Planning a much-needed trip to Mexico and considering Tulum as a destination? You’ve come to the right place. This article is not about only the best hotels. We’ll explain what areas of Tulum to stay in for each traveler type so you have the best experience on your next trip!
Where to stay in Tulum
Tulum is probably the trendiest destination on the Yucatan Peninsula and for good reason.
The destination is full of amazing hotels, delicious restaurants, and sultry nightlife. You’ve probably heard all about it on social media or Real Housewives of LA, but today I am going to give you the first-hand run-down on the destination.
One of the first things you’ll notice in Tulum is that they figured out how much Americans are willing to spend on food and beverages. I paid $15 to $20 per margarita and they were delicious.
I’ll break the town down into neighborhoods and try and paint a picture of what neighborhood is best for each traveler type. This way you can pick a perfect hotel in an area that is right for you.
For directions and advice on arriving in Tulum, see the bottom of the article.
Our Partnership with Booking.com. If you like our content, please book by clicking on our Booking.com links. The price is the same for you, and we get a small commission that helps support our helpful blog content. We’ve partnered with Booking.com because they have the most options, great prices, and a solid loyalty program.
Restaurant District (South Beach Road)
Restaurants:
- ARCA | omg+ | dinner | make rsvp
- Hartwood | omg | dinner | make rsvp
- Ziggy’s on the beach | great for lunch | get the shrimp!
Attractions:
- La Mano Tulum (photo spot)
- Escultura Ven a la Luz (super cool)
The Best Hotels in Beach Road South:
After spending a week in Tulum on multiple occasions, I do not doubt that Beach Road South is the ideal location for anyone going to Tulum to have fun. My wife and I went down around Christmas 23′ and it was the ideal location.
We were able to walk to restaurants and bars at night and felt like everything was close by.
The Beach Tulum
5-Star | $$$$+ | beachfront | spa | gym | lots of pools
I personally stayed at The Beach in Tulum and loved the hotel, friendly staff, location, and amenities. We booked a return trip back on our last day there.
Aldea Canzul
5-star | $$$$+ | tropical | lots of pools | beachfront
If you’re looking to throw money at your difficult choices, this 5-star hotel is a great solution. It has everything you’ll want or didn’t know you’ll want.
Delek Tulum
3-star | $$$ | beachfront | pool
There is not much “cheap” accommodation on Beach Road South, but Delek is a great and stylish option that isn’t priced through the roof.
Beach Road North
Restaurants:
- ARCA | omg | dinner | make rsvp
- Hartwood | omg | dinner | make rsvp
- Ziggy’s on the beach | great for lunch | get the shrimp!
Attractions:
The Best Hotels in Beach Road North
Mezzanine Hotel Tulum
5-star | $$$$ | beachfront | luxury | spa
This well-designed boutique hotel is perfect for an escape. The look and feel is a mix of Mexican style mixed with Southeast Asian decor. This place sells out so book ahead.
Hotel Diamante K
3-star | $ | pool | salvaggio | beachfront
Great beachfront location. Lots of palm trees in a very natural setting free of man-made obstructions. Very “beachy” feel in a comfortable but economical hotel.
Mi Amore
4-star | $$$ | beachfront | Mexico modern | lots of pools
Great option on the beach. Natural, but modern design incorporating plantlife inside the hotel. Easy choice!
Pocna Tulum Hotel & Beach Club
3-star | $$$ | beachfront | cabanas | pool
If you’re looking to save your money a bit to spend on food and drinks while you’re in Tulum, this is a comfortable and highly rated option on the beach.
Inland Tulum (Tulum Town)
Restaurants:
- El Agavero (ambiance)
- Burrito Amor (wow)
- Onyx Tulum
Attractions:
The Best Hotels in the Restaurant District:
Layla Tulum
4-star | $$ | Pool | adults only | Mediterranean feel
If you’re looking to save and ok not being on the beach, Layla is the ideal option without sacrificing luxury. If I am staying in-town, this is my choice.
Faisano Nomadas Hotel
4-star | $ | Pool | restorative feel
Great white-washed hotel with a nice pool and small bar/restaurant. A great option if you want to experience Inland Tulum and save some money.
How to Get to Tulum
Cancun International Airport | CUN | 1hr 50 mins drive
- Direct flights from 38 cities
Aeropuerto Internacional de Tulum Felipe Carrillo Puerto | TQO | 50 mins drive
- Direct flights from 10 cities including EWR, JFK, DFW, IAH, ORD, LAX, FLL, MCO, MIA, CLT
Rent a car to go from Cancun or Tulum Airports to Tulum?
I was there in December of 2023. We rented a Jeep and drove to Tulum, parked at our hotel, and didn’t get back in the car until we were ready to head back to the airport.
There are lots of cool attractions, tours, and things do to near Tulum. You can go to a tea ceremony, have a scream session in a tent, visit Cenotes, and even Mayan Temples. Or, you can just relax at the beach and get lunches.
Driving is easy in Mexico and your hotel will have parking. That said, most of Tulum is within walking distance if you stay on the beach. You can easily grab a taxi from the airport to Tulum or from your hotel to a restaurant that is just a little further than you want to walk.
We likely won’t rent a car on our next trip down, but instead take a taxi from the airport, walk to our meals/clubs, and book excursions with transportation.
