We're headed there in mid-february after spending a few days in Punta Allen. We are 2 adults and a 2 year old. Our traveling style is to prefer a bit of adventure and rustic is okay. I am leaning toward Tulum for our trip, but keep feeling like with a 2 y.o. I should take us up to the pool, electricity and calm bay of Akumal. Anyone know how big the waves are (generally) in Tulum? Am I crazy to take my little person there?

Your 2 year old should have a good time, I think if he/she would be wading around in the ocean that Akumal would be much better suited, as it is well protected by a reef close in to shore and there is terrific snorkeling and diving there, much better than in Tulum if that is of interest to you.

I was going to stay in Tulum this past May after staying in Akumal but found it way overpriced these days for what you get, so turned right around and went back to Akumal. Los Lirios wanted US$129 plus tax per night (no pool) when I could get Hotel Akumal Caribe for $100 (beachfront with pool).

Have a great trip wherever you go.

Thanks for your message. I'm getting the same impression. $130 - 150/night in Tulum or $115/night in Akumal (bungalows at Hotel Akumal Caribe). What was your impression of Hotel Akumal Caribe?

Hi willowweed,

We liked the Hotel Akumal Caribe enough that we have stayed there six times (once in the bungalows, the rest of the time in the hotel rooms, but since we go in May, the prices are less expensive than February which is high season).

Can't remember much about the bungalows, other than they are very clean and spacious. Hotel rooms have either king bed or two queens, small fridge, coffeemaker and 5-gallon bottled water in each room. Some few rooms have cooktop for cooking. Check out the lodging tab at locogringo.com and it should have pictures of the bungalows as well as description of the amenities. We have booked all except our first trip through these folks, who live down there in Akumal. Price is the same as if you book through the hotel website, and I can pay half up front and the other half 30 days before departure via credit card.

Where are you staying in Punta Allen, we drove down there last trip and did not seem to be much to the town, although there is a place called Sol Caribe on the road to Punta Allen that sounds awfully nice (no shared baths! I am too old for that anymore).

That's good info on the hotel in Akumal and for locogringo. Thank you. In Punta Allen we are staying at Cuzan Guesthouse. Friends went there 10 years ago for their honeymoon and we're all going back together. The bonefishing (and their rumored great food & margaritas) is the real draw.