How to Find the Perfect Airbnb in Tulum in 2023

Tulum offers a wide range of Airbnbs and vacation rentals, from luxury villas to jungle hideaways to budget-friendly apartments–all providing the comforts of home and beautifully decorated with Tulum’s distinct bohemian design aesthetic!

About Airbnb in Tulum Mexico

Airbnb and home rentals have become a popular option for travelers looking for affordable accommodations with the comforts of home.

What are Tulum Mexico vacation rentals like?

Tulum offers a variety of vacation rental options, from beautiful beachfront properties to modern apartments to more secluded jungle hideaways.

You can choose from a private room in a host’s home, an entire apartment or condo, or even luxury villas with multiple bedrooms and modern amenities like a pool or hot tub.

While there are many luxury rental options available, it’s important to keep in mind that Tulum’s accommodations are often much more rustic than in other parts of the world.

That means you may find rentals with outdoor showers, mosquito nets, and off-the-grid electricity. And the infrastructure in Tulum can be unreliable, causing occasional power and water outages.

It adds to the charm, but make sure you read descriptions carefully and be prepared for a more “eco” experience where amenities like air conditioning and wifi may be more limited.

Prices for Tulum Vacation Rentals

One thing to keep in mind is that Airbnb rentals in Tulum can be quite pricey compared to other areas of Mexico.

You’ll still be able to find budget-friendly options, but expect to pay more for luxury and beachfront properties.

But if you’re willing to splurge a bit, you won’t be disappointed with the amazing properties Tulum has to offer!

Tulum Airbnb Alternatives

While Airbnb is one of the most popular booking sites for vacation rentals, Tulum also offers a range of vacation rental options on VRBO and Booking.com.

I would recommend checking out multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal and finding the perfect Tulum Airbnb for your needs.

Plus, Airbnb has faced a bit of criticism in recent years for its poor customer service and lack of safety regulations, so it’s always good to compare options.

And a lot of times, you can find the exact same listing for a lower price!

Best Areas to Stay in a Tulum Airbnb

When deciding where to stay in Tulum, you can basically choose between two main zones: the beachfront Hotel Zone or the city center known as Tulum Town.

Located around 3 miles apart, these areas are not within close walking distance so you’ll need to use taxis, bikes, or public transportation to travel between them. 

Tulum Hotel Zone

Tulum’s beachfront Hotel Zone (“Zona Hotelera” in Spanish) is a long stretch of trendy beachfront hotels, designer boutiques, tropical cafes, and jungle restaurants.

This area is the heart of Tulum’s bohemian design aesthetic and luxury vacation scene.

Many Airbnb rentals in Tulum’s Hotel Zone offer spectacular views, direct beach access, and luxurious amenities like an infinity pool and outdoor showers.

It’s no surprise that the vacation rentals and Tulum house rentals located in the Hotel Zone will be considerably more expensive. However, if you can afford it, you’ll be treated to some of the most beautiful Airbnb properties in Tulum.

And one of the key benefits of staying in the Hotel Zone is having easy access to the best beaches in Tulum.

There are not many public beaches in Tulum, which can make it challenging to access the beaches unless you are staying at one of the beachfront vacation rentals or visiting one of the beach clubs in Tulum.

Tulum Town

Tulum Town (“Tulum Pueblo” in Spanish) is the city center of Tulum with a more local vibe and laid-back atmosphere.

Located about 3 miles from the beach, this area is home to affordable local restaurants, bars, grocery stores, and budget-friendly accommodations.

Vacation rentals in Tulum Town tend to be more budget-friendly than those located in the Hotel Zone.

And there are many new property developments and private neighborhoods such as La Veleta and Aldea Zama, where you can find modern rentals.

Plus, many vacation rental properties in Tulum Town are located within a short walk or bike ride from the main highway 307 (“Carretera Federal”), making it easier to access other areas like Playa del Carmen and the famous Mayan ruins of Tulum.

Tulum Airbnb vs Hotel

When deciding between Airbnb and hotels in Tulum, it really comes down to your personal vacation style, group size, and budget.

Tulum Airbnb vs Hotel: Service & Amenities

Hotels in Tulum typically offer more services and amenities, such as daily housekeeping, room service, on-site restaurants and bars, private beach access, and 24-hour security.

When staying at an Airbnb, you’ll forgo those extra luxuries and will have to take care of cleaning and cooking yourself.

But depending on the type of vacation rental you choose, you may have your own private swimming pool, private chef, and on-site security.

Of course, these types of premium vacation rentals will come at a higher price! Airbnb Tulum rentals will vary with what is offered, so be sure to read the listing carefully for any important details or amenities that are important to you.

Tulum Airbnb vs Hotel: Group Size

If you are traveling with a large group, Airbnb rentals can often be more cost-effective as they often have multiple bedrooms and bathrooms to accommodate larger groups.

This often makes them more affordable than booking multiple hotel rooms.

Hotels in Tulum tend to cater towards couples or smaller groups, with most rooms only offering one or two beds. This makes Airbnb a better option for larger families or groups of friends traveling together.

Additionally, Airbnbs are a great option for larger groups because they often have a full kitchen to cook meals for your group, as well as a dining area and living room where everyone can gather and hang out together.

And many have private swimming pools! Plus, you’ll have a more intimate group experience when you’re all under one roof.

