Mexico › Tulum › Kid-Friendly Hotels
Updated: February 20, 2024
See Also
- Where to Stay in Tulum
- Best Hotels in Tulum
- Best Restaurants in Tulum
- Best Tacos in Tulum
- Best Cenotes in Tulum
- Biking in Tulum
Tulum is an awesome family destination. One of our favorites anywhere.
Tulum Family Hotels – Tips & Info
My boys at the Gran Cenote near Tulum.
- There are many great Cenotes near Tulum. All great for kids and families.
- Tulum is a good year-round destination but the best months to visit are from December to April.
- A note about Tulum hotels: Tulum’s hotels are simple and laid back. Don’t be expecting luxury amenities even if the price suggests that that’s what you’re getting. Service is on “Mexican Time” and might leave you disappointed if you’re expecting the sharp service of Cancun’s best resorts. That said, Tulum is my favorite beach spot along the coast (and has way better restaurants than Cancun or Playa del Carmen). Just be prepared for laid back, relaxed, and easy-going service and hotel staff.
The 12 Best Hotels for Families in Tulum, Mexico
Rooms for families – like this one at Sueños Tulum – get booked-up much sooner than regular rooms. Book early.
1. La Zebra Hotel
Beach-chic, luxury hotel on a wide stretch of white, sandy beach with a rooftop infinity pool, playground, and free, weekly salsa dancing lessons. All open-plan suites are designed for 4 with a king-sized bed and a double twin trundle bed, a dual shower, and dual vanities; many suites include private plunge pools. Amazing food and drinks, a small spa, and friendly, attentive service round out the experience here.
Hotel phone: +52 1 984 115 4726
Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com2. Cabañas La Luna
Rustic boutique hotel with spacious, family-friendly suites and a fantastic Mexican-Mediterranean fusion restaurant on a wide stretch of white sand beach. Spacious rooms offer up to 2 bedrooms and sleep families of 4 to 6, while the villa features 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a full kitchen, and a private pool.
Hotel phone: +52 1 984 146 7737
Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com3. Sueños Tulum
Located near the far end of the beach road. It’s quieter here but you can still walk to a few restaurants. Presidential suite is luxurious and perfect for family of 4. Small pool just back from the beach.
Hotel phone: +52 984 119 3484
Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com4. Alaya Tulum
A beachfront hotel that is beautifully decorated and centrally located. Family villa has 2 bunkbeds and a queen bed (in separate rooms). Beach here is beautiful. Good restaurants nearby.
Hotel phone: +52 984 159 1696
Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com5. Una Vida Tulum
Luxury, all-villa hotel in the Pueblo offering 1 to 3-bedroom suites sleeping families of 4 to 8, all with stocked kitchenettes and outdoor showers, some with outdoor bathtubs. Facilities and amenities include a gorgeous pool, in-room yoga and massage, free bicycles, and a cozy breakfast and lunch restaurant. Private dinners and tequila and mezcal tastings are available on request.
Hotel phone: +52 984 240 5231
Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com6. Las Palmas Maya
The best budget hotel in the beach zone, offering air-conditioned, open-plan family suites with 2 king beds and 1 sofa bed or 1 king and 1 queen, sleeping up to 5 guests. Their tiny restaurant serves breakfast until 3:00 p.m., plus they have a large communal kitchen for guests’ use. The hotel is on the jungle side of the road, a 30-second walk to the beach with free beach access at partner beach clubs.
Hotel phone: +52 1 984 214 8914
Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com7. Coco Village
Amazing, condo-style, boutique hotel with spacious 2 and 3-bedroom apartments, all with full kitchens and in-unit washers and dryers. There is a shared pool in the garden area, and guest have free access to the famous beach club at their sister property Coco Tulum. Located in the Pueblo (downtown), within walking or biking distance to several of Tulum’s best restaurants.
Hotel phone: +55 4169 2072
Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com8. La Zebra Hotel
Beach-chic, luxury hotel on a wide stretch of white, sandy beach with a rooftop infinity pool, playground, and free, weekly salsa dancing lessons. All open-plan suites are designed for 4 with a king-sized bed and a double twin trundle bed, a dual shower, and dual vanities; many suites include private plunge pools. Amazing food and drinks, a small spa, and friendly, attentive service round out the experience here.
Hotel phone: +52 1 984 115 4726
Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com9. Villas Geminis Boutique Condo Hotel
Affordable, upscale, pet-friendly studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom condos, most with full kitchens, some with outdoor soaking tubs. This gated hotel in the Pueblo offers a pool, garden, free bicycles, complimentary breakfasts, and discounts at nearby beach clubs. The hotel partners with a Mayan collective to arrange jungle retreats with Mayan healing rituals, cooking classes, tours of Sian Ka’an, and more.
Hotel phone: +52 1 984 115 4726
Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com10. Villa Las Estrellas
Rooms and suites are large, great for families, and steps from the sea. Centrally located on the beach road and an easy walk to several restaurants.
Hotel phone: +52 984 879 0772
Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com11. Zamas
Large bungalows sleep a family of 5. Great location (closer to town than most hotels) with restaurants and ice cream shop steps away. The beach here is not great but it’s an easy bike ride to great sand.
