tulum bound!

[dionski]

Hello.
Been a while since I've been to Tulum over 10 years. Hopefully going for a last minute trip in a few weeks with my wife and seven year old daughter. In the past we have stayed at Piedra Escondida, Ana y Jose, and aplace with sand floor, hanging bed, and a well with bucket for showers! We are looking for someplace that might be a step up from Cabanas Tulum. If I remember right Ana had a pool. not that important but might be nice for my daughter. First week of April looks pretty booked but, you never know without trying. What places would you guys recomend?

Thanks dionski

"Did you know that the ocean can be friends to millions of people all at the same time" Joe Braxton "83

[TheWindyCity]

Check out The Mezzanine on the north end of the beach road. www.mezzanine.com.mx (http://www.mezzanine.com.mx) It seemed like a very nice place for a family.

[Gale in KY]

Mezzanine doesn't take children under the age of 16, and is very chic..several steps up from Cabanas Tulum...lol..it is a very nice place though.

If you want a pool..for now anyway, you are somewhat limited in your choices. Las Ranitas and Ana Y Jose, although the two new places that Beachreader documented in pics look to have a pool..not sure when they will open, Zulum Hotel and Parayso..BR has posted threads for each of these.

Azul Blue..the AI at the north end of the beachroad has a pool. Big pricey and no beach though.

In general, I would look at Tita Tulum and Los Liros as being one step up from Cabanas Tulum..pricewise..Hamaca Loca as well. Each offers a different experience, but I would have no problem taking a child to any of these. Cabanas La Conchita is also a nice place, not sure if they still welcome kids, but they used to.

[procrastinet]

According to Different World, Cabanas La Conchita doesn't allow children under 6 - so you'd be fine there.
http://www.differentworld.com/mexico/hotels/la_conchita/pages/information.htm

We're out of luck, with our 3 1/2 year old son. Currently debating among Hemingway's, Tita Tulum and Hamaca Loca, and reading tulum.info obsessively all day while doing so...

[PhyllisB]

According to Different World, Cabanas La Conchita doesn't allow children under 6 - so you'd be fine there.
http://www.differentworld.com/mexico/hotels/la_conchita/pages/information.htm

We're out of luck, with our 3 1/2 year old son. Currently debating among Hemingway's, Tita Tulum and Hamaca Loca, and reading tulum.info obsessively all day while doing so...

Well the good news is, I don't think you can go wrong with any of them! I think the different properties might have slightly different "feels" to them but it's probably a very subjective thing. I probably would go for HL before Tita because it is smaller and I like the separation between the cabanas. At Tita, things feels a little closer in. Then again, Tita has the restaurant on site, and I don't think HL serves any food (maybe continental breakfast? not sure). There was a family with a small child at Tita's when I was there -- they had a great time. Haven't been to Hemingways so can't say much about them. BUT the beaches are fabulous no matter where you pick!!!!!!

[minniemex]

http://www.aquavera.com/imagenes/es/bienvenidos.gif
Welcome to the board procrastinet !!

I appologize for the momentary hijack of this thread & for the hijack of Gales Smiley:D

My first inclination would be either Hemmingways or Tita Tulum, as too many people are going to Hamaca Loca & I want it all to myself! just kidding - I think I agree with an onsite restaurant for your son, as we never know when they (little kids) are going to eat - it certainly never happens at mealtime!!

[procrastinet]

Minniemex, thanks for the welcome, you are truly queen of the smilies!

Thanks, Phyllis, for the info on our options. I like the sound of the separation at HL, but the absence of an on-site restaurant was worrying me, at least for breakfast. I also haven't heard from them regarding my inquiry, though it was only yesterday and I know e-mail service can be slow. I wrote to Tita today. Hemingway's has 2 beachfront cabanas available during our stay (2nd wknd of May), costs $30 more/night than the other options, but includes breakfast. Decisions, decisions.

Dionski, sorry for the semi-threadjack, though it sounds like we're looking for more or less the same thing (with or without pool).

For the bottom-end option, Cabanas Los Arrecifes is $30 a night. The cabanas look like duplexes (side-by-side) and the bathroom is shared, so it may be *too* rustic, but goodness gracious - $30 a night! Wife and I wouldn't mind the rustic, but being in basically a palapa shed with our opinionated 3-year old might be a bit much.

