Wondering where to stay in Tulum? This post breaks down what you need to know about the different parts of Tulum with an honest review of my stay at Amaka Riviera Tulum for your consideration.
And if you enjoy this article, you'll love my Tulum solo vacation itinerary, too!
Would I recommend this Tulum Mexico Hotel?
Firstly, yes, I recommend staying at Amaka Calma Riviera in Tulum. I spent four nights there for about $500 through a sale when the property first opened—an excellent mid-range price for the area, at the time. And now it's significantly cheaper!
Amaka Riviera is a small boutique eco-resort in Mexico's Yucatan region with fewer than two dozen rooms. Everyone I interacted with was incredibly helpful and welcoming and the amenities met my expectations.
Tulum has no shortage of accommodations, whether you’re looking for budget-friendly charm or high-end luxury. For a stylish, comfortable stay without breaking the bank, this boutique hotel is a fantastic option—especially if you want to explore local restaurants and nightlife in Tulum Pueblo.
How to Get to Amaka Calma Riviera
Amaka Calma Tulum is located in the La Veleta neighborhood of Tulum, about 45 minutes from the Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport (TQQ).
If you're renting a car in Tulum, here's the address for your GPS:
Calle 9 Sur, La Veleta, 77760 Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico
I highly recommend driving to have the most flexibility to take in all Tulum has to offer. Here is what you need to know about driving to Tulum from Cancun!
Staying in Tulum Pueblo: What to Know
Tulum is booming, and new hotels and condos pop up constantly. That means lots of options but also a few things to watch out for.
Staying in town is generally more affordable when compared to the Hotel Zone, with easy access to local restaurants, bars, and shops. This is my pick for a more authentic, less touristy experience.
But in comparison to the Hotel Zone, Tulum Pueblo has fewer beachfront options, though many hotels offer beach shuttles. Newer buildings, including hotels, Airbnbs, and VRBOs, may have limited amenities. Lastly, as neighborhoods in town develop, some of the roads are unpaved, which means driving at night requires more caution.
Pro Travel Tip
Check Google Maps' street view before booking a property in order to get a better sense of the areas surrounding it.
If budget is your main concern, hostels in Tulum Pueblo can go as low as $10 per night. Check out cheap Tulum accommodations options!
What to Know About Staying in Zona Hotelera
Zona Hotelera is Tulum’s famous beachfront strip, home to high-end resorts, stylish boutique hotels, and the most Instagrammed spots in town. You'll be close to a lot of popular things to do in Tulum.
If waking up to beachfront views and private cabanas is more your vibe, Zona Hotelera might be worth the splurge. You've probably seen popular Tulum beach resorts like Papaya Playa Project, Nomad, and Coco on Instagram and their proximity to the water means you can step out into the sand each morning and fall asleep to the sounds of the ocean waves and jungle each night.
Should you choose to stay in the Hotel Zone, you'll probably want to leave your car parked and bike or walk to most things in this area. There's only one main road that runs through it and parking is scarce. Properties in the Hotel Zone are generally much more expensive, which doesn't always translate to a luxury stay so do your research before booking!
If you're looking to blow bands at a Tulum luxury property like Casa Malca, check out Five Star Resorts and Hotels in Tulum!
Pro Travel Tip
Direct beach access is a perk of staying in Tulum's Hotel Zone, however, you can technically access the beaches without a booking, as they are public. Just look for the public entry points or make a reservation to dine at one of the beach clubs.
Here are my favorite beach clubs and restaurants for dining in Tulum!
Amaka Calma Tulum Amenities
Dining - While a continental breakfast is available in the common area near the pool, there's no onsite restaurant at this hotel. This means there's also no room service. Each room has a kitchen or kitchenette with fridge and coffeemaker.
Pool – The common pool area is chic, well-maintained, and perfect for lounging with a deck and hammocks over the water. Select rooms have private plunge pools, too.
Transportation – I didn't take advantage of this service, but Amaka Calma offers an airport shuttle, per other guest reviews on TripAdvisor. And the hotel provides free bike rentals and umbrellas for guests. This is a nice perk since biking is one of the most popular ways to get around Tulum--just don't run into a stranger, like I did!
Gym - There's a gym onsite with treadmills, an elliptical, and free weights. Yoga mats are also available.
Wi-Fi – At the time of my visit, the in-room WiFi and cell service was spotty. If you rely on staying connected, this might be frustrating.
Parking – Secure onsite parking is available in front of the hotel. Patrolled parking is a plus if you’re renting a car.
Amaka Calma is about 20 minutes by car from the Tulum Mayan Ruins. Read this visitor's guide to Tulum Ruins before you go!
Which Room to Book
While I wouldn’t call this a full-blown luxury property, it’s definitely upscale with options for every budget, from standard rooms to high-end penthouses. I landed somewhere in the middle with a spacious apartment featuring a private plunge pool and terrace.
This garden deck view room had a queen-size bed and private enclosed porch with a plunge pool, which was lovely for the morning coffee I only drink on vacations.
The terraces back up to a wooded area, making for serene mornings with nothing but birds and nature sounds. But, if you’re a light sleeper, bring earplugs because the walls are thin. I realized this two nights in when a couple with a baby checked in next door.
Tulum lodging options typically have the same electrical outlets we use in the United States, so you won't need to pack a plug converter. Here's my complete packing list for Tulum!
For Solo Travelers
As a woman traveling by myself, I felt safe and comfortable at this property. The La Veleta neighborhood is generally regarded as safe and having a security guard onsite along with responsive staff are major pluses for me.
This property is neither all-inclusive nor adults-only so keep in mind that you might see and hear little ones running around. If family-friendly is not your vibe, this might not be the spot for you.
I will note that like many beachy properties I've stayed at around the world, nature often makes its way into your lodging! There were a few small ants here and there, but that's par for the course with eco-resorts and hotels that are ingrained into their natural surroundings.
Read my top tips for women traveling alone!
More Tulum Moments
I hope my Amaka Calma Riviera Tulum review helps you have the best trip. And sharing is caring so be sure to pin this article for later and follow me over on Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
