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Top 5 Tulum Cabanas and Hotels, Beach Camping and a Hostel, Too

By , About.com Guide

Two hours south of Cancun on the Mayan Riviera, Tulum, Mexico is a sweet slice of beach paradise offering camping, hostels, budget hotels and cabanas as well as ritzy ecolodges. Most are in the Tulum "Hotel Zone" - one mile east of town on a road running parallel to the beach. Tulum ruins are at the north end of the Hotel Zone. I was last there in 2004, so check lodging websites listed!

1. Cabanas Santa Fe - Beach Camping and Cabanas

Beach budget living. Camping and cabanas with/without bed/hammock, double rooms with bathrooms.

Amenities

  • Restaurant
  • On-site dive shop
  • Parking

Rates and Address

  • Camping: $3
    • Cabanas (bed) - $23
    • Cabanas (no bed or bath) - $9
  • Cabanas Santa Fe address: Tulum Hotel Zone - one mile east of downtown

    Cabanas Santa Fe Notes

    • Check-in before dark -- earlier if possible
    • No lockout or curfew
    • Electricity 7-11:00 p.m. in some cabanas
    • Sand / cement floors
    • Call to ensure they're around and open: 998-880-5854
    See the Tulum travel guide
  • 2. Cabañas Arrecifes - Tulum Cabanas

    The "Economic Cabanas" are thatched roof cabanas sleeping two in one double bed.

    Amenities

    • Restaurant
    • Parking

    Rates and Address

    • Cabana: $30-50
  • Cabañas Arrecifes address: Tulum Hotel Zone - one mile east of downtown

    Cabanas El Mirador Notes

    • Check-in before dark -- earlier if possible
    • No lockout or curfew
    • Electricity during some hours
    • Sand floors in "Economic Cabanas"
    See the Tulum travel guide
  • 3. Zazil-Kin - Backpacker's Beach Heaven

    Probably the place you've heard about; closest lodging to ruins. Thatched roof cabanas with beds, and rooms.

    Amenities

    • Restaurant / bar
    • Dive shop
    • Parking

    Rates and Address

    • Cabana: $17 (a suite sleeps five with bath - $53)
  • Zazil-Kin address: Tulum Hotel Zone - turn left on beach road

    Zazil-Kin Notes

    • Arriving at 8:00 a.m. to get on a list for rooms at 11:00 is often the best way to get a space
    • No lockout or curfew
    • Electricity 7-11:00 p.m.
    See the Tulum travel guide
  • 4. Weary Traveler's Hostel - Downtown Budget Hotel or Hostel

    Very friendly Tulum hostel. Store your pack for $1 if passing through to visit the ruins; stop in to meet backpackers.

    Amenities

    • Breakfast
    • Internet cafe ($1.50/hour)
    • Guest kitchen
    • Garden
    • Beach transport
    • Parking

    Rates and Address

    • Dorm: $10
  • Weary Traveler Hostel address: Avenida Tulum #36, Tulum -- about 100 yards south of the bus station, where you can get great, cheap eats.

    Weary Traveler Hostel Notes

    • No lockout or curfew -- a party hearty spot

    See the Tulum travel guide

  • 5. Piedro Escondida - Cool Beach Hotel

    Tile floors, thatched roofs upstairs; ask for room six - hardwood balcony and hammock on the beach. Single and double rooms; road-facing rooms *not* worth it. Piedro Escondida is getting too spendy; neat splurge in low season.

    Amenities

    • Restaurant / bar with deck
    • Parking

    Rates and Address

    • Room: to $135
  • Piedro Escondida address: Tulum Hotel Zone - one mile east of downtown

    Piedro Escondida Notes

    • Check-in before 10:00 p.m.
    • Compound electricity 7-11:00 p.m.
    See the Tulum travel guide
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