There are so many unique places to stay in Tulum that I’d go as far as to say most Tulum accommodation is quite unique. Tulum seems to have developed its own style – its own sense of fashion, architecture, AND interior design. I don’t know many places that can boast that!
Tulum is one of the best places in the world to find super unique accommodation… and dare I even say, splurge a little on a super cool place?! There are LOTS of unique hotels, airbnbs, vacation rentals, and hostels in Tulum, so even if you don’t want to spend a ton I have included options for you below.
After living in Tulum for 6 months, I got to experience all of the different Tulum neighborhoods and get to know them well. I lived in a million different places and got to visit a million more, so this whole guide is from my own experiences. I love nothing more than a super unique apartment or cute, edgy hotel… so my list in Tulum grew each week into this article below.
What to Know Before Visiting Tulum
First of all, be aware of the top tips for traveling in Mexico and of Tulum safety. Living there 6 months, we had a lot of things happen to us that we think everyone should be aware of. Read Our Tulum Story + Tulum Safety Tips here.
Also, it might help you to check out my guide to the different areas of Tulum. There are pros and cons to each area – make sure to know them before you book! Read it here: Where to Stay in Tulum – A Neighborhoods Guide
Before you choose you favorite of these unique places to stay in Tulum, you must first decide WHERE in Tulum to stay. And be prepared – it’s NOT as easy as you may think! Each neighborhood has its own unique pros and cons, and may be better for different group sizes, lengths of stays, and of course, your budget!
Before you finish this guide, check out my other article all about where to stay in Tulum – breaking down Tulum’s neighborhoods (it will open in a new tab). That way, you can be more confident in which area to choose before honing in on your perfect Tulum property.
If you want a cool Tulum stay of a certain type or location, check out a few other articles I have below:
- Unique Places to Stay in Playa Del Carmen
- Tulum Beachfront Airbnbs and Rentals – for all budgets and sizes
- Tulum Treehouses – 10 Treehouses you can Rent in Tulum
- Tulum Hotels with Private Pool
Unique Places to Stay in Tulum Town, Aldea Zama, and La Veleta
As I mentioned above, these neighborhoods are not bordering the beach but they are popular for various reasons. There are lots of places to stay in Tulum town, Aldea Zama, and La Veleta – mostly boutique hotels, smaller properties, villas, and vacation rentals, where more retorts are near the beach.
Kan Tulum – Sustainable Boutique Hotel in La Veleta
It’s one of the coolest places to stay in Tulum because: It’s an adults only eco-friendly luxe jungle haven with its own cenote, amazing architecture, and beautiful views
Kan Tulum is by far my favorite place to stay in Tulum because it is the complete package of luxurious, beautiful, very unique, and eco friendly. This remote jungle haven is deep in La Veleta on the new beach road, with multiple pools and wellness areas (and bikes you can use to get around, which is huge)!
Kan Tulum is basically a luxurious treehouse designed in an incredible unique way. The bamboo strips that line all the buildings will soon have leaves growing up them, enveloping them in vines. Kan also has plans to expand, with private pool villas on the agenda too.
Ujo Boutique Apartments – Well-Located Cute Apartments in Town
It’s one of the most unique places to stay in Tulum because: It’s a super-chic 4-story condo building with a rooftop pool and lovely design.
I stumbled upon this place on my last few days in Tulum when staying with a friend in one of these apartments. These condos are STUNNING – super spacious with modern design, balconies, and all the fittings.
I haven’t seen anything else this cute so close to town – you can be on the main street within 10 minutes! Ujo is a great mix of convenience, price, and uniqueness.
Holistika Tulum: The Stay for Yoga + Wellness
It’s one of the most unique places to stay in Tulum because: It’s a gorgeous wellness center, art walk, restaurant, and hotel/hostel centered on all things GOOD VIBES!
Holistika is a must-visit, whether you stay here or not. They offer different kinds of yoga, meditation, and wellness classes all day, every day, along with ceremonies (temezcal, cacao, etc) all the time. It’s set INSIDE a jungle that you must walk through to get anywhere, passing by quotes and art installations on every corner.
Come to a drop-in class, come to the restaurant, or stay here in deluxe rooms, or in a hostel dorm room to save some money.
Hotel Bardo – 5-Star Luxury in Town
It’s one of the coolest places to stay in Tulum because: It’s a quiet haven in Tulum town with incredible design and spaces
Hotel Bardo is surely the most luxe place to stay in Tulum Town – albeit a bit of a walk from the main area. This Tulum-chic hotel is surely a splurge, but a super unique one.
It’s clear this place was bult with design in mind, even Tulum-specific design, decor, and architecture. It’s so aesthetic and also has all the epic amenities you’d expeect from a 5-star hotel.
Tubo Tulum Hostel
It’s one of the most unique places to stay in Tulum because: This cool hostel has rooms where you sleep in a literal TUBE.
Whoever had the idea to slice up huge concrete tubes and put beds inside them… was brilliant. This unique hostel is technically made up of private rooms – tiny tube ones – and also tents for extra space. It’s a fun and affordable place to stay in Tulum. They have air conditioning inside them too!
