Where to Stay in Tulum → 6 Top Areas (Guide for 2024)
Hola traveler, planning a visit to Tulum, Riviera Maya? I’ve got you covered with just the best tips on where to stay in Tulum to make the most of your trip!
I spent a part of my honeymoon in this lovely city and can’t wait to share my experience with you!
The beach strip is the best place to stay for parties, jungly seaside vibes, and luxury, while the town is excellent for a local vibe, affordable food and accommodation, and sightseeing.
Stay tuned because I’ll expand further on both of these areas, and you’ll be able to decide which sub-area of the 2 you should stay in to meet your travel preferences and budget!
I included top-rated hotels (that I cherry-picked after long and careful research!) in every place I talk about, so consider the accommodation sorted as well! And make sure to book that stay far in advance because prices in Tulum can fluctuate like nowhere else!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Tips and things to know before going to Tulum
Before we dive in, I want to share some practical information that will be useful once you start planning your stay:
- Don’t take a taxi in Tulum unless you have to! They don’t have price regulations and will easily charge you over US$30 for a 5-minute ride (this is way too expensive)! Plus, they drive really fast on narrow roads.
- Car hire is the best way to get around Tulum. It can be cheaper than taking regular taxi rides. If you can’t rent, use ADO buses or a private shuttle to get from the airport to the city instead of taxis. Bike hire is common to get from town to the beach.
- Public transport only runs in Tulum town, not by the beach.
- Spend a part of your vacation in town, then hit the beach area for a few days. This will allow you to get to know local life and culture before you head to the beach for partying and relaxation!
- Read Google reviews for every place you plan to visit and only proceed if it has a good rating.
- Beaches in Tulum have sargassum. The season is usually from late spring to October, but lately, that’s been hard to predict. Most hotels hire people to clean the beaches so everyone can enjoy them, so don’t let this discourage you from visiting!
- If you’re traveling with a family, focus on finding family-friendly hotels rather than family-friendly areas, especially if you plan to stay by the beach. So many resorts are adult-only all across the beach strip, with the best family hotels being slightly outside of Tulum proper (more on them later in the article).
And here’s where to stay in Tulum, Mexico, on a map:
1. The Beaches – where to stay in Tulum for a seaside vacation
Tulum’s beaches are the essence of what this place is about, and staying near them makes sense if you’re mostly interested in chilling among jungle vibes, waking up just steps from the white sand beaches, and being one with nature!
The Tulum beach area is also known as Zona Hotelera (map), as the whole coast (some 10 km or 6 mi) is lined with hotels, with a higher concentration of hotels being in the South and Middle areas.
You’ll find public (more in the North) and private beaches (in the South) in Tulum, but know that, in essence, all beaches are public. This means that for the private beaches, you can’t just show up and take any spot you like, but you’ll have to enter through bars or hotels and pick an available spot on the lounges.
For private beaches, if you’re not a guest of the hotels that own them, you will have to pay for a day pass or spend a certain amount of money in their bar, which can be well over US$100. My honest recommendation is to just skip private beaches unless you’re staying in a hotel with one, and hit the public beaches which are just as beautiful!
Do note that the beach zone is mainly touristy and very expensive compared to the town. Dinner for 2 people will cost about US$50 on the beach and only US$25 in town. The same goes for hotels; accommodation by the beach is at least twice as expensive.
However, if you want to stay in an Insta-perfect jungle-vibe hotel, eat in posh restaurants, and party all day and night, you should definitely stay by the beach!
CAR HIRE: As I previously mentioned, car hire is the best way to get around Tulum. I’ve read so many different experiences of people who have rented one and said they were so glad they did and people who didn’t rent one and regretted it. You can pick up your vehicle easily once you land from Cancun airport and then drop it off at the same location. It’s exactly what I did! I have a detailed guide on renting a car in Cancun where I share my experience, check it out here for more information!
1.1. South Beaches – best place to stay for eco-hotels, luxury, and yoga retreats
The Southern area of Zona Hotelera (starting South of Punta Piedra, map) has the most bohemian, jungly, boho-style hotels! Apart from the highest concentration of hotels, you’ll also find the most stunning nature and some amazing restaurants here.
Think dreamy yoga retreats with beachfront access, eco-conscious beach homes, and picturesque décor like the one at Casa Malca!
