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Where to Stay in Tulum

Where to Stay in Tulum

Yucatan Peninsula Mexico Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Lodging Options

  • Hostels

    Located in Tulum Pueblo, budget-friendly shared rooms and private rooms, with communal areas for meeting people. Ideal for solo or budget travelers. Find hostels

  • Boutique Hotels

    Stylish, often eco-conscious lodgings in the Zona Hotelera and Aldea Zama, emphasizing design and personalized service. Book a boutique hotel

  • Luxury Resorts

    High-end properties, particularly along the beach, offering premium amenities and private access. Explore luxury resorts

  • All-Resorts That are all-inclusive

    Fewer options directly in Tulum; some larger properties are north or to the south on the Riviera Maya.

Unique & Rental Options

  • Eco-Cabanas/Glamping

    Rustic-chic cabanas on the beach road, focusing on sustainability with natural materials and bohemian style.

  • Vacation Rentals (Condos/Apartments/Villas)

    Available in Tulum Pueblo and new developments, offering more space, privacy, and kitchen facilities. Find vacation rentals

  • Homestay/Community-based

    Not much formal programs; small, family-run guesthouses in Tulum Pueblo offer a personal interaction.

  • Camping

    Some cenotes and eco-parks offer designated camping areas. Primitive beach camping is generally not permitted.

Neighborhood Guide

Tulum's neighborhoods provide unique atmospheres and experiences.

Tulum Pueblo Town

Pros
  • Affordable accommodation and dining.
  • Authentic local experience.
  • Easy access to ADO buses and colectivos.
  • Convenient for cenotes along Highway 307.
Cons
  • Not on the beach (transport needed).
  • Can be noisy at night.
  • Less glamorous aesthetic than beach zone.
  • Exercise caution at night.

Zona Hotelera Beach Zone

Pros
  • Direct beach access plus the ocean views.
  • Trendy, exclusive, bohemian-luxury vibe.
  • Close to Tulum Ruins.
  • Upscale dining and wellness focus.
Cons
  • Very expensive.
  • Feels isolated from local culture.
  • Minimal amenities (supermarkets, ATMs).
  • Lighting can be sparse at night.

La Veleta / Aldea Zama

Pros
  • Newer, modern accommodations (pools, AC).
  • Generally quieter than the pueblo.
  • Closer to the beach than Pueblo.
  • Easier parking for rental cars.
Cons
  • Transport needed to beach or town.
  • Can feel not as central.
  • La Veleta is actively developing.

Safety Note

General Safety

All areas in Tulum are generally safe for tourists. As with any a place to travel to, exercise caution.

Cautionary Advice

Be aware of your surroundings in less-trafficked areas or when walking alone, where lighting can be sparse. Protect your belongings from petty theft.

Booking Strategies

Booking Recommendations by Season

  • High Season (Nov-Apr): Book 3-6 months in advance, especially for holidays.
  • Shoulder Season (May-Jul, Nov): Book 1-3 months beforehand for good selection.
  • Low Season (Aug-Oct): More flexibility, often last-late deals available.
  • Prices are highest in the dry period and lower in the wet season.

Booking Platforms

  • Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, Hotels.com for broad selections.
  • Airbnb and Vrbo for vacation rentals.
  • Booking straight with properties for potential perks or better rates.
  • Walk-in rates negotiation is uncommon for established hotels.

Policies and Fluctuations

Deposit & Cancellation
  • Policies vary; always review before confirming.
  • Many properties require a deposit.
  • Seek flexible cancellation, especially during the season for hurricanes.
Seasonal Pricing
  • Prices are highest during the dry season (peak holidays).
  • Prices are considerably lower during the rainy season.

Unique Stays

House Sitting

Consider TrustedHousesitters for unique stays.

Cultural Significance

Eco-chic properties often integrate Mayan design and green practices, connecting with local heritage.

