If you want to experience more of Tulum’s authentic side, I’d suggest splitting your stay between the beach and downtown area known as El Pueblo. This is where you’ll find the real beating heart of the town.
Our Pick of the Best Hotels on to Tulum 🔥
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: La Valise Tulum
- ✨ 5-Star: Encantada Tulum
- 🏨 4-Star: Radhoo Tulum+Niken Beachfront Tulum Hotel
- 🛏️ 3-Star: Unho Tulum
- 💸 Cheap: Mimosa Tulum+Malakai Hostel
- 🏢 Apartament: Luxury & Modern Apartments in Tulum Top Amenities By Yeah
- 👨👩👧👦 For Families: Aldea San Lam - Oasis Of Tulum
- 🏩 For Couples: Siente Tulum
4 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Tulum: A Quick Look📋
- 👀 First-timers: Tulum Beach Area
- 👪 For families: Downtown Tulum (El Pueblo)
- 🕊 For quiet: Aldea Zama and La Veleta
- 🌅 Best views: Tulum Beach Area
- 🏔 Nature: Near Tulum Ruins
Tulum Pueblo is worlds away from the swanky beach scene. The vibe is distinctly bohemian and laidback. Cobblestone streets are lined with artisan markets, funky mezcal bars, and the best street food stands. Grab a stool at a no-frills taqueria and dig into cheap, delicious tacos al pastor for a taste of the real Mexico.
1. Tulum Beach Area: Best place to stay 👀
💑 Romantic retreat: Quieter and more romantic vibe. Walking distance to the iconic Tulum Ruins and Playa Paraiso. Perfect for couples looking for a tranquil getaway. Top picks: Habitas Tulum, La Valise, Una Vida.
- Insider Tip: Visit the ruins early morning to avoid crowds and heat. The north end is closest.
🎉 Party central: Lively nightlife scene with bumping beach clubs. Easy access to downtown Tulum Town (El Pueblo). Best area for partiers and night owls. Don’t miss: Papaya Playa Project, Coco Tulum, Batey Mojito & Guarapo Bar.
- Top Tip: The beach road between the hotel zone and town has great Mexican restaurants and fantastic nightlife.
😌 Zen zone: Wellness retreats, yoga shalas, and boutique hotels. Closer proximity to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. Ideal for families and those seeking a laid-back vibe. Check out: Ahau Tulum, Sanara Tulum, Casa Malca.
💰 Budget hack: Public beaches are free! Pack a cooler and spend the day lounging for a fraction of resort prices.
🤔 Beach vs town: No matter which beach area you choose, you’ll be surrounded by stunning natural beauty. The hardest part is deciding whether to stay in the hotel zone or closer to town. I suggest splitting your time between the two to get the full Tulum experience.
Place to Stay With hotels 🏨
Luxury Hotels:
- Nerea Tulum– This luxurious beachfront resort offers stunning ocean views and a serene atmosphere. The modern villas are surrounded by lush tropical gardens and have private pools.
- Be Tulum Beach & Spa Resort – An eco-chic and stylish resort right on the beach. The rooms and villas are beautifully designed with local materials.
- La Valise Tulum– An exclusive boutique hotel tucked away in the jungle, yet still close to the beach. Each suite is uniquely decorated.
Mid-Range Hotels:
- Dune Boutique Hotel – A charming boutique hotel with a minimalist design and direct beach access.
- Ahau Tulum– This eco-chic hotel embodies the wellness culture of Tulum with beachfront yoga and healthy cuisine.
- Habitas Tulum – A unique glamping hotel with upscale tented suites nestled in the jungle near the beach.
2. Downtown Tulum (El Pueblo): Discover a Family-Friendly Haven in the Heart of Tulum 👪
🌇 Local vibes: If you’re looking for an authentic taste of Tulum beyond the beachfront resorts, staying in town is the way to go. El Pueblo, as the locals call it, is where you’ll find the real beating heart of this once sleepy fishing village.
🎷 Bohemian soul: I love wandering the cobblestone streets, soaking in the bohemian vibes and stumbling upon little artisan markets. You’ll find expats, digital nomads, and free spirits sipping mezcal and listening to live music at funky cantinas.
🍹 Insider scoop: Check out Batey Mojito & Guarapo Bar for the best mojitos in town made with fresh sugarcane juice. The vibe is electric!
