Zulum doesn't want our money?

[Tulumguy]

Hello Everyone!

Thanks for all the great post here. Very informative. My wife and I have been to Tulum twice and both times we've stayed at the Esmeralda K and have had wonderful experiences.

We're planning a trip early July for my brother-in-law's 40th birthday and decided upon Zulum because we wanted something different and Zulum sounds and looks great according to everyone here.

I've contacted Gilmer and Eduardo through email and spoke to them on the phone to confirm the rooms we want to reserve. (There are about 10 of us going).

The problem is, the last communication we had with them, they were going to email us so we could pay via paypal. It's been two weeks and they've stopped responding to emails and my brother-in-law spoke to Eduardo last week and Eduardo said he would send us the paypal info and we're still waiting! We tried emailing again but no answer.

What's going on? I've read others have had similar experiences but our group really wants to stay there! How long before we give up?:(

[TnTWalter]

Since you're not going in July, you have plenty of time. I would just wait it out if you really want to stay there.

Mexican time is a little less rushed to say the least.

Hang in there.

[beachreader]

If you say he's confirmed your group, you're probably good to go. I'm sure he'll get back to you soon with the payment info, but if he has already told you "yes, you're all in", that's about as much confirmation as a lot of places give at all. Print out that e-mail.

As Trish said, they operate on Mexico time.

Or you can pitch them and stay somewhere that responds a bit more quickly. I for one would find it very frustrating to be left hanging like that, no matter how great the place is (and it is very nice).

If I had a group of 10, the first place I'd contact is La Luna, honestly. I think they can handle up to like 14 people, there's a communal kitchen, bbq area and bonfire pit, and a warm vibe about the place that I really loved. Plus, Rene or the owners will get back to you immediately on everything, and who knows, maybe they'd even kick a discount for the group thing (I don't know about that so don't quote me on it, but if it were my place and someone wanted to book it out, I'd talk turkey). I'd bet they could set up a big group dinner for you as well, if you want to celebrate privately rather than hitting a restaurant.

Apologies if the La Luna pitch is out of line, but it really is where I'd turn first for a large group like yours. It's where I'd want to get married, too. Anyone interested? :)

[Tulumguy]

Thanks for the responses Trish and Beachreader.

I guess we can hold out a bit longer. My wife wants to wait a bit more because she really wants to stay there. I do too. My brother-in-law is getting a little anxious. He wants it all settled.

He did check out La Luna. That was his first choice but it is more expensive. I'll see if he can maybe work out something with them. Who knows? Doesn't hurt to ask.

The problem is, everyone has seen the Zulum website and I've told them about the great reviews. It's definitely the first choice.:)

Thanks again!

[mariposa]

You could try calling them..I called when we were trying to book with them (they were full..) but they did answer..

Wow Beachreader..you really really love La Luna! I'm not sure why but walking through the property (must admit didn't see the inside but have seen the photos..) I didn't get that same awestruck feeling. The exterior feels kind of crammed together. I used that same expression when I decided not to stay there when we were considering it in January. I also think (just from the photos of course) that the decorating is a little too..I don't know themed or something.

It's a tough thing. I'm definitely a weirdo when it comes to the decorating thing. I know, for example, that there are still issues that need to be worked out at Miel but I really loved the tastefulness of it. Same with Lamar. I guess I'm not so sure about the morocco in mexico thing. I'm sure there are things you found out hanging with Rene that we didn't get. Maybe you should do a little preview trip report thingy just about La Luna?

[AnyMan]

You may want to work through LocoGringo to book the room. We tried to work though Eduardo also but did not make any progress. Finally we booked through LG and they set us up.

I am sure LG takes a cut so you may want to mention in an email to Zulum that you are considering using them. The potential loss of revenue may inspire him to respond.

[Tulumguy]

Thanks for your reply Anyman.

When did you stay there?

The rates on LG are much higher than the Zulum website. The hotel manager, Gilmer, who I spoke to on the phone and through email, said he would honor the lower web site rates.

Does anyone know why LG rates are higher? Could we get the lower rates through LG? I guess I should contact LG.

Also, I read on TripAdvisor that Zulum is under new management! :confused: Good grief!

[AnyMan]

We will be staying there in May.

The rate we got through LG was the same as the Zulum website. I think the difference you may be seeing is the 12% tax - the prices on Zulum's site are before tax.

[Lynnette]

Thanks for your reply Anyman.

When did you stay there?

The rates on LG are much higher than the Zulum website. The hotel manager, Gilmer, who I spoke to on the phone and through email, said he would honor the lower web site rates.

Does anyone know why LG rates are higher? Could we get the lower rates through LG? I guess I should contact LG.

Also, I read on TripAdvisor that Zulum is under new management! :confused: Good grief!

