La Zebra Hotel Tulum

This lively mid-range beach hotel has all the elements of a more upscale boutique destination, with natural stone and wood elements throughout, plus pristinely manicured grounds that help blend the tropical environment with the modern buildings. Wooden walkways from the main avenue out front pass under shady trees and lead to an expansive view of the ocean, with the rooms to the left and the giant palapa housing the restaurant and bar just to the right. Wooden stairways lead up to the rooms, but there are no elevators. While the hotel suffered a major catastrophe in early 2015, with the restaurant and bar burning to the ground, as of Oyster's 2016 visit, La Zebra is almost entirely rebuilt. The restaurant is filled with lovely hand-decorated tables by a Chiapas artist. The hotel attracts a relaxed, bohemian vacationer crowd, and both couples and groups of friends stay here, as do families. 

La Zebre is located in Tulum's touristy Hotel Zone, which has plenty of restaurants and hotels, a few small shops, and plenty of wide beaches fronting tranquil, turquoise waters. The main town is around 15 minutes away via taxi or car, and it's about an hour by car or bus to Playa del Carmen, or just under two hours to Cancun's international airport. 

La Zebra has only 15 rooms, split between ground-level options with plunge pools out front, and upper-level suites with larger balconies. There’s also a Penthouse. Suites have great views, and all face the beach beyond. Decor is modern, but with plenty of local touches; expect natural wood furniture, and a brightly colored patterned bed runner and accent pillows contrasting with the cream color palette. Standard amenities include mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and free water, tea, and coffee daily. There are safes and air-conditioning, but no TVs. Bathrooms continue the natural wood look, and have wood-framed countertops and mirrors, basin sinks, organic toiletries from local vendors, and walk-in showers.

La Zebre offers little in terms of amenities beyond the restaurant, bar, and beach. The restaurant, however, gets good reviews from guests, and is a popular spot with locals and travelers in the know, who often drop in to sample chef Eleazar Bonilla’s offerings. It's open daily for breakfast (not included), lunch, and dinner, and offers a variety of events throughout the week, from free Sunday salsa nights to regular live music performances. There's no pool, but the hotel sits right on a wide stretch of white sand with lots of lounge chairs. Other features include a small children’s playground just to the side of the restaurant, and free Wi-Fi (in the rooms and restaurant).