Maison Tulum

Although in town, Maison Tulum has a rustic vibe and jungle-like atmosphere. Once through the gate, guests are overwhelmed by tropical plants, trees, and potted flowers that hang above and over stone walkways. Ponds placed here and there create a serene effect. The outdoor reception desk is small and accented with Mayan face masks and tour brochures. The small restaurant has exposed stone walls and patio seating with fans to create a breeze. Wooden tables are covered in colorful tablecloths, and the area is decorated in colorful wall paintings, glass bulbs on the ceiling, or wired fish sculptures. The rooftop is the hotel’s most prized public area. It’s overflowing with plants, has a thatched wooden covering, and patio furniture for seating. Hammocks are strung from the wooden pergola. The property draws mainly couples, but families, groups of friends, and solo voyagers stop here too.

Maison Tulum is in town, and is about a 15-minute drive to the beach. Taxis are plentiful and make the trip frequently, and it's an easy flat bike ride (the walk is long and not especially pleasant). The town doesn't offer much, and certainly isn't pretty, but it's lively and loaded with good restaurants (with much lower prices than on the beach), bars, and local shops. It's about a 15-minute drive to reach the Mayan Ruins of Tulum, and about a 17-minute drive to the ruins at Muyil, which are overlooked. The bio reserve of Sian Ka’an is a 40-minute drive. There are several tour companies offering excursions to all these sights, and to the famous cenotes. Cancun International Airport is about a 90-minute drive away. 

The 10 rooms at Maison Tulum are spacious and simple, with a slightly rustic vibe. Rooms have tile floors, antique wood furniture, orange bedspreads, and armchairs or small couches that show some wear, as do the rooms, along with spots of grime. Tube-style TVs could use an upgrade. All rooms feature mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, and coffeemakers, and some have small furnished terraces. Bathrooms are decorated in colorful Mexican Talavera tile in a mostly green and white design, and showers are spacious. Guests have complained about low water pressure from the sink and shower, though that's a common problem in Tulum. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided.

Maison Tulum packs in a lot for a small property. It has an on-site restaurant that three meals a day, with homemade baked goods from its own bakery. Breakfast is not included in the room rates. The hotel offers massages and bike rentals for an extra fee. Included in the room rate is admittance to a private beach club, the Papaya Playa Project, which is a 10-minute drive away. There’s a small gift shop for Mexican souvenirs and sundries. Staff will arrange tours and airport transfers. Wi-Fi is free throughout, and there's a public computer for guests' use. Street parking is available in front of the hotel.