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When visiting Mexico, you have plenty of choices for beautiful beach towns. While you might be more familiar with towns like Cancun and Cabo San Lucas, Tulum brings all of the beach parties without the spring break feel.
Check out the best hotels in Tulum so that you can make the most of your time in this special town!
Why You Should Visit Tulum
Tulum has white sand beaches and a fun bar scene of towns like Cozumel with the history and foodie scene of towns like Oaxaca and Mexico City.
It’s ranked as the #1 place to visit in Mexico thanks to its famous beaches, Mayan ruins, and gorgeous cenotes (think: underground swimming hole).
Luckily, Tulum has no shortage of excellent hotels for every budget, perfect for sitting back, relaxing, and letting your worries slip away. Keep reading to see our list of the 15 best hotels in Tulum.
The 15 Best Hotels in Tulum
Read below for the 15 best hotels in Tulum. We’ve considered amenities, guest reviews, location, and more to find these fantastic stays. Broken down into luxury ($500+/night), mid-range ($100-499/night), and budget (under $100/night), we’ve found incredible hotels in every price range.
Average prices are in USD for a one-night stay in their most basic level accommodation, but some hotels do offer longer stay discounts.
1. La Valise Tulum
- Location: South Tulum
- Average Price: $1,200
La Valise is the ultimate romantic getaway destination. Surrounded by jungle gardens with direct private beach access and Caribbean views, you’ll be in paradise.
Days are best spent on luxe beach beds, swimming in the heated infinity pool, or on excursions to the ruins and other local sites. On-site, there are two restaurants: NU Tulum for fine dining and La Valise Beach Bar for pool and beachside eats and cocktails.
If you’re looking to relax, there’s even an on-site spa and wellness center with spa treatments and yoga classes. The rooms alone will help you relax with beautifully decorated rooms with picturesque views and terrace hammocks.
Previous guests have adored the staff, saying their service at La Valise is to-tier. They also loved the food and said the free breakfast was huge and yummy!
2. Papaya Playa Project
- Location: South Tulum
- Average Price: $800
If you’re looking to get away from it all, the Papaya Playa Project is the perfect place to do so. Located in South Tulum with a jungle garden surrounding the property, you’ll find the peace you’ve been searching for.
Instead of a built-up hotel, you can stay in private beachfront cabins and bungalows on a complex with swimming pools, a restaurant, a bar, and a spa on-site. It’s also a sustainable property, so it’s eco-friendly.
The Papaya Playa Project is great for people looking to experience the famed spiritual side of Tulum. Their spa offers traditional Mayan Shaman therapies and a monthly full-moon party with live DJs at their beach bar.
Previous guests have loved all of the beautiful touches to the hotel. They also rave about the fantastic service and welcoming atmosphere.
3. Ahau Tulum
- Location: South Tulum
- Average Price: $600
Ahau Tulum is an excellent hotel for couples or honeymooners because of its luxe and romantic feel. It is beachfront with a private beach area so that you can soak up the sun in peace.
It also has an entire beach club area attached to the hotel with a pool, beach bar, restaurant, BBQ facilities, and lounge chairs.
You can take in the sunset views as you sip your margarita! You can take part in all of the activities you could ever want at the hotel, like a local food or cultural tour, water sports, snorkeling, fishing, yoga, other fitness classes, and live music performances.
Previous guests appreciated the convenient and safe location making it easy to explore Tulum and still have a retreat from the hustle and bustle. Plus, they loved the clean rooms and beautiful views.
4. Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa
- Location: Tankah Bay Beach
- Average Price: $950
If you’re looking for the all-inclusive Tulum experience, look no further. Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa offers an all-inclusive experience far beyond accommodation.
Each booking includes beautiful rooms, reservation-free dining, top-shelf liquor, spa treatments, 24-hour room service, pool and beach wait service, water sports, nightly performances, and private beach access.
It’s a great place to spend a stress-free honeymoon or an all-inclusive family trip. They have a lot of activities for kids, so adults can get some time to unwind at their spa.