Hotel Lagoon Boutique : Budget Boutique Stay
It’s one of the most unique places to stay in Tulum because It’s a newer, tiny boutique hotel with a rooftop AND cenote-style pool, great design, and affordable too.
I stayed here for almost a week once and adored it. It’s so quaint and cute, and the rooms have everything you need – a tiny kitchenette, cooking supplies, mini-fridge (and jaffle maker, which was a highlight). I loved the cenote-style pool (the only of its kind in Tulum) and the rooftop.
The staff is great and the balconies are too! The rooms are only about $50 per night or they were when I stayed, making it one of the most affordable hotels on this list!
16 Tulum: For Design Lovers
It’s one of the coolest places to stay in Tulum because: It has gorgeously modern and cubic rooms full of natural light with private pools and amazing design – space to fit 16 people.
16 Tulum is in a great location between Aldea Zama and La Veleta. The design is immaculate – you won’t want to leave this space! It’s ultra modern, edgy, and great for groups or for taking photos. It’s what you picture when you think of Tulum, but cooler!
Terreo Studio: Unique Architects in Tulum
It’s one of the most unique places to stay in Tulum because: It has absolutely gorgeous and immaculate architecture spread among 4 or 5 different properties by the same architect.
I couldn’t leave Terreo Studio out even if you can’t book it on my normal platforms. The designer is SO talented and has created some of the dreamiest units I have ever seen. Check out their instagram to see all properties and some booking links, such as Liana Tulum.
Panoramic Tulum
It’s one of the coolest places to stay in Tulum because: It’s a massive star-shaped hotel block with an iconic circular pool on the roof
The Panoramic Hotel in Tulum is one of the coolest La Veleta’ properties. Boasting an indoor jungle path that is consistently splashed with runoff water from the circular rooftop infinity pool, it definitely qualifies as a pretty unique place.
It’s definitely one of the fancier Tulum apartments, but has affordable options in that you can rent everything from a studio to a 3 bedroom apartment. The security is tight – you have to leave your ID at the door to visit anyone. But the views from the roof will be worth it! We loved coming here for sunsets when my friends stayed here.
Lum Hostel Tulum Town
It’s one of the coolest places to stay in Tulum because: It’s a chic hostel RIGHT in the center of town – instagrammable, cheap, and very Tulum!
Lum hostel was actually voted one of the most instagrammable hostels on hostelworld this year! It has pod-style rooms, which is my favorite kind in a hostel – more privacy. There are tons of chill areas, fairy lights, and minimalistic design.
It’s one of the cheapest places to stay in Tulum – dorms are from $12 – and two blocks from the main road.
Unique Places to Stay in Tulum Hotel Zone: On the Beach
Mia Tulum Beachfront Resort (Selina Tulum)
It’s one of the most unique places to stay in Tulum because: It’s a boutique hotel AND hostel on the beach (one of the only hostels) with edgy and artsy design and tons of events.
Selina is a huge chain of boutique hotels/hostels throughout much of Central America. It is known for having beautiful design, coworking spaces with fast wifi (nearly impossible on the beach besides here), having everything from hostel dorms to suites, and tons of wellness and fun events all week.
The Selina at Tulum Beach (which is now branded as Mia but still the same as far as I last saw it) is no different. It’s a great option for a cheaper stay on the beach, and they have everything you need. You can also find Mia beach club here, hosting big dj’s all year round.
Hotel Hun Tulum (Unclear if Currently Open)
It’s one of the most unique places to stay in Tulum because: Known for a massive wooded hand sculpture above the jungle, Hotel Hun has rustic yet luxe apartments on the jungle side of beach road.
Hotel Hun is an awesome option for a unique stay on Beach Road, around $200/pn. Relax on wooded furniture on the sand or enjoy views from glass windows in the rooms. It’s unclear if it’s currently open or rebranding; I’ll update this article when I know!
Kanan Tulum
It’s one of the coolest places to stay in Tulum because: Kanan is literally covered in beautiful twisted wood and amazing architecture. The beach restaurant is my favorite place on the beach, with hammocks, nets, and sculptures.
The design is simply stunning, and what you would want and expect from a unique stay on the beach in Tulum. Rooms have ocean views, and there are so many cool pathways, pools, and nooks to explore. Oh, and there’s a rooftop bar too which is great for sunset!
Papaya Playa Project
It’s one of the most unique places to stay in Tulum because: It’s an amazing design hotel on the beach with beautiful architecture, rooftop and private pools, and ocean-view suites.
Papaya Playa Project is one of the main venues hosting events and music on the beach. It’s a classic Tulum-style chic venue with wooded architecture, pools, jungle yoga spaces, and tons of wellness activities too.
Azulik Tulum
It’s one of the coolest places to stay in Tulum because: It’s part incredible architectual museum, part venue, part incredibly designed hotel. It’s THE Tulum hotel you see on instagram – where the celebs stay.
