FAQ: Tulum hotels
How do you get to Tulum from Cancun?
Tulum is about 80 miles from the Cancun airport and it takes about two hours to drive there along the main highway. If you don't rent your own car, you can either take a cab or car service to Tulum, or you can take the ADO bus for a more affordable option.
What is the best way to get around Tulum?
There are many taxis in Tulum, but prices can be quite high especially on a busy night. Alternatively, bicycles are very popular and there is a safe bike path that connects the city center to the hotel zone.
How far is the city center from the beach?
Because much of Tulum is still protected land, there is a lot of jungle between the hotel zone on the beach and the city center. The road from the center to the beach is 2.5 miles long. Without traffic, it takes about eight minutes to drive and 15 to 20 minutes to bike. If you're considering walking, that will take you at least 45 minutes.
Which is the best side of the beach to visit?
When you reach the beach, you'll notice that you can go left or right. It is easy to visit both sides in one trip, but you'll find that it will be difficult to access the beach on the south side without paying an entry fee to one of the pricey beach clubs or having a meal at one of the hotel restaurants. Meanwhile, the north side of the beach has public access and is also closer to the Mayan ruins.
Where should I stay when visiting Tulum?
If you want to make the most of your time in the water, you should select a hotel on the main beach road but be aware that this will also come with a hefty price tag unless you choose glamping accommodations. There are many places to stay in the main town, but you will need to take a cab or rent a bike to get to the beach.
What are the best hotels in Tulum?
Our list is a 50/50 split between the best Tulum hotels near the beach and non-beach options since the beach hotels can be very expensive and there are other attractions that lure visitors beyond just the sand.
We picked the best hotels that represent a variety of lodging styles, budgets, and experiences. Additionally, we looked for strict COVID policies to protect the health and safety of guests, and not every well-regarded hotel in Tulum takes these measures seriously. We also considered amenities such as yoga shalas, beach clubs, spas, and special access to well-hidden cenotes, which are natural swimming holes that are a defining characteristic of the Yucatan region of Mexico.
Tulum also has many hotels that are famous around the world that we did not include, such as Casa Malca , which was also the former home of Pablo Escobar, and Azulik , which is known for its beautiful rooms that are more like works of art, and is the most expensive hotel in Tulum. However, we opted to not include these hotels in our list of the best hotels in Tulum because they are prohibitively expensive for most people.
To see the famous "Come to the Light" sculpture that depicts a towering female figure ripping open her chest, which is filled with lush green plants, you can visit Ahau Tulum . The Papaya Playa Project is another popular hotel that is well-known for its restaurant and community events, and one we considered.
Tulum hotels are also among the best wellness resorts in the Caribbean .
Are hotels in Tulum expensive?
Tulum is one of the most expensive destinations in Mexico and travelers will pay premium prices for hotels right on the beach since that is the best location to be in Tulum. In the city center, there are more budget-friendly options, as well as Airbnb vacation rentals, and hostels, but you will be far from the beach.
During the low season, between late spring and fall, you can expect to pay at least $130 per night on a hotel in the city center or at least $200 for a hotel on the beach (unless you're glamping). During the high season, which starts in November and lasts until March, hotels in town will likely raise their rates above $200 per night, and hotels on the beach can charge as much as $1,000 per night. The most expensive time of year is around Christmas and New Year's.
What is a temezcal ceremony?
Many hotels may offer a temezcal ceremony on-site. This traditional Mexican ceremony is a cleansing ritual purported to have many health benefits. It requires sitting in a small domelike structure in which rocks are heated to raise the temperature and cause you to sweat. It is usually combined with some kind of meditation and is followed by a cold shower. Because it takes some time to prepare, the ceremony is usually only offered a few times per week.
Is Tulum beach swimmable?
The water in Tulum beach is very clear and the waves are extremely gentle. It's very swimmable, however, the beach occasionally suffers from sargasso seaweed invasions. Most hotels employ teams to clean up the seaweed in the morning, but you still might encounter it as you swim. It can be very unpleasant, but the problem is an issue all along the Riviera Maya and throughout the Caribbean.
What are the different neighborhoods in Tulum?
Aside from the beach zone, which is split into the north and south side, there are many neighborhoods in Tulum.
The city center is where most locals live and where you'll find lively restaurants and a shopping scene. Aldea Zama is a highly-polished gated community, which is more like a small suburb within Tulum. La Veleta is another community slightly further from the beach than Aldea Zama, where there are luxury apartments but there is still a lot of construction. Villas is a very small local neighborhood that is quiet and although there are no hotels here, you might be able to find a vacation rental.
Is it better to stay in Tulum Town or the beach?
It depends on your budget and what you plan to do. The beach is beautiful, but on top of the high nightly hotel rates, you will spend a lot of money at pricey bars and restaurants. However, if you want to spend every day at the beach, you're better off staying in the beach zone since high taxi prices from the center of town will end up being just as expensive.
If you're more set on visiting ruins, exploring cenotes, and taking day trips, you'll save money on lodging and dining by staying in town, away from the beach.
Via PakApNews