Are you headed to Tulum and totally overwhelmed trying to decide where to stay? One of my favorite things to do is to research and plan a trip. I’ve been to Tulum twice and I can’t wait to go back! Here are in, my opinion, the nicest hotels in Tulum, on the beach and close by.

Diamante K
(affordable hotel on the beach)

Diamante K is quiet and not as scene-y as the others on the beach road. It had a great restaurant and bar and lots of chairs and hammocks on the sand. Even though there was a bit of seaweed and rocks in the way as you are accessing the water (we were there in April), once you’re out there, it’s perfection. Seriously heavenly. I’ve never forget body surfing in super clear blue water up to my shoulders, magical. I preferred this hotel’s cove to the long stretches of beach at other hotels because the water was deep and the waves were not rolling in crushing you. I loved bobbing up and down in the water and meditating in the breeze-y silence.

Coqui Coqui Coba
(splurge-worthy hotel 30 mins inland)

Hearing that I was headed to Tulum, a friend told me that we had to find the magical Coqui Coqui Coba hotel. Although, not officially in Tulum, it’s not far and absolutely worth the trip.

As part of our 5-day trip, we planned a day trip to the Coba ruins. After driving inland, and spending the day hiking around the park, we got in the car and it looked like, according to the map, that the hotel was on the other side of the lake… but I didn’t see a road to get there. We drove, keeping close to the lake, taking whatever roads/trails we thought the car could handle. So bumpy! Nothing was marked along the way, so it really felt like an adventure. We were just about to give up when I exclaimed “there it is!” I was so excited to see that Coqui Coqui sign when I did. I honestly still can’t believe we found it. We got out and wandered around for a bit until a very nice man came out to greet us. He gave us a tour of the rooms and the super luxurious perfumery. I wanted them all (almost couldn’t decide) but finally chose the Tabaco candle (an elegant scent of strong warm tobacco leaves) and the Rosas Frescas perfume (the freshness of white rose petals).

Their website says the wearer of these scents has, “an explorer’s spirit; a curious and inquisitive outlook to life… people with an understanding of the simple, sublime joys of life lived at a slower, leisurely pace, even if this description does not reflect their own reality…Those with an active imagination, stimulated by scent and memory… An appreciation for blissful, tropical paradises, whatever this might mean to them… A belief that the power of happy memories with friends, family and lovers contribute to the sum of self…” …………..AMEN.

Cabañas Tulum Beach Hotel & Spa
(expensive, but relaxed on the beach)

My girlfriends and I shared the Vanilla Loft for my bachelorette weekend and I found this hotel to be in the perfect centralized location. It is on the beach road, and within walking distance of my favorite restaurants (Posada Margarita and Hartwood). Both restaurants onsite are surprisingly delicious as well! We all loved the smoothies, pancakes and huevos rancheros for brunch at Fresco’s and the late night drinks and ceviche at Ziggy’s on the beach!

Mango Tulum Hotel
(budget airbnb-style hotel in town)

If you want to keep lodging expenses down check out the Mango Tulum hotel on Booking.com and book the “Penthouse”. This hotel isn’t on the beach, but rather in town. There are 2 private porches off the apartment, a kitchen, modern shower…everything you need. Also, there’s a pool in the backyard. If you’re on a budget, it’s your first time in Tulum, and you want to check out the shops in town or grab a mojito at Batey, staying here might just be the best option.

The hotel is located at the main crossroads coming into town if you are driving south from Cancun. If you stay south, the road takes you into Tulum pueblo, where there are more restaurants, bars, and gift shops. The other goes east directly to the beach (10 mins) and west towards the town of Coba.