9 best Tulum 5-star hotels: How to Avoid Disappointment [2023]

There are many so-called 5-star hotels in Tulum. However, some are far from having the services and facilities required to be considered luxurious.

How can you know if the hotel you are going to book is worth it? Is the price not only inflated by the trendy reputation of Tulum? It is better not to go wrong for nights worth between 500 and 1500 euros.

I stayed more than 15 days in Tulum to find the city’s best plans. And I also spend dozens of hours analyzing traveler reviews.

This has allowed me to write this detailed analysis of the best luxury hotels in Tulum, considering the amenities, facilities, and quality of service.

Read on to marvel at these high-end accommodations.

For Who	Your 5-star Tulum hotel
💎 Winner overall (quite expensive)	The Beach Tulum (middle zone T. Beach)
❤️ For honeymooners	Mi Amor (North of Tulum Beach)
👪 For families	La Zebra (South of Tulum Beach)
💰 For saving money	Hotel Muaré (Tulum Downtown)
☮️ For peace seekers	Hotel Bardo (Tulum Downtown)
🍽️ For foodies	Jashita Hotel (25 min from Tulum)
😍 To be pampered	Hotel Esencia (45 min from Tulum)
💯For all-inclusive fans (and no kids!)	Secrets Akumal (30 min Tulum)

👉 Don’t hesitate to read our Tulum guide to plan your vacation and not make any more mistakes. You will find all our articles about this destination. 

best Tulum 5-star hotels: My Map

Want to optimize your itinerary and quickly decide where to stay in Tulum? Just read my expert local guide 😉

Best Tulum 5-star hotels in Playa

Tulum Beach is the most famous (and heavenly) area of Tulum. The luxury hotels overlook either the jungle or the white sandy beach. Here are the ones that deserve your attention.

1# The Beach Tulum – Best Tulum luxury hotel Overall

Great location, a ton of activities at the resort, and comfortable rooms, the Beach Tulum is a perfect spot to relax and have a romantic getaway. The private plunge pools and the rooftop sunbathing areas that some rooms have, reflect that. At the same time, it’s located within the Tulum Hotel zone. That gives you a chance to head outside the hotel to other spots to party or have a nice dinner if that’s what you’re looking for  

🛶 Facilities

There’s a complete wellness center with different massages and treatments that you can book to treat yourself. Also, the hotel has a small gym area. To go along with the dance studio-like spot where they hold the yoga lessons. You can also enjoy the communal pool at the resort or head down to the beach club. The beachside accommodations with large beds are a big plus.

🏡Amenities

Are you looking for a room where you can open the door and find yourself right in front of a pearly white sand beach and a view of the Caribbean Sea? This hotel offers that, plus the rooms with a private rooftop perfect for sunbathing. The private plunge pools in some of these rooms will be much bigger than your average hotel hot tub. 

🏖️ Service

You can order anything you want from the staff via WhatsApp. They can get you drinks or food from Fresco’s and Ziggy’s, the two restaurants at the resort. Breakfast is free and can be delivered to your room directly. The hotel also offers different activities like wine tastings and snorkeling tours that you can book through the concierge staff.   

Prices: From 1000 USD | Location: South Tulum Hotel Zone

2# Mi Amor – Best romantic 5-star hotel in Tulum

Mi Amor is a boutique hotel accommodating couples seeking a romantic beach retreat. There may be a few things to do at the hotel regarding activities. The highlight of this hotel is the large rooms with private terraces and plunge pools. If you come here with your partner, don’t miss out on the beachside dinners they can set up for you.  

🛶 Facilities

As I said, you can’t really expect such a small resort to feature a ton of different amenities on property. In fact, you have to walk over to its sister resort, the Mezzanine Hotel, for beach access. The hotel does have a full-service spa where you can book massages and different types of couples’ experiences. Including Mayan-themed mystic/relaxation rituals.

