The hype
Guests love the 'jungle luxury' aesthetic and the massive pool, but often feel misled by the distance to the beach and lack of hotel-style service.
Xalet Tulum
$120-250/ night
Book this if You want a spacious, modern apartment with a killer gym and 'cenote' pool, and don't mind biking or driving to the beach.
Why People Love It
- The 'cenote-style' central pool is genuinely stunning and swimmable
- Apartments come with full kitchens and laundry—huge for longer stays
- The gym is actually gym-rat approved, not just a hotel afterthought
Quick Take: A visually impressive condo complex that feels like a jungle oasis until the construction noise next door starts at 8 AM.
Reviewed by @travelvisualsbysarah: I was blown away by the design here—the raw concrete against the jungle plants is such a vibe. My loft was huge, and having the pool right outside felt like a private oasis. It’s the perfect spot if you want that specific Tulum aesthetic without the beach crowds.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'swim-up' rooms look cool on Instagram but often lack privacy (neighbors swim right by your window) and struggle with dampness.
- You have a rental car or scooter (free underground parking is a huge plus)
- You want to cook your own breakfast and avoid $30 avocado toast
- You prioritize a high-end gym and pool over being right on the sand
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.2
- Housekeeping: Inconsistent. Depends entirely on the host/management company. Some offer daily, others only exit cleaning.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally modern and clean, but watch for mold in grout lines in ground-floor units.
- Maintenance: Newer build (2021/2022) so fixtures are modern, but humidity takes a toll quickly (peeling paint, sticking doors).
- Linens & towels: Standard hotel quality, usually white and crisp, but bring your own beach towel just in case.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells fresh; ground floor hallways can smell damp/swampy.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Construction on adjacent lots (starts ~8 AM)
- Hallway noise due to thin doors
Before you book
Good to know
- This is a condo-hotel; you are likely renting from an individual owner via Airbnb/Booking, so amenities (like coffee makers) vary by unit.
- Check-in is often via lockbox or code; don't expect a 24/7 bellhop.
- Tap water is NOT drinkable; ensure your host provides a 20L garrafón (jug) or buy your own immediately.
What to pack
- DampRid or moisture absorbers (essential for ground floor stays)
- Earplugs (for the construction mornings)
- Nespresso pods (many units have machines but no pods)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Penthouse units (top floor) for better airflow, less noise, and private rooftop plunge pools
- Interior-facing units on upper floors to avoid road/construction noise
Rooms to avoid
- Ground floor swim-up units (high humidity/mold risk, privacy issues)
- Units facing the street/construction side
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am looking for a quiet upper-floor unit, preferably facing the central garden/cenote to avoid construction noise. Please avoid ground-floor swim-up units due to allergy sensitivities.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a free shuttle to the beach?
No. You must take a taxi (expensive), rent a car/scooter, or bike (~20-25 mins).
Is the cenote real?
It's a 'cenote-style' pool integrated with natural rock and water features. It's swimmable and beautiful, but not a wild, deep-earth cenote.
Is breakfast included?
No. There is a pool bar/snack area, but no full-service restaurant included in the rate. Most guests cook or go to town.
Is it pet friendly?
Generally yes, the complex allows pets, but individual unit owners may have their own 'no pets' rules. Verify before booking.
Is there parking?
Yes, free underground parking is available, which is a rare luxury in Tulum.
How is the WiFi?
Usually strong (fiber optic is common in the building), making it good for digital nomads, but verify with your specific host.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The rooftop pool often has a stricter 'quiet hours' policy than the main pool—great for sunsets.
- ✨
There is a secret 'fire pit' area that often goes unused; great for evening drinks.
- ✨
Ask for the 'building map' before booking; the complex is a maze and some units are a long walk from the elevator.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'sauna' is frequently out of service due to power fluctuations.
💡Delivery drivers (Rappi/Tomato) often get lost finding the specific tower entrance.
💡The 'swim-up' pools are connected, so if a neighbor has a loud pool party, you're part of it.
💡Electricity outages are common in this part of La Veleta/Coba during storms.
💡You are right next to the jungle edge, so expect to see (and hear) local wildlife, including bugs.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Xalet Tulum is located and what's nearby.