January 21, 2024

The 12 Best Places to Stay in Tulum

Welcome to the tropical paradise of Tulum! If you’re planning a visit to this breathtaking destination, choosing the right place to stay is key to enhancing your experience. From luxurious villas to stylish hotels, Tulum offers a diverse range of accommodations for those seeking to stay in the finest corners of this Carribbean haven. Let’s explore the top 12 places that promise not just a stay, but an unforgettable getaway!

Best Hotels in Tulum

If having access to plenty of amenities is a priority for you, hotels will be a great choice for your stay in Tulum. They usually feature a restaurant, bar, and wellness centre, and organise events regularly including concerts, exhibitions, workshops, and ceremonies. Our favourite hotels in Tulum are the following:

Habitas Tulum

Style: Glamping Chic
Price: $$$
Location: Tulum Beach
Amenities: Beach Front Beach Club, Wellness Programmes, Events, Restaurant

Habitas Tulum seamlessly combines eco-friendly living with glamour. With a intimate beach club and wellness programs, it’s a haven for those seeking sustainable luxury. Designed to coexist with nature, it offers 32 ultra-luxe canvas tents built with materials aimed to leave no impact on the environment. With natural palapa roofs, canvas walls, outdoor rain showers, and at least 500 square feet of private space, each room provides the perfect intimate environment for rest and reflection with pristine ocean views. The hotel regularly organises events (such as their famous Sunday sunset parties “Baja El Sol”), so characteristic of Tulum’s organic house vibes.

Perfect for: Holistic Dreamscapes with Like-minded Adventurers

Hotel Muaré & Spa

Style: Jungle Sanctuary
Price: $$
Location: La Veleta (regio 15)
Amenities: Pool, Restaurant, Spa

Surrounded by the lush Mayan jungle, Muaré is a boutique hotel where you can immerse in a unique relaxation experience and delight in being in touch with nature. Their pet-friendly independent studios, Mediterranean restaurant, idyllic pool, and modern spa are located in a luxurious oasis inspired by Mayan ancestral arts and crafts. This holistic haven will soon become your favourite hideout to relax and meet like-minded people.

Perfect for: Chill Solo and Couple Travellers

Nômade

Style: Boho-Chic Luxury
Price: $$$
Location: Tulum Beach
Amenities: Spa, Beachfront Yoga, Restaurant, Wellness Centre

Nômade offers 38 rooms, 20 exclusive suites, 5 treehouses, and 36 luxury tents on the beach of Tulum, close to trendy restaurants as well as quiet escapes. Its renown beach club has seen some of the most iconic parties in Tulum and its wellness activities attract locals and tourists all-year round. The best of both worlds. The hotel has its own restaurant, bar, and wellness centre offering daily activities such as yoga, breath work, wellbeing workshops, ceremonies, and sound healing. They regularly organise music events so characteristic of Tulum’s boho-chic vibe.

Perfect for: Boho Adventurers Seeking the Authentic Tulum Vibe

Hotel Bardo

Style: Jungle Sanctuary
Price: $$
Location: Tulum Town
Amenities: Pool, Restaurant, Bar, Spa, Temazcal

Nestled amidst a vibrant jungle, Hotel Bado offers private independent studios within a sanctuary with many amenities and activities. It’s the perfect place to escape and indulge in enchanting surroundings and experiences. Each studio villa is a haven of tranquility, featuring elegant design, plush bedding, and bespoke amenities tailored to enhance your stay and awaken your senses. The hotel’s daily activities include: temazcal ceremony, sound healing, ice bath, sunset celebration, yoga, sea trips, cenote tours, and more. Located in a tranquil oasis only minutes away from the busy city centre.

Perfect for: Solo and Couple Fun Getaways

IKAL

Style: Beach Sanctuary
Price: $$
Location: Tulum Beach
Amenities: Restaurant, Beachfront Yoga Shala, Pool, …

IKAL is a kid-friendly sanctuary on the beach of Tulum with cabañas, bungalows, bamboo houses and luxury tents right on the shore of Tulum’s most famous beach, Playa Paraiso. IKAL also has its own restaurant serving delicious Mexican food and occasionally hosting live music events. This Tulum hotel is perfect for families. It offers a wide range of cultural and wellness activities for kids and adults, ranging from yoga classes to traditional ceremonies and samouraï workshops. Its vibrant community is known to Tulum’s expats, as its beach includes a beach volley field, a stand of the famous Matcha Mama smoothie bar, and suspended beds offering unparalleled views of the ocean.