🌉 Best of both: While downtown may be away from the beach, it’s still just a quick 10-15 minute drive or bike ride to the hotel zone. Plus, staying here puts you right in the heart of the action at a fraction of the cost. In my opinion, it’s the best place to stay if you want an immersive local experience.
✌️ Full experience: For a true Tulum adventure, I recommend splitting your time between town and the beach. That way you get the full experience – stunning natural scenery and a taste of the real Tulum.
- Budget-friendly accommodations
- Local restaurants, shops, and nightlife
- Best for immersive local experiences and day trips
Best Tulum Accommodations: Your Guide to Exceptional Hotels and Areas🏨
Best Cheap/Mid-Range Hotels in Downtown Tulum:
- Kanté Hotel - Downtown Tulum – A beautiful boutique hotel right in the heart of Tulum town. The rooms are stylishly decorated with local artisan touches, and the outdoor pool area is perfect for relaxing.
- LA TULUMEÑA Boutique Hotel– This charming hotel surrounds you with lush gardens and a tranquil atmosphere. The rooms have a rustic-chic vibe with open-air showers. I loved the on-site restaurant and yoga space.
- Tuk Tulum by Andiani Travel – A modern and minimalist hotel just a short walk from downtown Tulum. The rooftop pool and bar area provides great views, and the rooms are sleek and comfortable.
- Corazon De Jade Tulum– This eco-friendly hotel is built with natural materials and has a lovely central courtyard. The suites are spacious with kitchenettes – perfect for longer stays.
- Tumben Kuxtal Tulum Hotel Milam – An adults-only hotel with a relaxed, bohemian vibe. I loved the outdoor living room areas and the proximity to restaurants and nightlife.
Best Hostels in Downtown Tulum:
- Hostel Oryx Tulum – A highly-rated hostel with an outdoor pool, bar, and social atmosphere. The dorms and private rooms are clean and comfortable.
- Hotel Boutique Murana Tulum– While technically a hotel, this property has affordable dorm-style rooms available, making it a great hostel alternative in downtown Tulum.
3. Aldea Zama and La Velet: Best Views 🏖️ 🕊
🌉 Central location: New construction condos and beach resorts. Walkable streets lined with cafes, gyms, and amenities. Central location between downtown and the beach hotels. Large community of remote workers and families.
🌳 Quiet streets: Similar residential vibe to Aldea Zama. Quieter streets with rental homes and condos. Easy access to Tulum National Park and Coba ruins. Great for longer stays away from tourist crowds.
🌮 Local foodie tip: Check out the local favorite El Camello Jr seafood truck in La Veleta for cheap, delicious tacos and ceviche.
Best Hotels 🏨
Best Hotels in Aldea Zama, Tulum:
- Elle 2111– A modern and stylish condo with a private rooftop pool and sun deck. The open layout and large windows allow plenty of natural light.
- Elegante y moderno Elena 1109 – This elegant condo features contemporary decor, a full kitchen, and a private patio area perfect for relaxing.
- Modern luxurious and comfortable – A luxurious studio apartment with high-end amenities like a rainfall shower and smart TV. The complex has great pools.
- Estudio moderno y zona exclusiva– A bright and airy studio in the exclusive Aldea Zama neighborhood. Loved the modern finishes and amenities like the gym.
- Modern studio with infinity pool Aldea Zama – This stylish studio offers access to a stunning rooftop infinity pool overlooking the jungle.
Best Hotels in La Veleta, Tulum:
- Mágico luminoso y moderno – A magical and bright studio apartment with lots of windows and a private balcony area.
- Mágico luminoso y moderno – This well-equipped modern studio felt like a tranquil oasis in La Veleta. Loved the pool area.
- Estudio moderno equipado y luminoso – An incredible 3-level penthouse with a private pool, rooftop terrace, and luxurious amenities throughout.
- Kataleya Tulum by Zaazil – A spacious apartment with a private pool and 24/7 security at the entrance to the community.
4. Tulum Ruins (Ancient ruins of Tulum):Explore Natural Beauty in Proximity to Tulum’s Ancient Ruins 🏔
🗿 Unraveling the Ancient Secrets: Welcome to the captivating realm of Tulum, where the ancient whispers of the Mayan civilization echo through time. Nestled on the picturesque Caribbean coast of Mexico, Tulum is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty. Today, I invite you to join me on a journey through the enigmatic Tulum Ruins, a place where history comes alive amidst breathtaking coastal vistas.
