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 Notes
- Check-in before dark -- earlier if possible
- No lockout or curfew
- Electricity 7-11:00 p.m. in some cabanas
- Sand / cement floors
2. Cabanas El Mirador - Tulum Cabanas
Cheap and hospitable. Thatched roof cabanas sleep two in beds or hammocks.
Amenities
- Restaurant
- Parking
Rates and Address
- Cabana: $10-30 (a suite sleeps five with bath, kitchen - $150)
Cabanas El Mirador Notes
- Check-in before dark -- earlier if possible
- No lockout or curfew
- Electricity 7-10:00 p.m. in some cabanas
- Sand / cement floors
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 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.
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 Notes
- No lockout or curfew -- a party hearty spot
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: $65
Piedro Escondida Notes
- Check-in before 10:00 p.m.
- Compound electricity 7-11:00 p.m.
