If you are coming to check out Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, you will certainly have a stopover in Tulum.
Tulum is the most backpacker friendly town in the Yucatan. It is worlds away from the cheesy, over-priced spring break vibes of Cancun.
Perfect turquoise beaches, ancient ruins, and of course the mystical cenotes (sinkholes/freshwater caves) all come together to make Tulum, Mexico a special destination.
As I can personally attest, some hostels in Tulum are far better than others.
After a night in a totally unacceptable hostel, I decided to seek out the very best.
That is exactly why I wrote this guide to the best hostels in Tulum for 2025.
This hostel guide will be your compass to only the very best accommodation options for backpackers in Tulum.
By the end of this guide you will be filled with the knowledge and confidence you need to crush your travels.
I have organized each hostel into different categories so that you can be sure to find the perfect spot for yourself.
Let’s get to it… Vamos!
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Tulum
- Overall Best Hostel in Tulum – Lum
- Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Tulum – Mayan Monkey Tulum
- Best Party Hostel in Tulum – Hostel Che Tulum
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Tulum – Selina Tulum
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
The 7 Best Hostels in Tulum
Deciding where to stay in Tulum can be a real struggle. But we’re here to help! Instead of just blindly booking your accommodation, do some research and find out what you want to see and choose your hostel according to the location. You don’t want to end up miles away from the cool hotspots you wanted to explore. Trust us, your feet will thank you!
And as a side note: If you want to find even more epic hostels, have a look at HOSTELWORLD. You can also filter all of your personal travel needs and find the perfect place for you.
Lum – Overall Best Hostel in Tulum
The simply named Lum is super, super nice. Modern and design-focused (think potted plants set against grey polished plaster walls and you won’t be far off), this is the overall best hostel in Tulum not only because it’s possibly the coolest hostel in Tulum, but also because the facilities – including indoors and outdoors chill-out areas complete with TV and ping-pong table – are great and SUPER clean, and because the staff here are legends. They get to know everyone by name, which really is a nice touch! Easily the best hostel in Tulum 2024 – I mean, it even offers free bicycles for you to pedal around town. PLUS: location is amazing.
Oostel Smart Hostel – Second Best Hostel in Tulum
This hostel is so amazing that we just had to feature it. It’s one of the newer hostels in Tulum which means that you’ll get a shit ton of bang for your buck! From walk-in changing and make-up rooms for the ladies to the free beach shuttle and access to beach clubs, there’s hardly anything that this hostel can’t offer you.
There’s an on-site bar, a super cool backyard swimming pool (great for those hot days), a social area that also offers plenty of workspace for digital nomads, and some really comfortable beds. While it’s not the absolute cheapest hostel in Tulum, it’s definitely worth every penny!
Mayan Monkey Tulum – Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Tulum
Mayan Monkey Tulum is a sleek and stylish hostel that combines hotel-like facilities with a lively social atmosphere. It’s got the best of both worlds—a buzzing party vibe with DJs every night, social games, and a packed events schedule to keep the energy high. If you’re all about that party life, this place has you covered.
Despite the party scene, dorms offer excellent privacy, complete with included toiletries and solid air con. The hostel also boasts a fantastic pool, loads of chill-out spaces, and a breakfast spread that’ll hit the spot. Staff are super friendly and always ready with tips on the local area. Plus, the location is spot-on – smack bang between the bus station and the beaches/ruins, so you’re sorted for exploring.
Hostel Sheck – Best Cheap Hostel in Tulum
This is basically a good hostel that’s close to everything – location-wise, of course. We all know that’s a good thing. At Hostel Sheck they also have a fully equipped industrial kitchen which makes cooking a lot nicer than doing it a crumbly half-decrepit outhouse of a kitchen – trust us, they exist. Hmm, overall this youth hostel in Tulum has a decent atmosphere, a decent bar, a decent garden to chill in. It’s not THE best hostel in Tulum, but with its helpful staff and WONDERFUL (really) free breakfast, it’s definitely a recommended hostel in Tulum.
