How to Choose a Cabana Hotel in Tulum, Mexico
Let's face it. The only reason you decided to go to Tulum, Mexico is because you wanted a respite from the crowds in Cancun and Playa del Carmen and you wanted stay in a Cabana just off a white sand beach and an aqua blue sea. So more than ever, the choice of which Cabana hotel you stay in will impact how you will enjoy your trip. I just made that same decision three weeks ago, when I chose La Luna Hotel for my Tulum Vacation. I spent two nights there in what is the best beach vacation I have ever experienced. I went to bed and arose to the sounds of the ocean. I took walks along a beach barefoot. I swam in Cenotes. I saw Mayan ruins on a cliff overlooking a beach. I don't think I will ever go back to one of those Cancun all-inclusive resorts.
Below are some questions to keep in mind:
How much are you willing to rough it? Twenty years ago, all you could do was rough on the beached of Tulum, with just a wooden shack over your head, a swinging bed mosquito net and no more.Ten years ago, I might have been able to rough in a basic cabana (Sand floors, saggy bed with mosquito net, plastic desk and NO electricity). But today, as a seasoned traveler who likes her electricity and wifi, I just can't do it. For the purposes of this article, I am going to assume that you want the typical comforts of a three star hotel - maid service, clean sheets, electricity and wifi. Even some hotels that do have electricity will turn it off around 10pm. If you want electricity full time make sure the hotel provides it. My hotel had electricity round the clock.
What is your budget? Tulum, Mexico is a hot destination. Tripadvisor ranked it as a Top 25 destination in Latin America last year. It is considered as one of the greatest beaches in the WORLD. The Cabana hotels KNOW that...so trying to get a nice cabana under $80 is almost close to impossible these days. You'll only get close to $100 in the low season. The good thing is that over $250 doesn't really get you that much more quality for something that costs $450. It might get you an extra bedroom. It's safe to assume that a nice Cabana for two people will be at least $150 a night.
What season? The hotels rates in Tulum (as in the Riviera, Maya) vary drastically based on the season. Since everyone is trying to leave the cold from November to April, that is the high season in Tulum. Hotels rates are about 50 to 70% higher during this season. Sometimes prices dip from May to June and then increase again in July and August (summer break season for Mexicans and Europeans). Expect to pay the highest around the holiday season and the least from September to November (hurricane season). Obviously, Tulum, is going to be more poppin during the high season? But if you came to Tulum for pure relaxation, then the season won't matter AT ALL.
Oceanfront, Oceanview, Gardenview - What does all this mean? When choosing a Cabana, you will likely see the position of it labeled as ocean front, ocean view and garden view. Oceanfront typically means that your cabana is right on the sand smack in front of the water. For people who love the immediate sight of blue water and sound of crashing waves, this will be ideal. If you plan to lounge in an hammock right in front of your cabana all day then remember there will not be much privacy. The beach crowd will have a full view of you AND your cabana. Oceanview (which I prefer) means that you have a view of the ocean, but you are not right in the sand. Typically this means there might be a garden in front of your cabana or perhaps you are in a two-story cabana that is behind vegetation but on the top floor. Gardenview means just that - you have a view of the garden. Don't think that it's as bad as it seems. Typically, cabana hotels try to make the garden as appealing as possible. And really, it's not like you are too far from the ocean...
