Casa de Piedra Tulum

The location was a lovely surprise: quiet in the jungle, but close to cafes and restaurants. Story Horse, known for its Fair/Direct Trade coffee, is a 10-minute walk, and the beach is 14 minutes by car. There was no construction noise, and unlike many parts of Tulum, the roads in and out are paved. As a solo female traveler, I felt completely safe at Casa de Piedra. Hugo, the architect and on-site owner, takes great care of the place. Communication was quick, smooth, and helpful. For downtime, there are two rooftop pools with bathrooms, and the giant hammock in the loft is wonderful for relaxing with jungle views through the big windows. The lighting is thoughtfully done, the furniture is custom-made by local craftsmen from native hardwoods, and resident cats add to the homey feeling. The fresh-air design kept the space feeling clean, unlike other musty rentals I’ve had in Tulum. Each unit has its own Wi-Fi, with separate connections for the garden and rooftop, which worked well for remote work. The kitchen is fully equipped whether you cook or hire a personal chef. The large bathroom has a rainfall shower with great water pressure. Hugo’s attention to detail shows in things like locally made folk art, handwoven textiles, and comfortable bedding. Casa de Piedra can arrange airport transportation and has an appointment-only car rental service on site, “Friendly Car Rental,” which has 98% five-star reviews. That made it easy to explore cenotes, beaches, and the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, and avoid overpriced taxis, since Uber is banned in Tulum. The ADO bus station is an 18-minute walk away. With more than 15,000 STR units in Tulum, this one really stands out as a hidden gem, with its rooftop pools, beautiful interiors, equipped kitchen, and transportation options. Hugo and his long-standing staff keep the property well maintained and even run an eco-friendly recycling program that includes composting. I wouldn’t hesitate to stay again. It felt like a tropical oasis, and I was sad to leave.