Apr 2014

From luxury hotels to rustic cabañas, Tulum offers visitors a range of accommodation types, fit for every budget.

Mango Tulum

Having stayed at my fair share of hostels I can honestly say that Mango Tulum is truly a budget-conscious travellers dream. Affordable, secure, comfortable and exceptionally clean. There’s even a beautifully kept garden, an inviting outdoor pool and what seems like a never ending supply of cake! 

The owner Mark is a wonderful host. He is warm, welcoming, and has a wealth of knowledge about the local area, which he is more than happy to share with his guests.

Every recommendation Nick and I received from Mark, whether is was a suggestion on where to eat or advice on how to avoid the crowds at nearby tourist sites, was absolutely spot on.

Located near the centre of town, Mango Tulum is a great place to base yourself while exploring Tulum and surrounds, where you’ll find ruins, beaches and cenotes (natural sink holes). It’s definitely the type of place that you book for three nights and end up staying an entire week.

With only a handful of private and 4 person dorm rooms, Mango Tulum is not an overly big place. As such the hotel has an extremely peaceful and laid back vibe.

Nick and I thoroughly enjoyed our time at Mango Tulum (7 nights in total), so much so that we did not want to leave.

Papaya Playa Project

Papaya Playa Project (PPP) is an eco-friendly resort, surrounded by thick jungle, on an unspoilt stretch of the Caribbean coastline.

Lured by photos on the internet of PPP’s palm fringed beach and thatched roofed huts, Nick and I could not resist booking a couple of nights.

We justified this uncharacteristic splurge on accommodation, as the nights we intended to stay fell over ‘birthday week’. Also we told ourselves that PPP would provide us with ‘a much needed’ break from the string of hostels and budget hotels we had already booked.

Needless to say we had a truly fabulous stay, which was made even better by our free room upgrade!

Over the few days we stayed at PPP, Nick and I didn’t do all that much, but that’s the whole point of staying at a place like this. We lapped up the gorgeous surrounds and the incredible views, and happily gave into temptation, spending our days eating and reading, before heading to the beach again.

While we were fortunate to stay in one of the cabañas sprawled along the ocean front, not all of the resort’s lodgings are. Some are a little further back, reached by a garden path, while others are perched atop the coastline’s natural rocky ledge.

Some of the bungalows are simple wooden huts, while others are more flashy, high arched villa type abodes. Whatever the case you are sure to have a splendid time at PPP!

Posted by Jess Fleming