Everything you could ever want is available on-site, but you can also easily walk into town to explore on your own. Past guests love their unlimited, all-inclusive package, beautiful and clean rooms, and delicious restaurants.
5. Ana y José Hotel & Spa
- Location: South Tulum
- Average Price: $1,050
For a charming and stylish stay, Ana y Jose Hotel & Spa is a chic luxury hotel in trendy South Tulum. Set in the jungles with direct beach access.
It has two restaurants on-site serving Mexican and International cuisine, plus a beach bar for snacks and beverages when lounging at their pool or private beach access. Breakfast is free with fresh fruit and vegan/vegetarian offerings.
You can spend your days on the beach or poolside. Or sign up for snorkeling, diving, cycling, windsurfing, or fishing trips. The spa is also a great spot to head to unwind and relax, with rejuvenating treatments and gorgeous facilities.
Previous guests have loved their on-site restaurants, saying it was some of the best food they had in Mexico. Plus, feeling like you’re in your own little jungle paradise left a lot of guests relaxed and refreshed.
6. Mezzanine a Colibri Boutique Hotel
- Location: Playa Paraiso
- Average Price: $400
The Mezzanine, a Colibri Boutique Hotel, is where you go when you don’t want to worry about a thing. With a swimming pool, beachfront location, on-site restaurant, and a bar, you’ll have everything you need for a relaxing Mexican vacation.
Las Palmas Beach is one of the most stunning beaches globally, and you’ll have a front-row view of it at the Mezzanine a Colibri.
You can enjoy your beach view while dining on authentic Thai food at the restaurant or classic beach eats at the beach bar. It’s also a short walk to the Tulum Archeological Site for an opportunity to walk through history.
It’s a magical spot, according to most of the reviews. Past guests have even called it heaven on Earth and a calm spot to stay away from the bustling city center of Tulum.
7. Layla Tulum
- Location: Tulum City Center
- Average Price: $325
Layla Tulum is an adults-only retreat for travelers looking to enjoy all that the town of Tulum has to offer. It’s located right in the middle of town, but the jungle gardens, swimming pool, and terraces will make it feel removed from the hustle and bustle.
The beach is less than 3 km away. If you don’t want to walk for a swim, you can enjoy a dip in their gorgeous pool or enjoy a cocktail poolside. The city is just outside the front door, so you’re seconds away from tasting all of the incredible food Tulum has to offer.
There’s also a burger bar attached to the hotel to enjoy international food on-site all day. Every room has a private terrace, so getting some takeaway to enjoy there is a great way to spend the afternoon.
People love the rooftop pool and how close everything is. It’s especially popular with groups of friends thanks to its proximity to the best bars and clubs, beautiful décor, and spacious rooms.
8. Tulum Nueve
- Location: Soliman Bay
- Average Price: $185
Located just outside of Tulum, Tulum Nueve is a charming family-owned hotel perfect for escaping your worries. With jungles all around, you’ll find bungalow-style accommodations with private terraces and a swimming pool.
Even though it’s just outside of town, it’s still only less than a mile to get to the nearest white-sand beach. They also have snorkeling and cycling easily accessible from the hotel.
There are also quite a few cenotes nearby that are a bit off-the-beaten-path, which means you’ll likely have them to yourself. There’s a bar on-site for dining, but it’s also straightforward to get into town for dinner if you’re looking for a more formal spot.
Guests rave about the hosts, saying because it’s family-owned, the service is outstanding. People also love how private it is with free-standing bungalows in a jungle instead of rooms with shared walls.
9. Habitas Tulum
- Location: South Tulum
- Average Price: $400
If you’re an eco-conscious traveler, Habitas Tulum is an eco-friendly hotel in the beautiful South Tulum area. It has everything the luxury resorts have–a private beach area, an on-site restaurant, and a year-round outdoor pool–for more accessible prices.
Because of its convenient location in South Tulum, you’ll have access to the ruins (2 miles away), National Park (a quarter of a mile away), and the best independent restaurants and bars in Tulum (right outside the front door).