The further South you go, the more amazing nature becomes until you reach the crown of it – Sian Ka’an (map) protected jungle reserve! Here, you can see dolphins, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species!
The downside of staying this far South, however, is that you’ll be farther from the center (a 20-minute ride from Pueblo), but as long as you rent a car, you’ll be fine.
Most of the hotels in this area have their own beaches, and of course, guests can visit them for free.
You’ll find some of the best beach clubs in the South, including the iconic Ziggy’s Beach Club (map) and Taboo Beach Club (map). Also, the more vibrant part of the beach road starts South of the Taboo Club.
LOCAL’S TIP: Wear blinky lights for walking up the Zona Hotelera at night. The road is very narrow, and there are often situations where you have to walk on the road instead of the sidewalk.
Luxury hotel
One of the most iconic hotels in Tulum offers fabulous design (both in rooms and outdoors), 2 swimming pools, 3 restaurants, free parking, and spacious rooms overlooking the beaches and palms!
Other accommodation options in South Beaches
Mid-range
A charming beachfront hotel with rooms (each with a patio) and fresh daily breakfast; has a private beach area and a bar on-site
Budget
A great place for couples with a private beach area, 2 swimming pools, and airport transfer
Airbnb
I call this the most authentic stay in Tulum, right in your own tree house
Things to do in South Beaches
- Spend a day at the Ziggy’s Beach Club and restaurant
- Visit the Sian Ka’an Natural Reserve on a full-day boat tour
- Take a photo at the iconic Escultura Ven a la Luz (map)
- Explore the area’s cool restaurants
- Chill out with food and DJ at Akiin Beach Tulum (map)
1.2. Middle Beaches – where to stay for parties
The Middle Beach area starts (approximately) around Kore Tulum Retreat (map) and ends around Roc Luxe Tulum (map). This is a great walkable area since most of the shops, restaurants, and hotels are near each other.
The Northern part of this stretch is the new party hub of Tulum! Following COVID, this small area became known as Beach Town or Party Zone as many young people flocked here trying to escape the lockdowns.
So, if you’re coming to town to celebrate an event or to attend day and night beach parties, this is where to stay in Tulum!
A major perk is that you’ll be near the center of Tulum, right at the intersection of Av. Coba (map) that connects the beach road to the town. Also, if you want to ride a bike to Pueblo, the bike path starts from this area.
You’ll find plenty of shops, hotels, and bars, but also spots for relaxation. Do note that noise pollution here is big, especially at night (due to all the parties), so only stay here if you’re into this type of vacation!
PRO TIP: Have some earplugs with you if you stay in the area!
In the Middle beaches, you’ll mostly find mid-range hotels.
Luxury hotel
The nicest hotel around (just at the beginning of the South Beaches area) with access to a beach club, rooms with hammocks and private terraces, an international restaurant, and even rooms with small private pools!
Other accommodation options in Middle Beaches
Mid-range
This 4-star hotel has a perfect beachfront location, jungle rooms, and reasonably priced food (no free breakfast, though)
Budget
Cozy rooms right on the beach in this bed and breakfast that also has a spa and free parking
Airbnb
Rent a villa with a chef for up to 10 guests, ideal for large families or groups
Things to do in Middle Beaches
- Check out the view from the local observatory (map)
- Enjoy affordable tacos with great music at Taqueria la Eufemia (map)
- Spend an afternoon in the Akkuun Beach Club (map)
- Snap a picture of the heart statue on the beach (map)
1.3. North Beaches – where to stay for peace and relaxation
The North Beach area starts North of Av. Coba and it’s much quieter compared to other beach areas.
Some of the most beautiful beaches in Tulum, like Paradise Beach (map) and Playa Pescadores (map) are located here! These are public, free beaches, so you can just grab your spot under the palm trees and enjoy the serene ambiance!
The scenery here is lovely, with white sand beaches against the backdrop of dramatic Mayan Ruins located in a national park. You can actually stay inside the National Park Tulum (map), with numerous hotels and beaches being inside the park. Do note that if you want to chill at the beaches located inside the park, you’ll have to pay the entrance fee to the park (around US$5).
Tulum ruins sit on 40-foot (12-meter) high cliffs toward the Caribbean Sea and are Mexico’s 3rd most visited tourist site!