Last question: it sounds like, for our tastes (low-key, no-crowd, rustic food/drink okay) the south end of the beach is more what we're after, towards Sian Ka'an. Is there a real character difference between the south end and north end?

Thanks all, what a great resource this board has been.

[minniemex]

I do prefer the south beach, only because it goes on forever & forever - I do not think there is any real "difference" just preferences -
Have you looked at Cabanas Tulum? Very reasonable prices, has an on site, not expensive restaurant - 2 double beds - and a place for your son to run alittle, as there is like sidewalks - Very much in the middle of the south beach area -

heres what I mean about sidewalks -
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/Tulum/DSC01037.jpg

It is also alittle more open than some of the other places, so your site on your son would be alittle better, no corners for him to disappear around - alittle further from the water so you can catch him real easy - aways from the road, so no worries there - These are just my thoughts - you know your wants -

[procrastinet]

Minnie:

That picture is great, shows exactly what it looks like. Everything I'd seen of Cabanas Tulum was too far away or small. I think we're looking for something more rustic/more sand/less concrete, though you can't beat the price and location.

Thanks!

[dionski]

No Problema, I don't see any threadjacking here!

10 years ago it was quiet every where. a few places south of the ruins. Afew around Zamas and a couple around ana y jose. I look at that map Gail posted and its unreal. I have not been there in a while but, I'm sure the further south the quiteter it gets.

This is a Last minute trip, 2 weeks till we leave......... NO Problema

[Gale in KY]

After seeing Sonofabeach's pics and reading the trip report..you might want to check Shambala Petit out..it may be just what you are looking for! The price is reasonable, the cabanas look well kept, but they are not "concrete boxes"..I just fell in love with this place after reading the report..I always assumed they would be much more expensive..looks like a lovely place, on that amazing beach at the southern end of the hotelzone..

I have no idea if they take children or not, but I am sure SOB can fill you in on the details.

Last minute trips are the BEST!!!! I love traveling inpromptu without a schedule or solid plans..I love to wing it!

[procrastinet]

Shambala Petit does look great! I didn't remember why it didn't make it onto the short list (at this point I think I've looked at every place that has a website...), but it's because they didn't list prices. Thanks to SOB's glowing report, I dropped them a line to find out what they have available. My wife has had several yoga phases, so the Eastern theme would go over well with her. Plus an included continental-ish breakfast sounds just right.

Thanks!

[PhyllisB]

Hey procrastinet,

Just another thought on Tita's.... I think having the restaurant there would be VERY beneficial and would put it over HL for me, at least if I had a family I was bringing along. Also, I don't think we ever payed $30 for breakfast at Tita (they charge it to your room, but the first few times we didn't realize that and payed the bill at the time). I think it was usually around $16-$20 depending on how much we ate. :D Course you could also just go into town and buy some muffins at the San Francisco -- they'll keep for a day or two if you keep them wrapped well -- mmmm they were good too, and cheap.

I'm not sure what you mean about Cabanas Tulum being too far away, though?

p.

[sonofabeach]

Minniemex, thanks for the welcome, you are truly queen of the smilies!

Thanks, Phyllis, for the info on our options. I like the sound of the separation at HL, but the absence of an on-site restaurant was worrying me, at least for breakfast. I also haven't heard from them regarding my inquiry, though it was only yesterday and I know e-mail service can be slow. I wrote to Tita today. Hemingway's has 2 beachfront cabanas available during our stay (2nd wknd of May), costs $30 more/night than the other options, but includes breakfast. Decisions, decisions.

Dionski, sorry for the semi-threadjack, though it sounds like we're looking for more or less the same thing (with or without pool).

For the bottom-end option, Cabanas Los Arrecifes is $30 a night. The cabanas look like duplexes (side-by-side) and the bathroom is shared, so it may be *too* rustic, but goodness gracious - $30 a night! Wife and I wouldn't mind the rustic, but being in basically a palapa shed with our opinionated 3-year old might be a bit much.

