In a nutshell
- Tulum is divided into two main areas: the town center and the Zona Hotelera along the beach — this guide helps you pick the right one for your trip.
- Want to wake up steps from the ocean? Book in the Zona Hotelera. Our top pick: Radhoo Tulum — stunning jungle-meets-beach setting and a great pool.
- The town center is more affordable and a better base for day trips to cenotes and ruins. Our top pick: Casa Almendro — excellent value, rooftop terrace, and bikes to rent on-site.
Where to Stay in Tulum?
You have two options for where to stay on your trip to Tulum: the town center or the Zona Hotelera on the beach. The town center is about 3 miles from the ocean.
The Zona Hotelera is an upscale, touristy area, while the town center consists mostly of one main street and doesn’t have much to offer beyond plenty of restaurants and hotels.
- Tulum Town Center: Perfect as a base for sightseeing and if you want to save money on accommodations.
- Zona Hotelera: Ideal if you want a beachfront hotel in Tulum and feel like treating yourself.
Overview of the neighborhoods on a map
To help you get a feel for how Tulum is laid out, we’ve put together a map showing both areas where you can stay.
Staying in the Zona Hotelera
The Zona Hotelera is the luxury area of Tulum and, as the name suggests, consists almost exclusively of hotels. Picture a road running parallel to the ocean, lined with hotel properties on both sides — that’s the Zona Hotelera.
Staying at one of these hotels automatically gives you beach access. That’s because the beaches in Tulum are almost entirely private and can only be reached through hotels or beach clubs.
The Zona Hotelera is hands-down the most beautiful part of Tulum to stay in — you have a stunning sandy beach with brilliantly blue water right outside your door.
Advantages of staying in the Zona Hotelera:
- Prime beachfront location
- Wide selection of beautiful hotel properties
Disadvantages of staying in the Zona Hotelera:
- Expensive area and accommodations
- Very touristy
Our hotel recommendations for the Zona Hotelera
In the Zona Hotelera you’ll mostly find stylish boutique hotels and resorts.
Our top pick is the Radhoo Tulum. The setting between the jungle and the beach — which you can reach through the neighboring hotel — is seriously fantastic. The rooms are beautifully decorated, the pool is great, and the breakfast is absolutely delicious.
Better
Luxurious
Staying in Tulum Town Center
If the hotels in the Zona Hotelera are out of your budget, the town center is your best bet. There’s a solid range of nice, affordable places to stay here. While there isn’t much to see in the center itself, you can easily reach the Maya ruins, cenotes, and public beaches.
So if you’d rather explore the many attractions near Tulum than spend every day on the beach, the town center is the smarter choice. You’ll also have a great selection of restaurants right on your doorstep.
Advantages of staying in the town center:
- Affordable prices
- Great base for day trips
Disadvantages of staying in the town center:
- Not right on the ocean
- Not much to see in the center itself
Our hotel recommendations for Tulum town center
The Casa Almendro is an affordable hotel with simple, spacious rooms. It also has a rooftop terrace and a shared kitchen. The hosts are super helpful with day-trip recommendations, and you can rent bicycles directly at the hotel.
If you’re after a boutique hotel in Tulum, our pick is the Botånica Tulum. The design is really cool, the atmosphere is super welcoming, and the breakfast is delicious.
Good and affordable
Better
Luxurious
The Best All-Inclusive Hotels in Tulum
Honestly, we haven’t come across any all-inclusive hotels in Tulum that have really blown us away. The selection in Playa del Carmen or Cancún is significantly better — and from either destination, you can easily book day trips to Tulum.
If you’d still prefer an all-inclusive stay in Tulum, we recommend the Ana y Jose Hotel & Spa Tulum: charmingly decorated rooms, a prime beachfront location, and a beautiful pool.
