The Best Budget Hostels in Tulum

For a homey vibe on the Yucatán Peninsula, it’s hard to beat Mama’s Home. The friendly proprietors put a lot of effort into their daily breakfasts (included in the price). Fresh bread, eggs and local produce cater to varying dietary needs. The blue and white dorms, along with private rooms (featuring en-suite bathrooms), are super clean and come with air conditioning. Relax in a hammock, socialize with fellow travelers on swings or rent a bike to head to the beach with your new amigos.

Mayan Monkey abuts the Parque Nacional Tulum with its coastal Mayan ruins. Rent a push bike and explore at leisure. Back at the hostel, there’s a small co-working space for digital nomads to use during the day. Come sunset, the DJ arrives, so you can party the night away in the rooftop pool area, festooned with hanging lanterns and thatched awnings, plus swings by the bar. Private and shared rooms, plus one dorm reserved for women only, are available here.

Selina Tulum is a beachside hostel that feels more like a boutique hotel than a budget stay. Squeaky clean accommodation ranges from 10-bed dorms to private tipis for two and sea-view suites. Remote workers can take advantage of the co-working space, plus there is a community kitchen, outdoor pool and daily yoga classes on the beach. Hit the MIA restaurant for hot tamales and happy hour drinks, accompanied by a chilled DJ set. Extended stays are positively encouraged here.

Step inside DayTripper, and you’ll be greeted by its characteristic funky decor, made up of psychedelic murals and vibrant floral wall art. It combines the outgoing atmosphere you’d expect from a hostel while ensuring a good night’s sleep. Music is shut off at midnight, letting you draw the privacy curtain on your bed and get some shut-eye. But before bed, there’s a rooftop lounge and bar to mingle with fellow travelers. Fresh and tasty breakfast options change daily. Bikes are available for loan to explore the nearby Cenote Calavera and Tulum Archaeological Zone.

If Apple designed a hostel, it would look something like oOstel. This adult-only spot is uber clean and minimalist, painted in cool white, with Scandi-style bunks that are spacious by hostel standards. There is even a dedicated vanity room with hairdryers, so you don’t have to crouch on the floor to get ready for a night out. Grab a cold beer at the sleek bar, which sits next to the small but smart-looking pool. Download an app to enjoy the cashless environment and get access to the free beach shuttle.

The Lucky Traveler is one of the largest hostels in the area, situated less than a 20-minute walk from Tulum’s archaeological ruins. An excellent option for party-loving travelers, the hostel has an outdoor pool, a poolside cocktail bar, a sushi restaurant, an outdoor gym and a barbecue. They proudly claim to be the only all-inclusive hostel in the world; enjoy unlimited food and drinks or watch a film in the 20-seat on-site cinema.

This renowned party hostel has been welcoming travelers through its doors for over 20 years. Choose from a six-, eight- or 12-person dorm, or opt for one of private rooms. The communal kitchen is a hive of activity with rice, pasta and lentils available to whip up for dinner, and a complimentary breakfast is included with your stay. The property also boasts an excellent bar with a daily complimentary caipirinha hour, great for mingling with other guests. Other perks include an outdoor pool and free yoga classes.

Another lively, centrally located spot, Hostel Che Tulum attracts travelers looking for organized nightly activities – whether that’s karaoke, beer pong championships or themed parties, held around the garden bar. Guest DJs are regularly invited to kick-start the night. Nurse your hangover the next day with a smoothie by the outdoor pool. For those that are feeling a little more active, try a yoga or salsa class.

A night in a concrete tube might not sound particularly comfortable, but Tubo Tulum Hostel is one of the country’s most innovative accommodation options. All of the tube rooms have air conditioning, a light, plug sockets and a comfortable bed. Each one is seamlessly integrated into the surrounding tropical garden. It’s a great option if you want a budget stay without sleeping in a shared dorm. Take advantage of the large communal kitchen to prepare meals.