Choosing where to stay in Tulum can feel confusing: do you stay in the jungle, in town, or right on the beach? As part of our new series “The Shortlist”, we’ve picked three very different places. Each one is special in its own way – budget, vibe, or location – so you’re not comparing the same kind of hotel over and over, but choosing what actually fits you and your trip.
- A luxury jungle villa (Amari Villas)
- A social, budget-friendly hotel/hostel (Mayan Monkey)
- A beachfront hotel in the Hotel Zone (Mía Tulum)
For each stay, we’ve added a Tulum Bible discount code so you can save money on your booking.
1. AMARI Villas – Luxury Jungle Living with Hotel Comfort
Best for: couples, friends or families who want space, privacy and high-end design.
AMARI Uptown is a private, gated jungle community for travelers who like modern design and quiet surroundings. It’s just a few minutes from Tulum town and the Holistika, so you can be in the action when you want, but sleep in a calm neighborhood. The property has 46 eco-luxe villas and feels more like a small, peaceful community than a hotel.
Each villa is set up to feel like a home: private pool, full kitchen, strong Wi-Fi. You can cook, relax, work and hang out without feeling crowded, which is ideal for longer stays, remote work, or trips with friends and family.
Shared spaces are a big part of the Amari experience. Guests have access to a Wellness Center with a gym, yoga studio, sauna and cold plunge, plus a co-working studio, and 24-hour security. Amari can also help you arrange airport transfers if you’re flying into the area, and you can book a driver to take you around town, to the beach or to cenotes, so you don’t need to worry about taxis or renting a car.
Use the code TULUMBIBLE10 to enjoy 10% off your stay at AMARI Uptown Villas.
2. Mayan Monkey Tulum – Social Hotel for Solo Travellers & Digital Nomads
Best for: solo travellers, backpackers and digital nomads who want to meet people and stay on a budget.
Mayan Monkey is a social hotel/hostel located between downtown Tulum and the Hotel Zone, close to restaurants, bars and shops. It’s only a short bike ride from the beach and the Mayan ruins, and sits right on Av. Coba (the main road to the beach). This makes it very easy to move around, grab food, or go out at night.
Mayan Monkey is known for being very friendly for solo travellers. Several hostel guides list it as the best hostel for solo travellers in Tulum, and it’s also highlighted as one of the top choices for female solo travellers.
The property mixes shared dorms and private rooms, so you can choose what fits your budget. Common areas include a large pool, bar, terrace, garden and plenty of places to sit and talk. There is also fast Wi-Fi, a co-working area and a shared kitchen, which is why it’s popular with digital nomads who need to work during the day and socialize later. The vibe is young and friendly, with events and a “stay, share, socialize” style community.
If you want to save money, make friends and still have a nice pool to enjoy, Mayan Monkey is a strong choice. Use our code TULBIBLE when booking to get 15% off your stay.
3. Mía Tulum – Beachfront Hotel in the Heart of the Hotel Zone
Best for: travelers who want to stay on the beach in the Hotel Zone, close to restaurants, bars and beach clubs.
Mía Tulum is a beachfront resort and beach club on Tulum’s Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera). The property was previously operated as Selina Tulum, and is now part of the Mía family under the name Mía Tulum Beachfront Resort – Ocean View Suites and Beach Club. Today, it sits on a prime stretch of sand near popular spots like Vagalume, Bagatelle and other well-known beach venues, with easy access to Tulum National Park and Playa Paraíso by bike.
Guests can step straight from their room to the private beach, beach club and outdoor pool. The hotel offers ocean-view suites, on-site dining (including vegan options), a bar, and live music events hosted by Mía’s resident and guest DJs. It’s a good match if you want to wake up to the sound of the sea, walk to nearby beach clubs and restaurants, and enjoy the classic “Tulum beach” feeling without needing taxis all day.
Mía Tulum falls into the medium budget, depending on season and room type. For our readers, you can use the code TULUMBIBLE to get 15% off your reservation at Mía Tulum.
Final Thoughts: Which Tulum Stay Is Right for You?
To keep things simple:
- On a tighter budget or traveling solo?
Choose Mayan Monkey Tulum – social, fun, and wallet-friendly. - Want quiet space, design and luxury?
Go for Amari Villas – jungle villas with hotel-level comfort. - Dreaming of waking up on the beach in the Hotel Zone?
Pick Mía Tulum – beachfront hotel with a beach club and restaurant.
All three are very different, so you can pick what fits your budget and travel style. And don’t forget to use your Tulum Bible codes when you book:
- Amari Villas:
TULUMBIBLE10– 10% off - Mayan Monkey Tulum:
TULBIBLE– 15% off - Mía Tulum:
TULUMBIBLE– 15% off
You can now easily decide where to stay in Tulum, whether you want a quiet jungle villa, a social hostel vibe, or a beachfront hotel in the middle of the action.