By staying in the Northern part, you’ll also be closer to cenotes, with the most beautiful ones like Gran Cenote (map) being just a short ride away. Dos Ojos (map) is also worth seeing. You can take day trips to visit the cenotes or drive there yourself. Some are easily reachable with a bike.
And then if you go further North, you’ll reach one of the most beautiful beaches in the Riviera Maya area, Playa Akumal (map). The beach is ideally nestled in a turtle bay, and chances are, you’ll spot some turtles while you swim here! We actually were lucky to see turtles in their hatching season, it was such a lovely sight! At this time, there will be red flags around the area with the turtles hatching so be careful if you see those!
If you’re traveling with family, I recommend hotels further North, like Jashita Hotel, since a lot of the hotels in Tulum are adult-only.
FUN FACT: The ancient name of Tulum is “Zama,” meaning “Place of the Dawning Sun” in the Mayan language. The inhabitants named it so because it was the first place in their kingdom where the sun appeared every morning!
Luxury hotel
A resort that looks and feels like a fairytale with breathtaking sea and nature views, a restaurant, and a terrace with hammocks overlooking the beach. Situated in the quiet end of Tulum. They have rooms with a sea view, master suites, and rooms without a view.
Other accommodation options in North Beaches
Mid-range
Stay inside Tulum National Park in this lovely 3-star hotel with 4 restaurants and a spa
Budget
Enjoy the calm and the outdoor swimming pool just steps from Las Palmas Beach
Airbnb
Your very own cabin by the sea so you can literally wake up and have breakfast on the beach
Things to do in North Beaches
- Visit the Parque Nacional Tulum and take pictures of the ruins
- Visit Xel-Há Park, the world’s largest natural aquarium (map)
- Swim with sea turtles in Akumal Bay
- Take a dip in Dos Ojos cenote (map)
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2. The Town – where to stay in Tulum like a local
There’s an eternal debate about whether staying on the beach or in town is better for Tulum. Many people prefer the town because the hotel prices in Zona Hotelera are, as some like to say, a rip-off, but also because it’s much safer to move around in the evening than on the poorly lit and narrow beach road.
I say if you can afford to stay in hotels by the beach – go for it! If you’d rather focus on sightseeing and live like a local, stay in town.
If you decide to stay in town, you can choose between 3 beautiful areas: the Downtown or Pueblo, which is the old town, and it’s best for nightlife and authentic stays. Aldea Zama and La Veleta are the nicest new neighborhoods, and if you see a nice vacation rental, chances are, it’ll be in one of these 2 areas!
People love to rent bikes to move around in these areas, but renting a car is also a great option. It’ll take around 15 minutes to get to the beach from these areas.
NOTE: A brand new road, Avenida Kukulkan (map), now connects Pueblo with Tulum Beach, offering a major boost in reducing traffic congestion on the main road (it takes 7 min to get to the beach vs. up to 45 min before).
The downside of staying in town is that the heat is much more intense here, and the very center is almost just as noisy as the beach.
Now, let’s see what each area here has to offer.
2.1. Pueblo (Downtown) – where to stay for the city sightseeing vibe
Pueblo is the best place to stay for that Downtown vibe. This is the main touristy area with plenty of things to do, shops and bars popping up everywhere, cute ice cream and taco stands, food trucks, and affordable foods. Also, cars are honking, and music is playing, so in this way, the vibe is similar to the beach zone.
Pueblo has many hostels catering to singles or anyone traveling on a budget. But do keep in mind that prices for mid-range and luxury hotels here are so low when you compare them to the beach zone, you’ll get so much more value for the money!
For those traveling without a car, most properties here rent bikes, and there’s a bike trail leading to the beach, so it’ll take you only 15 or 20 minutes to descend to Zona Hotelera. Another benefit if you’re staying without a car is that this area has great public transport connections, including collectivo, a local cheap minibus that can take you around the area.
PARKING: Pueblo has free street parking, just make sure you get there early enough to secure a spot. There are also parking garages, but they are price-negotiable and paid with cash. If you’re visiting in the high season, make sure your hotel has free parking.
