Just looking----

[beatfarmer]

around----usually don't participate on boards, but do read some sites for travel info.........
haven't been to Tulum in a few years..Sounds like it has changed, like all places do........
thinking of heading back there this winter after visiting other places recently...
any recommondations on where to stay?......we don't do all-inclusives anymore....To much fun going out and finding the "interesting places" to dine.

[PhyllisB]

Yep, Tulum has definitely changed over the years, but we still love it, as I'm sure you can tell!

Tell us more about what kinds of places you like, what amenities you want (if any), and what your budget range is. There are places for everyone...

[minniemex]

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/A1/welcome.gif to the board beatfarmer!!

I agree with Phyllis ~ we need more info!! Your budget for starters and your preferences. Also, when in "winter" are you thinking?? Shoulder season or high season??

[beatfarmer]

Looks like I'm getting info from a couple of board veterans here! We're not real picky, we enjoy a hotel, condo, small home on beach......usually travel by ourselves.....We've visited Playa Del Carmen, Akumal, Tulum in the past---probably spending 1500 or so not counting air fare.... Our goal is to relax, on the beach, dine out, enjoy a slow down from life in the states..

[beachreader]

When are you going? Which month makes a difference in rates.

So, $1500 is for two people for one week, room and food/bev, no airfare. Will you want to put some adventures in there? Will you be renting a car?

Assuming you're renting a car for like $350 for the week and allowing for $200 for "adventures (or massages)", that leaves $135/night for room and board. That's not a lot, but it can be done, depending on your season and how much you like to drink alcohol.

You'll find that Tulum has gotten much more expensive over the last few years. Akumal and PDC are much cheaper, but the beauty of Tulum keeps us coming back.

[beatfarmer]

Not going to be doing the tour or massage thing....just a kick back on the beach trip, not sure which month yet.....Will be renting a small car for two.......It might be a trip in May of next year.....would love to go over the colder season, but we don't get that cold here compared to people up north! So, we don't have to fight those crowds!

[beachreader]

OK, so maybe like $250 for a cheap car including insurances.

And May will get you much better rates than, say, April or February. I wouldn't call May "winter", but no matter.

So that leaves us $170 or so for room and board, much easier.

Do you want to be down in the Sian Ka'an, away from it all, where you'll completely kick back and have no decisions to make, where great food is made and served family style and it feels like you're staying at a friend's place (but with more privacy)? Check out Xamach Dos. It's a bit of a haul from Tulum, but if you're really looking to relax completely, could be just the ticket. They can hook you up with fishing, a kayak, or other activities, or you can just hang.

If you want to be on the Tulum beach road, closer to town, there are a number of places to check out, again, assuming you don't drink a whole lot, or that you'll have a cooler so you can buy beverages at the supermarket and not pay restaurant prices all the time.

Let us know what research you've already done and we can help you narrow things down.

[pepper]

Since you've already been to Tulum, you know there are no condos. Where did you stay before? And did you like it? Or were you hoping for something different?

May is usually low season and there are good rates then.
But when you say WINTER - we don't have a clue what that means. If it means HOLIDAY travel - then you'll be paying the highest rates of the year; often 2-3 times a low season rate. And if that's the case, then you'll need a budget hotel and keep your fingers crossed there's something avail.

[TnTWalter]

I was also going to ask where you stayed before?

Early May is a great time and the prices go down...

Popular places under $200 are Tierras del Sol, Nueva Vida, the new Hechizo de Luna right next to NV, possibly the 2nd floor at Suenos low season [$180].

:beerchug:

[PhyllisB]

Sounds to me like Tita Tulum might be the place for you. Reasonably priced, great beach, not a lot of frills. Restaurant on site but also good waking distance to other restaurants.