happymz

(oops, just re-posting specifically to the Mexco search)

I've decided to focus on Tulum for our New Years' trip, and accomodations that we're interested in (based primarily upon tripadvisor reviews) and that remain available are booking fast. Based upon your knowledge of the below resorts & the prices we were quoted, which would you choose?

On the beach (and with the associated limitations on electricity)
*Ana y Jose - only top floor oceanfront suite available, $316/nt
*Cabanas Copal - only garden view available, $80/nt
*Maya Tulum - only garden view available, $180/nt

Or in town (with A/C, electricity - we would definitely rent a car for this one)
*Luna Del Sur - $60/nt

From what I've read, I would just go with Ana y Jose, and I'm sure we'd be more than pleased with the room...but my BF is a bit more concerned about the cost and is in some disbelief when I tell him the limited amenities (e.g. no A/C, no pool, in some cases no electricity. etc.) that come with these rates. I've been doing the research, so I get it that it's part of the ambience of the place...but I'm struggling with getting him to understand that (he's in the army, btw, so he certainly is used to much less than the ritz). We know we're going to pay more by going during the peak week, so which is the most worth the $$$?

Thanks in advance for any quick feedback!



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Diana

Ana y Jose. (There is electricity btw.)

Also look at Los Lirios. We went there this year and enjoyed it very much. (New and very good A/C.)

Check into Cabanas Conchita too.

blondlady

I just returned from Ana y Jose on Sept. 4th. Fabulous! You will do well with a ceiling fan. It was hot hot and the fan was enough. You will have better weather. They DO have a swimming pool, but you will want the ocean to swim. Walk north along the Beautiful beach in front of all the Cabanas toward the rock I call Dragon rock (you'll know why) and follow the white sand path and find a perfect swimming lagoon. Check out the Cabanas Tulum, next time I will stay there. Cabanas Copal are too primitive and very cramped and not much view, but are cheaper. Tulum is a great place to go to and visit the ruins where you must take a swim. Then go to Coba (you'll need a car).

happymz

Boy do I wish they had an edit feature on here...clearly I was reposting to the Mexico search not the Mexco search!

Anyway, thanks for the quick feedback received so far...you are helping me with the support for Ana y Jose. Also supporting Ana y Jose is the fact that they have a 5 night minimum, vs. a 7 night minimum for Cabanas Copal. (we were planning to do a 5 or 6 night trip)

Forgot also to mention Azulik, which is quoted at $260/nt. But again, 7 night minimum.

For Ana y Jose, are there other restaurants or beach bars within walking distance?

Cabanas Conchita is booked except for the cabanas that do not have a private bathroom (which we'd like), and Los Lirios I haven't looked that closely at given some of the mixed reviews on tripadvisor...but I will look again. Thanks!

happymz

Ok - will also add to this list:

*Posada Margherita - standard room available, for $235/nt.

With all that we've read we're leaning toward staying in Tulum Pueblo @ Luna del Sur - though I am tempted by Posada Margherita. Would we be making a big mistake to stay in town? I think I will also post this question on a separate thread...

funjione

Is there a specific reason why you have narrowed your trip down to Tulum? There are so many areas around Tulum and within a 15 -20 minute drive for more reasonable rates. And, since you will have a car, you should not have a problem. We were at Tulum a few years ago on a day trip from Cozumel and are returning in March, staying in Akumal on Half Moon Bay. Check out Caribbean Fantasy's site.
www.caribbfan.com for some beautiful accomodations. They were very helpful and good rates for our accomodations at Yal Ku Kai. Yes, holidays are pricey, but for over $300 a night , you should be in "luxury". You can "beach hop" on a daily basis and get the full taste of the Riviera Maya and what is has to offer.
You will have fun no matter where you stay.

funjione

ttt

happymz

Hi funjione,

I don't have a load of specific reasons 'why tulum' but I do like that it's further removed from playa del carmen (I saw someone on an earlier post call Akumal 'little Cancun', which I found scary!) and I love the vibe of the intimate accomodations...we are definitely not looking for a condo or a villa, which the akumal area seems to be teeming with. I can't fully explain why, but there's something less relaxing and less removed from home (where I live fulltime in a Condo) when I have a kitchen in my living space!

