inexpensive lodging?

[dulcamara]

Hola all!

I'm planning to stay in Tulum for the first half of March with my girlfriend, enjoy the beaches, brush up on our espanol, do some nature-watching, etc. Several friends have been there and loved it. But most of the info I've heard is at least 2-3 years old... we were quoted (from friends) some really affordable prices on simple beach palapas, and I'm concerned that prices might've gone up a lot since it's catching on as a destination.

We're looking to keep it real simple and inexpensive - the whole thatched roof, sand floors, bed, is fine with us. We're not opposed to roughing it a bit, though are probably getting too old for the hostel-type scene. We may stay at nicer digs for some of the trip too depending on how we feel, but our key is low-budget to start.

What kind of rates should we budget for (keeping in mind it will still be high season)? Do we need to book ahead? I am having a lot of trouble finding accurate rates for any palapas online. Any particular recs would also be much appreciated, as would any other advice for first-timers...


Gracias!

[beachreader]

What do you mean by "low-budget"? This is a pretty subjective term. If you can give us a more specific room-only budget as well as a list of "must-haves" in a room, we can help a bit better.

[Jessie James]

Check hotels tulum . com and you'll get a good idea about your options. We've never made reservations and never had a problem. Just get there early....

[dulcamara]

We were regaled with tales of simple cabanas for under 30 usd per night - but again, that info was dated. From what I am seeing at hotelstulum.com (thanks for the heads-up JJ) those days are long gone, but it might be possible to find something for $50-60?

As for our required amenities, really just a simple and reasonably clean place with a bed/hammock (nearby common bath is fine) would work for us.

[beachreader]

Most of those really inexpensive places are stick construction, which means there are gaps in the walls that may let mosquitos in. Not a big deal if you're ready for it, just thought I'd mention it.

I really don't know much about those really rustic accomodations, but there are a few places up on the north end by the ruins that feature those really low-budget places and I think they're mostly listed on hotelstulum.

Heading farther south, the very charming Playa Azul told me they were 70-85, but that was off season.

Los Arrecifes has a $50 stick hut, and they have a beautiful beach, a restaurant on site and good beach furniture. Their other rooms are $100-$150 (again, this was off-season), so that might be a good choice?

Cabanas Tulum is the classic budget accomodation on a gorgeous beach, but I think they'll be 70 or even 80. No charm in the rooms (more of a concrete motel look), but private bathroom, ceiling fan, great patios and a beautiful beach and a great, central location. Also a restaurant.

[BP.]

Maybe this will help you, dulcamara. I'm not sure. I was meaning to ask everybody here about the cabanas at Mayan Grill. I never noticed them before, but there are about 4 or so very simple and clean stick cabanas along the left hand side of the walkway to the dining area. Did any of you guys check them out? Prices? Pics? They looked "budget" but cute. Maybe they'd be a good choice for some people.

[beachreader]

Yes, I was wondering about those too, and I think they may even have screening on the walls, which would be a plus. Nice bathhouse, too, and of course you'd end up eating at MG all the time (such a hardship!).

I'd probably only want the one or two right in front for breezes, though. Anyone know any more about them?

[PhyllisB]

Here are some older threads you might want to check out, where people have asked about low-budget accommodations -- you might find a few leads in there --

http://www.tulum.info/showthread.php?t=1311&highlight=budget

http://www.tulum.info/showthread.php?t=1146&highlight=budget

http://www.tulum.info/showthread.php?t=1146&highlight=budget

Hope this helps some!

Phyllis

[BP.]

Yes, I was wondering about those too

What? Our intrepid cabana snoop, I mean sleuth, without pics & info at the ready??? :rolleyes:

I chalk it up to a headlong rush directly out to the Mayan Grill tables for food & drink consumption, and I certainly can't blame you there!! :D

Cheers!
Barb

[PhyllisB]

haha, BP, too funny! :)

Oh, I meant to add, for dulcamara, that some of the places Gale mentioned in one of the older threads (like Cabanas Copal) that have had stick hut cabanas in the past might not advertise them -- I'm not sure. You might try sending them an email just to inquire. Copal has suffered some beach erosion, too, so it might not be an ideal spot for ya anyway.

