Best Places to Stay in Tulum: Best Areas & Hotels

Best places to stay in Tulum can be found throughout the town. Deciding where to stay may seem overwhelming at first, but this guide will provide you with an abundance of information to make your accommodation decision easier. In this post, you’ll find:

• A breakdown of the best areas in Tulum, sharing pros and cons of staying in each one.
• Top 3 places to stay in the Beach Hotel Zone (south end)
• Top 3 places to stay in the Public Beach Area (north end)
• Where to stay in Aldea Zama
• Best hotels in Centro Tulum
• Where to stay in La Veleta
• A word on safety in Tulum
• Activities you may enjoy (especially as a solo traveler)
• Helpful resources on planning your trip
• Items you may wish to add to your packing list.
• Top 5 FAQs on Tulum 

The above map marks five best areas in Tulum. Also, note two of the town’s main streets are: Av. Tulum (aka Hwy 307), and Av. Coba (aka Hwy 15). The latter leads you to the beach. The best places to stay in Tulum are found in these areas.

The south end of Tulum is lined up with hotel after hotel across approx. 7km. Nearly all the hotels on this strip are “Instagram worthy”, often with their own beach clubs, pools, and restaurants.
Pros: Right by the beach. Access to tons of restaurants and nightlife.
Cons: Pricey and a pain to get in/out of driving (the hotel zone is two lanes with traffic in each direction. In busy season, a 10 minute drive can easily turn into an hour).
Why You Should Stay Here: If budget is not an issue, then stay in the hotel zone.

The north end of Tulum beach has less hotels than the south and is a bit quieter. However it’s still a great area to stay right by the beach.
Pros: Right by the water and budget-friendly compared to the south side.
Cons: Just like the south end, it is a pain to get in/out of driving, especially on Sundays when the public beach is busier than usual.
Why You Should Stay Here: If you wish to stay by the beach, but want less people than the hotel zone, stay on this side.

Aldea Zama is the area between Centro (Highway 307) and the beach zone. Personally, I’m not a fan of this area. In my opinion, it lacks charm and has zero local feel. That being said, many long-term expats prefer to stay in the area.
Pros: Closer to the beach than Centro and many gated complexes.
Cons: The restaurants and grocery stores are limited as the area is still developing. And there is no nightlife.
Why You Should Stay Here: If you wish to bike/scooter to the beach regularly, this is a convenient area.

Tulum Centro (sometimes referred to as pueblo or downtown Tulum) in the main town. And my personal favorite place to stay.
Pros: Tons of affordable hotel options, plenty of nightlife and restaurants. Plus the location is convenient if you are planning to drive/taxi to cenotes and other places aside from the beach.
Cons: The beach if further when compared to the other three areas mentioned so far, but still a easy route. (Call me crazy, but I walked regularly from Centro to the beach areas in about 1.5 hours). And biking would take much less time.
Why You Should Stay Here: If you’re not planning to spend your entire time at the beach, then Centro is the area to stay.

La Veleta is the developing jungle area of Tulum located towards the end of town.
Pros: Surrounded by tons of greenery and quiet.
Cons: Still developing. There is zero nightlife, and limited street lights. And it can be tricky to find your way around until you get familiar with the area.
Why You Should Stay Here: If you’re not planning to spend your entire days at the beach, La Veleta is an alternative area to Centro if you want something quieter.

1. Azulik
Azulik is easily one of the most stunning hotels worldwide and one of the best places to stay in Tulum. They have 48 unique villas overlooking the beach. If your budget allows for it, this is the place to splurge. Read reviews, compare prices, and book now on: Booking.com | Expedia.ca | Hotels.com

2. Papaya Playa Project
Papaya Playa Project is one of my fave hotels in Tulum. They have small cabanas and luxurious villas complete with your own pool overlooking the beach. Plus it is located closeby Av. Coba making driving in/out of the hotel zone much easier than if you were staying further south. Read reviews, compare prices, and book now on: Booking.com | Expedia.ca | Hotels.com

3. Delek
Delek is located centrally in the hotel zone. It has a great beach club and a variety of rooms. They also have a small pool on their rooftop terrace (which is also an amazing spot to catch the sun setting down on the jungle). Read reviews, compare prices, and book now on: Booking.com | Expedia.ca | Hotels.com

4. Maya Tulum Resort
If you are looking for a peaceful oasis on Tulum Beach, then book a room at the Maya Tulum Resort. This place is perfect for those seeking a vacation of wellness. Read reviews, compare prices, and book now on: VRBO

Read more: Best Tacos in Tulum

1. Mezzanine
Mezzanine is located right by Las Palmas and Playa Parisio which are two popular public beaches in Tulum. It’s a great affordable hotel overlookig the beach, hotel adult, and their restaurant has Happy Hour margaritas every day! Read reviews, compare prices, and book now on: Booking.com | Expedia.ca | Hotels.com

2. Mi Amor
Mi Amor is more secluded than many of the other hotels in this end. It is also fairly close to as Las Palmas and Playa Parisio. A highlight here is their pool and breakfast, and this hotel is also adults only. This hotel is one of the best places to stay in Tulum on the north end. Read reviews, compare prices, and book now on: Booking.com | Expedia.ca | Hotels.com

3. Hotel Poc Na
Hotel Poc Na is located centrally in the public beach side. It has beachfront cabins as well as jungle views. And it located right in the centre of the public beach road (nearby the Tulum ruins as well). Read reviews, compare prices, and book now on: Booking.com | Expedia.ca | Hotels.com