Eco-Hospitable Lodging

Look for properties promoting sustainability and environmental integration.

Accommodation Recommendations

This table shows typical accommodation types in Tulum, guiding your stay.

Family & Solo Traveler Stays

Family-Friendly Options

Many resorts offer family suites. Vacation rentals in Aldea Zama or La Veleta provide space, privacy, and kitchen facilities. Properties with pools are a great benesuitable for children.

  • Resorts with family suites
  • Self-catering with kitchens
  • Properties with pools
  • Aldea Zama and La Veleta areas
Solo Traveler Recommendations

Budget dorms in Tulum Pueblo, like Che Hostel, are ideal for meeting other travelers. Smaller boutique hotels offer a safe and comfortable experience.

  • Hostels (Che Hostel) for social atmosphere
  • Smaller boutique hotels
  • Tulum Pueblo area

Long-Stay & Cultural Stays

Long-Stay Accommodations

Vacation rentals (apartments or condos) in Tulum Pueblo, Aldea Zama, or La Veleta are ideal. They often include weekly or monthly discounts and amenities like kitchens and laundry.

  • Vacation rentals (apartments/condos)
  • Tulum Pueblo, Aldea Zama, La Veleta
  • Weekly/monthly discounts
  • Kitchens and laundry facilities
Properties with Cultural/Historical Significance

Few hotels are important in history, although a lot of eco-chic properties on the beach incorporate Mayan design and eco-friendly practices. Some offer cultural experiences like Temazcal ceremonies.

  • Eco-chic properties with Mayan design
  • Sustainable practices
  • Traditional Temazcal ceremonies

Hostel & Mid-Range Options

  • Hostels

    Budget-friendly dorms & private rooms, social atmosphere. (e.g., Che Hostel, Selina Tulum Downtown)

  • Budget Level

    Budget ($20-$50 dorm; $50-$100 private)

  • Mid-Range Boutique Hotels

    Stylish design, usually with a pool and air conditioning. (Aldea Zama, La Veleta) ($100-$300)

  • Beach Cabanas/Eco-Hotels

    Directly on the beach, rustic-chic. (Zona Hotelera) ($150-$600+)

Luxury & Rental Options

  • Luxury Resorts/Villas

    High-end amenities, exclusive beach access, fine dining. (Zona Hotelera, Sian Ka'an) ($400-$1000+)

  • Vacation Rentals (Condos/Villas)

    More space, kitchen facilities, suitable for families/groups. (Tulum Pueblo, Aldea Zama, La Veleta) ($70-$1000+)

  • Amenities & Value

    Amenities vary greatly, offering options from budget to luxury.

  • Location and Price

    Choose based on desired atmosphere and budget for optimal experience.

Accommodation Table

Hostels

Budget-friendly dorms and private rooms, social, shared kitchens, central location in Tulum Pueblo.

  • Budget Level: Budget
  • Price Range: $20-$50 (dorm); $50-$100 (private)
  • Location: Tulum Pueblo
  • Vibe: Social, communal
Mid-Range Boutique Hotels

Stylish design, often includes a pool, air conditioning, good value. Located in Aldea Zama, La Veleta, limited in Tulum Pueblo.

  • Budget Level: Mid-range
  • Price Range: $100-$300
  • Location: Aldea Zama, La Veleta
  • Vibe: Stylish, comfortable

Additional Accommodation Types

Beach Cabanas/Eco-Hotels

Directly on the beach, rustic-chic design, often solar-powered, fans (less AC), bohemian. (Zona Hotelera) Price: $150-$600+

Luxury Resorts/Villas

High-end amenities, private entry to the beach, fine dining, concentration on health, secluded. (Zona Lodgingera, Sian Ka'an) Price: $400-$1000+

Vacation Rentals Condos/Villas

More space, kitchen facilities, amenities vary greatly. (Tulum Pueblo, Aldea Zama, La Veleta) Price: $70-$1000+