Where to Stay in Tulum

Mexico › Tulum › Best Places to Stay
Updated: September 12, 2024

My Favorite Tulum Hotels

• 5-star: Jashita • Mezzanine
• 4-star: La Valise • La Zebra
• 3-star: Cabañas La Luna
• For families: La Zebra
• For couples: Jashita
• New Hotel: Bespoke

Best Areas to Stay in Tulum

See Also

• Best Hotels in Tulum
• Best Family Hotels in Tulum
• Tulum Maps

White sand beaches, eclectic nightlife, and laid-back lifestyle make Tulum one of my favorite places to visit in Mexico. Formerly a sleepy fishing village, Tulum is now home to myriad luxury resorts, gourmet restaurants in the jungle, full moon parties and sunrise yoga on the beach, and after-hours dancing downtown. Tulum is the best town to stay in for visiting the Maya ruins, with the Tulum ruins right in the hotel zone, the Muyil ruins right outside town inside Sian Ka’an Biosphere, and the Cobá ruins about a 45-minute drive straight up the highway. Incredible Chichén Itzá and Ek’ Balam ruins are farther (two and three hours, respectively) but still closer to Tulum than Cancún or Playa del Carmen. Tulum is also home to several incredible cenotes, natural swimming holes fed by underground river systems. Cenotes can be open to the sky or covered inside a cave; either way, they make a fun, refreshing alternative to swimming in the ocean, especially during seaweed season.

My kids and I at a hotel pool in Tulum.

Tulum has one long beach with the occasional rocky patch but overall powdery soft, white, and wide with gentle waves in innumerable shades of blue. Instead of addresses, hotels and businesses are listed according to which kilometer marker they are located at. The Tulum ruins mark the beginning of the zone at km 0; head south to find Arco Maya (the entrance to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere) at km 10.5. Though the beach is one continuous stretch, the atmosphere and offerings change as you move up and down the coast. In this guide, we’ve divided the beach into four sections to help explain each area’s unique style and amenities. One thing to note: Tulum’s electrical grid does not serve the beach. Most hotels in all of the beach zones use a combination of solar power and (despite their eco-friendly claims) gas-powered generators. Although more and more hotels offer 24-hour air conditioning, many hotels only have A/C during certain hours or rely on fans to cool the rooms.

The North Beach Zone is all part of the new Parque del Jaguar, which combines the Tulum National Park (where the Maya ruins are) at the northernmost tip and Protection of Flora and Fauna Jaguar (a new nature preserve). This romantic, low-key area is home to a few hotels, restaurants (mostly inside the hotels), and beach clubs. At km 4, the beach road meets Avenida Cobá, the main road into town. Cross this road, and you’ll be in the area we call the Beach Town, a short stretch of hotels and restaurants, including Papaya Playa Project (the biggest beach party spot) and Azulik Hotel (known for its whimsical boho architecture, art museum, eco-boutique, and restaurant). Avenida Kukulkan at km 5.5 leads into town and separates the Beach Town from the Middle Beach Zone. The Middle Beach Zone is the heart of the beachfront action with many of Tulum’s most celebrated restaurants, high-end beach clubs, boutique hotels, and nightclubs set in the jungle. This neighborhood is also convenient and fun for family vacations. The South Beach Zone starts at km 8 and runs down to Sian Ka’an Biosphere, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Because of its proximity to the nature preserve, this area is quieter and less developed than the beaches to the north. There are several wonderful hotels and restaurants here, but no late-night parties or extravagant buildings. Great for families and couples interested in taking it easy and enjoying nature.

The Pueblo (also called downtown, Centro, or Tulum Town) is only about 3 km from the beaches. This vibrant area offers even more boutique hotels, lively nightlife, and excellent (more authentic) restaurants, as well as necessities like a supermarket, banks, gas stations, and pharmacies. Food, drinks, and lodging in town are typically more affordable than on the beach. The pueblo is also fully connected to the electrical grid, unlike the beach hotels which use a combination of solar power and (despite their eco-friendly claims) gas-powered generators. Hotels in the pueblo all have 24-hour air conditioning. Aldea Zama and La Veleta are two neighborhoods on the south side of the Pueblo. Aldea Zama offers a more private, luxury experience, while La Veleta has a more lively feel, popular with expats. Although accommodations and dining tend to be cheaper, getting to and from the beach zone can be expensive by taxi. Expect to pay at least 500 pesos (25 USD) one way to get from anywhere in town to the nearest beach, even more if you’re going down to the South Beach Zone. It’s best to rent a bicycle or scooter to get between town and the beach. Renting a car is another good option, especially for visiting some of the more distant ruins, nature preserves, or cenotes. Then again you can easily spend 300 pesos to park for a few hours in the beach zone. So, consider transportation costs when planning your trip; don’t just assume you’ll save money by staying in town.