The hotel is gorgeous, with clean, spacious rooms and an infinity pool overlooking the ocean with a poolside bar. It’s a great spot to head for a fun vacation because of the nightly-themed dinners, live DJs, and party beach bar.
Guests love the pool area in particular because, during the day, it’s a great spot to sip some cocktails from the pool bar. At night, it turns into the center of the party!
10. Mamasan Treehouses & Cabins
- Location: South Tulum
- Average Price: $375
For a truly unique vacation, you can stay in the treehouses and private domes of Mamasan. It’s set just steps away from South Tulum beach in a series of private dwellings with jungle and sea views.
With a restaurant and bar on-site, surrounded by tropical gardens, you’ll feel like you’re in heaven every morning you open your eyes.
There’s a large terrace to relax on or enjoy your complimentary breakfast. It’s located by all of the best beaches in Tulum and near some crowd favorite lunch and dinner spots.
Even though the town is close-by, Mamasan is a quiet, relaxing place to be, partially because it’s adults only. People rave about the central location, unique rooms, and excellent service.
11. Crucero Tulum
- Location: Ruinas Beach
- Average Price: $68
For a budget-friendly hotel, Crucero Tulum packs a punch. Located less than a mile from the ruins and the beach, it’s the perfect spot for travelers looking to make the most of their vacation.
It’s a social spot with an on-site restaurant, free breakfast, and a communal kitchen. The staff will even help you find the best party to head to, so you and your new friends can party the night away.
The central location makes it easy to fill your days with tours, beach relaxation, and cenote swimming.
They have bike rentals available from the hotel to make getting around even faster. Reviewers love the location and good value of the property, especially the free, delicious daily breakfast.
12. Joy Tulum
- Location: La Valeta
- Average Price: $99
Joy Tulum is your best bet if you want a luxury beach vacation without the price tag. It’s set back in the jungle just outside of downtown Tulum, so it’s very quiet and peaceful. Every room is in a private bungalow with clean bathrooms, garden views, free WiFi, and comfy beds.
You’ll find a pool, sun terrace, shared kitchen, and lovely gardens on-site. There are also free bike rentals, making it easy to get into town and around the ruins and beach.
It’s perfect for making new friends if you’re a solo traveler. With common areas by the pool, free board games, and fun spots to grab a drink before heading to the bars, you’ll find many open and friendly people.
Guests especially love the free bikes and gorgeous garden setting. They also say it’s easy to get to all of the Tulum hotspots from the hotel.
13. Luna Llena Tulum
- Location: La Valeta
- Average Price: $99
Luna Llena Tulum offers a budget-friendly romantic getaway for honeymooners and couples on a budget. With clean, airy rooms and tropical gardens, it’s easy to lose yourself in the slowed-down rhythm here.
All rooms come with private bathrooms, free WiFi, and air conditioning. A swimming pool, garden terrace, and private beach access through Maria Del Mar Boutique Hotel await you when you walk out of your room.
Located in La Valeta, you’re right between the city center, ruins, and beaches. Plus, some of the best restaurants in Tulum are only a short walk away. Previous guests appreciated the clean rooms and peaceful setting.
14. Hotel Scarlette
- Location: Rancho Viejo
- Average Price: $84
Hotel Scarlette is a beautiful boutique hotel located outside of the bustling city center of Tulum. You’ll get all of the tranquility you’re searching for in a Mexican vacation.
Even though it’s not in the city center, it still offers quite a fun vacation. With a swimming pool, bar, and restaurant, you can kick your feet up and relax without having to leave the property at any time.
If you do want to explore the area, it’s only a 15-minute walk or a $10USD taxi ride away. You can also easily walk to many cenotes, perfect for a cooling dip on a hot day. Guests love the peaceful location that’s still close enough to take advantage of all that Tulum offers.
15. Casa Abanico
- Location: Tulum City Center
- Average Price: $50
If you want a locals’ Tulum experience, Case Abanico is perfect. Decorated in traditional coastal Mexican décor and located right in the center of it all, it’s a gorgeous spot to see the real Tulum.