As I step onto the sacred grounds of Tulum Ruins, I am instantly transported back in time. The towering stone structures, adorned with intricate carvings and glyphs, stand as silent guardians of a bygone era. The most iconic sight is undoubtedly El Castillo, the imposing castle perched atop a rugged cliff overlooking the turquoise waters below. It’s a sight to behold, especially during sunrise when the first rays of light illuminate the ancient stone façade, casting a golden glow over the entire site.
- Insider Tip: Beat the crowds by arriving early in the morning or late in the afternoon to experience the ruins in relative tranquility.
🌊 Witnessing the Spectacular Views: One of the highlights of visiting Tulum Ruins is the mesmerizing panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. As I gaze out from the cliffside vantage point, I am treated to a postcard-perfect scene of azure waters stretching as far as the eye can see. The contrast between the ancient ruins and the natural beauty of the coastline is simply awe-inspiring, making it the perfect backdrop for memorable photos and contemplative moments.
- Top Tip: Bring along plenty of water and sunscreen, as there is limited shade within the archaeological site.
🏺 Immersing in Mayan Culture: Beyond its scenic beauty, Tulum Ruins offer a fascinating glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Mayan civilization. I take my time exploring the various structures, imagining life in this ancient coastal city centuries ago. From the Temple of the Frescoes adorned with vibrant murals to the House of the Cenote, a sacred site believed to have been used for ritual ceremonies, each corner of the ruins holds its own story waiting to be discovered.
🍹 Savoring the Local Flavors: After a day of exploration, I find myself craving a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine. Fortunately, the nearby town of Tulum offers a myriad of culinary delights to satisfy any palate. From street tacos bursting with flavor to fresh ceviche served beachside, there’s no shortage of mouthwatering options to choose from. For a truly unforgettable dining experience, I recommend La Zebra, where you can savor delicious seafood dishes accompanied by panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea.
Hotels in Tulum 🏨
🏨 Best Cheap Near Tulum Ruins:
- Siente Tulum– A modern and stylish hotel just a short drive from the Tulum ruins. The rooms are sleek and comfortable, with a nice rooftop pool and bar area.
- Villa Pescadores Tulum – This rustic, eco-friendly hotel is located right on the beautiful Pescadores beach, but still close to the ruins. I loved the beachfront cabana vibes and authentic Mexican cuisine.
Mid-Range Hotels:
- Kai Tulum – A charming boutique hotel overlooking the spectacular Pescadores beach. The romantic atmosphere and ecological design made for a unique experience close to the ruins.
- GlampIKAL formerly Casa Nawal – For a glamping-style stay near the ruins, this beachfront tented camp was so much fun. Loved the community vibe and ocean views.
- Ikal Tulum Hotel– This striking rustic hotel is less than a mile from the Tulum beach and ruins. The wellness focus with yoga, spa services, and an onsite restaurant was really nice.
- El Paraiso Hotel Tulum– A small, affordable beach resort just south of the Tulum ruins beach area. The rooms are simple but comfortable, with a restaurant and beach club.
- Astral Tulum – This budget-friendly option is a short drive from the ruins, with clean modern rooms and an outdoor pool area.
- Playa las palmas– A quiet residential area near the southern tip of the Tulum beach hotel zone, closer to the ruins than the main hotel strip.
- ะขะตะบัั ะบะฝะพะฟะบะธ – For a larger group or family, this luxurious villa is just a short drive from both downtown Tulum and the ruins area.
FAQs about Where to Stay in Tulum ❔
What are the main areas to stay in Tulum?
The main areas to stay in Tulum are the Tulum Beach area (including the north beach zone, middle beach zone/avenida coba, south beach zone), Downtown Tulum (El Pueblo), Aldea Zama, and areas around the Mayan ruins in Tulum.
Should I stay in the beach or town area?
It depends on your priorities. The beach area has the best beaches, beach hotels and resorts, beach clubs/parties, but is more expensive. Downtown Tulum (El Pueblo) is great for an authentic experience, budget hotels, restaurants and nightlife.
Where is the best place to stay in Tulum for couples?
The north beach zone and south end of the beach tend to be more romantic and quieter, with great hotels like Nómade Tulum right along the beach. Aldea Zama also has some boutique hotels popular with couples.
I want to be close to the beach, what area should I stay in?
For proximity to the beach, you’ll want to stay in the Tulum Beach area, either the beach town, middle beach zone along Avenida Coba, or the south beach zone closer to the beach.