Tulum Airbnb vs Hotel: Price

Hotels in Tulum can range from budget-friendly options to extremely luxurious and expensive resorts.

Airbnb rentals also vary greatly in price, with some budget-friendly options and some expensive luxury villas.

Pretty much any type of accommodation on the beach in Tulum will come at a premium price, so if you’re willing to stay in Tulum Town, you can find much more affordable options at a vacation rental.

How to Find the Perfect Airbnb in Tulum

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to find the perfect Airbnb in Tulum:

1. Set a budget for your Tulum vacation rental

The first step in finding the perfect Airbnb is to determine your budget. Airbnb offers a range of options, so decide what amenities and services are important to you and set a maximum price for your rental.

2. Determine your preferred location

Do you want to stay in Tulum Town or the Hotel Zone? Are you willing to stay slightly further away from the beach in exchange for a more affordable rental?

Are you looking for a quiet and secluded vacation rental or one that’s closer to restaurants and bars?

Take some time to consider what’s important to you in terms of location and the type of vacation experience you’re looking for.

3. Determine your preferred type of accommodations

Vacation rentals in Tulum offer travelers a wide range of options from jungle homes and apartments to modern condos to luxury villas.

Decide what type of accommodations you want for your trip considering the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, kitchen amenities, privacy, and whether you have private or shared pool access.

4. Decide on must-have amenities

Next, consider the amenities offered by your potential Airbnb rental. Will you need a kitchen for cooking meals or do you plan to dine out most of the time?

Are a private pool and outdoor space important to you? Do you want a washer/dryer to do laundry?

Once you’ve created a wish list, use the search filters on Airbnb to narrow down your options based on your must-have amenities.

5. Select your travel dates

Of course, the dates of your trip will determine the availability of Airbnb rentals.

If you have any flexibility with your travel dates, it can be helpful to search for Airbnb rentals during a less busy time in Tulum.

This may also lead to lower prices and better availability if you are able to travel in the low season, which typically runs from June-October.

6. Search and compare options

The next step is to search for vacation rental options in Tulum and compare your top choices.

Read through the Airbnb listing descriptions and reviews carefully to ensure that the rental meets all of your criteria and check availability for your travel dates.

7. Confirm sleeping arrangements

Be sure to confirm the sleeping arrangements for your Airbnb rental. Are there enough beds for everyone in your group? Is there an extra charge for additional guests?

Airbnb lists the bed sizes in each room so you can find out if it’s a king bed, queen-sized, or sofa sleeper.

And if you’re traveling with children, check if the Airbnb has a crib or other child-friendly amenities available.

8. Check reviews

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, take some time to read Airbnb reviews from previous guests.

This is probably the most important step for any Airbnb rental, but it’s especially crucial in Tulum where there are more safety risks.

Pay attention to the overall rating, as well as specific comments about the property and its location, cleanliness, amenities, and communication with the host. You’ll also want to scan for any comments regarding security issues or potential scams.

I also like to review any comments left by the host, as they can provide additional insight into the rental and their hospitality.

It’s also best to rent from a Super Host if possible, as they have a track record of providing exceptional experiences for Airbnb guests. You’ll be able to filter for Super Hosts when searching for rentals.

You can also contact the host with any additional questions or concerns before booking.

9. Verify cancellation policies and additional fees

Before booking the Airbnb, be sure to read the cancellation policies carefully and check for any additional fees. The price listed on the initial search results is usually never the final price!

Some Airbnb rentals may charge a cleaning fee or require a security deposit, so it’s important to factor these expenses into your budget.

And if your plans change, make sure you understand Airbnb’s cancellation policy and any potential penalties.

10. Make your reservation

Once you’ve found the perfect Airbnb in Tulum, it’s time to make your reservation!

Be sure to communicate with the host and confirm all important details, including check-in/check-out times, keying or access information, and any additional rules or expectations for the rental.

Tips for Renting an Airbnb in Tulum Mexico

Follow these tips to ensure a smooth Airbnb experience in Tulum:

• Check the reviews carefully: As mentioned above, it’s important to read through Airbnb reviews carefully and pay attention to any warning signs or red flags. Be sure to look for comments regarding safety and security and only book if you feel comfortable with the property and host.
• Rent from a Super Host: Airbnb Super Hosts have a track record of providing exceptional experiences for guests and are typically reliable hosts. Be sure to add the Super Host filter when searching for rentals on Airbnb. You can also add additional filters for Airbnb Plus and Airbnb Luxe for elevated listings.
• Pay close attention to the location: Airbnb rentals in Tulum are spread throughout Tulum Town, the Hotel Zone, and other remote areas. Make sure to confirm the exact location of the rental and if it fits your desired vacation experience. Don’t forget Tulum Town is a few miles away from the beach!
• Check the cancellation policies and added fees: Be sure to review Airbnb’s cancellation policies, as well as any additional fees or cleaning charges from the host before booking. The price will normally be much higher once these are tacked on!
• Rent a vacation rental with a pool if you can: Having access to an outdoor pool in Tulum can make for a more relaxing and enjoyable vacation. If your budget allows, try to rent an Airbnb with a shared pool or consider renting out a private villa with a pool for your group.
• Purchase travel insurance: It’s always best to be prepared for any unexpected circumstances during travel. Don’t forget to purchase travel insurance to protect yourself, as well as the Airbnb rental property. I recommend using Travel Insurance Master, which is a handy online marketplace where you can compare policies.