Azulik is probably the most unique place to stay in Tulum… and maybe the most expensive too. It truly is an architectural marvel, with amazing wooded awnings, hammocks, pools overlooking the sea, ‘nests’ above the jungle, and a whole museum. The rooms are all unique and incredible.
It’s peak Tulum and an architectural marvel. If you can afford it, it’s one of the most amazing places you could book.
Ikal Tulum Hotel
It’s one of the most unique places to stay in Tulum because: It has beautiful unique outdoor beachy rooms which are all different from each other, and tons of wellness activities on the sand.
Ikal is a super rustic beach hotel that you have to walk into through some jungle. They hold tons of yoga, cacao and other ceremonies, beach clean ups, and wellness events between the hotel and their cute open beach restaurant.
It’s up in Playa Paraiso – the northern side of beach road near a lot of restaurants and beautiful views (and the ruins)!
Casa Malca
It’s one of the most unique places to stay in Tulum because: It’s a Tulum beach hotel designed like a ritzy city hotel with unique paintings and decor… and used to be Pablo Escobar’s mansion!
Casa Malca is a super cool Tulum hotel at the end of beach road. It’s the perfect splurge-worthy getaway if you are okay spending a bit of money. This would be the place for a honeymoon or luxurious trip with beach views and a nearly-private part of Tulum’s beach.
They have a few restaurants on-site and sometimes events and parties too. It’s almost beach-meets-renassance chic style – it’s very cool and arty.
Affordable Unique Places to Stay on Tulum Beach
Glamp Ikal Tulum (Prev. Casa Nawal)
It’s one of the coolest places to stay in Tulum because: Two Words: Beach Glamping. This is the only place to have a luxe glamping experience on the beach.
Casa Nawal is a gorgeous glamping property on Playa Paraiso in Tulum’s north side. It’s a really unique experience and also one of Tulum’s more affordable ideas.
Casa Nawal also has a lot of wellness activities and also connects with Ikal Tulum which is next door.
Chiibal Hu Geo Domes
It’s one of the most unique places to stay in Tulum because: This is one of the most affordable places to stay on Tulum on Beach Road – where you can stay in a spacious plastic geo-dome with a tiny private pool (and A/C)
I stayed here one night when my hotel had an overbooking, and was honestly really impressed. The domes have A/C, a private patio and bathroom, and lots of space… and the location is really good. I think the pices have gone up from when I first stayed for $100 per night, but it’s still one of the best deals on beach road, and in a super unique little dome village.
Sueños Tulum – Stay in a Mayan Castle
It’s one of the most unique places to stay in Tulum because: You can stay in a unique Mayan Temple/Castle Property with crazy cool architecture and different styles of rooms.
Sueños Tulum has constructed what resembles some Mayan Ruins right near the end of the beach road. This unique place to stay in Tulum is separated into the Temple Clubhouse (which has 2 floors, 5 beds) and the Temple Penthouse (one floor, 3 beds).
The outside of this amazing spot is made of stone, while the inside has varying and different designed rooms and bathrooms clad with hammocks, stone, and ocean views. There are real tree pillars weaving through the floors, an incredible bath, and tons of unique common areas (pool, restaurant, beach club) too.
Nomade
It’s one of the most unique places to stay in Tulum because: It has 5 different styles of accommodation from treehouses to pool suites, all with unique and stunning design on the beach.
Nomade is an effortlessly cool beachfront property at the end of the beach road. Famous not only for its restaurant/beach club, Nomade has a variety of options for rooms including suites, rooms, tents, and even treehouses.
Each room is immaculately designed with a tribal Tulum look, with macrame and patterns against brushed concrete walls.
The coolest things about Nomade is that they also offer wellness experiences, an amazing restaurant/beach club with day beds, and even music events and micro-festivals with their own curated playlist.
Casa Bonita Beachfront Airbnb Rental
t’s one of the most unique places to stay in Tulum because: It has unique brushed adobe look with incredible sleek white design and an uninterrupted ocean view
Casa Bonita might be my favorite option of the coolest places to stay in Tulum on the beach. This 3BR Airbnb is newly renovated and has a really unique mostly-white architecture style with an open plan and pops of color.
The kitchen and some bedrooms look directly out to the sea and a common relaxing area of Mahayana Tulum. If you want a unique and fully serviced beachside experience, this is a great place to splurge on.
If you need more space, next door Casa de Las Palmas has a similar style but 4 bedrooms and a capacity of 10.
Well, that tops out the list for now… do you know of any places I should add to this list?! Let me know in the comments below!
Passionate, full-time travel blogger with over 230k on social media and 150kMPV blog. Extraordinary photographer with two DSLR's + a drone with a love for capturing candid moments, epic drone shots, and magical compositions. I'm a natural-born content creator originally from California, but I've been on the road for 9 years living, working, traveling, blogging, and photographing my way around the world. I recommend the most amazingly adventurous and unique + boutique travel experiences/stays and helpful products to my audience and write comprehensive guides on my website that have helped millions of travelers so far. I love to inspire people to plan their dream trips, and many readers have given feedback as such. The reach on my platforms continues to soar, especially when combining cutting-edge social content with optimized articles on my high-authority website.