Last question: it sounds like, for our tastes (low-key, no-crowd, rustic food/drink okay) the south end of the beach is more what we're after, towards Sian Ka'an. Is there a real character difference between the south end and north end?

Thanks all, what a great resource this board has been.
Hi procastinet
Just for your info, when we were in Tulum the last week the beach at Hemmingway's was nasty and was in definite need of cleaning. A mixture of seaweed and some trash. I even saw a big (cringe) syringe. The last thing you'd want to see on a beach.
As my wife and I walked by we agreed that we'd hate to book and then arrive to that.
Imo, that area of beach is more susceptable to seaweed and trash, probably because it's rocky and there is a small bay near there.
I can't imagine why they did not have people to clean it up every morning or so. We walked by it a few times and it did not change.

[procrastinet]

Sorry - meant the pictures of the Cabanas Tulum were too far away to get a good feel for the place.

Good to know about Tita's - we'll see if they have any availability!

After reading BeachReader's reports, which somehow I had missed, I am now in love with Posada LaMar. Have written them as well. I guess for now, impatient as I am, I'll have to wait and see who responds and what they have available. My only real sticking point is I do want to splurge (such as it is) on direct beachfront, preferably with a hammock attached (hence my fondness for Hamaca Loca - my wife is a true hammock nut).

Once I see what's actually available I'll start a comparo thread to get everyone's final $0.02. Thanks again, everybody - and again, what a terrific resource this board is!

[procrastinet]

Hi procastinet
Just for your info, the beach at Hemmingway's was nasty and was in definite need of cleaning. A mixture of seaweed and some trash. I even saw a big (cringe) syringe.
As my wife and I walked by we agreed that we'd hate to book and then arrive to that.

WOW.

Thanks for the heads up. I think that puts the nail in the Hemingways coffin.

Great trip report, btw.

[PhyllisB]

Just so you know - Tita's has two hammocks on each little "porch." Hubby and I used ours quite a bit, til the 'squitos came out around dusk. Bring repellent with you, for sure - my legs got eaten up at dinner there at Tita's one night!

I don't mean to push Tita's - in fact I think I'll be trying HL or Tierras Del Sol next, or Casa Violeta if I can get friends to share the cost. But I enjoyed it there, and the beach is fantastic! They seem to be about mid-range in cost, compared to some of the other places.


My only real sticking point is I do want to splurge (such as it is) on direct beachfront, preferably with a hammock attached (hence my fondness for Hamaca Loca - my wife is a true hammock nut).

Once I see what's actually available I'll start a comparo thread to get everyone's final $0.02. Thanks again, everybody - and again, what a terrific resource this board is!

[sonofabeach]

WOW.

Thanks for the heads up. I think that puts the nail in the Hemingways coffin.

Great trip report, btw.
I just read some reviews and looked at some pics of Hemmingways beach on tripadvisor and it looked great.
Go figure...maybe it was a just bad week last week.

[procrastinet]

I just read some reviews and looked at some pics of Hemmingways beach on tripadvisor and it looked great.
Go figure...maybe it was a just bad week last week.

That's the thing about doing this research - you never know when something was just a fluke, or somebody just had a bad time, or their tastes are different from yours. You just have to go on vibe and gut feelings - and while Hemingways seemed like a good option very early in my research, the vibe since then has been all negative. May mean nothing, empirically, but it's all I've got to go on.

Boy, listen to how crunchy I sound. Maybe we should do Shambala ;)

[minniemex]

I just read some reviews and looked at some pics of Hemmingways beach on tripadvisor and it looked great.
Go figure...maybe it was a just bad week last week.

I think what the problem can be is as what was stated by file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/Owner/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpg file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/Owner/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-1.jpg file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/Owner/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-2.jpg http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_25_19.gifhttp://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_25_15.gifhttp://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_25_2.gif -


Just for your info, when we were in Tulum the last week the beach at Hemmingway's was nasty and was in definite need of cleaning. A mixture of seaweed and some trash. I even saw a big (cringe) syringe. The last thing you'd want to see on a beach.As my wife and I walked by we agreed that we'd hate to book and then arrive to that. Imo, that area of beach is more susceptable to seaweed and trash, probably because it's rocky and there is a small bay near there. I can't imagine why they did not have people to clean it up every morning or so. We walked by it a few times and it did not change.