Where to Stay? Tulum town is unfortunately not right on the beach. It's about a 10 minute taxi ride from the beach. Hotels are much cheaper in town and there are some good ones, but really...did you come to Tulum to stay in the town? No, you came to stay in a CABANA!!! The beach area is divided into two areas, the north and the south. If you want to take long walks along the beach with no rocks to impede your stroll, then try to go south. You don't have to be right on top of the Sian Kaa'an Reserve...but that's the direction you want. What's Included in Your Stay? There are some things that you should look out to see if its included: 1) Breakfast. It makes a big difference when you can wake up in the morning to a decent breakfast. Hotels that don't include it will likely charge $10 a person. 2) Outside food/drinks and a cooler: This will impact your budget greatly as the food on the beach is EXPENSIVE. Well expensive is all relative. You'll basically be paying American prices. Imagine being able to bring back some ice, beers, fruit, and snacks for the room. My room at La Luna came with a cooler in which I stored juice and cheap Mexican beer. For a hotel like Posada Margherita, the food/restaurant is so renown that outside food is technically banned. 3) Water: Believe it or NOT, some outrageously expensive hotels don't even include drinking water. La Luna included a 5 gallon jug of purified water in the room. If not, I would have been paying $10 a day just to drink enough water! Some hotels will give you a liter a day (for brushing teeth) but that is NOT enough. Always ask before you finalize your reservation. The Beach!!!! Make sure you know what type of beach is in front of your cabana, and that it meets you expectations. Some hotels were built in very rocky areas, making it difficult to cross them and take walks. Other hotels (like Hotel Zama) have a little strip of a beach. You came for a wide white beach, so make sure you get it! Read the reviews and ask questions. Your MONEY Since the hotels are small, most of the charge you up front in full to reserve a room. Choose your hotel wisely because it will be hell to get your money back with a last minute cancellation. Where do I look for hotels: Before I took a leap of faith by staying at La Luna, I stalked the tripadvisor boards for Tulum: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g150813-Tulum_Yucatan_Peninsula-Hotels.html You should do the same. With that said here are my picks for the best Cabana hotels that give you VALUE for your money:
Cabanas La Luna: I chose this hotel because of its website and design of its cabanas and I was not disapointed. The people were nice. The cabana was colorful and comfortable and I didn't feel like I was getting jipped either! The only drawback is that the property does NOT have a restaurant. They are building one now.
EcoTulum: The EcoTulum hotels (which includes Cabana, Zahra and Azulik) has loads of specials that include significant discounts (up to 50%) and even money back (to be spent at their spa or restaurants). The EcoTulum hotels run a great Mayan spa (coincidently called Mayan spa) that is reasonably priced compared to other options on Tulum beach. The ONLY problem with their cabanas is that they are on a stretch of beach that is extremely rocky, so you can forget about those long walks on the beach. Do you have some additions to this list? Please add to it!!
Cabanas La Luna: I chose this hotel because of its website and design of its cabanas and I was not disapointed. The people were nice. The cabana was colorful and comfortable and I didn't feel like I was getting jipped either! The only drawback is that the property does NOT have a restaurant. They are building one now.
Nueva Vida de Ramiro: I came really close to staying here. The beach at this place is great and since the property is so large, they actually have what you might call a jungle!! Plus there is a GREAT restaurant called Casa Banana on the other side of the road.
EcoTulum: The EcoTulum hotels (which includes Cabana, Zahra and Azulik) has loads of specials that include significant discounts (up to 50%) and even money back (to be spent at their spa or restaurants). The EcoTulum hotels run a great Mayan spa (coincidently called Mayan spa) that is reasonably priced compared to other options on Tulum beach. The ONLY problem with their cabanas is that they are on a stretch of beach that is extremely rocky, so you can forget about those long walks on the beach. Do you have some additions to this list? Please add to it!!
4 comments
Dec 01, 2009
playamaya said...
Great Article on Tulum Beach Cabanas! Thanks. For large group who want private villa and beach North of Tulum is Soliman Bay. I am www.vrbo.com/17242. Best snorkeling here.
Dec 09, 2009
lulamedia said...
hi! great info.I've stayed twice with my family at Copal (from EcoTulum) and I always enjoyed the most of the beach. It seems that there are only a few 'rocky' seasons in Tulum's beach. I also loved the Maya Spa, I’ve tried the temazcal, a healing and the Mayan massages.
I also know Zahra, which is a smaller property, and I deeply recommends cabanas #15 and #16, totally amazing seaview!
Dec 09, 2009
Kiratiana said...
Thanks for this great information! I LOVE Tulum!Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
Jan 19, 2010
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