La Posada Del Sol

La Posada del Sol’s owner claims to be one of the first people that started building along Tulum’s beachfront row. An artisan by trade, he designed and built the hotel by hand in the 1990s, using concrete and found materials, like glass and wood, that had washed in from a recent hurricane. Look out for stone inlays and coral imbedded in the walls -- even the hotel’s sign out front has been fashioned from found and scrap pieces of jewelry. Elements of the building’s design, like smooth and painted concrete and wall-incorporated glass can now be found throughout hotels in Tulum. Colorful patterned throw pillows, pottery, and wood beams add local character throughout the property.The hotel started off as a small, private residence with a shop out front where the owner could sell his goods. Then four guest rooms were added across the road, and finally, the beachfront rooms. While the hotel has a lot of character, it’s basic. Solar-powered electricity was only added in 2017, and there’s still no AC, which by today’s standards can be rough for people used to creature comforts. Prices are high for what’s on offer, though are mostly reflective of the hotel’s location. 

La Posada del Sol is located on the beachside of Tulum's hotel zone, within a 10-minute walk of several of the area's popular restaurants, bars, and boutiques. It's a 15-minute walk to Coba Avenue, the main road to Tulum pueblo, and a 15-minute bike ride to the Tulum ruins. The northern entrance to Sian Ka'an can be reached in 20 minutes by bike or car. Cancun International Airport is an hour-and-a-half drive north. 

La Posada’s 10 rooms feature painted cement floors, small woven rugs, and canopy beds with mosquito netting. Solar-powered electricity was only added in 2017, but rooms still lack TVs and AC, in addition to mini-fridges and kettles. Guests are provided with jugs of purified water, mosquito coils, and electric fans. Expect lots of concrete, from the built-in bed frames and platforms, to the smooth blue floors and step-in showers. Colorful artwork and stone pebble tiling add charm, but furniture is basic and limited. Bathrooms are open-plan (except the Bamboo room) and have decent water pressure, reliable hot water, and a four-piece set of locally made organic honey toiletries that are available for purchase in the boutique. All rooms are handmade and unique. The second-floor Sol Room features a king bed positioned perfectly for viewing sunrises, and has a balcony with a built-in concrete couch, table and chairs, and a hammock, while Mar room is similar but with two double beds. In Titanic, it’s all about views with its wraparound terrace and windows that all face the ocean. There’s a wicker sunbed on the wooden deck off the Coral Room where guests can hear ocean waves through the garden. There is also a set of older, garden-view rooms across the street, so it’s important to confirm which side of the main road your room is on. The newest room, Bamboo, was built in 2017 and is located above the boutique. This space was inspired by a surrealist castle in Xilitla, Expect polished concrete floors and industrial design with surrealist influence and vintage furniture. 

La Posada del Sol’s beach is small, and most of the beach area directly behind the hotel is taken up by a large rugged rock, leaving just a small sliver of space on the sand for the hotel’s padded wooden loungers and umbrellas. All beaches in Mexico are technically public, but the beach here is practically private thanks to two large rock formations that make it hard to access from either side. The resulting semi-private beach is shared between a few hotels, leaving it cramped and jammed with closely placed sun loungers. Boats are often crisscrossing in the water, so snorkeling is prohibited. Drinks and food can be ordered from the hotel next door. Guests have access to excellent ocean views and padded loungers on a sundeck built onto a rocky boulder. 

La Posada’s free continental breakfast is a favorite among guests -- and the only food and drink available at the hotel. Served in the raised breakfast room off the lobby at a communal table, it features homemade marmalade, locally baked bread, Chiapas coffee, seasonal juice, fruit, yogurt, and eggs. Freebies include Wi-Fi and limited parking across the street. Beach towels are available with a deposit. In-room massages by local therapists (fee) can be booked at reception, and there’s a lending library in the breakfast room