🏡Amenities

Each of the rooms has something to offer. There are jungle view suites and, of course, rooms that overlook the ocean. Most of these rooms feature a private jacuzzi or plunge pool. You could argue that the communal infinity pool area is kind of small. The poolside bar, though, can be a cozy spot to chill in, with one of the best drinks lineups in the hotel zone.

🏖️ Service

If this hotel has a claim as one of the best luxury hotels Tulum has to offer, it’s because of the service they offer. You’re received with a complimentary drink once you arrive at the resort, and from there, the staff is always on hand to get you anything you need. Another highlight is the turn-down service offered by their housekeeping team. The hotel always has scented candles lit that give off this chill vibe throughout the entire resort. Coming back to a room that’s clean and smells lovely at the end of the day is a great touch.  

Prices: From 480 USD | Location: Main Tulum Hotel Zone

3# La Zebra – Best kid-friendly luxury hotel in Tulum

Pretty much everything that Mi Amor lacks, La Zebra offers. That’s not to say La Zebra is better. It’s just that it’s a hotel meant to appeal to families or friends more than couples. They do a great job of hosting different activities at the hotel. The salsa classes on Sunday and their market on Saturdays are a staple of the Tulum hotel zone. Even though there are usually more people at this resort, they still have private rooms with great views to take in.      

🛶 Facilities

There’s a kid zone, and the staff works hard to offer activities for the kids daily. The hotel’s main restaurant is known for its salsa parties on Sunday. They offer midday lessons, so you’ll know a step or two when the party starts. You may have to participate in many of the activities at the hotel because Wi-Fi is not great here, so getting work done can be challenging.    

The beachside bar, the center of attention of the hotel’s beach area, offers authentic Mexican food. If you head further down towards the ocean, there are also some beachside spots where you can chill at. Be sure to get there early, though. If not, the restaurant will be the only spot with room for you.   

🏡Amenities

 All of their rooms come with a private terrace and large windows. You can upgrade to options with your own private plunge pool within that terrace. Beachside rooms allow you to go from your bed to the beach in just a few steps. If you’re going to come with your kids, avoid the garden view suite, and go with the plunge pool options. Another thing you want to avoid is the room next to the entrance. It gets noisy all day because they work hard in the kitchens at La Zebra. There’s also a large communal pool that’s rather shallow, with a poolside bar.

🏖️ Service

This hotel has a very enthusiastic staff, from the people who host the different activities to the team that can help you heat your plunge pool. There are several family-friendly activities, particularly on Sunday, with the staff setting up play areas for the kids. If you want to book experiences outside the resort, which this hotel offers plenty of, you can also get staff to help you with that.  

Prices: From 562 USD | Location: South Tulum Hotel Zone

Best Tulum luxury hotels in El Pueblo

The Tulum downtown area is known for its Bohemian vibe and some bars that cater more to the college crowd than the adults looking for a luxury experience. That’s gradually changing, though, as more and more luxury hotels are being built in the area (like La Veleta or Aldea Zama). These hotels can give you the best of both worlds, a private room near a busy and more affordable party scene.  

4# Hotel Muaré: An affordable luxury hotel in Tulum

This is a smaller luxury—more of a boutique hotel—like the ones you can find on the beachside of Tulum. Perfect for a private weekend with your significant other. You’re getting a decent-sized room with all of the amenities that you need for about 200 dollars less than you would pay at most other hotels. What’s the catch? There are few things to do at this resort, and it doesn’t have the best location.   

🛶 Facilities

There’s a full wellness center on property, and the pool area, although small, lights up at night to create a very romantic vibe. The theming in the restaurant and pool area with the masonry flooring goes really well with the exotic gardens surrounding the whole place.   

🏡Amenities

When it comes to the rooms, they can feel kind of cluttered to some people. You’ve got a large king-size bed with a small living room area in 645 square feet. That seems like enough room, but I think they are counting the private patio area in that measurement. You have a private outdoor shower and a small pool in this patio as well. The large windows in every villa make them a great spot to watch sunrises and sunsets. 

