Hip Hotel Tulum

The Hip Hotel features Caribbean-style design elements and a basic, functional layout. It is composed of blocky, one- and two-level, tan-colored buildings. Each building has slatted wooden shutters covering windows, as well as palapa roofs. Sand walkways lined with palm trees and garden foliage extend between buildings and out onto the beach. A line of palapa huts with lounge chairs are free for guests to use, as are daybeds on the beach. Access to 24-hour electricity, and dependable hot water provide some modern comforts in a region where these amenities can be in short supply. However, this is still a largely unplugged destination, as there are no TVs or phones, and Wi-Fi access is spotty. 

The Hip Hotel is on the southern end of the Tulum hotel zone, along the Boca Paila beach road. It is about a 10-minute walk from the Yaan Wellness Spa, which offers massages, skincare, and a wide array of holistic healing treatments. The busy beach road is home to many other resorts, as well as shopping and restaurants, which guests can reach in five to 10 minutes on foot. Downtown Tulum is about 20 minutes from the resort by car. Rental cars can be booked through the resort, for added fees, and taxis are available up and down this main thoroughfare. Other easily accessible activities around Tulum include diving, boat tours, and wildlife observation, as this area is home to many exotic birds and reptiles. The Hip Hotel itself is a beachfront property, and guests can step from their rooms directly onto the sandy beach.

Hip Hotel offers 22 total rooms, with either sea or garden views. Both room types include a private, furnished porch with a hammock, and a private bathroom with reliable hot water in each. Each Sea View room features a single king bed, while each Garden View offers a king bed plus a sofa bed. In situations where more than two people plan on occupying one room, additional beds can be provided when available. Room decor is basic, with white walls and high ceilings. Large support beams of polished wood are visible in corners and along ceilings, adding an interesting, rustic touch. Furnishings such as tables, nightstands, and chairs feature modern, dark wood designs. Beds are situated on wooden frames with headboards, rather than the platform bed design common to this region. Windows are covered by wooden, slatted shutters, which can make rooms a bit dark. Bathrooms feature walk-in showers, his and hers sinks, and artisanal toiletries (including organic shampoo). Only four rooms have air-conditioning, so those who wish to have this amenity should book their rooms accordingly. Some blocks of rooms are located closer to the busy main road, where morning traffic could awaken light sleepers.

The Hip Hotel prides itself on creating a culture of excellent customer service. Staff works hard to ensure guests are comfortable and have access to many services and amenities. Daily a la carte breakfasts are included in the cost of a stay, and guests are greeted with welcome plates of fresh fruit in the rooms. Free turndown service brings guests chocolates and aromatherapy room fragrances. Lunch and dinner can be purchased at the on-site restaurant, located in a huge, rotunda-like palapa with picture-perfect ocean views. The menu focuses on Mexican dishes and seafood, but numerous options are available. Room service is available, and for guests wishing to eat outdoors, dinners can be brought down to the beach (though extra fees apply). The Hip Hotel connects guests with tours and day trips, and provides airport transfers and rental cars for guests. Bike rental is also available on-site. Anticipate an added charges for all of these amenities. Spa services are provided by professionals certified in their particular specialties, and options include a variety of different types of massage and some skin care options. Prices are dependent upon the treatment, but overall are very reasonable for the area. Free Wi-Fi is available, but as with most of Tulum, signal strength can be challenging. Hip Hotel's reception area and restaurant have the best access to Internet service. Cribs and high chairs are available at no extra cost, but fees may be accrued for rollaway beds.