The Riviera Maya is one of the most beautiful places in the world, it combines a Caribbean sea and white beaches with ancient ruins and a history to be discovered.
In particular the best place where to stay in the Riviera Maya is Tulum, the perfect base for visiting the area's main attractions.
I've already talked about Tulum in my travelogue on the Yucatan, but many have written to me, asking for more detailed information on where to stay in Tulum, between the pueblo and the cabanas on the sea.
In this article we see to deepen the discussion on where to sleep in Tulum, and on which location to choose between Tulum e Playa del Carmen.
WHERE TO STAY IN TULUMFirst let's say that Tulum is divided into the Pueblo and the beach area (Hotel zone ), which are 3 km away from each other.
The pueblo is full of hotels, restaurants, clubs and souvenir shops, most of which are concentrated on the main street.
The beach cabanas have it a whole different atmosphere, but they are more isolated, they cost a lot more and if you are looking for a bit of life in the evening, even just for a stroll around the shops, you will have to go to the pueblo.
In my opinion the best choice where to stay in Tulum is the Pueblo, there is a wide choice of affordable hotels and is a strategic base for touring the Yucatan and appreciating its main attractions.
During the day you can reach the beach by taxi (about 3 euros) or by bicycle and for the evening you will have a wide choice of clubs and restaurants.
However, if you don't have budget problems and your main goal is relaxation then the ideal area to stay in Tulum is that of the beach, in the famous cabanas.
The peculiarity of the Hotelera area is that some structures are built in full respect of the environment, real eco-lodges with solar energy systems, where you can live a unique experience in full contact with nature to recharge from city stress.
By staying in the hotel zone, you will have the beautiful ruins of Tulum within walking distance, absolutely not to be missed.
RIVIERA MAYA: WHERE TO STAY BETWEEN TULUM AND PLAYA DEL CARMEN?
It is the doubt that many have, which place to choose between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Personally for my preferences, I would choose 100% Tulum, but luckily we are not all the same.
Playa del Carmen is a chaotic town ideal if you love nightlife, with clubs and discos, all concentrated on the main street, the Fifth Avenue.
But for those who love the sea, the best choice where to stay in the Yucatan is Tulum, beach and sea much better and with a more relaxing atmosphere than Playa del Carmen, which is also more expensive.
COUNCIL: If you plan to go to Tulum in high season, for example during the Christmas period, book well in advance, even 3/4 months before, otherwise you risk finding very little and at high prices.
VILLAGE AREA -TULUM
House Tulum
Calle Alfa Norte corner with Calle Sagitario - Colonia Centro, Tulum, Mexico
Great location just off the main strip in Tulum, but on a quiet street. The hotel is also convenient for various trips as it is located near the bus stop.
Friendly and helpful staff, clean and spacious rooms with fan and air conditioning. It is possible to rent bicycles.
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Pacha Mama Tulum
Av. Try Norte, Tulum 77780, Messico
Excellent value for money, strategic location, convenient for going to the beach and for hiking but also for going out in the evening, because it is located a stone's throw from clubs and restaurants.
Spacious, clean and fragrant rooms, well-functioning wi-fi and a very good and abundant breakfast. The rooms are surrounded by a lovely garden.
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Itour Mexico
Of. Tulum crucero Av. Coba - Tulum 77780, Messico
For those who choose the pueblo Itour Mexico is among the best choices where to sleep in Tulum. It is located near Pacha Mama and therefore always in a strategic position.
The rooms are themed and all spotless, good breakfast and impeccable staff service. L'Itour provides bikes for free, with which you can go to the beach.
L'Itour is also an agency and organizes excursions to all the attractions of the Riviera Maya, at competitive prices.
I recommend that you book well in advance as they are always full.
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HOTEL ZONE
As I have already said, staying on the beach in Tulum requires a certain budget, so I have tried to list some accommodations that are a bit cheaper, between 100 and 200 €.
But there are also more expensive ones with elegant seaside cabanas, such as theAna and José Charming Hotel & Spa, located 5 minutes drive from the Tulum ruins.
Villa Pescadores Tulum
Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila Km 0.5, Tulum 77780, Messico
Gorgeous atmosphere for these cabanas right on the beach.
Comfortable and clean rooms each with a small terrace with hammocks. Very good breakfast and restaurant, with incredible dishes.
Professional and always available staff.
Highly recommended for those looking for a place to spend a relaxing holiday on a beautiful beach.
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Tita Tulum Ecological Hotel
Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila km 8 | PO Box 98, Tulum 077780, Messico
Excellent value for money for this Eco-Hotel on the beach of Tulum, an excellent solution to enjoy the sea and relaxation without spending too much money.
Ideal for those who, after a tour of the Yucatan, are looking for a quiet place to relax in a heavenly setting between palm trees, white sand and the Caribbean sea.
If you are lucky you can also see turtles laying their eggs at night. Well-functioning Wi-Fi, spacious and clean rooms.
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Rose of the wind
Carretera Bocapaila km. 10, Tulum 77710, Mexico
The Rosa del Vento offers beautiful, very clean cabanas, on a quiet beach, located in a slightly secluded position compared to other resorts in the Hotelera area
Here too it is possible to witness the exciting phenomenon of turtles laying their eggs.
Clean and recently refurbished rooms. Great service and very good restaurant. Really recommended also for the ultra competitive price.
View Price on BookingRESORT WHERE TO STAY ON THE RIVIERA MAYA
If, on the other hand, you are looking for an all-inclusive resort where you can laze all day, the Riviera Maya is one of the best places in the world to spend such a vacation.
Among the most popular resorts are the PavoReal Beach Resort Tulum o Catalonia Royal Tulum, you can book both on booking, the price includes all meals and some drinks.
Tips and practical information to explore the Yuctan, the Riviera Maya, the islands and the archaeological areas.
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