Where to Stay in Tulum – Best Areas & Hotels
Are you planning a trip to Tulum and wondering where to stay on your trip? Well, you’re in luck! As someone who has been to Tulum multiple times now, I am going to tell you all the best areas and hotels to stay at, depending on what kind of trip you are looking for.
One of the best things about Tulum is the hotels. These are not your typical all-inclusive resorts (although there are some we will discuss later on in this guide). The hotels and resorts in Tulum are built to help you connect with nature, music, and embrace your artistic and spiritual side.
Although some hotels on Tulum Beach can be quite expensive, you can still enjoy all Tulum has to offer by staying at a hostel on the beach or trying a boutique hotel or Airbnb in Tulum town. No matter what you want to experience on your trip to Tulum, there is a unique stay that will fit your needs!
Planning a trip to Tulum
Before you decide where to stay in Tulum, I’ll go over some other important information you’ll want to know when planning your trip such as how to get to Tulum, the best time of year to travel, and everything you will want to pack for your trip!
When is the best time to visit Tulum?
Deciding when you’re going to visit Tulum can really make or break your trip. Between the Caribbean hurricane season and the seaweed that takes over the beach in the summer months, you’ll want to plan your trip right to really enjoy the beauty of Tulum.
When to visit: December – May
The best months to visit Tulum are December to May. These months have the best weather with sunny days, temperatures in the 80s, lower humidity, and clear waters and beaches. These months can be more crowded due to the nice weather, but honestly, Tulum is best enjoyed with a crowd due to its unique party and music scene! If you want to enjoy attractions like the Mayan Ruins or cenotes, just make sure to go in the morning to beat the crowds!
When to avoid: June – November
The summer months in Tulum are best to avoid. The hurricane season starts in June and goes all the way until November. These months also tend to be the hottest and most humid, making outdoor activities less than ideal. Another reason to avoid these months is the seaweed that washes up on the beach. Tulum Beach has beautiful and soft white sand with clear blue waters however, it is hard to enjoy when the beach is covered with sargassum.
How to get to Tulum
In the past, Tulum was somewhat difficult to get to. There was no airport in Tulum, so you had to fly into Cancun and then get a car or a bus to take drive you almost 2 hours from Cancun to Tulum.
Now, Tulum has it’s own airport! The airport is new, so flights are still limited and it’s not always possible to fly direct, but if you can find a flight into Tulum, definitely do that!
When planning your trip to Tulum, I recommend checking flights to both Tulum and Cancun to see what has the best time options and which has better prices. Sometimes, it will be cheaper to fly into Cancun instead.
If you do end up flying into Cancun, you will also need to arrange transportation to Tulum. The best way to do this is arrange a private shuttle or take this bus. Shuttles tend to be expensive, but are private and can be a good option when traveling with a group and will take you directly to your hotel or Airbnb.
If you want to go with the more affordable option, I recommend booking the ADO Bus. This bus runs between the airport in Cancun and Tulum town and is typically only around $15 USD round trip. The bus is comfortable, safe, and has a restroom!
Browse availability for buses and shuttles HERE!
Is Tulum Safe?
The question I always get asked the most when talking about visiting Tulum is if Tulum is safe. I can say from personal experience, that out of the many times I have visited Tulum, I have never been in a situation that made me feel unsafe.
Like anywhere else in the world, it is important to always be aware of your surroundings and never wander alone at night. My biggest safety tip I give to people who are traveling to Tulum is to not rent a car. 9 out of 10 times when you hear someone talk about getting scammed in Tulum, it is because they rented a car and were pulled over and scammed for money. This situation can be 100% avoided if you just walk, bike, and taxi your way around Tulum. Parking at the beach is VERY limited anyway, so its not really necessary to rent a car.
What to pack for a trip to Tulum?
If you’re planning a trip to Tulum, here are a few things that you do not want to forget on your trip!
Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Always wear reef-safe sunscreen in Tulum, especially if you are going to the cenotes! Most cenotes do not allow sunscreen, but if they do, it is best to wear sunscreen without toxic ingredients to protect them. It will also protect the ocean when swimming at the beach.
Snorkel & Mask: I always travel with my own snorkel gear, and I would definitely bring some to Tulum in case you want to snorkel in a cenote or at the beach!
Aloe Vera Gel: When in Tulum, you can expect to be in the sun all day. Even when I constantly apply sunscreen, I still end up with a burn. You’ll be thankful if you have this in your bag!
Water Shoes: The cenotes can be very rocky. If you have sensitive feet, I recommend bringing a pair of water shoes to wear when walking around the cenotes!
Probiotics: If you want to avoid getting sick in Tulum from possible water contamination or food poisoning, bring probiotics to take every day of your trip. On my first trip to Tulum, I ended up VERY sick on my last day. I now always travel with probiotics and have not had issues since!
