean, it is just made for social media, with its soaring Moroccan-inspired facade and colorful tile. If you want a hotel stay that will leave you with loads of fantastic photos, Laya is definitely the place for you. 

The rooms also maintain the Moroccan theme, and are some of the most stylish and well kept I’ve seen in Tulum. For a special treat, check out the rooms with the beds suspended with rope from the ceiling.

Layla Website | Hotel phone: +52 984 231 9167 | $$ | 👉 Check Prices for Layla Tulum on Booking

Encantada Tulum (Boutique Hotel, South Beach)

With only 8 rooms set directly on the beach, Encantada affords guests exceptional privacy and intimacy. It is a popular hotel for couples. For an exceptional romantic getaway, consider the top suites with balconies overlooking the ocean.

The overall design of this boutique hotel in Tulum gives off that tropical or island vibe. Encantada’s beachside dining area gives a breathtaking view of Tulum beach. The hotel of course has loungers and beachside service. What I most liked in my recent visit was that the hotel does an exceptional job of cleaning the beach. Note that Encantada guests can also access the facilities at its sister properties Radhoo and NEST, including the pool at the Radhoo across the street.

Encantada Website | Hotel Phone: +52 (984) 114-7525 | $$$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Encantada on Booking

👉 Beach or Town? Deciding where to stay in Tulum comes down to choosing between the beach and the town. It’s really a question of budget, because Tulum’s luxury beach hotels worth it if you can swing the extra cost per night!

Mereva Tulum (Private Beach Hotel)

Clara loved that you can see the sea right from the bed!

Mereva has so many options for swimming!

The food is really a big star at this hotel!

Mereva’s incredible chef!

Tulum can get pretty busy, so for families looking for a serene escape, the private beach resort at Mereva by Blue Sky Tulum is a great bet for a serene and quiet Caribbean vacation. Mereva is located in Tankah bay, a private and exclusive beach area north of the public main hotel zone. This luxury Tulum hotel is targeted to families and groups (couples or solo travelers may prefer its nearby sister boutiques, Alea and Nerea).

Most of the rooms have a view of the ocean, and the master suites have private plunge pools. You’ll be spoiled for choices to swim because Mereva also offers two stunning pools, a private dock over the Caribbean, and a nearby cenote.

Get a massage on the dock, borrow snorkeling equipment from the hotel, or join one of the boat tours organized by Mereva. Hungry? Enjoy the delicious organic firewood creations of executive chef Carlos Peregrina Serralde. Yum!

Mereva Website | Hotel Phone: +52 (984) 147 6571 | $$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Mereva Tulum on Booking

Aloft Tulum (Mid-Range Hotel, Tulum Town) 

If you’re a Marriott Bonvoy elite or just generally prefer to stay with brands you know, Tulum now has a pretty decent Aloft property. I recently spent three nights in a corner suite of the Aloft Tulum, and I quite enjoyed it. My room had a living area and a large patio with a hammock. All the rooms come equipped with these very cool retro Marshall speakers, which I quite enjoyed. 

The Aloft has a fantastic rooftop pool with views of the jungle stretching all the way to the sealine in the distance. The Aloft has another pool downstairs, a large gym, a conference and events space, a breakfast area, and a bar and pool table area. 

I did not like the $15 fee for parking and I especially found the resort fee annoying, though at least it comes with a food and beverage credit. Overall, I think there are better boutique hotels in Tulum to consider, but for Marriott loyalists the Aloft is the place to stay. 

Aloft Website | Hotel phone: +52 984 689 0431 | $$ | 👉 Check Prices for Aloft Tulum on Booking (or on Marriott)

Hotel Biwa Tulum (Boutique, Tulum Town) 

I was really impressed when I toured the Hotel Biwa Tulum. I visit a lot of hotels and I have developed a keen sense for when the management just “gets it.” For example, Biwa pays close attention to things like making sure the showers and entrances are all handicap accessible. The pool is super clean and inviting. The rooms were spotlessly clean. Several rooms included mini kitchenettes, and the suites are more like huge 2 bedroom apartments.