[Veritas]

Ok, this is the third time I'm trying to respond to this thread, it keeps logging me off and I lose everything I write, so if this seems brief, forgive me, if you want to know more, shoot me a message and I'll try and help as best I can. I just got back from mexico yesterday and this is what I figured out.

Cabanas Copal, $35 a night, food and drink is kind of expensive, sand floor cabanas with stick walls and somewhat small, you can make reservations though. Things are pretty quiet here, the bar closes at 10PM and people go to sleep early. The beach is somewhat small and the water is a little rougher.

Zazil Kin, $45 a night, hippie's paradise, huge beach, nice social atmosphere, calmer water, snorkeling/scuba available, can't make reservations you have to show up early, I was there at 8AM and was first in line, people leave everyday, concrete floors and walls, nice cheap resaurant, good happy hour (2x1's 7:30-10:00 everyday), if you get a cabana near the bar, you won't be sleeping before 2AM, if you're away from the bar, you won't even know it's there.

When you venture into town get lunch at Bronco Pollo, $3.50 will get you a quarter chiken, rice, salsa, 12 tortillas, cabbage, a baked potato, and soft drink.

Good luck, and if you want anymore info, just ask.

[DougSR]

First half of March huh? Well, I've never been in March but I would suggest taking down some names suggested by this board, getting a cab and checking out a few places on the beach when you arrive. In person you can wheel and deal a little on room rates. And you can actually check out the room and know whether it is suitable for you and your friend. I did that my first time down and got half off a room.

[bellydancer]

Veritas...do you have any pics of the rooms/cabanas at Zazil Kin?

[DougSR]

Hey bellydancer,

I don't have any pics from inside the cabanas but this should give you an idea of the flavor of the place. Keep in mind, this is pre-Dean and I'm not sure how much it was effected.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvUYHARGTmY&feature=related

[bellydancer]

Thanks Doug...that did help. Just wish they had a web site and I could book in advance.

[AdGuy]

Maybe this will help you, dulcamara. I'm not sure. I was meaning to ask everybody here about the cabanas at Mayan Grill. I never noticed them before, but there are about 4 or so very simple and clean stick cabanas along the left hand side of the walkway to the dining area. Did any of you guys check them out? Prices? Pics? They looked "budget" but cute. Maybe they'd be a good choice for some people.

When we were there a year ago, I asked Alfonzo (Nacho's brother) about them and he quoted rates in the $60 - $80 range. I don't think that was for high season though.

[Veritas]

http://img266.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1000040qg1.jpg

http://img266.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1000040qg1.jpg

http://img244.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1000031ty7.jpg

There's a couple of pics of the cabana I stayed in, they weren't too bad, in my opinion, but I'm not too picky about my lodging.

[Veritas]

http://img244.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1000031ty7.jpg

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/9258/1000039wi6.jpg

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/5809/1000031qo1.jpg

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/8047/1000008li0.jpg

There ya go, that last one is the $3.50 meal at Bronco Pollo, just figured some might like to see it. :)

Sorry for the double post, there was a delay and I thought I lost the reply.

[AdGuy]

Nice shots, veritas. BTW, if you want your photos to "actually appear" rather than just post as links, simply click the fourth box from the right that appears above the text input window (it's a yellow box that looks like an image of a mountain range with a sun) and then put your link in the popup box that appears. For example, your Bronco Pollo shot would appear as...

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i317/FloridaAdGuy/BroncoPolloShot.jpg

I, too, love me some Bronco Pollo! One of the best "cheap lunches" around...

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i317/FloridaAdGuy/DSCF1169.jpg

[firecop680]

My problem is, we get in town too early and they aren't ready yet. Then I get thirsty and I am looking for me some beach and we leave but, not this year... Gonna wait till they are ready and get me some Bronco Pollo!

[minniemex]

I just thought I would add my 2cents worth - you are planning your trip for the first half of March?? That is probably about as crowded as it is ever going to get with Easter being on March 23rd..... I might want reservations for the first couple nights and then find something else after getting down there. Also, I doubt you will be able to deal, as this will be the height of high season for them.