🏖️ Service

You have to download WhatsApp to communicate with the front desk and all the staff. It’s not optional. You’ll see, they are very friendly and attentive. You can quickly get room service delivered from the hotel’s restaurant. The only problem with the staff is that they can be pushy and forceful with expensive tips. 

• Prices: From 320 USD | Location: La Veleta 10 min from main downtown area and the beach

5# Hotel Bardo: Best wellness center in Tulum

Hotel Bardo oozes that aesthetic vibe that a lot of people come to Tulum looking for. I’m not saying this just because they offer Temazcal spa treatments and Mayan-themed mystic experiences. The masonry flooring around the gardens is similar design-wise to what you’ll find at Mauré. You could argue, though, that Hotel Bardo has better amenities and overall theming.     

🛶 Facilities

The pool area is surrounded by plants and the masonry design that I talked about. They have ample sun loungers around the whole pool area. With the music they play throughout the hotel, you’ll feel like you’re at a spa 24/7. That can motivate you to try the daily yoga lessons or book a temazcal experience. The massages you can get at the wellness center may be expensive but are worth it.  

🏡Amenities

Rooms here are, if not larger than at Maure, better arranged so you can enjoy the living room area within your space without feeling like you’re sitting right next to the bed. The private patio in your room can feature a pool or a hammock in your own botanical garden. Maybe the only issue with the rooms is that they tend to be rather dark, and the floors can get slippery when wet. The bathroom has this same type of floor, and of course, you want to be extra careful when coming from any pool into the room.   

🏖️ Service

Again you can get in touch with the staff through Whatsapp. They will be open to bring you a drink and breakfast to the room. Also, the private pools can get dirty from the leaves that fall on them. Just let the staff know, and they can clean it out for you. Overall, the service is good at this hotel. 

Prices: From 660 USD | Location: North Side of Downtown Tulum 12 min from the beach

Best 5 stars hotels around Tulum

Some of the best resorts in the area are outside of Tulum city limits. You may want to look into these options for a hotel with a larger & quieter private beach area.  

6# Jashita Hotel: Tulum 5-star hotel with the best food

A lot of the resorts, mainly all-inclusive hotels, offer a ton of restaurants on property. What is the point if none of them offer exceptional food? There’s only one restaurant at Jashita, but it provides one of the best dining experiences of all Tulum Hotels. This is also a resort that’s known for its clean beach. If you’re into snorkeling, this is one of the best spots near Tulum. 

🛶 Facilities

I have to highlight the Padano restaurant once again. It’s considered an Italian restaurant with some Mexican touches. You should probably lean towards fresh seafood dishes. The hotel also has a complete wellness center that mainly offers Mayan rituals and anti-aging treatments. If you’re into snorkeling, you’re in one of the best spots to do just that. The resort even offers boat rides out to the reef for a better snorkeling experience.  

🏡Amenities

Mostly, people will pick the ocean-view suites or those directly on the beach. Don’t overlook the deluxe rooms with the garden view, though. They feature a spacious living room area. You also have a private terrace with your jacuzzi. 

If you’re still fixated on the waterfront suites, know you can access the private beach area directly. They are a great spot to chill at any point in the day.   

🏖️ Service

You have access to snorkeling gear and anything that you need to do some snorkeling. I bring this up because the staff is on top of things to get you anything you need regarding drinks or any activities you want to do. In the Yoga lessons overlooking the ocean, you also get very personal treatment from the staff. Even the chef at the restaurant regularly interacts with diners and recommends dishes.   

• Prices: From 730 USD | Location: Soliman Bay, 25 min from Tulum beach

7# Hotel Esencia: Tulum Luxury hotels with the best customer service

Esencia is one of the best luxury hotels in Tulum for people who want to come here and relax. The staff is known to go above and beyond to bring people their drinks quickly. They also help you book any experience at the nearby parks. The hotel is in a great location to enjoy day tours to the different cenotes in the region. It’s an adults-only resort, so you can bet it’s quieter than other hotels.    