There is a stylish cafe where you can eat breakfast, an attached tour agency, bike rentals, laundry facilities, and a small gym. They even have a couple secret VIP rooms reserved as special treats for newlyweds.

Hats off the management! Overall, it’s a great 3 star hotel for couples, groups, or mobility challenged and elderly guests. Note one drawback is that Biwa does face a road, but I found the noise pretty manageable.

Hotel Biwa Website | Hotel Phone: +521 984 871 2200 | $ | 👉 Check Prices for Hotel Biwa Tulum on Booking

Casa Altamar (Boutique, Tankah Bay) 

Casa Altamar in Tankah Bay is perfect for families, couples, or anyone who wants the safety and privacy of this exclusive guarded community north of Tulum. Though you’ll need a car or taxi to get to Tulum town, you may not want to really leave. The highly rated restaurant served all three meals (and even has weekly chef-led cooking classes). Plus, the property is loaded with amenities like kayaks, snorkeling equipment, comfortable loungers, and massage stations. 

Casa Altamar has a private dock that extends over the bay. What’s so great about Tankah Bay is that it’s super shallow, almost “pool like,” with a reef that is just perfect for snorkeling. Oh, if you want a real pool, Casa Altamar is fantastic too. You’ll also find plenty of beach loungers and a spectacular rooftop terrace perfect for grabbing a sunset drink.

Casa Altamar Website | Hotel Phone: +52 1 984 309 0511 | $$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Casa Altamar on Booking

Casa Teka (Boutique Hotel, South Beach) 

Casa Teka is definitely the place to stay if you’re traveling with a group of friends and want to be walking distance to the action on Tulum beach party zone. It’s very popular with bachelor and bachelorette parties and other events.

Casa Teka’s massive rooms are perfectly designed for sharing. Most have multiple beds or pull out couches, and the suites even have a lofted additional sleeping area (meaning they can sleep up to 6 people total). The vibe is very jungle-chic. You’ll find seating areas with beautiful sunset views over the jungle canopy. And there’s even a private cenote behind the property, which is a great place to relax and connect with nature. 

Note that Casa Teka does not have its own beachfront, but that guests have access to the beach through the nearby Bagatelle Tulum restaurant and beach club.

Casa Teka Website | Hotel Phone: +52 984 169 8504 | $$ | 👉 Check Prices for Casa Teka on Booking

Mezzanine (Luxury Hotel, North Beach) 

Mezzanine is consistently among the highest rated Tulum beach hotels, and it’s home to one of its best restaurants too. It’s the place to stay if you enjoy personalized hospitality in a luxurious setting. It has an exclusive location in the north beach area within Tulum National Park and sports 9 exquisite rooms perched on a quiet cliff overlooking a 1.5 kilometer stretch of beach that goes all the way to the Tulum ruins.  

There’s a small but beautiful pool running through the property, and the suites have heated private plunge pools on their terraces. Guests love the luxurious touches like the bottle of mezcal in every room upon arrival, the chemex coffee makers, the guest only lounge and hammock area, and the oceanside massage area. 

Perhaps the best feature of Mezzanine, however, is the onsite Thai restaurant of the same name. It was some of the best Thai food I’ve had outside of Thailand! Oh,  and the views over the ocean from the outdoor dining area are truly fantastic.

Mezzanine Website | Hotel Phone: +52 984 115 4728 | $$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Mezzanine on Booking

Villa Pescadores (Boutique Hotel, North Beach)

Are you looking for the kind of vacation where you just chill and unwind on the beach? Then I think you’ll love Villa Pescadores. This is one of the more relaxed and friendly beach hotels I’ve visited. It’s not pretentious or stuffy. There’s more of a focus on having a chill vacation than on looking good for Instagram.

Villa Pescadores offers 22 rooms. Some of them are rustic beach cabanas where you can step from the entrance onto some of the softest white sand in Tulum, or chill on your terrace while listening to ocean waves and jungle birds. Another 8 rooms are more recently renovated (I really like the hammocks on the second floor balcony!). 

The hotel has a restaurant, a super clean pool, and a popular beach club. The staff offer exceptional personalized service (I really got the sense they get to know every guest). Oh, and it’s located walking distance to the Tulum ruins too.