Perfect for: Families, Couples, and Solo Travellers Looking for an Authentic Experience in Nature

Hotel Panamera

Style: Mediterranean Chic
Price: $$$
Location: Tulum Beach
Amenities: Rooftop Terrace, Pool, Restaurant

Panamera is one of Tulum’s most prized hotels due to its captivating architecture, lively community, and entertaining events. This oceanfront property consists of 36 rooms with a central 100 seat restaurant and beach club. It welcomes like-minded travellers looking for an authentic experience on Tulum’s sandy beaches. Food and music play a fundamental role in the hotel’s culture. Its aesthetic, with its recognisable auburn checked pool area, is reminiscent of modern Mediterranean luxury, with a unique and sophisticated elegance. They regularly organise cultural activities such as movie nights, exhibitions, and concerts, often on their rooftop terrace where views of the sunsets promise unforgettable experiences and breathtaking views of the jungle.

Perfect for: Couples Loving Arts and Culture

Best Apartment Rentals in Tulum

Condo apartments and studios are the best accommodation if you are planning to do different activities in and around Tulum and want to get a feel of what it’s like living there. It’s also the best option if you are planning to stay long-term in Tulum. Condos usually offer an equipped kitchen, a TV, wifi, and a central pool for the complex. Sometimes, they include amenities such as a gyn, a spa, or a restaurant.

KAN Tulum

Style: Bohemian Chic
Price: $$
Location: La Veleta (regio 15)
Amenities: Tropical Garden, Restaurant, Private Cenote, Pool, Wellness Activities, Amphitheater

Nestled in the jungle of La Veleta, KAN is emerging as one of the most beautiful holistic and sustainable havens of Tulum. It joins ancestral well-being, gastronomy, artistic expression, music, and cultural wonders, paired with the serenity of a natural cenote and an extraordinary amphitheater; all breathing out the authentic spirit and nostalgia of Tulum’s original vibes. The hotel includes 40 independent studios (with small kitchenettes) and a restaurant (Ixchel), and organises events daily, including concerts, tours, yoga, breathwork, and journeys of sound.

Perfect for: Couples Wanting a Treehouse Experience

COPAL

Style: Upscale Jungle Condos
Price: $$
Location: Aldea Zama
Amenities: Pool, Café, Japanese Restaurant, Wellness Centre

COPAL is a destination for hospitality and relaxation with close attention to detail, retaining and preserving integrity with the nature. It is a gated collection of premium condos (including fully equipped kitchens) with hotel-like facilities. With large windows that let in natural light and a breathtaking view of the jungle, their rooms promise a serene experience in the heart of Tulum. Located in Aldea Zama, the hotel includes a café, a wellness centre, and a fine Japanese restaurant. Comfy rooms have been designed in harmony with their natural surroundings and with the most modern amenities to ensure total relaxation day and night.

Perfect for: Couples and Solo Expats or Travellers

MISTIQ

Style: Upscale Jungle Condos
Price: $$
Location: La Veleta (regio 15)
Amenities: Tropical Gardens, Pool, Gym

MISTIQ Tulum makes is one of the first luxury real estate development in Tulum. Its condos fuse comfort, elegance and tranquility in a quiet and strategic location of Tulum, close to most neighbourhoods and only a 10-min drive away from the beach. The apartments, studios, and penthouses surround a tropical garden with a central pool worth of a movie scene. Condos are equipped with their own kitchen, TV, bathroom, and basic necessities such as hair dryers and towels. The apartments complex also includes a fantastic, fully-equipped gym. A stylish haven

Perfect for: Those Planning Loads of Adventures in and Around Tulum

Best Villas in Tulum

Villas are a great choice for large groups spending time together in Tulum, for example for bachelorette parties, intimate weddings, retreats, birthday parties, and any other special occasion with friends or family. They are three beautiful villas which I particularly love in Tulum:

Casa Tira

Style: Modern Elegance
Price: $$$
Location: La Veleta (barrio Holistika)
Amenities: Private Pool, Rooftop Terrace

Nestled in a serene part of the vibrant neighbourhood of La Veleta, Casa Tira offers a perfect blend of modern elegance and relaxation for up to 14 guests. With a private pool (including an immersive bar), jacuzzi, and a rooftop terrace, this villa provides a luxurious escape just a couple of steps away from the Holistika complex which offers yoga classes, sound baths, breath work, and traditional ceremonies every day.