Within walking distance, you’ll find some of the best food and drinks that Tulum offers. If you want to do some cooking of your own, the communal kitchen is a great spot to save some money and eat some home-cooked meals.
The nearest bus stop is right across the street, making it easy to access the ruins, beaches, and attractions you’re looking for. Guests loved how clean and nice the rooms were, especially at the low price.
Want More Options?
While we’ve picked what we think are the best hotel stays in Tulum, don’t limit yourself! We suggest browsing both Booking.com and Expedia.com to see what awesome deals are available.
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Making the Most of Your Tulum Hotel Stay
Now that you’ve found the perfect hotel for your upcoming trip to Tulum, you should know a few other details ahead of time to make the most of your Tulum hotel stay. Keep reading for our best practices when traveling to Tulum.
Getting to the Hotel
Most hotels, especially mid-range-upscale, provide free airport transfers from the Cancun International Airport. If your hotel does not have a specific transfer, you can still get to your hotel easily in a few different ways.
You can rent a car in Cancun and make the drive down the lovely Maya Riviera. Bonus because you’ll have private transportation to Mayan ruins, more secluded beaches, and the other side of town.
You can book a private transfer to pick you up in Cancun and drop you off at your hotel. This is a safe and comfortable option.
Finally, you can hop on an airport ADO bus which will take you straight into downtown Tulum for less than $20USD. It doesn’t have any luggage restrictions and leaves about every 30 minutes throughout the day.
Crime and Safety
Most tourists won’t experience any crime or safety issues during their visit. Because Tulum is a less-visited town than Cancun or Playa del Carmen, it’s moderately safer than both. However, there has been a higher crime rate in the past year due to drug-related violence.
Staying in well-lit, populated areas after dark and being aware of your surroundings should help you avoid any issues. Most of the violent crime was drug-related, so do not partake in any drugs during your visit to avoid violence.
We recommend that you do not drink tap water while in Tulum for your health and safety. Brushing your teeth and showering is fine, but avoid drinking it or having unpurified ice.
Traveler Tips
Here are some additional traveler tips that will make your trip the best it can be:
- Brush up on your high school Spanish for the best service
- Visit from September-November for the best deals
- The best way to get around is by bike–no taxi scams for you!
- Check out a traditional Mayan healing ceremony to learn about the local history and culture
- Ask your hotel staff where they like to eat for the best local eats and deals
Frequently Asked Questions
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Below you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Tulum.
What’s the best thing to do in Tulum?
While this depends on what you like to do while vacationing, the Chichen Itza ruins are a must-see and one of the New Wonders of the World. Tulum is also famous for its beaches!
Is the water safe to drink in Tulum?
Most travel doctors recommend that travelers stick to purified water while in Mexico. This includes ice in drinks! Avoid a trip-training stomach issue by asking for purified ice in all drinks. If that’s not available, ask for no ice.
How to get to Tulum?
The easiest way to get to Tulum is by flying into Cancun. You can then rent a car, take a taxi, or catch a ride on the ADO bus.
Is Tulum expensive?
Tulum is as expensive or budget-friendly as you want it to be. Because there are many cheap flights from US destinations to Cancun and plenty of budget hotels (check out our favorites above), you can be very frugal in Tulum.
Is Tulum safe?
Tulum is a moderately safe town in Mexico. Like any tourist destination in the world, theft is a possibility. Taking simple measures like not leaving things unattended, walking in groups at night, and being aware of your surroundings will help you avoid that.
There have been a few isolated incidents of violent crime in the past year, so the United States Overseas Security Advisory Council did urge US citizens to exercise caution after dark in Tulum.
So, What’s the Best Hotel in Tulum?
Whether you’re looking for a luxury trip, fun vacation, or budget-friendly adventure, Tulum has the hotel for you. With swimming pools. With on-site restaurants and bars, and convenient locations, your trip to Tulum will be a once in the lifetime trip!