Hotel phone: +52 984 145 2602
Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com12. Naay Boutique Hotel
Stylish boutique hotel in the brand new Aldea Zama neighborhood, halfway between the Pueblo and the beach. Spacious 1 and 2-bedroom suites sleep up to 6 guests. The main highlight is the hotel’s rooftop, which boasts an infinity pool, kids’ pool, infinity jacuzzi, and an outstanding bar and restaurant with jungle sunset views.
Hotel phone: +52 984 231 1241
Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com
We’re planning our vacation for winter this year and trying to decide between Cancun and Tulum. Can you help us decide? We’re a family of 4 with kids ages 8 and 13.
– Does Tulum or Cancun have better kid-friendly resorts?
– Does Tulum or Cancun have more for families to do?
– Does Tulum or Cancun have better food?
– Is Tulum or Cancun easier to get to from the airport?
– Is Tulum or Cancun cheaper for hotels? We’re not on a tight budget but would still like good value for our dollar.
Thanks,
Pamela
The hotels at Cancun and Tulum are very different. Cancun largely has resorts (many are all inclusives) with huge pools, 1 or more indoor restaurants, apartment-style suites. Tulum has small family owned hotels with a handful of suites (usually 8 to 20 in total), maybe a small pool, an outdoor restaurant where the tables and chairs are wedged into the sand. Cancun feels more like being on vacation in an American city. Tulum more like being on a foreign trip (lots to explore). There is much more to do around Tulum (cenotes, water parks, Mayan ruins, boat trips on the Sian Ka’an Biosphere) than around Cancun. I prefer the vibe at Tulum – easy going and relaxed, staff are friendlier, you feel like you’re in Mexico. The food in Tulum is way better than the food in Cancun. Not even close. And much less expensive – especially if you go into Tulum Pueblo which has phenomenal local food. Cancun is closer to the airport (30 minutes as opposed to 90) but both are easy to get to: walk out the doors at the airport and get in a taxi van. Hotels in Tulum are less expensive than hotels in Cancun – though cheap hotels are almost non-existent.
Hello
We are an oversees family of 4 (kids 9,12) who will arrive in Tulum/Playa del Carmen in July.
We are used to travel/backpacking. And normally we just arrive to the place look around to find a place to stay. (Did this in Thailand, Philippines several times) we are budget travellers.
Will it be possible to do the same here? Or is it best to find something on the internet? What do you think/know about renting an apartment for a few days around Tulum/ Playa?
Thank you for great tips on your site.
Jackie
Yes, I like finding hotels after I arrive in a place too. But that’s very hard to do in Tulum. For 1, Tulum is ridiculously popular, yet hotels are small with just 6 to 20 rooms most of the time, so the best places get booked up months in advance. 2, the hotels along the beach are fairly spread out so it’s hard to walk around and look at more than a handful of places.
Apartments are great but very few are along the beach. Most are in town – which is fine but a good distance from the beach so that needs to be ok with you.
I can’t thank you enough. What a wonderful resource. So helpful. We’ll be in Tulum in early January with our 10 year old. We’re staying at Playa Mambo in a beach front cabin. We’d like to ride bikes into town for lunch or dinner. How is it biking with a child into town? Easy, hard, traffic?
Thanks,
Eleanor
It’s a very bike friendly town. And the ride to town is flat most of the way so pretty easy. There’s a bike path for most of the route but Playa Mambo is a fair ways down the beach road (after the bike path ends) so you’ll have a good stretch (say, 15 minutes of riding) that won’t be on the bike path but will be on a narrowish 2 way road. Traffic moves fairly slowly but there are always exceptions. The one trouble with dinner is that you’ll likely be returning home in the dark and I wouldn’t recommend riding on the beach road in the dark. So best to do a lunch or early dinner trip to town. It’s a fun ride though and the food in town is great – and cheaper than along the beach.
This is great site! My husband and I stayed in Playa Del Carmen before at the Rosewood. I have been reading from my fave fashion bloggers about how awesome Tulum is! Is it too late to go during the Christmas holiday with our teen daughters? Or should we go alone in March? Our daughters have never been to Mexico before and Eco friendly may not work an entire week for them! Suggestions?
Kristie Shanahan
You’re right, Tulum is great. And there’s a fun vibe at Christmas time. I think it would be great to go with your daughters. They’d love it. Rooms could be hard to find as Tulum fills up very early, so if you decide to go book a hotel ASAP.
Hi Dave,
Your site is great! We love Tulum and are thinking of spending 4 nights in April with our two teens 13 & 15. Definitely want AC and best part of Tulum beach. Looking at Absolute Beachfront Suite at La Zebra. Have been wanting to stay there but not sure it’s too cramped for 4 of us. Also looking at Alaya – family suite or connecting rooms. Please let me know what you think as many places are already booked for our dates. Thank you!
Jenna Martelon
The family suite at Alaya definitely has much more room. But it’s great to be right on the beach. Personally I think I would take the beach front suite but you know your family – can you be comfortable in tight quarters for 4 nights?
Hey David!
We are planning a trip to Tulum with our 3yo and 5yo. The hubs and I are in agreement about Tulum and visiting attractions and local restaurants. The problem is he is very much a resort guy and I am not. Any good recommendations that have some of the amenities that would make the husband happy (air conditioning, pool, etc) but show him how cool it can be off the resort grid. NOTE: he has never really derailed off the resort grid.
