Where To Stay in Tulum Mexico: My favorite Areas and Hotels [2024 Edition]

Pros:
– Known for its laid-back, bohemian vibe
– Has the best selection of restaurants and cafes in Tulum, many of which are on the beach.
– Offers a wide range of activities including yoga classes, beach parties, and water sports that cater to its unique and eclectic crowds.

Cons:
– Crowded beaches which sometimes spoils the view, particularly during peak season.
– High prices – everything is more expensive here, from accommodation, food, sunbeds, activities and drinks.
– Pollution: the large crowds has unfortunately resulted in higher pollution on the streets, beaches and in the waters.

📍$ Budget Option: Tunich Jungle Cabañas

Photo @ Tunich Jungle Cabañas

Located on the jungle side of the hotel zone, this property is just 1 minute walk to the beach and 10 minutes drive from Tulum village. With free WiFi throughout the premises, all rooms feature a private 3-piece bathroom and a patio space at the front, complete with chairs and a hammock.

📍$$ Mid-Range Option: Villa Las Estrellas Tulum

Photo @ Villa Las Estrellas Tulum

Located at the party zone on South Beach, Villa Las Estrellas boasts stylish rooms that offer free Wi-Fi and terraces with stunning sea views. The rooms at Las Estrellas are traditional thatched cabins, with wooden floors and mosquito nets. Each elegant room has a laptop safe, a fan, and a private bathroom with free toiletries.

📍$$$ Luxury Option: Papaya Playa Project

Photo @ Papaya Playa Project

Papaya Playa Project is a sustainable boutique hotel complex of beachfront cabins and cottages, situated on the Tulum coast. Set on a 1,000 yards stretch of private beach, Papaya Playa Project not only offers rustic accommodation with panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea, the hotel has a world-class reputation for hosting famous DJs with a superb party atmosphere.

📍$ Budget Option: Camp Ikal Tulum

Photo @ Camp Ikal Tulum

Located a few steps from Paraíso Beach, Camp Ikal Tulum is a luxury tent accommodation with a private beach area, free private parking, a garden, and a bar. Boasting full-day security, this property also has a modern restaurant and a sun terrace. On clear days, guests can head outside to enjoy the luxury tent’s outdoor fireplace, or simply kick back and relax.

The luxury tents include wardrobe units, a shared bathroom fitted with free toiletries, and free WiFi, while some rooms include a balcony. Each unit also has bed linen and towels.

📍$$ Mid-Range Option: Diamante K

Photo @ Diamante K

Facing the beachfront, Diamante K is situated inside of Tulum National Park and offers 3-star accommodation with rooms boasting balconies and stunning sea views. Also on -site is an outdoor swimming pool, garden, and terrace. With free WiFi in all rooms, the hotel also includes a restaurant and a bar, as well as a spa and wellness area. Evening entertainment is also provided on-site.

📍$$$ Luxury Option: Ikal Tulum Hotel

Photo @ Ikal Tulum Hotel

A few steps from Paraíso Beach, Ikal Tulum Hotel offers accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a terrace and a restaurant. A few steps from Las Palmas Beach and 550 yards from Playa Pescadores, rooms at this property boast private plunge pools with private beach areas as well as room service, a concierge service, and tours for guests.

📍$ Budget Option: Jade Tulum Hotel (Tulum Pueblo)

Photo @ Jade Tulum Hotel

Situated close to Tulum Pueblo, Jade Tulum Hotel offers accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness center, a garden, and more. With free WiFi, this 5-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a concierge service. The hotel has a terrace and pool views, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant or a drink at the bar.

Each room also consists of AC, seating area, flat-screen TV with cable channels, kitchen, dining area, and private bathroom with shower.

📍$$ Mid-Range Option: Aldea San Lam (Tulum Pueblo)

Photo @ Aldea San Lam

Conveniently situated in the center of Tulum, Aldea San Lam – Oasis Of Tulum offers free WiFi throughout the property, an outdoor swimming pool and free private parking for guests. This 4-star hotel also comes with a balcony and garden, and provides airport transfers, while a bicycle rental service is also available.

Hotel rooms are air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a coffee machine, a fridge, a microwave, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a terrace and a private bathroom with a shower.

📍$$$ Luxury Option: Una Vida (Tulum Pueblo)

Photo @ Una Vida

Located in the jungle side of Tulum, away from the busy areas and into the quietness of the forest. Designed and built by young professionals inspired by the beauty of the surrounding nature. Just a couple blocks from center of town there are some great restaurants and bars.

Amongst tall tress there are eleven separate and independent Villas, with jungle and garden views, equipped with dream catchers and locally sourced handcrafts, and with a zen-like pool and common area, Una Vida is a fit for families, friends, and couples looking for a quiet, fun and chic atmosphere to spend time together.

 Hotel Map of Tulum

Here’s a map of all the recommended hotels in this post, to help give you a clearer idea of the different districts of Tulum and how close everything is to each other.

How to get to Tulum

The main airport is Cancun International Airport (CUN). Click here for airport transfers from Cancun.

Best time to visit Tulum

There’s a tropical climate in Tulum, with a rainy and muggy season from June to October, a relatively cool season from November to February, and a hot season from March to May. The highest temperatures are around 40C at peak season, whilst in January it can fall as low as 15C.
May to mid-December is the low season. This means hotel prices are much cheaper, and therefore the best time to visit if you’re on a budget.
December to April has the best weather conditions, and is therefore considered the ideal time to visit Tulum.

What to pack

Plenty of sunblock, t-shirt, vests, casual shorts, swim shorts, flip flops, towel, sunglasses, cap/headwear.

For a complete guide on everything you need to pack for Mexico, head over to What to Pack for Mexico: Travel Essentials (+ Free PDF Checklist)

Good to know

Street food is delicious and ridiculously cheap here. So if you’re on a budget, head to the street vendors, especially the ones that attract a lot of locals (and don’t worry – the food is clean and cooked well). It’s also authentic Mexican food – much tastier than the expensive food you’ll find in touristy restaurants.

Make sure you get a SIM card

Purchase your TelCel Mexico SIM card here. Alternatively, you can buy a universal SIM card that isn’t tied to an operator.