Villa Pescadores Website | Hotel Phone: +52 984 287 1851 | $$ | 👉 Check Prices for Villa Pescadores on Booking

Mi Amor a Colibri Boutique Hotel (Adults Only, North Beach) 

Mi Amor is one of the best adults-only hotels in Tulum, and certainly the most stylish. The first thing you notice when you enter is the unique design concept, which has a sort of “retro tropical” feel to it. The star attraction is the stunning pool and “Mexican Mediterranean” restaurant where – wait for it – you can dine at a table in the pool! 

The one downside of this hotel is the lack of a beachfront. Instead, Mi Amor offers these exclusive cliffside seating areas and gorgeous cabanas overlooking the ocean. They are super private and spread apart. You can order drinks or food service via WhatsApp. For couples looking to spend quality time together, it’s just perfect!

One last tip: if you can, try to snag one of the beachfront rooms with a private pool. They’re just incredible.

Mi Amor Website | Hotel Phone: +52 984 188 4273 | $$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Mi Amor a Colibri Boutique Hotel on Booking

Hotelito Azul (Boutique Hotel, Beach)

This new 5-star bohemian beach boutique is one of Clara’s personal favorite Tulum hotels. Hotelito Azul offers a prime location on the beach with super spacious suites and villas. Many offer private beachfront balconies with hammocks and hanging chairs. You’ll find a spectacular pool and bar on the rooftop, plus a fashionable coffee shop and market in the front. Try the smoothies!

Oh, and Hotelito Azul also features some of the fastest internet we’ve ever seen in Tulum (often a problem in other hotels in Tulum). Overall, Hotelito Azul does a truly fantastic job of packing everything you’d possibly need for a relaxing beach vacation in Tulum. You could honestly have an excellent trip without ever leaving the hotel grounds!

Hotelito Azul Website | Hotel phone: +52 1 938 164 0744 | $$$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Hotelito Azul on Booking

Eterna Tulum (Adults Only, La Veleta) 

Eterna is the most beautiful hotel I’ve found in La Veleta, a newer development at the far end of Tulum pueblo. If you’re looking for luxury on a modest budget, it’s a great choice. Eterna is adults only, so it’s perfect for couples or anyone looking for a blissful retreat. 

The rooms were some of the cleanest I’ve seen in Tulum. Several offer nice kitchens. The upstairs suites in particular are spectacular – they span three enormous split levels, with a kitchen, living area, bedroom, and upstairs terrace (private pool). 

You’ll find two shared rooftop pools as well as a larger one downstairs. Note many roads in La Veleta still aren’t finished, and the area in general is a work in progress. I would definitely recommend renting a car if you stay in La Veleta.

Eterna Website | Hotel Phone: +52 984 253 6689 | $$ | 👉 Check Prices for Eterna Tulum on Booking

Valhalla Residences by Biwa (Apartment Style, North Tulum Town) 

The Valhalla Residences are spotlessly clean apartment-style hotel rooms that are perfect for longer stays, families, workcations, or digital nomads. The units are located in a newer super-safe gated development north of Tulum main town, so a rental car is recommended. The best part is the fantastic pool, which has these fancy spa-style jets. 

I saw several units, and they were all very large, with kitchens and various seating areas. If you can, try to book the enormous rooftop penthouse which has an outdoor kitchen and couch and a jacuzzi where you can watch the sunset. Just be sure to keep an eye out for the toucans!

Valhalla Website | Hotel Phone: +52 984 157 8895 | $ | 👉 Check Prices for Valhalla Residences by Biwa on Booking

Naala Tulum (Boutique Hotel, Town)

The rooftop pool at Naala is one of the best in town

Clara enjoying the bean bag chair in our suite

Our room at Naala hotel

Our bathroom at Naala

There is a second plunge pool with these floating bean bags

Several readers suggested we add Naala Tulum to our list of best hotels in Tulum, so Clara and I recently booked a night to check it out. What we most liked about it is the location, price point to value ratio, and gorgeous rooftop pools. It’s walkable to the restaurants in town, but right at the start of the access road to the beach.