TIP: Take a day trip to Chichén Itzá ruins (map, 2-hour ride from Tulum) regardless of where you stay! This place was an important religious, governmental, and commercial center for over 1,400 years of the Mayan Kingdom!
Luxury hotel
This 5-star adult-only resort is nothing short of perfect, according to previous guests! Get free bikes to ride around, swim in the outdoor pool, get a rejuvenating treatment at the spa, and, most importantly, enjoy the beautiful décor!
Other accommodation options in Pueblo
Mid-range
Charming apartments with family rooms for an authentic, local-like stay
Budget
Top-rated stay for budget-conscious travelers with a rooftop lounge with hammocks to relax
Airbnb
Brand new, stylish, and fully functional studio with a courtyard view ideal for couples
Things to do in Pueblo
2.2. Aldea Zama – where to stay like a local
Aldea Zama is the best area to stay like a local! It’s located just South of Pueblo on the way to the beach. In fact, you’ll be almost halfway between the Pueblo and the beach, plus the brand new road that goes to the beach passes here, so it’ll take just a few minutes to get to the white sands of Tulum!
You’ll find a lot of expats and locals in this area, but also so many travelers because of really affordable but super fancy Airbnbs. You can find rooftop penthouse apartments with a pool for 3x cheaper compared to beachfront hotels! Yup, you can see it yourself in the accommodation suggestions below!
Also, Aldea Zama has great infrastructure, and plenty of cozy cafés to grab breakfast or even work!
Do note that there’s plenty of construction going on since this is a developing area, so it may be worth checking if there’s construction work near your place.
The downside is that there’s not much going on in Aldea Zama at night, so if you’re into partying, you’d have to go to Pueblo or take a taxi to the beach. You’ll most likely have to haggle for the price, but if you can do it in Spanish, you’re almost guaranteed to have a lower price!
Luxury hotel
This tropical 5-star hotel will blow you away with its design! Perfectly in line with nature, with wooden furniture, a nice outdoor pool, and spacious, this hotel is ideal for large groups or families coming to the area.
Other accommodation options in Aldea Zama
Mid-range
4-star hotel with private balconies, an indoor pool, family-friendly rooms, and a quiet location
Budget
Beautiful, minimalist place with an outdoor pool, family rooms, and free parking
Things to do in Aldea Zama
- Explore local coffee culture in Alegria (map)
- Take a 10-minute bike ride to Tulum Beach down the Av. Kukulkan
- Get a rejuvenating massage at Lotus Spa (map)
- Join a yoga class at Studio Sol (map)
- Have breakfast in the best bakery in town, Rossina (map)
2.3. La Veleta – one of the safest places to stay in Tulum
La Veleta is another up-and-coming neighborhood of Tulum, just a short 10-minute walk South of Pueblo’s main road, and it’s ideal for vacation rental seekers and anyone who wants to stay like a local.
In La Veleta, you’ll find a tight-knit community of expats who love to socialize with fellow travelers. Many people here speak English, and you’ll find tons of cute coffee shops, grocery stores, and restaurants, especially around the main strip.
Tulum is known as the ultimate yoga retreat in Riviera Maya, and La Veleta is home to one of the best ones called Hotel Holistika!
La Valeta is also super walkable and safe. Plus, you’ll find tons of luxury properties and great apartments at affordable prices. This is one of the reasons why many travelers stay here!
ZAMNA FESTIVAL: La Valeta is the closest area to Zamna, in case you’re coming for the Zamna Afterlife festival! You’ll be just a 9-minute ride away, so convenient!
Luxury hotel
The area’s top-rated upscale hotel has a full-service spa, an outdoor pool open until 11 PM, picture-perfect Grand Rooms, and the most bohemian, modern restaurant on-site. It is my personal recommendation for couples looking for intimacy in a quiet area.
