Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Secret Garden Hotel, Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Nominated By: Emily, Washington, D.C., January '11

check availability, get rates, and reserve online at booking.com

Price Range: US$34-$85 # of Rooms: 9 Kid-Friendly: yes

What makes the Secret Garden Hotel so Darn Good? Just a short walk from Tulum's bus station and lively Avenida Tulum, the Secret Garden Hotel consists of nine cabanas surrounding a beautiful and peaceful garden decked out with hammocks and sofas. The hotel's owner, Joshua, is wonderful, kind, and uber-generous with his heaping knowledge of all things Tulum.

Location: The hotel is in the small beachside town of Tulum, one and a half hours south of Cancun on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. While a stay in town affords easy access to plenty of restaurants and bars, the hotel's location two blocks off the main road makes for a chill stay in a perfect spot. Bikes are available for rent right at the hotel, and in just fifteen minutes you can ride to Tulum's white sand beaches or stunning Mayan ruins.

Rooms: The hotel's simple, yet modern (think i-pod docks) rooms include four palapas with fans and five standard rooms with air conditioning. All rooms have comfortable beds and mini-fridges, and some have lofts and/or kitchenettes.

Food: While no meals are served at the Secret Garden Hotel, guests can take advantage of the downtown location to grab a bite at any one of the numerous restaurants within walking distance. The hotel does provide coffee and tea in the morning though, which guests can sip while easing in the day in the garden.

Vibe: The vibe is friendly, relaxing, and international.

Keep in Mind: The Secret Garden Hotel is an excellent in-town option for those who don't need to be right on the beach.

Make an Inquiry/Book a Room at: