Tulum is a coastal city on the Caribbean side of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Known for its fantastic weather and great beaches, Tulum is a great vacation spot for families and couples alike. While the beaches are amazing, the hotels on the beaches will also provide a unique lodging experience.
The 10 Best Hotels in Tulum
While these hotels are certainly some of the best in the area, there are still plenty of other spots one can find to stay in Tulum, like Airbnbs. However, the hotels in Tulum offer numerous benefits that you won’t find anywhere else.
Unwind and indulge in the ultimate beachfront luxury by exploring our handpicked selection of the best resorts in Tulum.
The 10 Best Hotels in Tulum on the Beach
Tulum, Mexico, is a very popular tourist city in Mexico. With the white-sandy beaches from magazine covers being the main attraction, local hotels make it a point to always have rooms available for tourists going to and from the beaches.
While staying in Tulum, be sure to check out these hotels to stay in, all of which are close to the beaches (or right on them)!
1. Diamante K
Diamante K is one of the best hotels you can find in the area, not just in Tulum but also up and down Mexico’s Caribbean coastline. There is a wide range of features that this hotel boasts, although perhaps the best feature is the private beach area in front.
With the private beach comes activities that everyone will enjoy, like fishing, diving, and snorkeling. Based on the hotel’s many great reviews, many couples who have stayed at this hotel have enjoyed the on-site restaurant as well.
The hotel also offers a round-trip shuttle from the nearest airport (the Cozumel international airport). Otherwise, you would either have to rent a car or take a taxi to get to the beach if you’re flying in, which can get expensive for a trip that is almost 40 miles one-way.
2. El Pez Colibri Boutique Hotel
El Pez Colibri Boutique Hotel is luxury quantified in a small villa. There are few rooms available at the hotel (just 12 total), but there are options for single, couples, and family travelers.
Located at Turtle Cove, there are plenty of seascape views from the rooms and the hotel; it is no wonder the hotel’s rating is through the roof. There are plenty of restaurant options nearby, along with a shopping mall to visit on the days when the weather is not cooperating.
3. Una Vida
Una Vida, the next hotel on the list, means “One Life” in Spanish, and this is certainly one hotel to book during your lifetime. It is more of a resort-style hotel, with each room being an independent villa.
This hotel is designed for both couples and families. Couples will love the secluded nature of the location, inside the jungle of Tulum. Families will love its vicinity to the beaches (about three miles away) and its natural environment.
4. Mi Amor Colibri Boutique Hotel
Translated from Spanish, Mi Amor means “my love,” which is fitting considering how many people have fallen in love with this hotel. Although it is similar to the El Pez Colibri Hotel, Mi Amor is a smaller hotel, with few rooms but plenty of pizzazz. The Mi Amor is also exclusive to adults only, which makes it a favorite for couples.
A private chef works for the hotel and offers Mediterranean and Mexican-inspired dishes that are sure to feed any person’s appetite. There is also a spa on-site along with a pool to help with any relaxation needs.
5. Mezzanine Colibri Boutique Hotel
Yet another Colibri Boutique hotel makes our list of the best Tulum hotels on the beach, and for good reason. The Mezzanine Colibri Boutique Hotel ranks among visitors’ top five favorite hotels, according to TripAdvisor.
This hotel offers a bit of the unexpected when it comes to beachside hotels in Tulum. On-site, this hotel offers an authentic Thai restaurant and a martini lounge. Located 30 minutes south of Playa del Carmen, this hotel offers a little more on the scenic side of things with natural beauty throughout with beaches and jungles all around.
Note: The Mezzanine is also exclusive to adults—children under the age of 16 are not allowed to lodge here. However, children are allowed in the on-site restaurant.
6. Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa
One of the best resorts on the Caribbean side of Mexico, Dreams Tulum is a AAA Four-Diamond award-winning resort and spa that offers luxury to all visitors. With over 400 rooms on-site, there are plenty of options to find the exact room you are looking for; adult-only sections and pool swim-up rooms are just a few of the many options.
There is a private beach next to the resort, so two miles of white sandy beaches belongs to those who stay here, with plenty of activities for the entire family outside of the beaches too (including arcade rooms, a water park, and spa).
7. Ahau Tulum
Ahau Tulum is an ecological luxury hotel located on the beachfront of Tulum. This hotel’s charm is the main draw for its visitors, with the resort being made out of ecologically sound and environmentally-conscious materials.
The hotel almost blends in with the jungle that sits on the beachfront, providing remarkable views. There are also great extras like yoga lessons and sunrise meditation. Mayan ruins are located just minutes away to give tourists another option for activities besides hitting the beach.
8. Azulik Tulum
Azulik Tulum is one of the more unique hotels in Tulum. Built within nature itself, the hotel has numerous trees and vegetation within the suite with wooden planks that connect the rooms.
