Tulum - Where to stay for every budget
In Tulum, there are four central categories of where to stay that typically map to visitors' budgets. The prices are dramatically different between Tulum's 3 tourism seasons. High season is December-February, with the peak between December 31 and January 15 for the Zamna music EDM festival - prices are double to triple.: Mid-season is March and November with typical baseline average prices. Low season with lowest prices is April to October (6 months) - prices drop by 60%.
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Beach - Most expensive by 3x or more. Gorgeous Bohemian hotels along the beach and coast. High season prices average $600/night, low season prices average $300 / night for a hotel room or cabana. There are almost no AirBnbs at the Tulum beach or Hotel Zone.
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Aldea Zama - Planned community with 100% paved roads halfway between the beach and downtown Tulum. Large number of condo rentals on AirBnb and a smaller number of luxury villas for groups. Rates can be highly competitive depending on the quality and size of the unit. Most rentals include kitchen and parking at building. A central section of Aldea Zama -- the commercial zone -- has no building parking as it is a sidewalk-protected walking / shopping area. High season prices average $200/night, low season prices average $100/night. This area tends to be quieter, less parties, and many visitors find the street system confusing as it is focused on one-way streets that are unmarked. Approximately a 10-15 minute drive to the closest beaches.
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La Veleta - Unplanned sprawling neighborhood that is the typically the most-desired tourist zone for parties and socializing outside of the beach. Also halfway between downtown Tulum and the beach. Approximately a 15-20 minute drive to the closest beaches. Prices are similar to Aldea Zama, however the streets are unpaved and bumpy in many areas. There is a lively nightlife restaurant district on Calle 7 which can be a very busy area for cars also. Whether you stay in this area or others, it's one of the best spots for restaurants.
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Tulum Centro / Downtown - Tulum Centro has a number of hostel-type discount hotels and most AirBnbs are significantly cheaper than the three "tourist" neighborhoods listed above. You will encounter much more true locals in these areas and far less tourists. Restaurants are easy to walk to with a diverse set of options. The beach is approximately 25-30 minutes from downtown Tulum. The main street of Tulum - highway 307 or Tulum Avenue is the highway to Cancun also, and has very heavy traffic and noise.
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