7 Best Hotels in Tulum Town and Aldea Zama (Mexico)

Are you wondering where to stay in Tulum Town (aka Pueblo) or Aldea Zama?

These two areas are less expensive than the Tulum Beach area in Mexico. (In the Tulum Town vs. Tulum Beach debate, it’s often about cost. And Tulum Town and Aldea Zama are the more affordable picks.)

Now, you can certainly visit Tulum cheaply and scrimp on accommodation costs. But we’re partial to staying at romantic boutique hotels that leave you wanting for nothing.

And staying in Tulum Town (or Aldea Zama) doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style for cost!

We’ve written about Tulum’s best beach hotels. So now it’s time for a guide on the best hotels in Tulum Town and Aldea Zama.

Best hotels in Tulum town (Pueblo) and Aldea Zama

Whether you fancy outdoor pools, spa treatments, hot tubs, yoga classes – or just want somewhere with really good food – read on for Tulum hotels in town and Aldea Zama that deliver.

Some are even on our list of fabulous Tulum hotels with private plunge pools!

Best hotels in downtown Tulum

Tulum Town is packed with authentic eateries and bustling markets. It has a real local feel.

A stay here means you’re right in the heart of daily life, with lots of amenities at your fingertips.

The famous Tulum archaeological site is about 2½ miles away from the center of town.

As for the beach, it’s just a bike ride away.

After a morning yoga class (free), you take out bicycles (also free) for an exploratory ride.

Back at your hotel, you kick back on a deluxe cushioned lounger around one of the most beautiful pools in Tulum.

At sunset, candles and lanterns are lit everywhere, casting a sensual golden glow.

Stay here, and you can also use the pool and facilities of its sister hotel, Una Vida, next door (covered in #2).

Una Vida is also an award-winning design hotel, like its sibling Hotel Bardo (#1 above).

It’s family-friendly and more affordable than Hotel Bardo. But it offers an equally enchanting escape and is recommended by Michelin Guide.

You can choose from a variety of rooms, suites and villas. They include rooms with outdoor plunge pools and jungle suites with full kitchens and outdoor bathtubs.

At night, the pebbled paths are lit by hundreds of twinkling tea lights, lending a sense of magic to this jungle oasis.

Priding itself on its multicultural atmosphere, this 15-room hotel offers a selection of interesting room options. They include mezzanine rooms, garden view rooms, female-only rooms and a “friends’ room” (with a private terrace) that sleeps eight.

Maka Hotel is technically a hostel, so bear that in mind before booking.

But with a small pool, great housekeeping and room service available, you’ll have everything you need.

Maka Hotel also offers varied activities.

They include birdwatching and kayaking in the UNESCO-listed Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. You can also book unique experiences, like participating in a Mayan Temazcal ceremony, followed by a swim in one of the nearby Riviera Maya cenotes.

And on weekend nights, DJs spin electronic music at the happening rooftop bar until the wee hours. Don’t fight it – you might want to join the party rather than trying to sleep.

Another one of the best downtown Tulum hotels, Hotel Boutique TerraNova offers 10 spacious rooms with reliable A/C in a quietish location.

When you come in from the sun, you can relax by the pleasant outdoor pool in the terrace garden.

Restaurants and bars are within a 10-minute walk away.

If you need an airport shuttle, simply arrange this in advance and you’re good to go.

Best Aldea Zama, Tulum, hotels

The Aldea Zama area is about half-way between Tulum Town and the beach zone. This upscale residential neighborhood has shops, bicycle paths, restaurants and more.

You can get to the beach by bike within 10 minutes.

Here are our picks for the best Aldea Zama hotels.

As beautiful as the flower it’s named after, Orchid House Tulum combines a wonderful location in Aldea Zama with peace and tranquility.

All resources used to build this retreat were sustainably sourced – and, yes, you’ll see plenty of orchids around.

Of the 10 rooms, we like the two Master Suites on the upper floor best. Each has a palapa roof and a small indoor/outdoor plunge pool with views of the jungle outside.

But all rooms feature heavenly beds with Egyptian cotton sheets. (Note: Some guests are bothered by the lack of soundproofing.)

Nestled among palm trees, a cool pool has a swim-up bar, where the unique artisanal cocktails never disappoint!  

If you’ve ever wanted to stay in a treehouse – a luxury one, that is – here’s your chance!

KAN Tulum has 24 eco-chic rooms in buildings that are covered with latticed bamboo strips and creeper vines. Cozy and with king-size beds, they blend in seamlessly with the lush jungle landscape.

Two rooms even have infinity pools.

“Nests” (elevated viewing platforms) are perfect for taking in the killer sunsets.

Sustainability is key at this secluded adults-only hideaway.

Bamboo and other all-natural products were used in the design, and air conditioning is solar powered. To reduce plastic use, a reverse osmosis system makes tap water drinkable.

There’s a lovely cenote in front of the bar (cool for a dip!), along with a spa for massages and a pool.

A delicious vegetarian breakfast is also included in your stay.

7) Kimpton Aluna Tulum

• Rating: 8.1 out of 10 stars
• Price: $$

Enveloped by jungle and priding itself on tranquility and TLC, this is the place for those on the hunt for a traditional hotel with all the mod cons in Aldea Zama.  

The 72 air-conditioned rooms at Kimpton Aluna Tulum are white oases of cool, with LED smart TVs.

The rooftop pool and bar are a must, and the full-service spa and 24-hour onsite fitness center are perfect for exercise junkies. You also get complimentary transportation to the resort’s private beach club (with a DJ).

Valet and self-parking are available, as well as same-day dry cleaning and laundry for those mucky days.

This hotel is highly accessible, with special roll-in showers, communication features and restaurant features accommodating guests with disabilities.

Best for?

Families and friends who want to be close to the action but switch off from the noise at night.

Guests with accessibility needs will also appreciate the attention to detail at Kimpton Aluna Tulum.

Kimpton Aluna Tulum: Check rates and availability

That’s our list of the best places to stay in Tulum Town and Aldea Zama!

As you can see, there are some great choices when it comes to the best accommodations in Tulum Town and Aldea Zama.

Who needs to stay in Tulum Beach when you’ve got jungle luxury for up to half the price?

In a way, you get the best of both worlds here.

You can still bicycle or take an Uber to the beach for the day.

But when the beach buzz gets too much, you can retreat to your peaceful haven – and have tons of eateries and clubs close by when you’re ready to step outside again.

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Photo credits: 1 Una Vida | Remaining hotel images courtesy of the respective Tulum accommodations

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