Best Places to Stay in Tulum

• Best Luxury Hotels in Tulum
  Jashita • Mezzanine • La Valise • Shibari • Casa Malca
• Best Hotels for Families in Tulum
  La Zebra (luxury) • Nômade (luxury) • Cabañas La Luna (midrange) • Sueños (midrange)
• Best Hotels for Couples in Tulum
  Jashita • Mezzanine • La Valise • Shibari • Our Habitas
• Best Midrange Hotels in Tulum
  Sueños • Cabañas La Luna • Coco Tulum
• Best Budget Hotels in Tulum
  Casa Don Diego • Punta Piedra Beach Posada
• Best Hotels in Tulum Pueblo
  Una Vida • Kimpton Aluna • Milam

Hotels on Map: 1. Jashita 2. Conrad 3. Hilton 4. O’ Tulum 5. Mereva 6. Alea 7. Nerea 8. Bespoke 9. Bardo 10. Una Vida 11. Casa Don Diego 12. Coco Hacienda 13. Milam 14. Holistika 15. Hotel Tiki Tiki 16. Naay 17. Secrets Resort 18. Kimpton Aluna 19. Villa Pescadores 20. Mezzanine 21. Diamante K 22. Mi Amor 23. Our Habitas 24. Azulik 25. Punta Piedra Beach Posada Hotel 26. Zamas 27. El Pez 28. Hotel Esencia 29. Coco Tulum 30. Cabañas La Luna 31. The Beach Hotel 32. Shibari 33. Ahau 34. Kanan 35. Lula 36. La Zebra 37. Casa Violeta 38. Sueños 39. Encantada 39. Xela 40. La Valise 41. Nest 42. Be Tulum 42. Nômade 43. Casa Malca

Best Areas in Tulum for…

• Best Place in Tulum to Stay for First-Timers: Middle Beach Zone
  The Middle Beach Zone offers a great mix of small hotels, high-quality restaurants, famous nightlife, boutique shopping, and boho vibes – all within an easy walk or short bike ride. This area is the Tulum most people imagine: hut-like buildings made with woven sticks and thatched roofs, beachfront yoga and shamanic ceremonies, late-night dancing in the jungle, and sunny days spent on a white sand beach admiring all the shades of blue water. Other parts of the beach have these elements, but it’s most convenient to reach them all when making this area your home base.
• Best Places in Tulum to Stay for Families: South, Middle, and South Riviera Maya
  Families will enjoy the wonderful beach, great food, cenotes, and kid-friendly hotels in the Middle and South Beach Zones. The Middle Beach Zone has a selfie-centric art park, where visitors will find the oversized “Ven a la Luz” sculpture, while the South Beach Zone sits at the entrance to Sian Ka’an Biosphere for nature adventures. South Riviera Maya has several adventure parks, water parks, cenotes, and all-inclusive hotels with kid-friendly restaurants for picky eaters.

• Best Places in Tulum to Stay for Nightlife and Parties: Pueblo, Beach Town, Middle, and La Veleta
  The Pueblo is the center for nightlife in Tulum, anchored by perennial favorite Batey, known for its mojitos made with freshly squeezed sugar cane and nightly live music. Just steps away, La Guarida offers an eclectic music lineup most nights with multiple stages spread over two floors and outdoor terraces, a simple yet well-executed food and drink menu, and no cover charge. Nearby, Mistico offers handcrafted cocktails in a gorgeous setting, plus a host of “Black in Tulum” events Wednesdays through Sundays, catering to Black and Brown travelers. La Veleta, has a little nightlife, too, on and around 7th Street South. On the beach road, you’ll find the biggest all-night beach parties at Papaya Playa Project in the Beach Town area. The Middle Beach Zone hosts Casa Jaguar and Gitano, both known for their dance parties in the jungle on Friday and Saturday nights.
• Best Places in Tulum to Stay for Couples/Honeymoons: North, Middle, South, Soliman and Tankah Bays
  There’s no wrong spot to choose for a honeymoon in Tulum, but some areas stand out above others. The North and South Beach Zones have some of the best adults-only boutique hotels in a quieter setting than other parts of the beach, yet just a short bike ride away from the action. Soliman and Tankah Bays, a few kilometers north of Tulum, offer more privacy and tranquility for romantic getaways. The Middle Zone, though less private, offers a celebratory atmosphere and plenty of restaurants for special occasion dinners.