Kay & Gary do get a %, that's why they have a successful business!! :) Usually, the hotel takes a cut in their profit for an outside agent booking....LG doesn't charge more.

[beachreader]

Wow Beachreader..you really really love La Luna! I'm not sure why but walking through the property (must admit didn't see the inside but have seen the photos..) I didn't get that same awestruck feeling. The exterior feels kind of crammed together. I used that same expression when I decided not to stay there when we were considering it in January. I also think (just from the photos of course) that the decorating is a little too..I don't know themed or something.


I don't mean to go overboard on this thing with La Luna, but I guess putting all my posts about it together probably look like I work for them. There are definitely drawbacks to their property, and I agree about the Indian thing. It's the whole package that won me over.

Rather than go into all of it here, though, I'll do it in my trip report, or maybe a separate post when I get my pics up.

[MarkHNH]

The rates on LG are much higher than the Zulum website.


Look closely under the rates.
LG now says that the rate includes B'Fast and Dinner.
The Zulum site only includes B'Fast.
It looks like about $50 per night differenece for 2.

[Tulumguy]

I'm in the process of contacting LocoGringo to see if I can book through them at the Zulum Web site rates. Thanks AnyMan.

We don't want dinner included because then you feel like you have to eat there every night. We want to go to the different restaurants on the beach and in town.

We'll see what happens.

[Gale in KY]

I'll second that vote for weddings at La Luna:) In fact, I might just file for divorce so I can get married (again) in Tulum!:):(

[TnTWalter]

You could try calling them..I called when we were trying to book with them (they were full..) but they did answer..

Wow Beachreader..you really really love La Luna! I'm not sure why but walking through the property (must admit didn't see the inside but have seen the photos..) I didn't get that same awestruck feeling. The exterior feels kind of crammed together. I used that same expression when I decided not to stay there when we were considering it in January. I also think (just from the photos of course) that the decorating is a little too..I don't know themed or something.

It's a tough thing. I'm definitely a weirdo when it comes to the decorating thing. I know, for example, that there are still issues that need to be worked out at Miel but I really loved the tastefulness of it. Same with Lamar. I guess I'm not so sure about the morocco in mexico thing. I'm sure there are things you found out hanging with Rene that we didn't get. Maybe you should do a little preview trip report thingy just about La Luna?


I really had a hard time deciding between La Luna and Posada Lamar....ugh....what can you do? LOL. and now that Rene's leaving well I'm a bit nervous. Oh well.

[Lynnette]

I really had a hard time deciding between La Luna and Posada Lamar....ugh....what can you do? LOL. and now that Rene's leaving well I'm a bit nervous. Oh well.

Where is Rene going?????

[PhyllisB]

Traveling through central/south america!!!!!

[wolfpacker]

It took forever and numerous emails for me to get a response from Zulum, too. Ultimately it all worked out and we had a great time. Not sure why things are so slow - they have a laptop up at the front desk (with internet from what I could tell).

They did mention that they were going to expand the dining (they started working on this while we were there and it was going fast) and start including dinners. And they'd be going to an honor system for drinks (I think from a fridge).

I plan a report when I get done with post processing my trip pics (nearly there, I'm a perfectionist). But we had a great time. Loved Zulum, although being the adventurers we are I think we'd try a different spot next time just to be different.

[debski]

You need confirmation! Until you are Paid, you are not confirmed!!! We were told there was availability, but by time zulum got back to us with pay info our first choices were gone. Scott from locogringo actually drove down there for us to finalize confirmation because we couldnt get a response in due time. Zulum is VERY slow to respond, but since you are going in July, you have time.

Will write a report when we get back!!!!

[AnyMan]

I can't wait for your report. We go in May and are way too excited.

[zacharoos]

We had trouble getting through to Zulum as well. My wife and I are staying at soliman bay the first week of April. We are coming a day early so we wanted to stay on the Tulum Beach. Zulum had great reviews but they would never respond. I contacted Kay at Loco Gringo and she arranged a one night stay (very hard to just get one night).

Loco Gringo can get it done, they will drive there in person if need be.

[Tulumguy]

Thanks All. I contacted Scott at LocoGringo and he's really helping us out! He got the ball rolling for us.

I'll let you guys know what happens>

So far, all signs point to :beerchug::eat-drink:

[AnyMan]

I have never heard of a property before that refuses to take your reservation when they have availability. Just crazy.

The other benefit of LG is that you can use a credit card instead of cash!

[Tulumguy]

Finally!

Everything's good now. Made a reservation with Scott through LocoGringo and we're all set! Funny thing is , he said he needed to check with Zulum for availability so I'm sure he told them my name. I wonder if they just wanted to let Scott handle the whole thing.

I don't get it. We're all set now though and for the lower web site rates!:moped:

Thanks everyone!

[beachreader]

Great news! I'm glad it all worked out, you must be so relieved!