Thanks in advance!
Try Suenos – still “Tulum cool” but has some of the conveniences and luxury of a resort.
Hi Dave, great article! I always stayed at Yoga Shala Tulum, and liked the simplicity and pricepoint. Now we have a 15 month old baby and need a place where we won’t annoy other guests, if baby cries. Can you recommend a good place in Tulum that is baby friendly?
Julia Beltsiou
Playa Mambo has a beautiful spot on the beach with a number of restaurants within an easy walk and one of the few markets along the beach road is right at the hotel entrance. If you book a beach bungalow on booking.com it’s easy to add a note with a special request. Ask for the Orange bungalow as that one is set off on its own a little and should give you a bit more privacy. There’s usually a breeze off the ocean which muffles any noise. I’d be surprised if other guests could hear a baby’s cry in the night from the Orange bungalow.
Hi David,
I just found your blog and I am appreciating your kid tips for worldwide travel. I actually am researching two potential trips. Cambodia– where we have never been, and Tulum, Mexico. Where we have travelled but just as a side trip from Akumal. We immediately knew once we hit Tulum that if upon returning to the Maya Riviera, it would be Tulum that would lure us back, hands down. We are a family of five. My husband and I have three boys, twin boys who are 4 and a nine year old. We have three weeks and are contemplating a trip to Cambodia from the Canadian subarctic! But we also are thinking Cambodia, because, well, life is short. We’ve got friends who we can possibly overlap with in either place & who have been to Cambodia, before kids though. Both have archeological sites to lure this adult, — bucket list. we are adventurous & outdoor folks who prefer to camp outdoors but appreciate some luxury now & again with water slides. Any further advice? Thanks for your knowledge here.
Not sure exactly what you’re asking but Tulum is a great area with kids. Good history and culture, fun water parks, great beaches, cenotes, wonderful food. Cambodia is also wonderful but harder to find that place (like Tulum) that has a mix of everything.
Hi! Thanks for your super informative blog. I love reading it! Our family with two kids (6 & 8) will be heading to Tulum in April this year and thanks to your suggestion, we’ll be staying at Playa Mambo. We’ll spend a good amount of time on the beach but will also want to get out to the cenotes, the Mayan ruins, and into town for delicious food. Do you recommend renting a car?
Alison
Taxis are so cheap and easy to find that I prefer not having the hassle of driving, parking, worrying about your car, etc.
So glad to find your blog! We are traveling to Tulum for a week in March with our 1 and 3 year old children. We’d been looking at Playa Mambo and your recommendation made us book it! My question – would you suggest renting a car for the week we’re there? Thinking we’ll need it for transportation from the airport with carseats…plus it would give us freedom to go to the grocery store and to explore. But would love to get around without a car if that’d be possible with two little ones… Is there parking accessible at Playa Mambo? Thanks for any advice! Melissa
Generally, I don’t recommend getting a rental car. It’s so easy to get around Tulum with a mix of walking, biking, and taking taxis (easily available and inexpensive). But in your case – with young kids, and concerns about car seats – it might be the way to go. Consistently finding taxis with working seat belts takes time and effort – you need to stop them and get in the back seat to ensure they work, often they don’t, and you have to say no thank you. And then when you found one, you’d need to install your car seat – more time, effort, hassle. Parking is no problem at Playa Mambo.
Hi David,
Such a wealth of information about staying in Tulum, thank you! We are planning a two-family trip this March for 3 adults and 5 kids, ages 1, 1, 3, 3, 6. We would like a large suite that all 8 of us could share, or connecting rooms that are big enough for a family each. The hotels you list all look great, what would you recommend for our small army of toddlers?
Best, Ruben
Look at Zamas. They have a wide range of beachside suites, family rooms, and large suites back from the beach (“garden suites”). You might want to contact them directly ([email protected]) just to be sure you get rooms directly beside each other. The downside with Zamas is the beach isn’t the best. Punta Piedra ([email protected]) has a cluster of 3 rooms right up near a very nice beach. For a more luxurious hotel try Alaya ([email protected]) – they have family villas close to each other and the beach here is the best in Tulum.
David,
Thank you so much for taking the time to write about Tulum. We have been in Mx several times, but this time we would like to explore Tulum. We have a 2 y/o son and are planning our trip for May at around 5/21-5/28. We would like to stay in a moderate budget/oceanfront hotel. I like the cabanas/bungalow style. The month of May marks the starting of the rainy season so I’m a bit worried. Do you have any experiences with mosquitos there? What area—if any—might be more exposed to mosquitos. Which hotel with A/C would you recommend? We would like to stay in an area of nice beach with proximity to the town, if possible.
Thanks in advance,
Mirna
Generally, the closer to the beach you are the fewer mosquitoes there will be (because of the breeze off the ocean). The farther back into the jungle you are the more mosquitoes. Some hotels have A/C, some don’t. Ana y Jose, for example, is one hotel in Tulum that does have A/C.
Hi Dave,
Myself, my wife and our two kids (2 year old and 4 year old) are coming to Tulum in late March. We are well-seasoned travellers but we managed to convince my parents to wing it and come with us. We are staying in Tulum 3 nights then going to Isla Mujeres for 4 nights. I was hoping for some advice.