🛶 Facilities

This is another hotel that has a large hut overlooking the ocean, where they offer their daily free yoga classes. It also has a small but decently equipped gym. Their spa has a sauna and a large jacuzzi overlooking a jungle area. The private beach area with “palapas” for guests to stay in the shade is one of the best spots at the resort. Also, the beach is a turtle sanctuary. You can even release turtles into the ocean if you come at the right time of year.    

🏡Amenities

It’s hard to choose which room is the best on the property. Even in the lowest tier, the jungle view room is incredibly spacious. You have a large deck that overlooks the local vegetation. It’s a perfect location to spot all sorts of wildlife in the trees. From there, you can move up to a beachside villa with a large private outdoor swimming pool. 

🏖️ Service

The concierge service at this hotel is one of the best in the area. Not just because they get your breakfast to your room after the free yoga class. As I mentioned, they actively try to get you access to the different parks and activities near the hotel. Intuitive, but not intrusive, is how I would describe this staff.  

Prices: From 1400 USD | Location: Xpu-Ha beach 45 min from Tulum beach

Best all-inclusive luxury resorts around Tulum

Most all-inclusive Tulum hotels are 15-25 min away from the city. They are typically located on more private beaches, which can be suitable for people who want to remain at the resort throughout their stay.  

8# Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya: Best 5-star Tulum all-inclusive resort

Secrets Akumal is a small all-inclusive resort located on one of the best snorkeling beaches in the area. The hotel hosts Hollywood and pirate-themed shows to entertain guests at night. Between the many activities, excellent staff attention, and sunbathing by the pool, you’ll never notice the time passing.

🛶 Facilities

The indoor swimming pool at the large spa center is one of the highlights of this resort. There’s an argument to be made that the ambiance of the entire place is perfectly taken care of. The large outdoor swimming pool area has plenty of large beach chairs to relax in. With so many food options on the property, you can pick what you’re in the mood for that particular day. The price per night includes unlimited drinks and dining.    

🏡Amenities

Rooms are generally spacious, with most of them featuring a private terrace. If not, they at least have a small living room area near the window. Make sure not to pick a room too close to the club area if you want peace in quiet when you decide to go to bed. If you really want a luxury stay, pick one of the swim-up rooms or the master suite. The larger suites have a spacious living room area with a large TV.   

🏖️ Service

The food and service can be hit or miss depending on the restaurant you choose. You could be waiting for an hour to get served a steak at some of the more elegant restaurants. Yet, have a great server taking care of you at the beach bar getting you your unlimited drinks. Also, be prepared to deal with timeshare salespeople.

Prices: From 680 USD | Location: from Tulum beach

9# TRS Yucatan: Tulum luxury resort with the best customer service

This is a much larger all-inclusive resort, yet it’s managed to master customer service through WhatsApp. They have what they call e-butlers for all of the guests. Basically, you text the staff what you need, and they’ll get it for you. Each building has its own staff lineup. The rooms at this resort truly pass the eye test of what you expect from 5-star hotels in Tulum.    

🛶 Facilities

TRS Yucatan offers more dining options than Secrets. Again the food can be a bit hit or miss. The Italian restaurant Tentazione and the French cuisine served at Le Boheme are widely regarded as the best options. Be sure to make reservations with your e-butler for any dining experience to ensure there’s room for you that night. The cabaret club provides a truly adult’s only experience as well. This resort is also home to one of the largest outdoor swimming pools you’ll find anywhere in the area. 

🏡Amenities

There’s no doubt that the best room to stay at is the one that offers a private rooftop pool. If you go with one of the smaller suites with a private pool, maybe pick the garden side view. Having a private pool beside the communal infinity pool would make little sense. Some of the smaller suites lack the ambiance and design of the other options. They are still comfortable rooms that allow you to enjoy the resort at a lower cost.   

