Nothing can make or break a beach vacation like a hotel.
So if you’re doing research on where to stay in Tulum Mexico and want to lock down one of the best Tulum hotels, I totally understand why the search is so important.
But never worry because I’m here to help!
Who am I?
I’m a travel blogger and digital nomad who has spent nearly a year of my life living and traveling in Mexico. I’ve been to Tulum more times than I can count, always staying somewhere different, and many of my friends rely on my advice for planning their own visits.
In this guide to the best hotels in Tulum, I’m going to help you decide where to stay in Tulum and find the best hostel, Airbnb, or hostel for your situation and budget!
Let’s dive in with a quick summary of our top picks:
Important Update on Coronavirus: Mexico continues to see a surge in cases, even as many travel media outlets fail to report fully on Mexico’s coronavirus safety situation. Be sure to fully educate yourself on the latest information and risks involved before booking any travel.
Quick Answer on Where to Stay in Tulum Mexico: Our Top Picks
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Want to quickly lock in your Tulum hotel and move on to planning the rest of your trip?
Click to check availability on my top picks for where to stay in Tulum:
- Best Luxury Hotel in Tulum: The Beach Tulum
- Best Hotel for Couples and Honeymooners in Tulum: Encantada Tulum
- Best Boutique Hotel in Tulum: Maria del Mar Tulum
- Best Mid-range Tulum Hotel: Hotel Tiki Tiki Tulum
- Best Budget Hotel in Tulum: Posada Yum Kin
Alternatively, use my referral link to get up to $50 free on Airbnb for new accounts!
PS – After you have your hotel booked, be sure to bookmark my epic Tulum Beach Guide for everything you need to know to plan your visit to Tulum (plus info on my 4 favorite beach clubs).
The Best Tulum Mexico Hotels
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Though it’s exploded in popularity recently, Tulum remains a relatively small beach town. Basically, you have a choice of whether to stay in town or along the Tulum beachfront.
If you can afford it, obviously a beachfront hotel is much better (especially with the crazy traffic to get to the beach from Tulum town these days), but the better budget finds are not surprisingly in town.
Let’s explore our top picks for the best hotels in Tulum:
Luxury Hotel #1 – The Beach Tulum
Considered as one of the top hotels in Tulum, The Beach Tulum is a beautiful oasis where you can fully relax while listening to the sounds of crashing waves. If you’re looking for the kind of Tulum hotel you see on Instagram, this is it!
A high-end, luxurious stay, this south beach spot has it all — excellent service, special amenities, delicious food, rooftop jacuzzis, air conditioned gym, and the feeling of comfortable privacy. The Beach Tulum also prides itself for being an eco-friendly hotel.
- Perfect for honeymooners
- Rooms offered with private heated plunge pool
- Various activities for guests to do (water activities, yoga, spa, etc.)
Luxury Hotel #2 – Hotel Cabanas Tulum
Another top hotel in Tulum, Hotel Cabanas Tulum will definitely make your trip an unforgettable one. From a dreamy private rooftop jacuzzi experience to delicious lunches and dinner under palm trees at Ziggy’s Beach Club, as well as keeping fit at their air conditioned gym, you will surely want to stay longer.
Fresco’s restaurant offers healthy food choices and the yoga palapa is a perfect place for yogis. This hotel is also known for having among the cleanest and best maintained beachfront of all the beaches in Tulum. These days, with Tulum beach the target of frequent sargassum (seaweed) attacks, that’s an important factor to consider!
- Super clean beachfront
- Free bike rental available
- Massage services offered at their onsite spa
Best Affordable Beach Resort – El Paraiso Hotel Tulum
If you want to stay on the beach but don’t want to spend a fortune, your best bet is the El Paraiso Hotel Tulum.
I personally stayed in this hotel a couple years ago and absolutely loved it. What makes this hotel a great choice is that it’s located directly on the main beach so you can enjoy a peaceful sunrise view before the locals come flocking in. You can also easily visit the ruins by foot or by riding a bike.
- Free access to the beach club, day beds and cabanas on the beach
- Affordable but still on the beach
- Clean rooms with patio and comfortable beds
Couples and Honeymooners Hotel #1 – Encantada Tulum
“Encantada” can be closely translated as magical or enchanted and Encantada Tulum promises an enchanting escape and getaway.
Reviewers love that you get to have a breathtaking view of the beautiful beach, plus the small number of rooms gives the feeling of privacy, intimacy and exclusivity. Instead of going for a modern look, the overall design of the hotel gives off that tropical or island vibe. It is a bit on the pricier side though, but if you have the cash this is worth the splurge.
- Perfect honeymoon location
- Impeccable, intimate, and cozy rooms
- Reviewers say staff remembers every guest by name
Couples and Honeymooners Hotel #2 – La Valise Tulum
Another great option for honeymooners or those looking for an exclusive and private feel is the La Valise Tulum. It only has a few rooms so it’s the perfect place to relax and chill all you want without being conscious of other hotel guests.
What makes this Tulum hotel really unique is the simple yet sophisticated aesthetics with Mexican art and culture integrated into the overall design. You can lounge around the living room or shaded garden area while enjoying the beautiful view.