1. Our flight lands in Cancun at 8:30 pm. What is the best way to get 4 adults and 2 kids to Tulum at that time of night without hassle, but also not breaking the bank?
2. I think we are giving up on the dream of staying at the beach as there are not many affordable places that offer rooms/cabanas that can accommodate all of us. Two rooms becomes too expensive. Do you know of a place that might have room for all of us to split the cost? If not, can you recommend a nice place in town that is kid-friendly and well-located?
Jamie
1) Paradise Transfers is reliable, reasonably priced, and you pay the same rate (for a large van) regardless of the number of people. If you pre-book they’ll have someone waiting for you with a sign as you exit immigration/arrivals.
2) Las Tres Palmas is nice hotel in town with friendly staff, great location, and inexpensive rooms (some big, some small).
Hi David,
Thank you for your wonderful details on Tulum. I am planning a trip with my husband and children (8 and 11 yrs old) in late May/early June. I am trying to decide where to stay. We would like to be able to bike most places, including lunch and dinner in town where it seems food is likely better, less expensive and will give us more of a local feel, to beach, cenotes and ruins, etc. I have also read that many hotels turn off electricity at night – while I would like the the experience of being mostly off the grid, I have a child who sometimes has problems with asthma and would feel better if I knew we could plug in a nebulizer at night if needed. Where would you recommend we stay?
Thank you!
Shaila Yeh
Alaya Tulum has large family suites and 24 hour electricity – though you should send them an email to be 100% sure. In town, hotels are on the electrical grid so full electricity is not a problem. Las Tres Palmas is a good inexpensive hotel in town with family rooms.
Question for you Dave. We just booked 5 nights at Playa Mambo in the “Deluxe Bungalow with Sea View” (this is the name from Booking.com’s site and confirmation). I am having a hard time translating that to which of the actual cabanas we will be in. We are 4 people, so I assume it would be the upstairs/downstairs setup but I am not sure and I have not received a reply to my email queries to Playa Mambo. Given your familiarity with the resort I thought you might know, and I want to be sure to make any changes if needed before the cancellation window closes. Thanks! Sonya
Yes, this is the Penthouse with the upstairs/downstairs. They usually have a double bed and a single bed upstairs and a single bed downstairs. It’s right on the beach.
Thanks for the reply–your site is an absolute treasure trove of info.
I’m wondering if you can elaborate a bit more on why Playa Mambo is your #1 choice for families with kids–we have 2 high energy, outdoor-oriented boys ages 7 and 10. We’re booked and excited but I’m second guessing our choice a bit out of concern that we won’t be terribly comfortable. I’ve read reviews about there being no water, some rooms being smelly and dim, there being no one there to check you in when you arrive, etc. What’s your take? It looks gorgeous in a rustic-chic kind of way, but that handful of reviews have me spooked. We’ll be in the penthouse. Just how rustic is it?
We don’t have a ton of other choices since we’re scheduled to arrive March 28, but at $450/night I want to make sure we aren’t going to feel like we’re camping or at a seaside motel 6.
Last question. How far is it from Playa Mambo to Viento del Mar? We have friends who will be staying there at the same time.
I think Playa Mambo is great for boys as you’re right on the beach and you can walk out your door and play. My boys kick the soccer ball around right in front of the Penthouse. There are some hammocks at the beach bar where they can sit and read. But yes, this is not a 5 star resort. Service is friendly but “relaxed” and you need to be patient. I don’t think anyone would call the penthouse smelly and dim (or any of the cabanas along the beach – there are 3). That said, there isn’t bright lights spread all around the unit either. When you first enter the cabanas they actually strike you as quite hip and trendy so no you won’t feel like you’re camping. Inevitably there will be things here and there that will strike you as imperfect (a small roof leak, or a window that doesn’t latch properly) – but if these things are going to be a big deal then Tulum (not just Playa Mambo) is probably not the best place for you. Hope that helps.
Curious if you’ve heard any news about Playa Mambo. I have been calling and emailing for a week regarding my reservation and have had no response (no one answers phone). I called Booking.com and they also were not able to get them on phone. I assume all is well but have no good way to verify. Just wanted to inquire as to whether you had heard whether there had been a change or problem there so that we can change plans if needed. Veronica.
Yes, they can be slow at getting back to you (as is common with many Tulum hotels). Try emailing the hotel at [email protected].
We are traveling to Tulum this summer as two families with 5 kids ages 2-13. We would love to stay in Tulum – it looks quite charming – but are struggling with where to stay – we will want AC at least at night and great food. Definitely want to be on the beach – it looks like on the higher end side in town you are recommending Suenos and Alaya – is there anything else we should look at? Have you ever stayed at the Jashita? it is close but a couple miles out of town – they don’t take a lot of kids but can take up to 6 at a time and have rooms with 2 kings. Advice would be appreciated!
Alaya and Suenos are both great choices. (Alaya is a shorter walk to more restaurants.) Unless you just want to hang out by the pool and the beach I would not recommend Jashita as it is fairly isolated and not much within walking distance.
HI there, we will be going on a last minute trip in 2 weeks to Tulum! However, I noticed (with reason) that a lot of the hotels are booked. Any non-popular hotels you may recommend?
Thanks!