So that, plus the (walking) proximity to other little hotels with great beach bars - that's what we love about Tulum. That said, I would consider other areas that offer the same type of vibe...any other ideas? And if I've misunderstood Akumal, please let me know that as well...Thanks for your advice & patience as I learn more about this area!!!

JeanH

I've never been to Akumal, so can't offer an opinion on that. Have you looked at Isla Mujeres? Nice little town, great food, lots of beach bars and some very nice hotels. No need for a car, you can rent a golf cart for the day if you want to spend some time exploring the island.

happymz

Just an update...we are booked at Posada Margherita, and so excited to go! Less than 3 weeks and counting!!!! The rate included tax, so all-in-all it was the best deal for what we were looking for. We had a little snafu with our flight - thanks to the hurricane mess down there Airtran had cancelled our flight and I only found out when I was double-checking some details on their website! Nice. I called, cancelled, was refunded, and re-booked on continental for about $25 more for better flight times & a direct flight on the arrival. No complaints with that outcome! Anyway, can't wait to go: will let you know how much we love it soon!

Little_Man

just a comment -- to call Akumal little Cancun is absolutely ridiculous.
Akumal is a small enclave of villas on the beach, some small hotels/condos...a peaceful place with little nightlife.

pepper131

happy -

You will have a lovely time at Posada Margherita - great food, nice beach. Tulum is not everybody - with the lack of full-blown electricity and all. But it is a peaceful and relaxing place to be.

If you have time, drive into Akumal - it is very much an anti-Cancun - and see for yourself. Great snorkling there.

azuredreams

Thanks for your terrific suggestions! I would like to share a few thoughts with you guys. I am not an expert on Tulum, but have been there a few times in 2 of the places mentioned in the postings. Needless to say, we have liked them but feel they are overpriced and have not bought the rustic flare bit for less than adequate accomodations. The beaches are gorgeous, and experiencing a beach from your room opening (not even a window) is cool for a few days, before the heat, salt and sand (and other creatures, not all of them trpical) become unbearable. We chose during our recent stay something a bit different. Looked in town and found this great little place Luna del Sur. The rooms are fresh, spacious, bright and immaculate. The manager (I thinks she is also the owner) gave us tips and recommendations we didn;t even know about. When in Tulum, stay downtown at this quaint cute little place. If you want beaches, take the bus or a taxi to the beaches, but return to relax in super clean an room with A/C and enjoy the real Tulum life!

mah1980

Could this perhaps be the owner/manager of Luna del Sur...

pepper131

Yeah...mah...I got that feeling, too...

fuzzylogic

I am thinking of stopping in Tulum for a few days and find the prices quoted here really bizarre. I assume we are talking USD - the OP seems happy to spend over $300, but has one choice at $80.

What would I get for $300 that I don't get for $80?

Is there anything cheaper?

Or do I take the fact that there are places that charge $300 a night as a warning sign?

That is, lux has arrived. It may not be a resort but if the town caters to folk who are willing to spend that sort of money then it is well and truly sanitised.

If anyone does know of anything cheap and cheerful post here ...!! I mean the place sounds wonderful but maybe I would be better heading further south?

pepper131

Tulum is getting expensive and more in demand. You'll still find peace and quiet and isolation.

The $300 room at Ana y Jose is easily compared to a room at the Four Seasons in terms of quaility furnishings, etc.

Tita Tulum is probably the best deal on the beach. Around $90/night.

If you want to spend less - like $30-40/night. You'll have a stick hut with palapa roof. Sand floor with a bed or a hammock. And a shared bathroom.

happymz

Also - just to add (as the OP) I was looking at one of the PEAK weeks of the entire year - new year's. So the prices I quoted were naturally much higher for when I wanted to go vs. another time of year.

Fuzzylogic - when are you planning to go? Whether or not you can get a good rate will depend largely on when you'll be there.

fuzzylogic

Hi happymz,

I'll be there November. But I guess I really am looking for a budget option. Shared bathroom is OK - well I assume in the cheaper places the loos and showers will be in a separate block and shared by all. That's what I'd expect - has been fine for me in loads of places on several continents. Just hope I can find somewhere in Tulum.

I'm sure I can - just wanted to canvass the huge fund of experience on this board.

Hope you have a great holiday.

pepper131

There are a few places with shared baths. A good majority of them are located in the northern section. The road into the beach area (Coba Rd) comes to a T - you'll want to go north/left and scout them out.