The name (The Paradise Hotel) suits this pocket of serenity on the sand far from the beachfront hotel zone and close to the back entrance to the Tulum ruins. The property is enormous by Tulum standards, with a long, broad beach and a one-story building set back from the action but close enough for sea views from the terrace. The rooms are among the best equipped in the area, with reliable, quiet A/C, satellite plasma TV, dependable hot showers, and safe-deposit boxes (a rarity here). They’re on the small side but have all you need, including decent beds, ceiling fans, and low-slung chairs on the terrace outside the front door. The rooms are set far enough away to be free from any disturbance from the very popular beach club and restaurant, which closes at 6pm. Bus tour groups sometimes stop here after visiting the ruins, but there’s plenty of space for all. To reach the hotel, turn left at the T-intersection by the beach; most hotels and restaurants are located to the right. There’s also a gorgeous adjacent hacienda for rent.

Note: Credit Cards not accepted