• Best Places in Tulum to Stay for Sightseeing: North, South, Pueblo
  Tulum has a wealth of natural and archaeological attractions awaiting curious travelers. The iconic Tulum ruins perched on a cliff above the ocean are located in the North Beach Zone, while a less visited Maya site, the Muyil ruins, are nestled in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere near the South Beach Zone. Staying in the Pueblo puts guests near the main road to easily drive to the Cobá ruins, dozens of cenotes and lagoons, and a few adventure parks.
• Best Places in Tulum to Stay for the Beach: Middle, South, North, and South Riviera Maya
  In Tulum proper, the Middle and South Beach Zones have the widest swathes of sand, the fewest rocks, great beach clubs, and hotel beach spaces. The farther south you move, the sparser the crowds get. Stay in the Middle for a more lively atmosphere; stay in the South for more tranquility. The North Beach Zone has some rocks at its southern end, but lots of soft sand and beach clubs at the northern end. People visiting for the day must pay to access the North Beach Zone, but it’s free to enter for guests staying at the hotels here. During seaweed season (May through November), moving further north into South Riviera Maya is the best choice. This stretch of beach sits behind Cozumel Island, blocking much (but not all) of the seaweed from reaching the shore.

• Best Places in Tulum to Stay for a Local Vibe: Pueblo, La Veleta, Aldea Zama
  Tulum is an incredible town for travelers, but there are practically no locals living near the beach and not very many in town. The town never had a large population, and in recent years, there has been an influx of international (mostly American) expats. The Pueblo is where you’ll find the most local markets and restaurants serving authentic, traditional food unique to the region. Many businesses here strongly engage with the local community, like La Guarida, which keeps their evening events free and offers daytime workshops aimed at the local population. La Veleta and Aldea Zama are residential neighborhoods on the south side of the Pueblo. These neighborhoods are popular with expats and digital nomads in Tulum for long-term stays. Though plenty of people live full-time in these neighborhoods, the atmosphere feels more distinctly American than the rest of the Pueblo.
• Best Place in Tulum to Stay During Seaweed Season: South Riviera Maya
  Seaweed has increasingly become a problem on Tulum’s formerly beaches over the past few years. Although the beaches are fairly free of seaweed from December through February, each month after sees a little more seaweed washing ashore and piling up, peaking with the most seaweed in July and August. Cleaning crews work hard to keep up with the seaweed, but it’s a Herculean task. During the summer months, it’s best to head a little north of Tulum to the south end of the Riviera Maya. Because beaches here sit due west of Cozumel Island, most (but not all) of the seaweed gets blocked by the island before it gets a chance to wash ashore. If you are dead set on staying in Tulum proper during the summer, then plan on visiting some cenotes for a refreshing, seaweed-free swim. There are a couple of small cenotes set on the jungle side of the beach road, and dozens more just a short drive from town.

Staying in the North Beach Zone

The North Beach Zone is the strip of beach running along the road from the Maya ruins at the northern tip down four km to the intersection with Avenida Cobá (the road to the Pueblo). The area is dominated by the brand new Parque del Jaguar, which combines the archaeological site with a new nature preserve. This eco-conscious neighborhood features bike trails, walking paths, birdwatching towers, and newly rehabbed beaches. The park connects directly to Tren Maya, the new train line connecting Tulum to the airport, Cancún, Chichen Itzá, and more (the whole train line covers 1500 kilometers across several states). Though it may seem like a lot is happening here (and it is), its main focus as a nature preserve makes it the quietest neighborhood in Tulum, with just a few boutique hotels, restaurants, beach clubs, and limited access to cars. Most hotels sit on white sandy beaches, though there are a few areas of rocky coastline. For visitors not staying in the hotels, it costs 60 pesos to enter; the fee is waived for hotel guests.

The Best Hotels in the North Beach Zone

• Mezzanine
• Mi Amor
• Villa Pescadores
• Diamante K

Staying in Beach Town

Beach Town is a cluster of hotels, restaurants, and shops immediately south of the North Beach Zone, from km 4 (at Avenida Cobá) to about km 5.5. The beach is sandy and swimmable in the north end but has some rocky patches for the southern 500 meters. In general, dining, drinking, and shopping are more affordable here than in the other beach areas. Most of the restaurants and shops are on the jungle side of the road, including Mateos, a fun three-story restaurant with hammocks, and Potheads, a fantastic breakfast spot. Beachside dining is best at Zamas and Mina. On the north end of Beach Town, you’ll find Kin Toh (a treetop restaurant/lounge), Zak Ik (fashion boutique), and Sfer Ik (an avant-garde museum space), all at the stylish Azulik Resort. North of Azulik is Papaya Playa Project, which hosts the wildest late-night beach parties and full-moon parties.

The Best Hotels in Beach Town

• Our Habitas
• El Pez
• Zamas
• Azulik

Staying in the Middle Beach Zone

The Middle Beach Zone is the heart of Tulum’s beach area, with upscale dining, high-end boutiques, and stylish open-air nightclubs, especially the chic Casa Jaguar and Gitano. Outside of the party scene, there is a plethora of ambitious restaurants serving fine-dining and creative menus. Among the best restaurants here are Hartwood and Arca. A few high-end beach clubs also dot the strip. The Middle Beach Zone sits roughly between kilometers 5.5 and 8 on the beach road, from the narrow, rocky Sunset Beach at the north end to just past Arca restaurant at the south end. The beach is long, wide, and mostly sandy though there are some rocky patches between km 5.5 and 6. There are no street lights, sidewalks, or bike paths. Still most people get around this area by walking or cycling, and it’s fairly easy to flag down a taxi here.

The Best Hotels in the Middle Beach Zone

• Shibari
• La Zebra
• Kanan
• Ahau
• Lula
• Secrets (some rooms here, some in Aldea Zama)
• The Beach Hotel
• Cabañas La Luna

Staying in the South Beach Zone

The South Beach Zone is great for kids with a long, wide stretch of sandy beach with no rocky parts. Located near the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve (a UNESCO World Heritage site), hotels in the south end tend to be more eco-conscious than elsewhere in Tulum, which is reflected in the bohemian vibe here. The South Beach Zone is fairly quiet, away from the central party zone but still within walking/cycling distance to fantastic restaurants and a little nightlife. This is a great place to stay for active families and couples who want to explore more of Tulum’s natural wonders, from beaches to jungles to cenotes.

The Best Hotels in the South Beach Zone

• La Valise
• Casa Malca
• Nômade
• Encantada
• Sueños
• Be Tulum
• Nest
• Casa Violeta
• Xela

Staying in the Pueblo

The Pueblo is the lively downtown area of Tulum, brimming with wonderful restaurants, bars, and clubs. Hotels tend to be in the budget or moderate range, though there are a few new luxury hotels at a fraction of the cost of the beach resorts. The Pueblo is easily walkable and bikeable with a grid layout, sidewalks, and street lamps in most parts. Food in the Pueblo is more authentic and affordable than what you’ll find at the beach; among the best are Negro Huitlacoxe, Antojitos la Chiapaneca, and La Gloria de Don Pepe, though there are many amazing spots to try. The nightlife is anchored by Batey Mojito Bar, with several great bars and clubs nearby, including La Guarida and Mistico. Though the Pueblo is a vibrant, urban area, it is completely surrounded by jungle, with lots of nature to explore just a short bike ride away. Several amazing cenotes are within a 5 to 25-minute bike ride north along Avenida Coba, including Cenote Calavera, Gran Cenote, Cenote Santa Cruz, and Cenote Zacil-Ha (with a zip line).

The Best Hotels in the Pueblo

• Una Vida
• Bardo

Staying in Aldea Zama

Aldea Zama is a new luxury development in between Centro and the Beach Zone. Here travelers will find high-end condos and luxury apartments, along with some amazing restaurants, yoga studios, and a playground, all connected by walking and cycling paths. There is even a tiny, free cenote hidden here, popular with locals but never crowded. Boutique hotels in Aldea Zama offer upscale amenities like rooftop lounges and chic suites with private jacuzzis/plunge pools. The new Secrets Resort is the biggest development in the neighborhood (at 300 rooms, it’s also the largest hotel in all of Tulum), but since it’s an all-inclusive, it doesn’t add to the crowds at the nearby restaurants. For now, Aldea Zama has a bit of a sterile feel, while awaiting more year-round residents and businesses to move into its beautifully designed spaces. However, the location is perfect, offering easy access to the Pueblo and beach, while remaining calm and quiet at night.

The Best Hotels in Aldea Zama

• Secrets (some rooms here, some in Middle Beach Zone)
• Kimpton Aluna
• Naay

Staying in La Veleta

La Veleta is another new residential neighborhood in the Pueblo. More affordable than Aldea Zama immediately east, La Veleta has developed a more vibrant, organic feel despite its relative newness. Popular with expats and digital nomads staying for weeks or months at a time, this area has several great restaurants, a couple of bars, fun boutique shops and markets, coworking spaces, and galleries. Calle 7 Sur (7th Street South) and the surrounding area especially come alive at night, with music and dancing at many restaurants and bars, though it’s not the wild party scene you’ll find in Centro or Beach Town. Another advantage is the “new” road, Avenida Kukulkan, which connects La Veleta directly to the beach (at km 5.5, right where Beach Town meets the Middle Beach Zone), avoiding all the traffic of downtown.

The Best Hotels in La Veleta

• Milam
• Coco Hacienda
• Hotel Tiki Tiki
• Holistika

Staying in Tankah and Soliman Bays

About 10 km north of the pueblo, travelers will find two protected bays, first Tankah and then Soliman a little farther up the coast. While Tulum town has been developing at breakneck speed, these two beachfront neighborhoods remain almost unchanged. Both sit right behind the coral reef, and their beaches have a mix of sand and pulverized coral, so they’re not as silky as the southern beaches. Wear water shoes if you plan on wading in. However, having the reef so close to the shore makes both areas superb for kayaking, snorkeling, and diving, with green sea turtles and schools of colorful fish darting through stony corals and seagrass meadows. Tankah Bay is also home to Casa Cenote, an open-air cenote popular for scuba lessons, as well as a handful of laid-back, boutique hotels. Soliman Bay is a little quieter, just the occasional couple strolling along the water’s edge. In both neighborhoods, the only restaurants are inside hotels, except Oscar & Lalo on the highway before the entrance to Soliman Bay. Both neighborhoods are semi-private (Soliman is gated), only accessible to guests of the hotels, patrons of the restaurants, and visitors to the cenote.

The Best Hotels in Tankah and Soliman Bays

• Jashita
• Bespoke
• Nerea
• Alea
• Mereva
• O’ Tulum

Staying in South Riviera Maya

The Riviera Maya is a long stretch of coastline running from Puerto Morelos south through Playa del Carman and ending in Tulum’s Sian Ka’an Biosphere. South Riviera Maya is the closest part to Tulum (for info on North Riviera Maya, check out our article on Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen). Most hotels in this area are large all-inclusive resorts, so you don’t get the typical Tulum vibe. But the beaches here are incredible. Cozumel Island sits just off the coast and acts as a barrier, making the waves gentler and reducing the amount of seaweed that reaches the shore. For travel during the peak of summer/seaweed season, this is the best area to stay in near Tulum. All year long, this is a hotspot known for its adventure parks, especially Xel-Ha and Xcaret, with snorkeling, lazy rivers, ziplining, animal encounters, cultural activities, and more. The best thing to do in this area, though, is to explore the cenotes, natural swimming holes in the jungle fed by underground rivers with dazzling, gem-blue waters. Some are open to the sun, while others are partially or fully inside cave systems. Dos Ojos is the most famous (and most expensive) cenote to visit, made up of five cenotes linked together by the world’s second-largest cave system. Two wonderful, open-air cenotes here are Jardin del Eden and Cenote Azul.

The Best Hotels in South Riviera Maya

• Conrad
• Hilton
• Hotel Esencia

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