- Small property with intimate feel
- Rooms with comfortable beds and outdoor shower
- Highly-rated breakfast choices
Top Eco Resort – Sueños Tulum
If you’re looking for a private and cozy retreat to unwind and recharge from the busy hustle of everyday life, then Sueños Tulum is a great place hotel to pick in Tulum. Located in the Heart of Tulum’s Hotel Zone, Sueños Tulum boasts 13 beachfront suites, a Temple Penthouse and Clubhouse. The lack of a beach club or public restaurant ensures that guest exclusivity is maintained.
You get to see and experience authentic Mayan art and culture through the beautifully hand-painted rooms and you will surely feel one with nature because of the surrounding trees and green scenery. As an eco resort, power is available 24/7 generated by solar panels, with limited A/C between 8 AM to 8 PM.
- Beachfront resort
- Off the grid – 24 hrs in-room solar powered electricity
- Natural cross ventilated suites where you can unwind and feel the ocean breeze
Boutique Hotel #1 – Maria Del Mar Tulum
If you’re looking for a hotel that has highly-rated customer service, then you could choose to stay at Maria Del Mar Tulum.
With an outdoor deck, swimming pool, hammocks, daybeds, this is the perfect Tulum hotel if you just want to relax on the beach and chill out during your Mexican vacation.
- Observation deck, and swings offer perfects spots for sunrise and sunset viewing
- Swimming pool and hammocks by the poolside are great for relaxation
- Clean, spacious and comfortable rooms
Boutique Hotel #2 – Cabañas La Luna
If modern-style hotels are not your jam, then Cabañas La Luna is a great place to stay in Tulum.
The hotel buildings or rooms are technically large cabañas and are beautifully designed to give off that Mexican/Bohemian vibe. You can have breakfast with your friends or family at the open-air dining area while enjoying the ocean view. Overall, guests say its a great place to relax due to its nature-friendly atmosphere.
- Colorful and quirky rooms
- Beach beds available and reserved for guests
- Family-friendly hotel
Boutique Hotel #3 – Tata Tulum
If you’re one of those people who can’t decide between the beach, pool, or bar, then consider staying at the Tata Tulum.
Why?
Because you can have it all at Tata Tulum! The hotel sports a small hip bar next to a pool just steps from the beach. The property’s villas have a sort of rustic feel to them, but all the important amenities you’ll need to enjoy a luxurious and relaxing stay in Tulum.
Don’t miss the opportunity to take advantage of this Tulum hotel’s different amenities as well—from relaxing on the hammocks to taking a dip in their infinity pool, from admiring the beautiful view on the lounge chairs to letting all your worries fly away as you sit by the swing.
- Beachside pool bar
- Relaxed, rustic vibe
- Highly-rated breakfast
Best Hotel for Groups and Events – Coco Hacienda Tulum
If you’d like to save some cash but still enjoy a taste of luxury, then you can choose to stay at Coco Hacienda Tulum.
Located in Tulum town, it means you would need to travel a bit when you’re planning to go to the beach, but the free bike rental service largely solves this problem.
The hacienda itself has a beautiful, oasis-like garden and palapas where you can lounge and relax in. The spacious rooms have a sophisticated colonial Spanish design with a mix of modern style. This is also a great place for groups to hold and celebrate special occasions such as weddings and retreats.
- Private jacuzzi
- Relatively affordable luxury
- Two swimming pools available if you don’t feel like traveling to the beach
Best Hotel for Yogis – Alaya Tulum by Ahau Collection
If you love eco-hotels, then you’ll love Alaya Tulum and its vision of sustainability and the preservation of Mother Nature.
This nature-forward attitude can be seen in the overall aesthetics of the hotel as well as the amenities. And you can have your yoga and meditation practice come morning time — which is why this is a perfect place to stay for yoga practitioners.
- Eco-friendly and clean cabins
- Yoga classes at 9 AM and 5:30 PM
- Family villas and apartments make it a perfect place for families to stay as well
Top Family Hotel in Tulum Mexico – KASA Hotel Parota Tulum
KASA Hotel Parota Tulum is a larger family-friendly hotel and located between the city center and the beachfront zone.
Its penthouse apartments have gorgeous infinity-edge pools. If you’re looking for a quieter place to stay that’s still easily accessible to the beach, this is a great Tulum hotel to consider.
- Free shuttle service to a local beach club
- Complimentary bike rental available
- Swim-up pool bar
Mid-range Hotel #1 – Hotel Tiki Tiki Tulum
If you’re looking for a more affordable option and still have a satisfying and comfortable stay, then Hotel Tiki Tiki Tulum might be the best hotel in Tulum for you.
Admittedly it’s a bit far out of town, but you can opt to take a taxi, bring your own car, or even take a 10-min bike ride. On the plus side, it’s away from the noise of the city so you’re sure to have a peaceful and quiet stay.
- Old Miami beach vibe with a stylish modern touch
- Private terrace and in-room hammock
Mid-range Hotel #2 – Posada Luna Del Sur
The Posada Luna Del Sur is a quaint and cozy hotel that offers just about everything you could want when looking where to stay in Tulum – if you’re cool with not having a swimming pool (but, hey, you can always visit the beach!).