I think it really just depends on the wind - whether it blows up the weed onto the shore - & they cannot clean it up as it gets stuck in the ironshore & it stinks - you could have a perfectly fine week or it could stink to high heaven!

[beachreader]

Hemingway's beach wasn't great when I was there in early March, either, but it was Maya Tulum who had the most serious problem. Such a shame, since when I stayed at Hemingway last March the Maya Tulum bay was perfect, crystal clear and with nice manageable waves. Someone had written a few months ago about a seaweed problem there but I dismissed it as a one-time thing until I got down there. Yes, it certainly would be just a function of the currents, winds, tides, etc., but to have even the risk of that much seaweed showing up during my vacation is enough to keep me away from Maya Tulum and possibly Hemingway going forward.

I'm sure it could happen to other places, but for now I don't know of any.

I really did like Posada Lamar, but the lack of screens on the windows left me pretty well bitten on my face and neck one night (I know I should have pulled the netting back around the bed but I didn't realize how bad it was since I was sleeping). That can happen anywhere when the wind shifts from the jungle instead of off the water.

Having said that, I would go back to Lamar, and the onsite managers have a 6 year old son who is absolutely adorable. He is very open and loving, came all the way up to my room to thank me for a book I gave him and gave me a big kiss. He'll be a heartbreaker one day!

I'm also going to check out Casa Violeta and I would recommend that you might check out La Vita e Bella. I don't know about the service or food or anything like that, but the water up on that north stretch of beach is always more calm than the water down south because the reef is much closer to shore. The rooms also have an extra twin bed that I think would be great if I had a kid of any age (queen bed with twin), and the rates were good, 1200 pesos in high season for beachfront.

So those two are on my list in addition to all the others mentioned above.


I want to go back right NOW!!! :)

[dionski]

places are pretty booked. only place for arrival day Piedra Escondida. Liked it way back when but, we wanted to try and stay south of the Maya. Holding out for more replies. Anyone know about the garden cabana at Tierra del sol?

Thanks.. this place is great

[dionski]

Thanks everyone!
In a couple days of reading here I got great info on places to stay, to restaurants to new exploring opportunities. I'm really glad though that the reason I loved it there the vibe, the feeling of getting away seems to still be present. Yea there are more places to stay but, the lights go out pretty early still it sounds like. I'm gladhttp
Our first two nights were available at La Vita e Bella so I took it and booked. Came back to TI lastnight and there are all these awesome pics of the place...unreal, thanks BR. Thats when you know you made the right decision!
If I have no luck on the right place to stay before deparuture. (2 weeks) My plan is to drive down to around the Sian Ka'an entrance and work my way back till I get lucky! Hope to find a nice place for around 100 a night or less instead of 150. HL, Tierra del Sol, Shambala ect.... all booked. I'll be looking for the next one though. Keep you posted

Gracias
d2

[Gale in KY]

Glad you got booked for the first couple of nights..you will find something...there are alot of places that don't get much advertisment..they will most probably have something available.

Since you are doing the door to do thing...we will be expecting reports on every place you check on...lol..complete with pics! We live for pics around here!!

[beachreader]

Did you ever check out Cabanas Tulum? I mean, the rooms aren't much to look at, but it's a great beach and the rates are dirt cheap (700 pesos beachfront high season). They also have a lot more rooms than most places.

But I'm glad you're staying at Bella, can't wait to hear more about the food and the service aspects of things. From my superficial view, it looked good to me, and you can't beat being walking distance to Mayan Grill! Which room will you have?

[beachreader]

Oh, and as far as the door-to-door thing, you might head down into the Si'an Kaan and start your search down there. CESiak, Sol Caribe and Xamach Dos are all on my list of future places to try.

I wanna go with you!

[Gale in KY]

I want to go with both of you! 9 days, three nights at each?:D

[minniemex]

What if we become tour guides to Tulum?? Think we could support ourselves??

[dionski]

http://www.tulum.info/images/smilies/biggrin.gif
AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

I write this as I sit on the 2nd floor balcony of our place at Zulum watching the full moon rise over this awesome stretch of beach. Wireless internet, crazy.