Perfect for: Fun Group Trips and Retreats

Aldea Canzul

Style: Boho Chic
Price: $$$$
Location: Tulum Beach
Amenities: Private Beach Front, Private Pool

Located in the heart of Tulum’s iconic restaurant and nightlife strip, Aldea Canzul is an exclusive enclave of three beautifully designed beachfront villas. Equipped with amenities to enhance guests’ ability to relax and recharge in paradise—hello, private dinners. Aldea Canzul is designed for privacy within a quick walk’s reach to the very best daytime and nighttime destinations in the area. Steps away from your own white powdered, sandy beach and Tulum’s crystalline waters, Aldea Canzul equally tailors to groups of both friends or families. It celebrates Mexican architecture, craftsmanship, and design through unique, modern interiors that delight the senses.

Perfect for: Special Occasions with Family and Friends

Casa Arka

Style: Maximalist Luxury
Price: $$$$
Location: La Veleta (regio 15)
Amenities: Two Private Pools, Cinema, Fire Pit, Jacuzzi

Casa Arka is the embodiment of grandeur, reminiscent of the Great Gatsby’s mansion yet infused with Tulum’s unique essence. It accommodates up to 17 guests who can enjoy indoor-outdoor living with two pools, a jacuzzi, and a sunken conversational pit in the living room. The rooftop lounge area with sunbeds is the perfect spot to soak up the tropical sun, and when night falls, gather around the rooftop fire pit. Located in a private, gated community, Casa Arka is just 1km away from the beach.

Perfect for: Exclusive Group Trips and Retreats

The Different Areas of Tulum

Tulum is not as small as you may think. The town, which initially only featured a few bungalow hotels on its pristine beaches, has gained in popularity and size over the years. Nowadays, Tulum receives between 1-3 million tourists each year, which is estimated to increase given the new opening of an airport in Tulum. The town has kept expanding, with new neighbourhoods and construction sites flourishing across the area. Still, there are four areas which you should definitely know about:

Centro / Pueblo

At the heart of the action lies Centro, where the town’s lively atmosphere unfolds. A 3km stretch along Avenida Coba connects this area to the pristine beachfront (zona hotelera). The accommodations closer to the beach tend to be more luxurious, creating a tranquil yet opulent setting. As you move towards the town, options become more affordable, providing a range of choices for all budgets. This makes Centro an ideal location for those seeking a lively town atmosphere with affordable prices.

Aldea Zama

Aldea Zama stands out as a modern gem nestled between the beach and the town, offering luxury villas, condos, and an array of amenities. With cafes like Campanella and renowned restaurants like Kokoro, it’s a residential haven that balances tranquility and accessibility. For long-term stays, this area provides a peaceful retreat, and properties like Agua de Mar and Ki Tulum are highly recommended for a luxurious yet serene experience.

La Veleta

In La Veleta, the more touristy side of town comes alive with trendy cafes, restaurants, and bars. This flourishing neighborhood attracts expats with its lively atmosphere and affordable prices. While the central road, Calle 7, might have a lively buzz, the surrounding areas offer a quieter ambiance. Casa Tira, an architectural villa nestled in the jungle, exemplifies the unique character of La Veleta, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a lively, affordable town experience.

Beach

For beachfront aficionados, Zona Hotelera is the go-to area. This lively stretch along the beach comes to life, especially during high season. While the main road can get busy, the less frequented area along the public beach, heading towards Zona Arqueológica, offers a serene escape with stunning hotels like Hotelito Azul, Ikal, and Hotel Panamera. The beach view here is exquisite without the chaos, making it perfect for those seeking a beachfront retreat away from the bustling crowds.

What's the Best Area to Stay in Tulum?

Depending on your preferences and budget, you may want to stay in a specific neighbourhood of Tulum. You may also consider the time of year (during high-season, certain areas become incredibly expensive), your safety requirements (e.g. a gated community or a 24h security guard), and the type of infrastructure and amenities you’d like to access easily.

To get a full understanding of what it’s like to live in Tulum, where you should stay, when you should visit, and so many more tips, read the guide which I crafted after living here as an expat for years!

