Anat Tantric Boutique Hotel

We left after one night of a three-night booking because of all the problems, and nobody offered a solution. It makes me wonder if this happens often. The room had a nauseating smell like weeks-old refuse that gave us headaches and breathing problems. When we first arrived, there was a strong industrial bleach smell, which eventually faded into that awful odor. The place felt poorly maintained, with rust, black marks on the walls, and dead bugs. The sheets were stained and had holes, and sleeping was sweaty because there were two plasticky mattress protectors. Gaps around the terrace door seemed big enough for bugs or animals to get inside, which is worrying in the jungle. None of the outlets by the coffee machine worked. The pool looked nice, but was freezing even in direct sun, as other reviewers have said. The road just outside is extremely busy, and getting in or out felt stressful because of a raised lip that made it hard to accelerate. You have to pay extra or book to use the jacuzzi or spa, which I don’t think was clear when booking. We reserved room 6 but were given room 4, so why ask us to choose a room? We also weren’t told the prices for minibar items, water, or coffee, just that they’d give us “a good price,” which is odd for a hotel. I don’t know whether the reviews were bought or what’s changed since opening, but this place deserves one star at most. For your own sanity, stay somewhere else.

We liked it enough to cancel other hotel bookings and extend our stay here twice. It’s a lovely little oasis just outside Tulum, with great food, excellent service, and easy access to wherever you want to go. Taxis around Tulum can get pricey, though, so having your own car is a good idea. The hotel can help with that. One thing to know: the shower is freestanding in the middle of the room, so it feels more suited to couples than a group of friends.

Our room was gorgeous, modern, and clean, and the bed gave us a wonderful night's sleep. We stayed for a few nights near Tulum, and the hotel looks as beautiful in person as it does in photos. Getting around was less convenient than expected. It’s about a 10-minute drive to downtown, and taxis cost so much that transport adds up. We rented an ATV in town for much less than the hotel charged. If you drive yourself, you can’t have any drinks because of police checkpoints. Coming back late likely means taking a taxi, which I personally don’t find very safe in Mexico. If you do, don’t pay by credit card. The grounds are limited, with little common space beyond the room and pool. The pool is lovely to look at but was too cold to swim in during our November visit, even though it looks great in pictures. There’s a cenote right beside the hotel, but you have to pay to access it. We didn’t use room service. I wish there had been free drinking water already in the room. When I asked in the kitchen, they did offer some at no charge, but having a jug in the room would’ve been better. I’d rate the hotel four stars. The room and sleep were great, but the setting, travel costs, and small practical hassles made it less convenient than I’d expected.

The rooms are breathtaking and so romantic, and this hotel feels especially right for couples. I haven’t slept on a hotel mattress this comfortable in a very long time. It’s also close to a couple of Cenotes, including a Cenote club. The staff were helpful, though we barely interacted since there was just a receptionist. I wish someone had shown us where breakfast was served during our three-night stay.