Did our exploring Saturday after arriving the day before. All the places that have been mentioned here were pretty cool. The best cabanas all taken though. Stayed two nights at La Vita y Bella and let the girls decide where thay wanted to stay after we visited spots all the way to Sian Khan entrance. They decided on Zulum and here we are. Maybe more $ than we were planning, but last minute trips during busy week will work that way

Would like to thank all the people here for their help.

Back soon with my 2 pesos... I mean cents

d2

[Gale in KY]

You are there!!!! Thanks for checking in..Zulum is open! You have to give us all the little and not so little details of the place when you return..have a wonderful time..it sounds like you are!

[minniemex]

AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!
I write this as I sit on the 2nd floor balcony of our place at Zulum watching the full moon rise over this awesome stretch of beach. Wireless internet, crazy.
They decided on Zulum and here we are. Maybe more $ than we were planning, but last minute trips during busy week will work that way
d2

So you are telling me you are in heaven?? Is this where you are?? Hope your trip is going wonderfully - have a great time - pictures when you return!!


http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/Tulum/DSC00887.jpg

[beachreader]

Yay, our first Zulumy! Can you make sure to get business cards or somethig for all the contact info? And take pics of those beachfront units; I only got to see the $100 room on the ground floor of the white building behind the beach. Very nice, though the bathroom isn't exacty private.

Hope you're loving it!

[dionski]

We are in the building on the right looking from the beach. 2nd floor great breeze makes a big difference down here. They are not exactly finished and officially open but close. I have not looked in many other rooms but our room has an open bathroom to the room. (half wall) closing it off though would cut off the breeze. The third floors of the two beachfront not quite finished. Will get all the info that one needs to book. Was told the white building toward the street side of the place is the Tulums tallest building (pueblo also). Don't know about that but the sunset from the third floor tonight over the jungle was beautiful. Posting over the owners wireless internet connection.

d2
ps very good time at Casa Violeta for dinner tonight. Thnak You.

[Gale in KY]

THANK YOU FOR THE live from the scene reports Dionski..I am really enjoying them!
Oddly enough, I have never noticed the sunsets..I guess it never occured to me to look west with the view to the east!:rolleyes: I will have to remedy that on my next visit!

[dionski]

The three of us created "Turtlum" today on the beach. If you are in to sandcastles this consists of our pyramid and turtle guarding the entrance with Wally the seal watching the back side.
What does it mean when you don't leave the 50 yard area around your place?

Nice rain and lightning storm tonight.

What to do manana?
Let you know soon

d2

[minniemex]

Have another great day today!! I guess I would suggest the 50 yard thing again today - thats my most favorite type of day!!

http://www.smileyarena.net/Library/extra_large/summer/pack1/sand_play.gif (http://www.smileyarena.net/download.aspx?id=12657)http://www.smileyarena.net/Library/extra_large/summer/pack1/sand_bed.gif (http://www.smileyarena.net/download.aspx?id=12656)

[dionski]

A few tid bits
Zamas is the tourist restaurant of Tulum but the Pizza was pretty good. Sophia liked it alot. Casa Bannana favorite breakfast (funny Mayan waiter). Mayan Grill huge plate of ceviche awesome. Trecaluna best coffee. Don cafeto's ok. Best lunch: On the deck of our place at Zulum with Pollo Bronco's
$7 whole chiken and trimmings to go! Fine Dinning: Casa Violeta.
Pasta: Piedra Escondida. Best Beach: anywhere you can plant your butt south of Tulum Ruins to Boca Paila!! thats where I'm headed now! Have a great Easter everyone.

d2

[AdGuy]

I'm loving this!! I can see that Bronco Pollo chicken now! Oh wait...so can everyone else...

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


Keep up the reports...this is GREAT!!

[beachreader]

Totally loving the on-the-spot reports, thanks D2!

[dionski]

Adios Tulum

We are out of here today. For everyone suffering from Tulum withdrawl I'm having a beer for you right now hoping you'll do the same for me when your here. On our way to Pollo Bronco for lunch then the Airport. Thanks for everyones help in making this trip a little easier for us. will return the favors soon

d2