Other accommodation options in La Veleta
Mid-range
A lovely apartment complex with an outdoor pool and a charming tropical garden
Budget
Affordable jungle lodges for your Tulum adventure, ideal for those staying with a car
Airbnb
A loft that looks as if it came out of a magazine, no better Airbnb to stay to unwind
Things to do in La Veleta
- Eat out at La Taqueria (map) and play Jenga while your food is being prepared
- Explore other shops and restaurants on Calle 7 Sur (map), the main strip
- Have an easy walk to Pueblo
- Treat yourself to an ancient Mayan temazcal ritual at Holistika Tulum
| 👑 Luxury price: | US$300 |
| 💵 Mid-range: | US$110 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | US$50 |
| 📍 Best area: | Tulum Beach Zone |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Casa Malca |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | Zamas Hotel |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Playa Esperanza |
BONUS: Picture-perfect spots in Tulum – with exact locations
If there’s one thing you’ll see a lot in Tulum, it’s people taking selfies! It’s no wonder since the town is so bohemian, with its jungle vibe by the beach and tons of authentic hotels, beach clubs, and restaurants.
I’ve handpicked the 5 BEST picture spots in Tulum and the area for those Insta-perfect pictures you’ll want to show off for weeks!
PRO TIP: I suggest you Google all these places (in the search engine, not Gmaps) and head to Images to find inspiration on how exactly to take the best photos there!
- Escultura Ven a la Luz (map) wooden human sculpture with open chest at Ahau Tulum Hotel
- Follow that dream street sign on Tulum Beach Road in front of Lolita Lolita store
- Cenote Suytun (map) – an hour away, but it’s arguably the most picture-perfect cenote on the peninsula
- Azulik Resort (map) – this is an upscale resort, but you don’t have to actually stay there to take the beautiful photos, just go to their art museum!
- Tulum ruins (map) and Muyil ruins (map)
Taking perfect pictures is a big thing in Tulum! I mean, just wait until you learn that one of the fastest-selling tours on Viator is a small-group Instagram Photo Tour! A professional photographer takes you across the most popular Insta spots across Tulum and makes fabulous pictures of you there for US$200!
FAQs about where to stay in Tulum
🤔 Is it safe to walk around Downtown Tulum at night?
Generally, yes, since the biggest safety concern in Tulum is street gang (cartel) fights that aren’t targeted at tourists. However, don’t walk around late at night alone in secluded areas. Remain on well-lit streets.
✈️ Does Tulum have an airport?
No, the closest airport is in Cancun, around a one-and-a-half-hour ride from Tulum. You can get from Cancun Airport to Tulum by private transfer, public transportation, or car hire (best option).
🏖️ Where is the best beach in Tulum?
Playa Paraíso, Playa Ruinas, and Las Palmas are the best beaches in Tulum, with the first one being the most popular.
🏨 Is it better to stay in Tulum Beach or Town?
It depends. Tulum Beach is best for a luxury vacation on the beach, while Tulum Town is perfect if you want to take day trips and stay like a local (and on a budget).
🚶 Can you walk from Tulum Town to the beach?
Technically, yes, but I don’t recommend it. You can ride a bike or drive, but the road infrastructure definitely isn’t great for walking. Plus, it’ll take you more than 1 hour to get there on foot under intense heat and humidity.
🍹 What are the best all-inclusive hotels in Tulum?
There aren’t any good all-inclusive resorts in Tulum, however there are plenty of amazing all-inclusive hotels in Riviera Maya if you travel just a little further up the coast!
🇲🇽 Is it better to stay in Tulum or Cancun?
Cancun is much more lively than Tulum, although Tulum has recently also been transforming into a party hub. Still, Tulum is a quieter, more upscale resort, while Cancun offers more options for travelers.
4️⃣ How long should you stay in Tulum?
Around 3-4 days should be enough for Tulum (both town and beach), including 1 day trip. If you want to spend more time exploring the area, then a week will do.
🌸 When is best to go to Tulum?
Between February and May is the ideal time to visit Tulum, but the weather is also pleasant in November and early December. Try to avoid the rainy season, which is in June, September, and October.
Final thoughts on where to stay in Tulum
That was it, dear traveler! This was my complete guide on where to stay in Tulum, Mexico, both in the city center (Pueblo) and on the beach (playa). I hope that you have already found the perfect hotel for when you visit Tulum, Quintana Roo!
But if you still need some extra help, here are my top 2 choices, with great value for money:
Now, if you want to find out more about Mexico (including Cancun), be sure to read this article about 9 unforgettable things to do in Riviera Maya! Also, remember to book your stay far in advance in Tulum, Cancun, and really any Riviera Maya resort town!
Are you heading to this wonderful destination anytime soon? Let me know in the comments!
Best,
Yulia
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