Hotel Nerea Tulum

Nerea Tulum, a Michelin Key Selected property in Tulum, Mexico, generally garners positive reviews for its tranquil ambiance, attentive service, and well-designed accommodations, making it a favored choice for those seeking a relaxing getaway.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

Hotel Nerea Tulum holds a strong reputation, often described as a peaceful, comfortable, and luxurious boutique hotel. With an overall rating of "Very Good" based on over 300 reviews, guests frequently commend its serene environment and the dedicated staff. It is particularly recommended for a slow-paced, relaxing vacation experience, appealing to those who wish to disconnect and unwind.

Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise several aspects of Nerea Tulum. The private rooftop jacuzzis and the stunning beach views are frequently highlighted as favorite features. The intimate and comfortable private beach area, along with the "phenomenal" main pool, especially the swim-up rooms, are also major draws. The hotel offers a range of complimentary activities, including paddleboarding, snorkeling directly from the pier, and bike rentals, allowing guests to explore Tankah Bay and its surroundings. The elegant design and the hospitable staff are also strong points.

Room Quality

The rooms and suites at Nerea Tulum are celebrated for their luxury, comfort, and thoughtful design. They are described as bright, airy, spacious, and spotless, featuring soft tones that evoke a restorative vibe. Amenities commonly found in rooms include air conditioning, Nespresso coffee machines, security boxes, free Wi-Fi, and balconies. Many rooms offer balconies, and some even boast private plunge pools or rooftop terraces, with the finest accommodations being the rooftop suites that often face the water. Guests have noted the beds as being very comfortable.

Dining Experience

The dining experience at Nerea Tulum receives mixed but generally positive feedback, with breakfast being a consistent highlight. Guests rave about the breakfast, which typically includes a drink, an appetizer, a main dish, and a bread basket, with recommended options like oat and chia pudding, sweet toast, baked chilaquiles with chicken, and jackfruit barbacoa burrito. Lunch and dinner menus are also available and have been described as delicious, with popular choices such as grilled garlic shrimp and creme brulee de cacao. Room service is provided. However, some guests have noted that the food can sometimes be inconsistent and that the lunch/dinner menu might have limited choices, with certain items occasionally unavailable.

Service & Staff

The service and staff at Nerea Tulum are widely commended for their exceptional hospitality. Guests frequently describe the staff as friendly, accommodating, attentive, and very nice, often going above and beyond to ensure an enjoyable stay. Many staff members are English-speaking, which is appreciated by international visitors. Specific individuals like Isa the hostess and servers such as Miguel and Janet have been singled out for their excellent service.

Location & Accessibility

Nerea Tulum is situated in Tankah Bay, offering a more secluded and tranquil atmosphere compared to the bustling main hotel zone. It is approximately a 15-20 minute car ride to Tulum Beach or Tulum Town. While its location provides peace, it also means guests are somewhat removed from shops and restaurants, often requiring taxi services. Taxis can be arranged through the front desk and typically arrive within 5-8 minutes, but fares can be expensive (e.g., 500 pesos to Tulum Centre, 900 pesos to the Tulum beach area). For those looking to explore nearby, a cenote is conveniently located just a 5-minute walk away. The hotel's beachfront is rocky, but a pier facilitates easy access for water activities.

Value & Pricing

While specific pricing varies, rooms at Nerea Tulum start from approximately $442.27 USD. Guests who appreciate the hotel's luxurious standards, intimate setting, and attentive service often find it to be good value for money, especially when compared to other hotels of similar caliber in the region. The inclusion of activities like paddleboarding, snorkeling, and bike rentals in the nightly rate adds to its perceived value.

Common Complaints

Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, some recurring issues have been noted by guests:

• Dining Service: Some guests have experienced slow service at the restaurant bar.
• Billing Issues: A few visitors have reported difficulties with placing drinks on a room bill for longer stays.
• Maintenance: There have been occasional complaints about plunge pools not being clean or functional, and in rare cases, toilets not working or jacuzzis not retaining water.
• Hot Water: A recurring criticism is the inconsistent availability of hot water, which the hotel has reportedly acknowledged as sometimes being "normal."
• Food Variety: Beyond breakfast, some guests found the lunch and dinner menus to be limited and the food quality sometimes mediocre, with certain menu items frequently unavailable.
• Tipping Culture: Some guests felt that staff at the bar frequently asked for tips.
• Remoteness: For guests who enjoy walking to nearby attractions, shops, and restaurants, the hotel's secluded location can feel too remote, leading to reliance on expensive taxis.
• Noise: Construction from neighboring properties has been a source of disturbance for some.
• Security Concerns: Isolated but serious complaints include reports of theft of personal items from rooms, with unsatisfactory responses from staff.

Sources

1. krystalynlaura.com
2. booking.com
3. michelin.com
4. booking.com
5. hotels.com
6. nereatulum.mx
7. lesboutiquehotels.com
8. expedia.com
9. booking.com