Tulum Hotel Zone

If you want to stay on the beach in Tulum, the hotel zone is your best bet. Dozens of small cabaña hotels line the beach, mixed in between larger, more solid hotel accommodations.

Hotels vs. Cabañas

The nicer cabana places like Cabanas Copal, Tita Tulum and Cabanas Ana y Jose are better than most hotels. They have sturdy walls, mosquito proof palapa (palm leaf) roofs, and private baths.

The beachfront Azulik Villas is a standout property in Tulum. This small cluster of five private beachfront villas has a spectacular view of the Caribbean Sea. Each villa is constructed from local hardwood and has a bathtub carved from a tree trunk. Couples and honeymooners seeking a relaxing, romantic, intimate getaway will love Azulik Villas (especially the in-room spa services). 877-532-6737 (toll free US and Canada) or 604-834-5153 (international).

Cabañas Copal Hotel in Tulum gets you off the beaten path for a truly alternative vacation experience in a rustic, candlelit eco-hotel and holistic spa specializing in Mayan therapies. The cabanas are nestled in the tropical jungle by the Caribbean Sea. The cabanas range from romantic net-draped king size bedrooms with private bath to less expensive sand floor rooms with a shared bath. 877-532-6737 (toll free US and Canada) or 604-834-5153 (international).

Osho Tulum - Mexico - retreat and resort, relaxing hotel with massages, yoga and other renewing activities, the fancy sort of cabañas, and a healthy restaurant. Tita Tulum is also nice, small, and on the beach for about $55. You can fax them at 984 87 12092 or 984 87 12081.

Zahra Hotel has options for visitors who enjoy different types of rooms. They have several sizes of cabañas, and a few hotel rooms. Everything is ocean view, and the quiet beach out front is beautiful. Zahra has room service, and a restaurant as well. 877-532-6737 (toll free US and Canada) 604-834-5153.

Many other cabañas are more rustic with sand floors and walls with gaps in them. This second type can be pleasant as well - but bring your mosquito repellent coils and don't leave your valuables inside. Although crime is rare, there have been rumors of thieves burrowing up through the sand floors for valuables. Just a legend, most likely.

For cheap camping, try Camping Santa Fe. Go towards the ruins (left at the T) and watch for a sign that says "Restaurant and Cabanas" on the right. This little road opens onto a complex with La Cantina restaurant and cabañas, a cab stand, pay phone and travel agency. Camping Santa Fe is to the left, and has a dive shop and the One Love restaurant. Hotel Riviera Tulum is close to the Tulum ruins with a small restaurant, parking lot and handicraft shop. It has 13 rooms with ceiling fans and hot water. 1 person - $20, 2 people - $30, 3 people - $35.

CESiaK is located within the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve and has rustic but beautiful environmentally sensitive accommodations, like furnished tents with ocean views. (52) 984 104 0522 $75+

Getting around

Buses don't run into the hotel zone, so taxi or rental car is your only option for getting around. The beach is relaxing, and some people simply get to their hotel and stay there - so transportation is not a concern. There is a small shopping area with a money exchange, mini super, dive shop, bike rentals and several restaurants.