EmersonH

Hi All--we are coming to the area in late June/early July for 2 weeks of language school, probably in Tulum. 2 adults, 2 six year olds (a 3rd adult part of the time). We are looking for a spacious (a least one bedroom for privacy for adults) place that is kid friendly, has ac and tv (TV I know...) so the Eco hotels won't really work for us. However, we also don't want an all inclusive or huge resort surrounded by development. Any help would be appreciated. I haven't been there since 2004 (pre-kid, stayed at an amazing Eco hotel) so I am totally out of the loop. Thanks for any help you can provide.

jamie99

Not a lot of hotels in Tulum have AC, and with kids I'd also want a pool. Cabanas Tulum has AC from 7pm to 7am and a pool and free breakfast but would be crowded with 4 people, only has a king or two doubles for bedding.
Personally I'd check into condos on Half Moon Bay in north Akumal, plenty to pick from, stayed at one in May myself with AC, pool, kitchen, etc.
Check the listings on locogringo.com and see if any appeal to you, they are reliable (14-15 years) and live in the area.

EmersonH

Hi--Thanks for the response. Yes, I was excited about cabanas tulum--especially bc they offer some kids activities/babysitting in case we wanted to get out a bit--but ur right rooms are too small. It looks like we will have to do a condo or villa. Do you know what areas of akumal are less commercial (trying to avoid big developments of possible). Thanks!

zootsi

It depends on what you mean by commercial - Akumal has no big hotels or high rises, but lots of 2-3 story condos, small hotels and some good restaurants. Realize that Akumal is not really a Mexican town, but a somewhat quiet area of vacation properties along the water. Near Half Moon Bay and Yal-Ku lagoon might be the best section to find a rental condo. Akumal Pueblo, which is on the other side of the highway is a small town where the locals live.

jette

I'm not sure Tulum would offer much for a 6 year old after a day or so. It's ideal for adults looking for some real relaxation...not so much young kids needing at least some action!

I think there's much more for kids at Akumal and certainly more spacious and well equipped condo's. I have friends that always stay here
https://www.locogringo.com/mexico/ac.../cannon-house/

and love the location.

jamie99

Half Moon Bay is probably your best bet, quiet and laid back, lots of condos and some villas. You can walk, bike, rent a golf cart or rental car to get around. Most of the other bays (I have also stayed at Aventuras Akumal a few bays south) you really need a rental car and have few facilities. Av Ak for example has one restaurant and bar with limited hours.

EmersonH

Thanks for the replies! It looks like we'll aim for half moon bay somewhere. Sounds like the best bet with kiddos. Will have a rental car anyway bc we'll be driving to tulum for spanish classes unless anyone knows of a closer one. One of the condo owners said its an easy drive from half moon to tulum.

zootsi

Half moon bay is a good option, its quiet and beautiful. Only one drawback, the water is not very swimmer friendly- lots of rocks, seaweed, coral, sea urchins. Great for snorkeling however. Swimmer friendly akumal bay is a 15 minute walk away.

NGail

Just got back from Las Villas Akumal which we loved. We had a 3 bedroom, 3 bath condo overlooking the water. There are also 1 and 2 bedroom units. It's just south of Akumal proper on Jade Bay - you can walk into town along the beach, but would need a car to go anywhere else. There's a pool, AC, TV, Spa Services and a rooftop restaurant that also delivers full meals to your condo. The waters aren't quite as calm as in town, but more swimmer-friendly than Half Moon Bay. Very helpful staff. They also have a grocery service. I sent them a list of what we wanted and it was all waiting, with receipts, when we arrived. Service charge was $35.

brubenow

I just returned from this area and spent a half day snorkeling at Half Moon Bay. It's great to snorkel but I definitely would NOT want to bring my kids here to stay because the beach is horrible for swimming. Very rocky, tons of brown seaweed. My kids hated it. I had to bribe my oldest to go in to snorkel. The snorkeling is great, but if you have kids who like to play in the ocean, this is not the place for you. We stayed at the Fairmont Mayakoba a half hour from here- very family freindly and they have casitas for families and a great beach for swimming.

SambaChula

The seaweed is a phenomenon of this year at most of the beaches along that Tulum, Akumal, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen stretch, because of certain natural conditions, not always present. Check the Akumal web cam to see the beach where the turtles can be seen.