Look at Punta Piedra, Diamante K, and Suenos. If you’re really stuck then you’ll need to get something in town. Good choices are Maison Tulum, Palms Tulum, and Las Tres Palmas.
We are traveling to Tulum with our 2 boys (9 and 6) and wondering what your thoughts are for Alaya vs Ana y jose? We are looking for the most luxurious on the beach with ability to walk to places. Lisa.
I would go with Alaya. I like the beach better here and the vibe is just a little more relaxed and kid-friendly than at Ana y Jose which feels more like a resort with honeymooners. Ana y Jose is more central, but Alaya has more dining choices within a 5 minute walk (I know that might sound like a bit of contradiction).
Do you have any suggestions for a single mom travelling with two kids, ages (almost) 12 and 10? Anything I should be particularly concerned about or take into account, travelling as a single mom in Mexico? Thanks.
Nothing really pops out at me. Tulum is a pretty safe area (though obviously, not without its isolated incidents). One thing that I might recommend is that if you hire a taxi to take you to a cenote get them for a return trip so you won’t have to stand on the side of the highway flagging down a taxi.
I recently went with my sons, ages 9 and 11, and we rented a car and stayed in Chemuyil, a bit north of Tulum, at the Posada del Agua y Fuego. It was five minutes from the beach, had its own cenote and pool, fabulous breakfast, super laid back vibe, lovely hosts, and an easy drive to all the attractions (Coba ruins, various cenotes – we went to Dos Ojos and to the ones near Coba — Akumal, and Tulum Pueblo). The downside is that you really have to rent a car to enjoy it. The upside is, once you have a car, it is a wonderful, affordably, very relaxing place to stay and you can explore the region. My kids absolutely loved it and can’t wait to go back. Oh — I also bought them their own snorkel gear before we left, which was a really good idea, since a lot of the smaller cenotes have cheap entrance fees for the swim but expensive gear rental, plus they didn’t have to keep getting used to different ill-fitting masks. We just kept the gear in the car, and if we saw a good-looking cenote we could jump right in!
Anna Shusterman
Thanks Anna. Yes, the Posada has a good central location for many attractions north of Tulum (but you do need a rental car to stay out here).
Hi, can you recommend anywhere near beach which sleeps family of 5, two adults, 3 kids aged 14, 10, and 6. two boys and a little girl. We prefer more out of town. Thanks, Cheryl.
Try Azucar or Playa Canek – both on the beach.
Hi Dave,
We just booked a stay at Playa Mambo in November and then I realized that it doesn’t have a pool. Or if it does, I don’t see any pictures of it. If the kids want to try out a pool, can you go for lunch at one of the other hotels and use the pool, or is that not appreciated.
Cannot wait for those el pastor tacos!
Thanks!
Madeline
Playa Mambo does not have a pool and no, I don’t know of any hotel that offers its hotel for non-guests. Most pools in Tulum are not big so this is impractical. But there are lots of cenotes and they’re wonderful.
We will be in Tulum next week… We are stil hesitating between a couple places… We are 4 (2 adults and 2 kids, 1 yr old and 7 yr old)…
Between:
Suenos
Alaya
Viento de Mar
What would be your recommendation?
David
Go with Suenos. It is a great hotel and the kids will enjoy the fun atmosphere of a jungle tree house. It is so unique and fun to explore, they will love it. It’s nice to have the pool when you need a break from the sand. It is low key which makes traveling with the kids simpler too.
I’ve just discovered your site and LOVE it! Thank you for all of this great information! It’s our first time visiting Tulum and we’ll be staying over Christmas this year. I’m wanting to select something with rustic charm and a great beach, healthy food options on site or nearby if possible. We have kids that are 4+9. I’m looking at Playa Mambo, Punta Piedra and Zamas. We’d love to be able to walk to other restaurants, shops, maybe yoga and have a great space for our kids to run around and play and we can all rest + recharge. It’s our first time going on a tropical Christmas too! Which would you suggest for this? Thanks so much! Elishia
Punta Piedra has great charm and character which will make your first tropical Christmas even more special and memorable for the kids. The staff is incredibly welcoming and will help make your holiday really special. The location early on in the beach makes for quick trips into town or an easy walk or bike ride further into the beach zone to see other hotels, try out some yoga, etc. While it is central to try out other areas, there are also some great shops and restaurants right in their little nook of the beach. Puro Corazon is great and Mateos is very popular too. You might even get to see fire dancers performing along the street near the restaurants. There is a great gelato shop with a few locations in town and they have a little stand right there. While you won’t be disappointed no matter what flavor you try, I highly recommend the coconut – it is amazing. Once you try it, you’ll definitely be back for more. The beach at Punta Piedra is also great for a getaway with kids because it is a smaller section and a little more enclosed so you won’t have to be worrying that they are wandering too far off.
Wondering about the seaweed on the beach. Is it still an issue?
Thanks in advance!
Jude
The seaweed is not bad right now. It fluctuates but has greatly improved over the past few months. Many of the hotels also clean it from the beach around their properties when it does flare up. It hasn’t affected swimming in the ocean either so you can enjoy the snorkeling and swimming in that beautiful crystal blue water.
Hi Dave, I’m looking to book a quick family trip to Tulum in August, from the 17th to 21st. Is the weather at that time ok with two kids, ages 7 and 9? Also, what are your thoughts about Alaya vs. La Zebra? La Zebra was recommended by my sister in law but have not seen the place. Is there a pool in any of the hotels?
