Mestizo Gallery

For vacationers looking for a budget stay in downtown Tulum, the Mestizo Gallery Hotel is a reasonable option. Opened in 2015, the hotel has a cute and charming Mexican style. There's a thatch-roofed palapa over the restaurant and entry, with wood-beams throughout and little knickknacks such as old wheelbarrows and antique photos on the walls. The hotel is built around a small interior garden with palms and tropical greenery set behind the small desk that serves as the reception area. There are also a few pieces of lime-green furniture and a computer corner off to one side. A stairwell at the far end of the garden that leads up to rooms. Bright, locally inspired decor can be found throughout, including brightly colored glass light covers, and room numbers in the form of painted ceramic tiles.

The Mestizo is 15 to 20 minutes away from the nearest beach via bus, taxi, or car, but it’s right at the start of the downtown strip in Tulum. There’s nothing in the nearby vicinity other than local dives and some other budget hotels; expect to walk at least 10 to 15 minutes before you start getting to anything specifically designed for tourists. The trip can be shortened considerably by using one of the bikes the hotel has available. It is just under an hour's drive from the hotel to Playa del Carmen, and the Cancun airport can be reached in around an hour and 20 minutes, depending on traffic.

The Mestizo offers two main room categories: Superior Rooms, with either a queen-size or king-size bed, and Family Rooms with a double bed plus one or two queen-size beds. All rooms have air-conditioning, small flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and tables with chairs. Decor is consistent throughout, with bright, surprisingly dated-looking upholstery featuring a yellow, green, and blue floral pattern that has the vibe of 1980s Florida. Wall art is in a similar fashion, with bright portraits or still-life paintings. Bathrooms are nothing special, with blue-and-cream wall tiles and walk-in showers. Basic toiletries are provided. 

The restaurant is the pride and joy of the hotel, serving up Mexican food fused with seafood. All the ingredients are locally sourced -- from the fish to the produce -- and all three meals are offered. A simple breakfast is included in room rates. The hotel also offers around a dozen bicycles that guests can use free of charge, and while there's no nearby beach, hotel guests willing to cycle out to Playa Esperanza can benefit from 10 percent discounts on drinks and food. There are also three outdoor whirlpool tubs up on the top level of the hotel, sectioned off from one another by glass dividers. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.