🏖️ Service

You may be able to find more visually stunning luxury hotels in Tulum, but the service here is unrivaled. Their e-Butler service, which runs through WhatsApp, allows you to contact a staff member who will honor any request you have. You can ask for things like making reservations to one of the restaurants to refilling the minibar. The resort is quite large, but plenty of golf carts are driven by staff members willing to take you where you need to go. 

Prices: From 614 USD | Location: 40 min from Tulum beach

Booking guide: How to pick your Tulum luxury hotel

Choosing between the best luxury hotels in Tulum may not be a decision you can base on the amenities that each hotel offers. The location and access to nearby may be things you’ll want to consider.  

Decide Where to stay in Tulum

There are excellent boutique hotels all over Tulum beach that can be great options. Many of these resorts offer a private beach and are also near the top restaurants and clubs in the region. Here’s where you’ll find the hotels that offer beachside rooms or rooms overlooking the jungle part of Tulum. Many hotels can provide very quiet and private stays for guests. 

For travelers hoping to find 5-star hotels in Tulum that you don’t have to break the bank for, downtown Tulum could be a great spot. You will be near restaurants and clubs that are also more affordable than the ones in the south Tulum beach area. 

All-inclusive 5-star hotels are only going to be found outside Tulum city limits (except for Kore Tulum). I’ve already talked about resorts in Akumal beach, for example. These resorts tend to be in more isolated areas. If you’re picking a resort in this area, make sure that it’s a spot you’ll likely want to stay at throughout your entire stay. Also, check if they offer free private parking since you might want to have a rental car.     

Bad-rated 5-star hotels in Tulum

Not all hotels that style themselves as luxury Tulum resorts will be worth the money. Here are a few Tulum hotels I cannot in good conscience recommend that you stay at. 

Azulik is a hotel located near the famous Mayan ruins area. It’s a 100% eco-friendly resort. That, unfortunately, means there’s no electricity in the rooms. It has no air conditioning, which makes nights here almost unbearable in the spring and summer. Plus, service is subpar, and the facilities can look unclean and dated.  

Ahau Tulum has an entrance that has become an icon of the Tulum beach area. You don’t even get complimentary breakfast with what you pay to stay at this hotel. Also, they allow the air conditioning to only work from 7 pm to 9 am. Staff can be a bit grouchy sometimes, and overall you get the sense that you’re not getting your money’s worth here. 

Be Tulum is a unique hotel, but not luxurious in many ways. So the 5-star rating is misplaced from the start. Rooms are dark and, a lot of times, damp. That makes them a perfect breeding ground for pests you might encounter during your stay. The thick walls make it hard for the free wifi to work well throughout the resort. Service is also a bit hit or miss.   

Best time to come to Tulum

If you want to be on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, which Tulum certainly has, coming from March through October is not ideal. Those are the worst months for sargassum on beaches. Speaking of March, that’s the start of spring, which draws big crowds that remain through the summer. Those months plus the December holidays bring the biggest crowds, so hotels’ rates are higher.

In the summer and into September, you can also expect a lot of rain in this part of Mexico. Tropical storms can hit Tulum hard in certain years. With all of this in mind, I would say November is the perfect month to come to Tulum. It’s not as hot or crowded. You’ll be able to access better rates with a still decent climate.     

Book in advance

Tulum tends to fill up in the peak season. The boutique hotel that you really want to go to has fewer than 20 rooms! Booking 5 to 7 months before your trip usually gets you a better rate. 

Tulum prices

Hotels in Tulum are some of the most expensive in all of Mexico. Sure, you can find some of the nicest hotels with a beautiful beach here. There’s a chance, though, that you’ll feel that the price you pay doesn’t match the quality you’d expect. That applies to food, luxury hotels in Tulum, and all sorts of experiences around here.

That doesn’t mean you can’t find a room with your private plunge pools to be worth the splurge. For the most part, though, this part of Mexico is costly. When you book, check what currency you’re being billed at. Always take your credit card provider’s exchange rate over the other options. 

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