Thanks a lot!
Edrose Retodo
It will still be hot in August however, with a decent amount of time spent at the beach or by a pool, it is very manageable. Both are great hotels but appeal to different styles of vacationing. For traveling with kids in August, La Zebra is a better option. La Zebra has plunge pools and air conditioning for the rooms whereas there are no pools at Alaya. In August, with kids – those amenities will make your trip much more enjoyable. La Zebra’s restaurant is also fantastic – beachside guacamole and cocktails while the kids are playing on the beach will make your vacation even nicer too. The hotel has a very fun, welcoming, carefree atmosphere and not only is the restaurant great… they have free salsa dancing lessons every Sunday night that are very fun. You will see lots of locals there enjoying the dancing and lessons beforehand which is always a good sign to me.
David – I’ve enjoyed and found your blog a great resource for our 10 day trip July 28-August 7. We are a family of 5 with kids ages 4 (still naps), 9, 10. I have been going back and forth between beach rentals in Akumal, Soliman Bay and closer to Tulum. I have gravitated closer to Tulum looking for less rocky beaches. Do you have any feedback or knowledge on Playa Selva? They have a 2br house with kitchen available (no AC but will bring in standing fans for summer). Is it unrealistic to be comfy without AC this time of year? Priorities are feet-safe, clean beach, want a few walkable restaurants, comfy, restful rooms for tired kids. Also looked into Casa Playa Maya on Soliman Bay and Villas Flamingo in Akumal. Any feedback is appreciated.
Carole Parker
Playa Selva is nice but no AC with young kids can be tough if they aren’t used to the heat. It is hot in Tulum right now (July) which can make sleeping a challenge, even with a fan and if you have one that still naps during the day when it is warmer, that could be tricky. If you aren’t set on Tulum, my suggestion would be Villas Flamingo in Akumal. It is a nice property with a nice pool and you will be glad you have the AC this time of year. The beach is just as beautiful as Tulum and you are still close if you want to spend some time in Tulum during your trip. If you are more interested in Tulum, Ana y Jose is a great option for families. They have AC and the grounds are very family friendly – nice pool, well maintained beach, private, quiet garden rooms, and centrally located along the beach road.
Hi there!
We are planning a trip in early March. It’s 4 adults and 2 boys ages 2 & 4. My mom (the fancy grandma) wants to pick a place with AC and an upscale vibe, no budget. We are hoping for a pool, so the kids can actually swim. We’ve been to Tulum several times before, but never with kids. Last time stayed at Ana y Jose but the vibe was very couples-oriented and the pool was small and cold.
What do you recommend for a luxury feel so my mom is happy? Last year we rented a house in Isla Holbox and everyone was happy but her. She needs to feel pampered!
Alissa
While many of the upscale hotels (with AC) in Tulum are adults only, there are a few very nice options that could work. Casa Malca is very upscale, full of contemporary art and modern design and they accept children. They have a nice, large pool for the kids but a very posh, upscale vibe for the fancy grandma. They offer one of the best restaurants in Tulum and the service is top notch. Unfortunately, it is on the far south end of the beach zone so it takes a few extra minutes to get into town but it’s worth the extra cab time when you make the trip. The property was once owned by Pablo Escobar and you will notice some odd architectural features and styling that lends itself to an opulent lifestyle such as his. It is now owned by NYC hotelier and art collector Lio Malca. If that is too much or too far from town, Maria del Mar is a brand new hotel closer to town with a nice pool and fancy rooms (AC). It seems they are still making up their mind about accepting children, the policy is no children but they have been making exceptions to that rule more than they have been enforcing it. It is much closer to town but the beach is rocky so you will spend more time at the pool than in the ocean.
Love your site. Do you have recommendations for hotels in Tulum that are adults-only? I see you have a list of best hotels for kids, so would love the best hotels for adults with no kids!
Also, wondering what you think about Rosa del Viento? Going in March, and am surprised at how many hotels are already booked. I did a little research but booked that place in a panic for fear of finding nothing else.
Thank you very much.
Read: Best Luxury Hotels in Tulum
Hi! Excited I found your site. We’re planning to be in Tulum this Thanksgiving with two kids (9 and 4) for the first time. My husband wants a place where we won’t have to entertain our kids, so I’m wondering what place offers safe enough activities for kiddos. I’m thinking something like a waterslide or something. Also, what places offer kayak rentals or similar things at reasonable prices? We want to be able to do things as well as chill on the beach. Will we need an AC in November? And how is seaweed then? Thanks so much!!
Yulia
Dreams Tulum is best if you are looking for a place with activities especially for kids. The down side is that it’s not in the main Tulum area (it’s about 6 miles north of downtown and 10 miles north of the main Tulum beach with the restaurants, bars, and shops) so you’re detached from the atmosphere that makes Tulum so great. The pluses are that they have a kids club with a climbing wall, splash fountain, etc. They also offer beach activities and excursions so that you can kayak, snorkel and explore with all of the logistics taken care of by the hotel. Their beach and pool are very comfortable to relax when you’re not on an adventure. The hotel maintains the beach to save guests from the seaweed when it is around. (It is a natural occurrence that is difficult to predict but the seaweed situation has been improving and is not a big problem right now.) Also, check out Xcaret – it offers a lot of activities for the whole family, perfect for boys looking for adventure. It is a beautiful area with open cenotes, zip lines, kayaking, etc.