Read more: Best Beach in Tulum

1. Kimpton – Aluna Tulum
Kimpton-Aluna Tulum is located right by the entrance into the Aldea Zama area. A massive pro is this makes your drive or walk to the beach quicker than if you stayed deeper in the area. It’s also quite central between the beach and Tulum town. Read reviews, compare prices, and book now on: Booking.com | Expedia.ca | Hotels.com

2. Hotel Mamazul
Hotel Mamazul is a newer property in Aldea Zama. While you definitely need a bike or car to get around since it is deeper in the area, this hotel is well priced at roughly $100/night. Read reviews, compare prices, and book now on: Booking.com | Expedia.ca | Hotels.com

3. Orchid House
Orchid house is tucked away in Aldea Zama. It’s a great place to stay if you wish to have a quieter time in Tulum. Plus if you book the Jungle Suite, you get your own plunge pool. Read reviews, compare prices, and book now on: Booking.com | Expedia.ca | Hotels.com

• Penthouse with a private rooftop, jetted tub, BBQ area, WiFi, AC & shared pool
• Relaxing 2 Br Apartment w/ direct access to pool!
• Boho Chic Penthouse with Own Pool

Read more: Best Breakfast in Tulum

1. Elements Tulum Boutique Hotel
Elements Tulum is located conveniently right off Av. Coba (the road that takes you to the beach area). The location is especially excellent if you plan to visit nearby cenotes while still being a few blocks from the main street in town. Read reviews, compare prices, and book now on: Booking.com | Expedia.ca | Hotels.com

2. Maka Hotel
Maka Hotel is located on the west side of Av. Tulum, about a block away from the busy main street. This is another convenient location if you wish to be close to the downtown strip, while also having easy access to cenotes and the beach road. They also have a great rooftop bar! Read reviews, compare prices, and book now on: Booking.com | Expedia.ca | Hotels.com

3. Latino Boutique Hotel
Latino Boutique Hotel is located right in the heart of Centro Tulum. This is a budget-friendly hotel and the perfect location if you want to be right in the midst of busy restaurants and bars. Read reviews, compare prices, and book now on: Booking.com | Expedia.ca | Hotels.com

• Apartment with private jacuzzi at great location
• Apartment near ADO bus station plus free bikes!
• Live Tulum Suites located in the city centre (over 200 reviews)

Read more: Best Coffee in Tulum

1. Holistika Hotel Tulum
Holistika is one of the best hotels in Tulum. Its the perfect place to stay if you want relaxation in the middle of the jungle. The hotel is known for its yoga and various spiritual classes. And they have an awesome jungle art walk. Read reviews, compare prices, and book now on: Booking.com | Expedia.ca | Hotels.com

2. Hotel Panacea
Hotel Panacea is located in the heart of La Veleta. It has a great outdoor pool and is a good spot for a quiet stay. Keep in mind with most areas in La Veleta that you are in a more underdeveloped part of Tulum. Read reviews, compare prices, and book now on: Booking.com | Expedia.ca | Hotels.com

3. The Strabon Tulum
Latino Boutique Hotel is located right in the heart of Centro Tulum. This is a budget-friendly hotel and the perfect location if you want to be right in the midst of busy restaurants and bars. Read reviews, compare prices, and book now on: Booking.com | Expedia.ca | Hotels.com

Read more: Best Things to do in Bacalar

• Penthouse with Private Jacuzzi & Plunge Pool
• Swim Up Luxury 1 Bedroom Apartment
• Studio with Balcony & Private Jacuzzi

Read more: Where to Find a Jungle Art Walk in Tulum

Tulum is overall a safe town, but definitely a place to be on alert. I’ve heard stories of muggings, home robberies, and gun violence (typically related to drug violence) but did not witness anything myself during my two visits (the second lasting two months). Use your common street smarts. For instance, I rarely walked home alone in Centro after 10pm. That being said, I do suggest reading about safety in Mexico. And I do advocate for travel insurance. If applicable to you, check with your employee benefits to see if you are covered. Otherwise, I like World Nomads as it’s quite reputable and provides 24-hour assistance.

What is your favorite area in Tulum? Share in the comments!
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[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h4″ question-0=”What is the best area to stay in Tulum?” answer-0=”Tulum Centro is the best area to stay in Tulum in order to be close to local restaurants, nightlife, bars, and more. If you prefer luxury hotels, a beachfront property, and more of a tourist vibe, stay in the hotel zone.” image-0=”” headline-1=”h4″ question-1=”Is Tulum Mexico expensive?” answer-1=”Compared to other parts of Mexico, Tulum is expensive. However, overall, when compared to tourist locations in the US, Canada, or Europe, it is not considered expensive unless you stay in the beach hotel zone.” image-1=”” headline-2=”h4″ question-2=”What is the best time of year to go to Tulum Mexico?” answer-2=”November is the best month to visit after hurricane season and before the larger crowds arrive.” image-2=”” headline-3=”h4″ question-3=”Is it better to stay in Tulum town or beach?” answer-3=”This comes down to personal preference. In my opinion, Tulum town (centro) is better for a longer term stay and more budget-friendly.” image-3=”” headline-4=”h4″ question-4=”How many days do you need in Tulum?” answer-4=”I recommend staying at least 3 days to allow time for the beach and cenotes. However, if you can stretch it to 5-7 days, that would be ideal.” image-4=”” count=”5″ html=”true” css_class=””]

Thanks for reading. I hope this Best Places to Stay in Tulum guide was helpful in planning your trip!