The hotel leads right out to the beaches, where clothing is optional. Also at the hotel is an art gallery, a spa and wellness center, a fashion boutique, a sanctuary, and a beach club.
9. Coco Tulum
There are two types of room styles at this hotel: cabin and tower. The cabin-style rooms are on the beach, with easy access to the sand and surf. Meanwhile, the tower rooms offer a broader view of the surrounding areas, with added fans to help keep things cool.
Coco Tulum is conveniently located about ten minutes from the city center, with the tourist-favorite Mayan Ruins only two miles away!
10. Alaya Tulum
The Alaya Tulum is an enchanting hotel nestled in the jungles of Tulum, with the beaches only a few feet away. The spaces are intimate, and the hotel is actually very much like a treehouse. With the beaches right outside, you can also get amazing views of the sunrise and sunset.
(Wondering if you should stay in an Airbnb or hotel in Tulum? We have the pros and cons of both options in that article!)
What’s the Beach in Tulum like?
Straight off of a tour guide’s fantasy, the white sandy beaches of Tulum are the main focal point of tourism in the area. The blue of the ocean contrasts the sand so nicely it’ll seem like stepping into a dream. To top it all off, palm trees line the shores, inviting shade and comfort for all beachgoers. No matter what you enjoy, there are plenty of fun things to do in Tulum!
For the most part, the beaches of Tulum will be filled with tourists during the height of the tourism season (March-September). In the offseason, there will be significantly fewer people on the beaches, making it an ideal time to visit.
There are also some parts of the beaches that are private, which are typically the areas reserved for the resorts and hotels. However, overall, the beaches are open to the public and accessible from the main road that leads from the city center.
One of the coolest things about Tulum is the cenotes. They are fun to explore, swim, and dive in. Check out the best cenotes to dive in Tulum!
How Do I Get to the Beach Hotels in Tulum?
In Tulum, there are a few ways you can get to the beaches. The method you use depends on where you are coming from, but for the most part, people will funnel into the Tulum city center and then make their way to the beaches. According to Travel Lemming, there are a few ways you can get to and from the beach hotels in Tulum from within the city.
- From the city center, there is only one road that leads to the beaches of Tulum. Taking a taxi is the most viable option for most people, with the rates reasonably inexpensive. The only issue is the mad dash after sunset to grab a cab to get back as this can be a busy time for commuting in the area.
- Another option would be to grab a bike and start pedaling. Most beaches in Tulum are less than five miles from the city center, so a nice 15-20 minute ride will get you where you need to go. Many hotels and other places in the city center offer bike rentals, and there is a well-kept bike path on the beaches.
- You can also drive yourself (if you have a car rental). There are a few large public parking lots and some street parking that may be free on occasion.
- A final option would be to walk the distance. While this may not seem feasible at first, it is only a 45-minute walk on a path that is very well maintained. However, be careful of doing this during the hottest points of the day, which can be from 12 pm-4 pm.
What’s the Advantage of Staying in a Hotel vs. Airbnb in Tulum?
Staying in an Airbnb versus a hotel in Tulum will come down to the type of experience you’re looking for. Although most beach hotels are in the same area as the Airbnbs, the luxuries of staying in a hotel are abundantly clear, especially if your goal is to get away and have a luxurious beach vacation. Hotels are going to offer features like A/C, Internet, and sometimes indoor pools.
Airbnbs, meanwhile, will usually be on the more inexpensive side and are going to offer extras like local experiences and other things that tourists might not usually get to see around the beach.
For those seeking a luxurious getaway in Tulum, our selection of AirBnB Tulum rentals with a private pool offers the perfect blend of comfort and tranquility.
Conclusion
There are plenty of beautiful sights to see in Tulum—not only on the white-sandy beaches but also in the Mayan Ruins and jungle nearby.
The hotels in the area can be some of the most exclusive in Central America. Some are located right on the beaches of Tulum, with private beach access and other amenities. Others will be located a little closer to the city center, with restaurants and clubs readily available for entertainment.
If you are looking to compare hotels to Airbnbs, be sure to keep a few things in mind like location, price, and what you’re expecting from your stay. If you are okay with going without a few features during your stay—such as Internet or room service—Airbnb might be more of your style. While hotels are more expensive, they offer some of the comforts of life you may be more used to and desire—especially while on a beach vacation.
Discover the best guided tours in Tulum, Mexico and embark on a memorable exploration of this stunning destination. From ancient Mayan ruins to breathtaking cenotes, these tours offer a fascinating insight into the rich history and natural beauty of Tulum. Join a knowledgeable guide and experience the highlights of Tulum through these top-rated guided tours.
(Make sure you check out these amazing Airbnb Tulum experiences!)
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