Hi there–I just booked Zamas for my family 5 (kids aged 15, 13, and 10) and wondered if you have suggestions for (1) good swimming beaches nearby, (2) restaurants nearby, and (3) activities (I’d like to take them to Coba and snorkeling). Do you think we’d need to rent a car to do these activities or can Zamas help arrange this for us?
Elizabeth Kehoe
Both La Zebra and OM are good beach restaurants/bars and the sand is great, so head there – about a 10 to 15 minute bike ride south. Puro Corazon is very good, Mateos is good, and both are restaurants right across the street from Zamas. Zamas will definitely be able to help you arrange Coba and snorkeling (no need to pre-arrange). All you really need is a good taxi driver.
Hi Dave,
We are a family of 4 (2 boys aged 8 & 11) traveling to Tulum late May.
I have been considering Cabanas La Luna. Are you familiar with this place?
They appear to have a great rating on Tripadvisor.
Rachel
Cabanas La Luna is a great place and on a fantastic stretch of beach. The cabanas are nestled between a number of palm trees growing through the sand creating a secluded, private atmosphere. The kids will love the area. The rooms can get quite warm at night but the temperature shouldn’t be too bad in May.
Hello,
I am looking for a family friendly (2 adults, 3 tween age children) hotel, villa or B&B for my family traveling over New Years in Tulum. Do you have any recommendations? We’d love to find an affordable accommodation with a pool – bike or walking distance to restaurants and beach. It seems we’ve waited a bit too long to book, and any suggestion you have would be helpful. Boutique hotels, small home rental, or Bed and Breakfast would be optimal, but not necessary. Budget is no more than $250- 300/ night. Thank you.
Liz Cook
Finding a place that fits your criteria over New Years is nearly impossible at this point. Most places have been booked for months for New Years. Hotel Teetotum is well situated between the beach and town and, conveniently right next to a great bike rental shop. Hotel Prana is close to Teetotum so quite convenient between town and the beach. It is brand new and the property is very beautiful. If those are unavailable, your best option for finding a nice place with a pool and within biking distance from town and the beach is to find a private condo to rent for the week.
I have a friend that will be renting their two bedroom condo out during that time – here is the Airbnb link.
Hello Dave
Great blog! We are headed to Tulum with two children, ages 6 and 8 in April. Is there a preference you have between the Suenos and the Coral hotels in Tulum? Or perhaps some other hotels that you’d recommend? We like rustic, but really love the modern amenities and prefer a hotel with excellent food and drinks. Keeping in mind our kids love to swim in pools (and occasionally the ocean)
Thank you Dave!
With kids 6 and 8, go with Ana y Jose. Suenos might be too rustic for (no air conditioning with kids could make for some very long nights) and Coral is beautiful but the pools are just small plunge pools, not large enough to play in the pool. Ana y Jose has nice amenities and a pool for the kids but also still has some rustic charm (restaurant with sand floor, large palapa, etc). It is right along the ocean so when they can spend time in the ocean or the pool or switch it up throughout the day. The restaurant and bar are right in the middle making it a great spot for you to be while they are playing. They have great food and the service is really quite nice.
Hi Dave, I am so happy I found this great site! We are a family from Amsterdam with a 8 year old boy and 5 year old girl. We would love to go to Mexico over Xmas, we have never been. We love the beach and more of an adventurous holiday but the kids do love the pool, slides and kids entertainment. We have about 12 days so we thought maybe to combine lets say 6 days in a nice hotel for us (i.e. not touristy) with 6 days in a place the kids will love (maybe more of resort-type place). I heard Tulum as amazing – do you have any recommendations for us? We love a cool vibe, great food…but don’t want to spend a fortune which might be challenging at that time of the year. thanks so much.
Mirjam
Two family-friendly hotels in Tulum with a relaxed beach vibe are Alaya and Playa Mambo. Then take a look at kid-friendly resorts in Cancun.
Hi, I’m looking for a nice hotel for a 4-year-old and 5-month-old in either February or April this year. Clean rooms with modern amenities and a big enough room to fit all four of us comfortably. Not too rustic but has charm and is not a chain. Max of $300/night. Any suggestions?
The rooms at Posada Margherita have a nice layout with two beds and the rooms in a bit of an L shape giving you much more space and comfort with four people. The rooms are very clean and it has a lot of charm and personality. They aren’t rustic cabanas but are far from any sort of chain or typical hotel you have been to. There are only eight rooms in the entire hotel and they have one of the best restaurants in all of Tulum. It is Italian and they make all of their pasta fresh to order, it is delicious. Rooms have AC and are very comfortable. They are located along a long open stretch of beach making it perfect for walking along the water or checking out neighboring hotels and restaurants.
Hi David,
Thanks for this incredibly informative site!
We were hoping to pull off a last minute trip to Tulum late December/early January. Of course everything already appears to be booked or outrageously expensive. Do you have any ideas or suggestions for reasonably priced, decent, last minute bookings in the area?
Thanks for any advice!