Filtered Water Bottle: The water in Tulum is NOT safe to drink. For extra protection, bring a filtered water bottle!
Electrolytes: Another way to keep yourself from getting sick in Tulum is electrolytes. You will be in the heat in the sun all day and your body needs extra hydration! This will also help you get better quicker if you do end up sick at all on your trip.
Comfortable Walking Shoes: Tulum requires A LOT of walking and often on uneven roads and rocky sidewalks. Always have a pair of comfortable walking shoes ready when you need them!
You can view my full Tulum Packing List HERE
More Tulum Travel Guides:
Overview of where to stay in Tulum
Before I go into detail of where to stay in Tulum, I’m going to give a breakdown of the different areas to stay, so you know how to choose the best area before deciding on a hotel. Below are the main areas to stay in when visiting Tulum.
Tulum Town
If you’re looking for more budget friendly options on your trip to Tulum, you may want to consider staying in downtown Tulum, also known as El Centro. This is the main town area which is more affordable, less touristy, and has more affordable and authentic restaurants. Tulum town is definitely the place to be if you are looking for a more authentic and local experience on your trip to Tulum!
Aldea Zama
Aldea Zama is a neighborhood in Tulum located between the town and the beach. This is a residential area that is a great option if you are looking to rent an Airbnb or VRBO. Rentals in Tulum are typically much more affordable than hotels, and are a good idea if you are traveling with a group or planning to stay for an extended period of time!
Aldea Zama is also a popular area for Americans that have moved to Tulum long term, so if you are looking for a monthly rental, this is the best place to look!
Tulum Beach
Tulum Beach, also known as the hotel zone, is where you’ll want to stay if you are looking for more upscale boutique hotels on the beach and near the beach clubs. Tulum Beach is definitely a tourist area and has a completely different vibe from Tulum town. If you want to be in the middle of all the action and walking distance to all the best beach clubs, shops, and restaurants, then definitely stay on Tulum Beach!
Where to stay in Tulum
Now that you have an idea of which area you want to stay in Tulum, I’ll break it down in more detail and give you all the best hotels to stay at in each area. I’ll also give you several options to fit the budget that you’re working with for your trip to Tulum!
Where to stay in Tulum Town
If you’re planning to stay in Tulum town, you will have many different hotel options that you can book at affordable rates. If you really want to budget on your trip, there are some hostels available to book as well! When you stay in town you will be walking distance to many shops, restaurants, and markets. There are even a few cenotes that are easily accessible from town!
Aloft Tulum: Aloft Tulum is a boutique Marriott hotel located near the main street of Tulum Town. It has two pools, one being a rooftop pool and bar and a restaurant. The hotel is walking distance to restaurants, shops, and even has a taxi station right out front so you can easily access the rest of Tulum!
Downtown Tulum Hotel: Downtown Tulum is an affordable boutique hotel right in the heart of Tulum town! It is right in the middle of all the shops and restaurants. It also has a rooftop bar that has great food, drinks, and a DJ that plays at night! If you want to stay somewhere in town with fun nightlife, this is the place!
Layla Tulum: Layla Tulum is a boutique hotel in the heart of Tulum town! This hotel is slightly more expensive as it is a little more luxurious. This hotel also has a rooftop as well as two heated pools!
Hotel Bardo: Probably the most luxurious hotel option near Tulum town is Hotel Bardo. This is a boutique hotel that makes you feel like you are deep in the jungle, but still close to everything downtown has to offer. This hotel has a pool that is surrounded by tropical gardens, bohemian-style rooms, and a restaurant!
Where to stay on Tulum Beach
If you want to stay on Tulum Beach, there are MANY hotel options. The hotels on Tulum Beach are smaller boutique-style hotels and not big resorts like you would find in Cancun or Playa Del Carmen. The hotels on Tulum Beach are all unique in their own way and embody the spiritual and bohemian vibe of Tulum Beach!
Now, to make this easier, I’m going to break up the beach into sections to help you decide which hotel will be best for your trip. Tulum Beach can be divided into 3 main area, North beach, middle beach, and South beach.
North Hotel Zone
The north hotel zone is on the northern end of Tulum Beach which is the start of the hotel zone. This is where you will find some popular attractions such as the Tulum Mayan Ruins, which are definitely worth a visit on your trip! One thing to note if you stay here, it is a bit of a walk from the main area of the hotel zone which has most of the beach clubs, shops, and restaurants!
Azulik: Azulik might just be one of the most iconic hotels in Tulum. It is a wellness hotel, and it’s unique architecture is designed to help you connect with nature. One thing to know about this hotel is that although luxurious, it is eco-friendly and does not have air conditioning!