Complete Tulum Travel Guide

10 Tips to Find the Perfect Accommodation in Tulum

Location Matters: Consider the location based on your preferences. If you enjoy the bustling beach scene, opt for accommodations in the Zona Hotelera. For a more tranquil experience on the beach, the Parque del Jaguar is best. La Veleta and Aldea Zama offer more affordable options and are better located if you plan to move around.
Define Your Budget: Tulum offers a range of accommodations from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious beachfront villas. Clearly define your budget to narrow down your options.
Use Booking.com: Booking offers the widest range of hotels, studios, apartments and villas at competitive prices. The more stays you book through the platform, the more it rewards you with discounts and advantages for your next trip.
Book in Advance: Tulum is a popular destination, especially during peak seasons. Ensure you secure your preferred accommodation by booking well in advance, especially if you have specific dates in mind. Read my Tulum Travel Guide to find out which time is best for you.
Read Reviews: Use platforms like Google Maps and Booking to read reviews from fellow travellers. This can provide valuable insights into the quality of service, cleanliness, and overall experience.
Amenities That Matter: Identify the amenities that matter most to you. Whether it’s a pool, a yoga studio, beach access, or a kitchenette, aligning your accommodation with your preferences enhances your overall experience.
Local Transportation: Consider the proximity of your accommodation to local transportation options. Tulum is a bike-friendly town, and many accommodations offer bike rentals. If you plan to explore, having easy access to transportation is key. Consider that, at night, not all streets have lights and it might be unsafe to cycle or walk, especially alone. You may have to rent a scooter or a car for some occasions, or use taxis.
Safety First: Prioritise safety in your decision-making. Research the safety of the neighbourhood and read about others’ experiences, especially if you plan on returning late at night. Avoid choosing hotels or condo apartments which are isolated and without security guards (most places do have 24h security).
Connectivity: If staying connected is crucial, check for the availability of Wi-Fi. Some accommodations may offer better connectivity than others, important if you need to work or stay in touch with loved ones during your stay.
Local Restaurants and Cafés: If you’d like to be at walking distance of cafés and restaurants, choose lively areas such as Calle 7 in La Veleta, Avenida Itzamna in Aldea Zama, or Avenida Tulum in the centre. Those areas might be more noisy, especially at night and during high season.

Is Tulum Safe for Expats?

Recent data shows that the crime index is in fact lower in Tulum than in many major cities of the United States, such as Miami (see here). Occasional violent incidents usually do not involve foreigners and tourists, but are mostly disputes between cartels. Be however careful when walking in the evening or at night, especially if you’re walking alone. As much as possible, avoid isolated areas and dark streets without much activity and stay instead in streets that are lively and with open shops and guarded hotels and condos. Driving around is relatively safe, by car or scooter.

Like most tourist destinations, Tulum is subject to scams and theft. The usual caution applies when it comes to displaying wealth and negotiating purchases. In addition, corruption and organised crime is still very common in Mexico. The local authorities are also regularly on the lookout for tourists and residents making any sort of breach of rules, especially on the road, to give excessive fines. Make sure to be extremely cautious when driving around Tulum, especially in the evening. To avoid getting scammed by corrupted police officers, keeping eye-catching behaviour to a minimum, especially at night.

You should report any crime you see or experience in Tulum to the police by calling 911. As much as possible, avoid engaging with corrupted and illegal practices in Tulum, as those are often the source of violence.

Many tips are available on forums for first-time travellers to Mexico on how to avoid scams and theft in Tulum (example here).

Conclusion

In this guide to the best places to stay in Tulum, I unveiled a spectrum of accommodation options that redefine luxury and charm. Whether you seek the best places to stay in Tulum for couples, families, or individuals, this coastal haven caters to every preference. Instagram-worthy hotels with heavenly pools, intimate retreats, or comfortable and practical condos, indulge in the best that Tulum has to offer by choosing the perfect accommodation for your stay. From the boho-chic allure of Nômade to the maximalist luxury of Casa Arka, Tulum caters to every taste. Solo travellers and couples seeking a holistic escape can find their haven in upscale jungle condos and hotels, offering serene grounds for relaxation and connection. Families yearning for an authentic experience in nature can embrace IKAL, a beach sanctuary with cultural and wellness activities for both kids and adults.

Discover the best places to stay in Tulum, where each hotel transforms into a gateway to the captivating Caribbean Sea and lush Mayan jungle. Centro, with its lively atmosphere, offers affordable and centrally located options. Aldea Zama, balances luxury villas and modern condos, making it ideal for long-term stays. La Veleta thrives with trendy cafes and rentals, epitomised by the architectural marvel Casa Tira. And finally, for beachfront aficionados, plenty of hotels and villas are available on the beach, offering unforgettable experiences close to nature. Whatever your preference, Tulum welcomes you with open arms, promising a magical stay in this tropical paradise.