My 12 Favorite Beachfront Hotels in Tulum

Let’s be honest: the reason you’re going to Tulum is for its beautiful beaches, you beautiful bohemian beach bum.

And, if you want to splash out on the best possible vacation, there’s really nothing quite like booking a boutique resort or hotel directly on the beach. 

Staying in a beachfront hotel means you get to fall asleep to crashing waves, wake up to the sun rising over the Caribbean, and avoid the notorious traffic that affects those who decide to base themselves in Tulum town instead. Sure, you’ll have to pay for the privilege, but this is your vacation after all! 

I’ve been visiting Tulum for half a decade. My better half Clara and I have made it our mission to review and photograph the best accommodation in Tulum. We’re the authors of the Internet’s most comprehensive guide to the best hotels in Tulum, plus a detailed guide on which part of Tulum to stay in (beach vs town). 

Clara and I have visited dozens of Tulum beach hotels, and these are our picks for the best.

Affiliate Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. See our Advertising Policy for further explanation. Thank you!

12 Best Hotels on the Beach in Tulum

Nerea Tulum (#1 Overall)

Nerea Tulum is not just our favorite beach hotel – it’s our top ranked hotel overall in all of Tulum. 

The property is located in the exclusive Tankah Bay area, a short 15-minute drive north of Tulum town. While this means it is a little more challenging to get to (it helps if you rent a car), it also means the hotel’s beachfront is much quieter than properties on the main beach strip. 

A new modern-style hotel only opened a couple of years ago, Nerea has this beautiful design that is based around hexagons. It also offers a private dock where you can book a massage, a beachfront restaurant, and a massive pool that winds through the property. 
If you want luxury in an exclusive and quiet retreat right on the beach, book a room at Nerea.

Nerea Website | Hotel Phone: +52 (984) 147 6515 | $$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Nerea Tulum on Booking

La Zebra (For Families)

In my opinion, the single best beach hotel for families has got to be La Zebra.

Each room comes with a king sized bed plus two pull out twin beds. Perfect for the kiddos to stay. They also have multiple play areas for children, and an activity calendar to keep them busy. 

Oh, and they even have several protected turtle nesting grounds on site, which is a really cool feature the children will love.

La Zebra Website | Hotel phone: +52 984 115 4728 | $$$ | 👉 Check Prices for La Zebra on Booking

Cabañas Tulum Hotel (Boutique) 

Cabañas is a classic beach hotel. It’s not the newest in town, but it’s well-maintained and in a perfect location right in the middle of the main beach zone. 

The rooms are well-maintained and clean. The environment is relaxed and perfect for mature travelers or groups of friends. 

If you can, try to snag one of the beachfront rooms that come with a private dipping pool.

Cabañas Website | Hotel Phone: +52 984 871 1131 | $$$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Cabañas Tulum Hotel on Booking

Mereva By BlueSky (Family-Friendly)

Mereva isn’t just our favorite hotel on Tulum beach – it’s #1 on our list of Tulum hotels, overall. It’s a serene beach resort located 10 minutes north of the Tulum ruins, close enough to the action but away from the hustle and bustle of Tulum’s main hotel zone.

If you want a hotel with an oceanfront view, Mereva is a great bet (most of its stylish rooms have ocean views).

Besides being right on the beach, Mereva features multiple pools, a private dock with hammocks, a fantastic onsite restaurant, a nearby cenote, excellent free wifi, air conditioning, kayaks, snorkeling gear, bikes, and massages. 

Several of Mereva’s spacious suites offer terraces with an ocean view from private plunge pools overlooking Mereva’s beautiful private beach. Sit back, relax, and listen to the crashing waves.

Hotel Website | Hotel Phone: +52 (984) 147 6571 | $$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Mereva Tulum on Booking

Encantada Tulum (Boho Chic)

If you’re looking for boho chic luxury in a peaceful jungle retreat, and if the price isn’t an object, then Encantada Tulum should be high on your shortlist of Tulum beach hotels. There are only 8 rooms, so it’s about as close to your own private beachfront resort as you can get. 

One of the “original” Tulum beach boutiques, Encantada’s focus on sustainable luxury has earned it features is prominent media like Elle and Forbes. Guests have access to a private beach, free yoga classes, parking, all-natural soaps and lotions, free wifi and bicycle rentals, tropical libations at the Itzik Garden, and delicious food at the world acclaimed NÜ Tulum restaurant. 

Every room has a private terrace but, if you can, reserve the upper-level treehouse suites. They offer fantastic wraparound decks with epic views.

Encantada Website | Hotel Phone: +52 (984) 114-7525 | $$$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Encantada on Booking

La Valise Hotel (Luxury / Honeymooners)

Speaking of luxury Tulum beach hotels, La Valise is ideal for couples, honeymooners, or anyone else looking for a tropical romantic getaway. As far as I know, this is the only hotel in Tulum where you can literally sleep on a bed under the stars on a terrace overlooking the Caribbean ocean. 

La Valise’s rustic airy seafront rooms feel like they’re part of the surrounding jungle. The picture-perfect aesthetic is one reason celebrities are often spotted staying here! Of course, all that luxury comes with a price, but if you’re looking for the absolute best 5 star on the beach, you have to at least consider La Valise!