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REIHostel Che Tulum – Best Party Hostel in Tulum
Very much so the best party hostel in Tulum, Hostel Che is ALL BOUT that party vibe. The music doesn’t stop till 1am, so if you’re not prepared for partying then we wouldn’t recommend coming here. However, if you are also all about that party vibe, then you’ll probably love it here. There’s a pool and swish little outdoorsy garden area which is great to chill in after a heavy night of drinking and dancing. They also put on live music, BBQ nights, pizza nights, as well as free tours, yoga and salsa classes. Deffo a top hostel in Tulum.
Selina Tulum – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads In Tulum
Selina swoops in to rescue digital nomads once again with hotel-like amenities designed for remote work. With coworking spaces, reliable Wi-Fi, and a pool perfect for a refreshing dip after a productive session, Selina is a haven for those looking to relax and get work done in Tulum.
The staff are super friendly, and the atmosphere is on point. Security is tight, with staff checking wristbands to ensure only guests are around, so you’ll feel secure. Enjoy free yoga every morning and dive into some of the best parties in Tulum at their Beach Club. At Selena Tulum, you can work hard and party harder.
Oryx Hostel Tulum
Oryx Hostel Tulum is where the magic of the Mexican Caribbean meets the serenity of the jungle. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and soak up the good vibes. Set in a freshly renovated building surrounded by 1500 square metres of lush Caribbean jungle, yet just a hop from downtown, this hostel promises an unforgettable Tulum experience.
Choose from shared or private rooms, all equipped with lockers, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning, with most boasting private bathrooms. The atmosphere is relaxed and charming, especially around the pool and in the hammocks nestled among the trees. The friendly staff and volunteers are always on hand to help with anything you need.
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!What to Pack for your Tulum Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out our definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!
Why you should travel to Tulum
All good things must end amigos: that’s right, you have made it to the finish line of my best hostels in Tulum 2024 list.
Now that you’re in the know, there is no reason for you to end up at one of Tulum’s shadier hostels (as I once did).
Tulum is truly a magical place (well truth be told the gems are really in the surrounding area) full of exploration potential and adventures to get into. Where you stay clearly matters. The last thing I want is for a fellow backpacker to experience the same disappointment I did in Tulum. Now that you have read my hostel guide, booking a great hostel is now all sorted.
You are now in firm possession of all of the best hostels in Tulum. Making the choice of where to book is now in your hands.
Still undecided? Feeling overwhelmed as if you were trying to pick out the best taco fixings at a street food cart? I know the feeling.
In times of uncertainty, I typically recommend that you just book my top overall hostel in Tulum: Lum. Happy Travels!
FAQ about Hostels in Tulum
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Tulum.
How much does a hostel cost in Tulum?
The average price of hostels in Tulum can range from $14 – $22+ per night. Of course, the private rooms are on the higher end of the scale than the dorm beds.
What are the best hostels in Tulum for couples?
Check out these top-rated hostels for couples in Tulum:
Che Suites Tulum
BAU Tulum
Mimosa Tulum Boutique Hostel & Hostel
What are the best hostels in Tulum near the airport?
While there aren’t any hostels in Tulum that are particularly close to the airport, some offer airport shuttles or will help you arrange transport. Check out BAU Tulum, located in the city centre, and near the bus station restaurants and bars.
Travel Safety Tips for Tulum
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
More Epic Hostels in Mexico and Central America
Hopefully by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Tulum.
Planning an epic trip all across Mexico or even Central America itself?
Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!
For more cool hostel guides around Central America, check out:
Over to you
By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Tulum has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!
If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Mexico for a wealth of info!
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Tulum if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Tulum before you arrive.
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for Mexico to avoid any issues.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Central America backpacking guide.
Buy Us a Coffee!
A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
