Teetotum Hotel

Teetotum is named after a driedel-like toy, a spinning top that has been used since the Middle Ages to both gamble and entertain children. The reception area can be found in a squat, white building with a porch shaded by a roof made of slim tree trunks. The remainder of the buildings here are primarily built in a European style, with shingled roofs. Sundecks and lounging areas, however, have flat roofs made of palm fronds. Ashtrays on porches indicate that this is a smoker-friendly environment, though indoor smoking is not allowed. 

Unlike many hotels in the area, Teetotum is not unplugged. Electricity is available 24 hours, and Wi-Fi is accessible in rooms. The hotel's on-site restaurant features hip decor, with benches that run along the wall, and a large modern art-style mural that takes up one wall. The wall art carries geometric designs reminiscent of the 1960s, as do the orange, brown, and light blue furnishings that occupy this space. Teetotum has a single small pool, but the laid-back atmosphere here means that pool maintenance might fall lower on the priority list. The pool water is not always pristine. A roof deck lounge area sports futon-like chairs with overstuffed pillows, and massage tables that can also be used for casual seating. Tables on the roof deck are made from carved logs. For better or worse, the more gritty aspects of the resort's day-to-day functions are visible in this common area, including an aging gas tank with its accompanying fittings, ladders, and a satellite dish. From the roof deck, guests have less than stellar views of power poles, and an Avis Rental Car office next door. Other outdoor lounge areas on the premises offer more pleasant views. The resort owner is often on-site, along with his two sociable dogs who like to greet guests.

Teetotum is a five to 10-minute drive from Tulum Pueblo, in an area best known for its historical Mayan ruins. There is much to do in Tulum, especially where outdoor adventures are concerned. Travelers can explore the local cenotes, and take nature tours through the protected land of the Sian Ka'an biosphere. Cenotes are limestone caverns filled with water, and are popular for swimming, diving, and their interesting stalactite mineral formations. 

The resort itself is inland, about a 10-minute drive to the Boca Paila beach road. Along the Boca Paila, travelers can choose between a variety of beaches. Water sports and organized tours are easily accessible here, and business owners on this main thoroughfare are more than happy to direct tourists to nearby dive shops, bike, and car rentals. Avis Rental Car is next door to Teetotum, and many visitors to Tulum find car rental rates in this area very affordable. This hotel is also across the street from a large supermarket.

There are only four rooms at Teetotum, each decorated in 1960s pop art style. Walls are white, featuring Andy Warhol-style canvases of Frida Kahlo and classic Mexican motifs. Rooms include mini-fridges with free water and soda, air-conditioning, and iPod docks. Closets are covered by curtains, and offer shelving for storage luggage and clothes. Beach towels for guest use can be found on these shelves as well. Maps are also provided in rooms for guests to use. Private outdoor decks are furnished with simple benches, and offer ashtrays for smokers. A range of toiletries, supplied by the resort, can be found in wooden boxes beside bathroom sinks. Showers are not fully separated from the toilet and sink areas. As a result, water can leak out, making bathroom floors slippery. 

Teetotum offers some basic, useful amenities, in an easily accessible format. Bikes can be borrowed through the resort free of charge, and a free continental breakfast is also offered. Those who want more variety can purchase breakfast and lunch at Teetotum's on-site restaurant. Menu offerings range from fruit plates and salads, to burgers and seafood. For additional charges, food can also be ordered to go, so guests are able to have a lunch packed in preparation for day trips and outings. The only televisions can be found in the bar area, which offers alcoholic drinks for sale and free coffee. Spa services are limited to hour-long massage sessions, which must be booked in advance. For those seeking massages, extra fees apply.