Kimpton Aluna Resort Tulum
Mar 19, 2023, 8:34 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: DL PM; IHG PlatAmb; Hilton Dia; Marriott Plat; Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 7,320
Kimpton Aluna Resort Tulum
Couldn't find any threads on this property, but we completed a short one-night stay and were very pleased.
First, a note on the location. The hotel is not in the Zona Hotelera or on the beach in Tulum, nor is it in what's considered the Tulum Centro. Rather, it is in an area called Aldea Zama, which is a fast growing area of new-build condos and hotels that will eventually stretch down the road to the beach. Within blocks of the hotel are the new Motto and Aloft, a soon-to-open Indigo, and an in construction MGallery. There's a separated bike path on the road to the beach, and I recommend biking if you are able. There are a few restaurants in walking distance and a small high-end mall, as well as the big grocery store (Chedraui).
Lobby (at night)
We used a free night certificate, but there were rates available for around $200, not including the $18 resort fee. As a platinum, was upgraded pre-arrival from a King Essential room to a King Essential with Balcony. From the moment we pulled up to the hotel, everyone was exceedingly friendly. The front desk staff seemed to serve as valets and bell staff as well, but everything was done with a smile.
Check-in was in a quasi-outdoor lobby. We were brought welcome drinks and then escorted to do a Mayan ritual of burning a piece of paper with something we wanted to forget. We were then helped to our room on the second floor (of three), and the facilities were explained to us en route.
Essential King with Balcony
Essential King with Balcony
Balcony
The room was beautiful, with a large seating area with sofa and a comfortable king-size bed. We didnt really use the balcony, which didn't have much of a view. A welcome amenity of cake was delivered along with a welcome note, and then a second cake came in the evening. A beachbag with beach towels was provided.
Welcome amenity
The bathroom had Atelier Bloem products, with a vanity area with a toilet room on one side and a walk in shower on the other. The only negative about the room was weak hot water.
There's a chalkboard in the lobby with different tours/classes/events on offer. We didn't take advantage, but we did borrow some of the courtesy bikes to bike down to the Tulum ruins (a much better alternative than driving). The bikes were not in great condition, but did the trick. We went early in the morning, so had no problem borrowing two, but it could get busier later.
Didn't use the gym, but popped in to take a photo.
The hotel is not what you think of when you think of Riviera Maya "resorts" as there are no grounds to speak of. More like a classic South Beach resort, with rooms facing a central courtyard with pool. We explored both the smaller pool on the roof, which had nice sunbeds, and the larger, but still not very large pool on the ground floor. There is a swim-up bar at the ground floor pool but it didnt seem staffed. There were waiters coming around from the restaurant though.
Rooftop pool
Main pool
Main pool
On the roof, there is a large restaurant with more limited hours. We were there late in the day and a waiter from the restaurant did come to serve us there as well.
The Kimpton Social Hour was great. Apparently it is served in different places on different days. When we were there, it was on the roof, and the drink of the day was a Passionfruit Mojito. (It seemed people could get wine also.) There were little cakes and salmon on cracker bites as well.
Social hour spread
In the morning, free coffee and tea is self-serve in the restaurant. Note there are no coffee/tea facilities in the room, though there was a minifridge.
Overall, the property more than served our needs. The staff was great, and we wouldnt hesitate to return. I do think having a car is helpful here, as you can explore areas beyond Tulum. But you can probably get by with bikes and taxis.
First, a note on the location. The hotel is not in the Zona Hotelera or on the beach in Tulum, nor is it in what's considered the Tulum Centro. Rather, it is in an area called Aldea Zama, which is a fast growing area of new-build condos and hotels that will eventually stretch down the road to the beach. Within blocks of the hotel are the new Motto and Aloft, a soon-to-open Indigo, and an in construction MGallery. There's a separated bike path on the road to the beach, and I recommend biking if you are able. There are a few restaurants in walking distance and a small high-end mall, as well as the big grocery store (Chedraui).