Hotel Website | Hotel Phone: +52 (55) 80 60 27 45 | $$$$ | 👉 Check Prices for La Valise on Booking

Alea Tulum By BlueSky (Secluded Boutique)

Alea Tulum by BlueSky is Mereva’s sister hotel, located next door. It is an equally fantastic spa resort with a great beach, several swim-up rooms, gushing guest reviews, and easy access to some of the most exclusive private stretches of beachfront in Tulum. 

The 17 modern rooms are spotless, many offering private terraces with oceanfront views of Tulum beach. Alea offers an excellent on-site gym, a fantastic outdoor pool that stretches into the hotel’s restaurant area. Oh, by the way, Chef Carlos Peregrina’s onsite restaurant is top notch (dine here for the delicious food from around Mexico even if you stay at another Tulum beach hotel). 

Best of all, Alea is located on Tankah Bay, which is a more sheltered from the seaweed that often affects most hotels on the beach in Tulum. Alea is definitely one of the top hotels on the beach – not just in Tulum, but in the entire Riviera Maya.

Hotel Website | Hotel Phone: +52 (984) 147 6570 | $$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Alea on Booking

Coco Limited (Luxury Suites)

Coco Limited is a luxury bohemian beach boutique where you can stare out over the Caribbean while bathing in an outdoor jacuzzi. Clara raves about the white sand at the hotel’s beach club. That is saying something, because Tulum is a place known for incredibly perfect white sandy beaches. 

It’s perfect if you want a hotel walking distance to Tulum beach, but also close to the great restaurants and bars that dot the main hotel zone.

You’ll find 26 luxury suites, many with oceanfront views, a fantastic pool with comfortable sun loungers and an artificial waterfall, fast free wifi, an a la carte American breakfast, and excellent concierge service that can assist with booking tours or day trips near Tulum.

Hotel Website | Hotel Phone: +52 55 4169 2072 | $$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Coco Limited on Booking

Hotelito Azul (Boutique)

One of Tulum’s newest 5 star hotels on the beach, Hotelito Azul is among Clara’s favorite boutique hotels because it packs everything you need for a comfortable Tulum beach vacation.

Hotelito Azul offers a rooftop pool and bar, a cute coffee shop, an amazing market, hammocks hanging over the sandy beach, and 

The covered beachfront balconies are one of the property’s highlights, and perfect for enjoying the beach during those spurts where you need a break from the sun (or rain). They’re spacious, with couches, sun loungers, and those hanging boho chic “nest” seats that have become an integral part of that “Tulum Instagram style.” It offers a good location in the center of the hotel zone too.

Hotel Website | Hotel phone: +52 938 164 0744 | $$$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Hotelito Azul on Expedia

Dune Boutique Hotel (Private Beachfront Pool)

Clara is a big fan of the welcoming staff at the Dune Boutique beachfront hotel, which oozes with that classic Tulum bohemian vibe that has made the town such an Instagram sensation.

You’ll love the “nest” that adorns the end of the outdoor swimming pool, and the private beachfront terraces (complete with plunge pool) that come with some of the suites. 

Besides its aesthetic appeal, Dune is a good choice if you’re looking to party. Though it’s close to Tulum’s party zone, Dune is conveniently nestled in between lush green jungle and tropical Caribbean ocean, which gives it a peaceful setting despite the central location. 

Hotel Website | Hotel phone: +52 984 238 9529 | $$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Dune on Booking

El Paraiso Hotel (Closest to Tulum Ruins)

El Paraiso was the first boutique hotel I ever stayed in directly on Tulum beach, and it’s still one of my favorite picks for mid-range Tulum beach hotels. Located near Playa Paraiso, the gorgeous public beach just south of the Tulum ruins, El Paraiso offers small but comfortable rooms just a few steps away from what is arguably the most beautiful beach in Tulum. 

The hotel grounds are pretty expansive, with a large beach club with loungers, but with the rooms set back from the beach in the midst of tranquil natural beauty.

Best of all, El Paraiso is so close to the Tulum Mayan archeological site that you can even walk to the ruins!

Hotel Website | Hotel Phone: +52 1 (984) 131 7566 | $$$ | 👉 Check Prices for El Paraiso on Booking

Nest Tulum (Unique Boutique)

One of the “OG” boho chic hotels that helped propel Tulum’s rapid rise as a global beach destination, Nest Tulum remains a great option for luxury travelers looking for Mayan-inspired luxury in a gorgeous natural setting. 

Nest is a small property (12 rooms), with a minimalist design. Guests love the stunning private beach area, the hospitality offered (there’s a 24-hour concierge service), and the included delicious included breakfast.

If you’re really looking for a 5-star experience, you can even request a private chef and butler service for an additional cost. Nest is located in the southern part of the Tulum hotel zone, near some of the top beach clubs, restaurants, and bars. 

Hotel Website | Hotel Phone: +52 984 141 5433 | $$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Nest Tulum on Booking

***

For more Tulum, Mexico accommodation advice, be sure to check out our full guide to the best hotels in Tulum or our guide on where to stay in Tulum, Mexico. Enjoy the beautiful beach Tulum is so famous for!