The rooms and grounds offer that quintessential “Tulum aesthetic,” and are clean and well cared for. Ours even had several “smart home” features like an Alexa assistant. We also had a nice terrace overlooking the peaceful garden in the hotel’s courtyard.

The hotel seemed geared toward groups of friends, couples, and younger travelers. It is a good choice Tulum hotel if you’re looking to enjoy Tulum’s nightlife while still having a peaceful retreat to go back to.

Naala Website | Hotel phone: +52 (998) 688 93 81 | $$ | 👉 Check Prices for Naala Tulum on Booking

Dune Boutique Hotel (Beach)

Get the private plunge pool if you can snag it!

Dune is one of the best hotels in Tulum if you want to party on the beach

Clara looking out at the sea

Clara on a recent visit to scout out the Dune Boutique

If you want to be right in the beach party zone, then stay at the Dune Boutique Hotel, located right on beach road. The star attraction here is the incredible pool, which offers several hanging nest seats that are perfect for snapping that iconic Tulum photo.

But it’s not just the style that makes this one of the best boutique hotels in Tulum. The spacious rooms, the friendly service, and the included breakfast all make this one of the most highly rated hotels in Tulum.

Clara recently visited and especially liked the pool and the huge rooms. Her insider tip is to book one of the rooms with a private beachfront plunge pool and terrace. Just heaven!

Dune Website | Hotel phone: +52 984 238 9529 | $$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Dune on Booking

Alea Tulum by Blue Sky (Luxury Boutique, Beach)

If you manage to snag one of the ocean-view suites at Alea Tulum by Blue Sky, you’ll fall asleep to the sounds of waves cresting against the sand of Alea’s private beach. Alea is the sister hotel of Mereva Tulum, and is also located a bit north of the main hotel zone in a more secluded area away from the masses.

Of all the best hotels in Tulum, Alea draws some of the most gushing reviews from guests. Reviewers love the clean and spacious suites, the friendly staff, and the gorgeous beach. The location in Tankah Bay helps to shelter it a bit from the sargasso that plagues so much of Tulum, so this is the perfect Tulum beach hotel if you’re just looking to relax and soak in some rays on that famous Tulum sand.

Alea Website | Hotel Phone: +52 (984) 147 6570 | $$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Alea on Booking

Coco Limited Hotel (Boutique, Beach)

This is the bohemian beach sister hotel to Coco Hacienda. With a perfect location right in the middle of the Tulum beach zone, the Coco Limited Hotel is definitely one of the best Tulum hotels on the beach. It offers clean and spacious rooms, a bohemian vibe, and plenty of amenities. Some of the suites even offer a private jacuzzi in a quiet garden, perfect for getting some privacy right on the beach.

Many of the 26 luxury suites offer direct views of the beach, some with patios or terraces just steps away from the shore. The long pool is very solid, and the friendly staff will bring you poolside service. There is also a well-done restaurant right on the beach. Plus, if you aren’t staying in Coco Limited, it’s still worth stopping by for a day and enjoying their excellent beach club.

Coco Limited Website | Hotel Phone: +52 55 4169 2072 | $$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Coco Limited on Booking

Posada Punta Piedra (Boutique, South Beach) 

Posada Punta Piedra is a charming and rustic beach boutique that is perfect for eco-friendly travelers, families, and those who enjoy an international crowd. There’s a small but spotlessly clean pool and a restaurant and shisha bar perched over a nice sheltered beach area. The free breakfast receives solid guest reviews. 

The property offers 14 rooms, including four suites with multiple rooms, that offer air conditioning, hot water, and Nespresso machines. If you’re looking for a hotel near the beach to relax and unwind, Posada Punta Piedra is a solid choice.

Posada Punta Piedra Website | Hotel Phone: +52 1 984 806 4502 | $$ | 👉 Check Prices for Posada Punta Piedra on Booking

Kin Ha Tulum (Budget, Tulum Town)

For travelers on a budget, Kin Ha Tulum is a fantastic choice. It is located in the center of town, walking distance to all the restaurants, shops, and bars. But the rooms are set back from the street so are relatively quiet. I particularly like that the rooms are some of the cleanest I’ve seen. They were absolutely spotless. 