Lobby (at night)
We used a free night certificate, but there were rates available for around $200, not including the $18 resort fee. As a platinum, was upgraded pre-arrival from a King Essential room to a King Essential with Balcony. From the moment we pulled up to the hotel, everyone was exceedingly friendly. The front desk staff seemed to serve as valets and bell staff as well, but everything was done with a smile.
Check-in was in a quasi-outdoor lobby. We were brought welcome drinks and then escorted to do a Mayan ritual of burning a piece of paper with something we wanted to forget. We were then helped to our room on the second floor (of three), and the facilities were explained to us en route.
Essential King with Balcony
Essential King with Balcony
Balcony
The room was beautiful, with a large seating area with sofa and a comfortable king-size bed. We didnt really use the balcony, which didn't have much of a view. A welcome amenity of cake was delivered along with a welcome note, and then a second cake came in the evening. A beachbag with beach towels was provided.
Welcome amenity
The bathroom had Atelier Bloem products, with a vanity area with a toilet room on one side and a walk in shower on the other. The only negative about the room was weak hot water.
There's a chalkboard in the lobby with different tours/classes/events on offer. We didn't take advantage, but we did borrow some of the courtesy bikes to bike down to the Tulum ruins (a much better alternative than driving). The bikes were not in great condition, but did the trick. We went early in the morning, so had no problem borrowing two, but it could get busier later.
Didn't use the gym, but popped in to take a photo.
The hotel is not what you think of when you think of Riviera Maya "resorts" as there are no grounds to speak of. More like a classic South Beach resort, with rooms facing a central courtyard with pool. We explored both the smaller pool on the roof, which had nice sunbeds, and the larger, but still not very large pool on the ground floor. There is a swim-up bar at the ground floor pool but it didnt seem staffed. There were waiters coming around from the restaurant though.
Rooftop pool
Main pool
Main pool
On the roof, there is a large restaurant with more limited hours. We were there late in the day and a waiter from the restaurant did come to serve us there as well.
The Kimpton Social Hour was great. Apparently it is served in different places on different days. When we were there, it was on the roof, and the drink of the day was a Passionfruit Mojito. (It seemed people could get wine also.) There were little cakes and salmon on cracker bites as well.
Social hour spread
In the morning, free coffee and tea is self-serve in the restaurant. Note there are no coffee/tea facilities in the room, though there was a minifridge.
Overall, the property more than served our needs. The staff was great, and we wouldnt hesitate to return. I do think having a car is helpful here, as you can explore areas beyond Tulum. But you can probably get by with bikes and taxis.
Apr 15, 2023, 11:49 pm
#2
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 302
Thanks so much for posting this! We have stayed in the Aldea Zama development often, so are familiar with the area. A few questions:
- Any chance you snapped a pic of the chalkboard tours, etc?
- Did you partake in breakfast?
We are Diamond, wondering what the chances are of an upgrade to a suite. Purchasing points with fourth night free puts this at about $127/nt + resort fee, which feels just right
- Any chance you snapped a pic of the chalkboard tours, etc?
- Did you partake in breakfast?
We are Diamond, wondering what the chances are of an upgrade to a suite. Purchasing points with fourth night free puts this at about $127/nt + resort fee, which feels just right
Apr 16, 2023, 8:02 am
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: DL PM; IHG PlatAmb; Hilton Dia; Marriott Plat; Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 7,320
Thanks so much for posting this! We have stayed in the Aldea Zama development often, so are familiar with the area. A few questions:
- Any chance you snapped a pic of the chalkboard tours, etc?
- Did you partake in breakfast?
We are Diamond, wondering what the chances are of an upgrade to a suite. Purchasing points with fourth night free puts this at about $127/nt + resort fee, which feels just right
- Any chance you snapped a pic of the chalkboard tours, etc?
- Did you partake in breakfast?
We are Diamond, wondering what the chances are of an upgrade to a suite. Purchasing points with fourth night free puts this at about $127/nt + resort fee, which feels just right