This Tulum hotel offers a complimentary Mexican breakfast that you can enjoy at the Posada Luna Del Surhe rooftop Palapa and the hotel is located close to the main road which gives easy access to different restaurants and shops.
- Complimentary breakfast
- Affordably priced
- Beautiful rooftop lounge area
Mid-range Hotel #3 – Las Palmas Maya
Many customer reviews of the Las Palmas Maya mention how exceptionally friendly and accommodating its manager, Tom, is. If you need any recommendations on which Cenotes and local attractions to visit, best places to eat, where to lounge around on the beach, reviewers say he is the best person in town to ask.
This hotel is also perfect for digital nomads as its communal kitchen has become a popular “co-working” space as of late, matched with good internet connection available in every guest room and throughout the entire property.
The Last Palmas Maya hotel is also conveniently located just across the road from the beach and it boasts itself for having a good water pressure. Overall, it is a great place to stay in Tulum if you’re on a budget and want to be near the beach.
- 24/7 power and air conditioning every night from 8 PM – 5 AM
- Free beach access for hotel guests
- Clean and well-maintained
Best Condo Hotel – Palms Tulum Condo
If you’re planning a longer trip to Tulum, then picking the Palms Tulum Condo as your place to stay in Tulum is a great choice.
Instead of just a room, you get a whole apartment—complete with a kitchenette and a small dining room. Even better, they offer free bike rental as well.
- Free bike rental
- Spacious, clean and modern
- Apartment-style rooms
Budget Hotel #1 – Posada Yum Kin
If you’re looking for where to stay in Tulum but are short on pesos, the Posada Yum Kin is a sure choice.
The main drawback to this Tulum hotel is that it’s not located within the main Tulum hotel strip. But, other than that, there is a lot that guests love about this beautiful oasis that exudes an authentic Mexican vibe—spacious rooms, lovely swimming pool, hammock on the patio and sustainability efforts with the use of organic soaps.
- Large and comfortable beds
- Beautiful architectural design
- Rooms include a kitchenette
Budget Hotel #2 – Mestizo Gallery
If you just want a clean hotel with a decent location and a solid breakfast, then the Mestizo Gallery ticks all of the checkboxes.
The fact that it has the word “gallery” in its name is a hint, but you’ll be impressed with the amazing and gorgeous artwork and color usage throughout the whole hotel. It truly has that traditional Mexican vibe.
- Free bike rentals
- Artistic vibe
- Free beach towels
Tulum Hostel #1 – Posada Los Mapaches
Ok, so you’re the backpacker type?
Let’s talk about the best hostels in Tulum.
The Posada Los Mapaches is at the top of the list of where to stay in Tulum for backpackers. It is also a great place to stay for any seasoned traveler who’s looking for something simple but comfortable and still has that Mexican vibe. The rooms are clean and well-maintained. You’ll love the homemade breakfasts.
- Complimentary bike rental and map of the area
- Hot showers
Tulum Hostel #2 – Mama’s Home
If you’re someone who likes to socialize with fellow travelers, then Mama’s Home is a great choice for where to stay in Tulum. You can hangout and chat at the common areas, plan a group excursion with other guests, and even enjoy different fun activities. It’s also just conveniently located a few blocks away from the Tulum bus station.
- Gorgeous Mexican décor and great atmosphere
- Homemade and delicious breakfast
- Close to bus station
Tulum Hostel #3 – TuboTulum Hostel
If you’re looking for something unique, try to stay at the TuboTulum Hostel. The rooms are exactly as what the hostel name is—tubes.
For those who are not used to the heat—good news! Each room has a highly functional AC. This hostel is also great for travelers who tend to be more private and keep to themselves instead of socializing with fellow guests.
- Complimentary breakfast
- Hammocks and common area
- Unique “tube” concept
Airbnbs in Tulum
Instead of getting a Tulum hotel, why not trying renting an apartment on Airbnb?
There are tons of great apartments around town, and you potentially can save money compared to a hotel.
Here are 5 great Airbnbs in Tulum to consider:
- Casa Flamingo Designer House – I’ve stayed in this one twice with friends and absolutely loved it. The private pool is incredible!
- Awesome Private Villa With Pool – this one is remarkably affordable!
- 2 Bed, 3 Bath Penthouse with Rooftop Pool – wow, the photos here are great!
- 1 Bedroom in Heart of Downtown Tulum – great location in town.
- Affordable Clean 1 BDR – if you’re on a budget, this is one of your best bets.
And if you have a new Airbnb account, you can click here to get up to $50 FREE towards your first booking!
*note that this free offer only works for accounts with a new email address.
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That’s it for this guide to where to stay in Tulum!
Those are our top picks for hotels in Tulum, but there are many others to choose from. You can use this nifty widget to search for your best place to stay in Tulum now:
Booking.comAnd, before you go, be sure to read these other helpful articles for your Mexico trip:
- 17 Useful Tips for Traveling to Mexico
- Do You Need Travel Insurance for Mexico?
- The 33 Best Things to do in Mexico
- How to Find Cheap International Flights
Enjoy Tulum!