Pam
Diamante K has more rooms (20) than many hotels and is located a little north of the main strip thus it often has some last minute openings. Still a nice hotel.
Hi! I am looking to book a hotel in Tulum in February for my family (3 year old, 5 year old and 7 year old). We would like the conveniences of AC, pool (if possible), great food, great beach, and nice hotel room. We want a good low key vibe, like Tulum offers, but want the best amenities at the same time. What do you think the best place to stay in Tulum is? Thank you!
Brooke
Ana y Jose is a good mix of the chill Tulum atmosphere but nice amenities. A great hotel to take kids because the pool is kid-friendly and close to the restaurant/bar for the adults. They have AC and a number of rooms with multiple beds, perfect for families. They are also located on a very nice stretch of the beach so you can enjoy nice morning walks and spend time in the beautiful water. The restaurant is very nice and the margaritas are fantastic.
Hello David,
I really enjoy your informative site. The four of us (2 adults, a 6 year old and a 2 year old) want to go to Tulum the end of June / early July. Between Suenos and Ana y Jose, which one would you recommend?
Thank you,
CW
Go to Ana y Jose – for one main reason – air conditioning. Suenos is a great, unique boutique hotel but, it relies totally on the ocean breeze and fans to cool off at night. Tulum is very hot in July and with two little ones, you’ll be glad you have the air-conditioning for all to get a good night’s rest. Ana y Jose also has rooms with a great layout for families with kids with two beds and lots of space to keep everyone totally comfortable. Their pool is also very comfortable and close to the restaurant/bar.
Ashley Campo
Dave,
Your blog is amazing, I have read every single word and it’s saved me a ton of research and time. thank you!!
My husband and I are hoping to travel to Tulum in either July or August for a week with our 3 year old daughter, you have narrowed down the resorts/hotels for me, but just quickly, what would be your number one recommendation for a hotel for us- we are Irish so I think A/C is essential! We would love to be close to the beach and have a pool for our daughter and somewhere safe where she isn’t like to be annoying others.
Also, would you recommend we hire a car, or do you think transfers from the airport and then explore on foot?
Many thanks for your time and amazing blog!!
Kelly
Ana y Jose is a great family-friendly hotel right on the beach. They have A/C, a nice pool (which is close to the restaurant/bar for you guys) and it isn’t unusual for there to be a few kids around so she won’t be bothering anyone. They are on one of the best sections of the beach so if you want to take a nice walk along the water, you’ll be in the perfect spot. They are also early on along the beach road which is nice when you’re headed into town.
You can do just fine in Tulum without a car and parking along the beach can be a pain. Go with a shuttle or private car from the airport and then use taxis to get into town or explore the beach on foot. Taxis are cheap and readily available wherever you are.
Hi Dave,
I didn’t book far enough ahead of time for a family of four (boys 12 and 9) for a March trip and now my top choice of Alaya is booked, as is my second choice of Anya y Jose (based on several of your recommendations). We really want to be on a great beach, ideally at or near the water. Playa Mambo looks great but the beach looks rocky, Om caught my eye, but I was curious what your thoughts are? Any others I should check would be welcome.
Thank you,
Chad Macy
Alaya, Playa Mambo, and OM are all on the same stretch of beach and a short walk from each other. The beach is not rocky near any of those hotels. The beachfront suite at Playa Mambo is bigger than the rooms at OM. I’d go with Playa Mambo.
This site is so informative: thank you so much! We are hoping to travel to Tulum in March. I know I’m late getting started. We are a family of two adults and three kids ages 6, 9, and 14. As most places I’ve researched will only sleep four to a room, we need a place with adjoining/connecting rooms. It’s difficult to tell when searching websites and exploring maps whether rooms/bungalows connect. Bungalows next to each other might work, but I’m iffy on our kiddos staying too far away from us with no adult sleeping in the room. We are hoping for beachfront. Any hotel suggestions?
The beach cabins at Alaya sit one on top of the other and are connected by a shared staircase. For example, cabins #13 and #14 are one structure with the top one being a family suite (one double bed and two bunk beds) and the bottom one being a double suite (double-check that when booking – map here). That’s probably your best choice for staying close to each other but still having some privacy.
Hi Dave,
What a great blog! We are going to Tulum for the fist time with our 12 year old girl and 10 year old boy.
We are trying to decided between the Alaya, Sueños and Le Zebra. Here are our top priorities:
1. Great Service.
2. We want beach access, pool and restaurant(s) on site as well as nearby.
3. Comfortable room with AC.
4. Convenience to access the diverse attractions of Tulum.
5. Doing a Family Photo Shoot on Location so the hotel would be a great place to start. Looking for interesting furniture, sunsets, beach landscape and hut-like authenticity.
Which hotel would you recommend?
Thanks,
Adore
All of these hotels offer great service, wonderful beaches, food, interesting decor for photos, and a convenient location (Alaya and La Zebra are neighbors; Sueños is just 400 meters south). Alaya looks the most like huts, but it doesn’t have a pool and only has a/c from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. Sueños has a great pool and photogenic Mayan-themed design, but it only has a/c from 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. La Zebra offers 24 hour a/c and a rooftop pool (great for getting sunset shots), but looks the most like a normal hotel. The outdoor spaces are designed to look rustic, but it’s definitely the least hut-like of the three.