Papaya Playa Project: This resort is located on the North end of Tulum Beach and is a Marriott owned resort. The resort has 87 private cabanas, which also have their own rooftop pool! This resort is a great option for anyone who loves house music since they often host parties at their beach club!
Our Habitas: This hotel located between the beach and the jungle focuses on music, wellness, and art, three of the main reasons people love to visit Tulum! This resort gives you direct access to the beach, a pool, and has yoga classes and free breakfast. This hotel is a sanctuary focused on wellness and sustainability!
Middle Hotel Zone
The middle of the hotel zone is where all the action of Tulum Beach really is. From popular beach clubs like Mia Beach and Vagalume to the best Tulum restaurants such as Bagatelle, Ilios, and Gitano Jungle, you’ll be walking distance to the main party.
Kanan Resort & Spa: If you want the unique vibes of Azulik without the price tag, I highly recommend checking out Kanan! This is a treehouse inspired resort right on the beach. They have a beach club the beds in the sand, a DJ, and you can even rent out a nest! They also have a rooftop bar and restaurant where you can dine in one of the nests overlooking the jungle and Caribbean Sea.
Ahau Tulum: Ahau Tulum is right in the middle of all the action of Tulum Beach. This hotel is popular because it is home to the famous Ven a la Luz sculpture, which used to be the entrance to the hotel. It is now located in the Art Park, which is connected to the hotel. This hotel is great for environmentally conscious travelers and offers eco-friendly beachfront cabanas.
Mia Beach: If you’re looking for a budget-friendly stay on Tulum Beach, Mia is a great option! It is part of the Selina Hostel chain, so it is technically a hostel; however, it offers private beachfront rooms that are very spacious! If you want to opt for an even more budget friendly option, you can book one of their Teepees, micro suites, or shared rooms. They are also connected to Mia Beach Club which happens to be my favorite beach club in Tulum!
Radhoo Tulum: Radhoo Tulum is a luxurious boutique hotel right across the street from the beach and steps away from all the best attractions of Tulum Beach! The hotel is a quiet retreat tucked away in the jungle, and you’ll have beach club access at a sister property!
South Hotel Zone
At the south end of the hotel zone, is where you’ll find some of the most luxurious hotels in Tulum! While these hotels aren’t right in the center of it all, they are close enough to walk for easy access. If you’re looking for the ultimate luxury experience in Tulum, Mexico, this may be the spot for you!
Nomade Tulum: Nomade Tulum is a hotel inspired by nature where you can stay in tents, treehouses, or oceanfront suites. The hotel also has a wellness focus where you can enjoy the spa or take yoga classes.
Casa Malca: Casa Malca is a luxury hotel located on Tulum Beach. This hotel is unique as it is actually the former mansion of Pablo Escobar and has since been turned into a beach resort. The resort is art focused with a mix of industrial design, nature, and art.
Be Tulum: This is a tiny boutique hotel located between the jungle and the sea that only has 20 rooms. If you’re looking for a quiet and relaxing trip to Tulum, this may be the best option for you!
Tulum All-Inclusive Hotels
If you’re looking for an all-inclusive beach hotel in Tulum, there are a few options. Just know, if you do decide to go this route it is going to be a completely different experience than if you stay at one of the resorts in the hotel zone. The all-inclusive resorts in Tulum are located on a different beach area right before you actually enter the town of Tulum.
Luckily, you can still easily access all of Tulum by taxi!
Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa: This resort is located a short drive away from main Tulum attractions like the Tulum ruins. This is a large resort with 432 rooms and even has rooms with swim-up suites
Secrets Tulum Resort & Beach Club: An all-inclusive resort located in the Tulum jungle! This is an adults only resort and although located in the jungle, it does have a beach club nearby. The resort has accommodation options for both the beach and the jungle.
Hilton Tulum: An all-inclusive resort by Hilton located near Tulum on its own private bay and beach. The hotel has 9 pools, 13 restaurants, and a private beach. If you do decide to book this hotel, just know it is about 30 minutes outside of Tulum town!
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Tulum
No matter what kind of trip youāre planning, a wellness retreat, a girlsā trip filled with beach clubs and house music, a romantic jungle retreat, or a budget-friendly adventure, Tulum truly has a stay that fits your vibe. From the laid-back, authentic energy of Tulum Town to the luxury boutique hotels lining Tulum Beach and the lush jungle hideaways tucked away in Aldea Zama, each area offers a completely different experience. The key is deciding what matters most to you: walkability to nightlife, beachfront views, affordability, or a more local experience. Once you choose the right neighborhood and hotel for your travel style, Tulum becomes the perfect destination. With its turquoise Caribbean waters, bohemian design, incredible food scene, and spiritual atmosphere, this is one destination that delivers every single time, and choosing the perfect place to stay will make your trip unforgettable.