While there isn’t a pool, there is a large sun deck and a rooftop dining area where you can enjoy the included breakfast or simply relax. The hotel seems to be especially popular with couples and solo travelers on a budget, and I would rate it as one of the best in the budget hotel class.

If all you want is a clean, central, safe, and friendly accommodation, then Kin Ha may be the best Tulum hotel for you!

Kin Ha Website | Hotel Phone: +52 984 871 2321 | $ | 👉 Check Prices for Kin Ha Tulum on Booking

NEST Tulum (Boutique Hotel, South Beach)

NEST is a small romantic beach hotel located at the very far southern end of Tulum beach. NEST only has 12 rooms and a private villa in an intimate jungle setting, making it one of the most exclusive beach properties in town. It’s geared towards couples. NEST is also a popular hotel for weddings in Tulum looking to rent out the entire resort.

The rooms have an aesthetic I would call “minimal Mayan,” and are very bright and sunny. For honeymooners or anyone looking to splash out, the private villa is a truly exceptional place to stay. It has four beds, three bathrooms, a private garden and beach area, and comes with a private butler and chef!

NEST Website | Hotel Phone: +1 970-433-2019 | $$$ | 👉 Check Prices for NEST Tulum on Booking

Radhoo Tulum (Boutique Hotel, South Beach)

Radhoo Tulum is a bohemian hotel located on the jungle side of the road in the south beach area. Radhoo has a really large and beautiful pool, with 14 rooms set around it in a tranquil jungle setting. Several of the upper rooms even have nets on their terrace, where you can lounge in the area as you watch the sunset over the jungle. 

Radhoo doesn’t have its own beach area. But to me that’s not really a problem because guests have access to the beach club at Encantada, which is literally just a dozen steps across the street. If you’re looking for that vintage Tulum jungle vibe, and want to be close to the beach, this may be the best hotel for you!

Radhoo Website | Hotel Phone: +1 305-907-0619 | $$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Radhoo Tulum on Booking

Live Tulum (Apartment-Style, Tulum Town) 

If you like hotels with kitchens, then Live Tulum is a solid choice. It’s a highly rated property located right in the center of the pueblo. Several of the suites and condos feature full kitchens, complete with large fridges and ovens. The rooms are tastefully decorated in traditional Mexican style, and are clean and comfortable.

My favorite part of Live Tulum is the beautiful pool. It was really well cared for and super clean during my recent visit. I would recommend booking one of the swim up suites with direct access. 

Overall, Live Tulum is a good choice for couples, families, groups, or anyone who just likes the convenience of being able to cook in a kitchen.

Live Website | Hotel Phone: +52 984 278 5753 | $ | 👉 Check Prices for Live Tulum on Booking

Hotel Villas Akalan (Aparthotel, Tulum Town) 

Hotel Villas Akalan is one of the best places in Tulum in the budget to mid-range price point. It’s located very centrally, just steps to the action in town, but still just off the main row in a quieter enclave. The villas are set around a stylish jungle pool, which makes for a peaceful atmosphere. 

The rooms are very large and spacious, and several of the units are apartments complete with living areas, full kitchens, and terraces. A couple units even have rooftop solariums. There is also a lockoff two bedroom unit perfect for families. 

Overall, Hotel Villas Akalan is a solid choice for longer stays, workcations, or families or groups who need more space.

Hotel Villa Akalan Website | Hotel Phone: +52 984 279 1154 | $ | 👉 Check Prices the Hotel Villas Akalan on Booking

Villas H20 (Boutique Hotel, Tulum Town) 

Villas H20 is a good choice if your priorities are finding a clean, comfortable, and central boutique hotel with relatively friendly pricing. The 12 rooms and 2 suites are set around a secured courtyard complex located just off the main road of Tulum town. The rooms are large, clean, and have private patios or seating areas. The staff is also super friendly. 

What I most loved about Villas H20 was the fantastic pool. It’s super clean and really big, which is unusual for such a small boutique. It sits next to a palapa covered dining area where guests can enjoy the included breakfast.

Villas H20 Website | Hotel Phone: +52 984 745 8973 | $ | 👉 Check Prices the Villas H20 on Booking

Coco Village (Apartments for Nomads, Town)

Our living room was huge!