Mantaray Tulum

We came to Tulum for our anniversary and stayed at two hotels, including MantaRay. Their concierge got in touch as soon as we booked and helped arrange an airport pickup by private car, a visit to the Tulum Ruins, and a Cenote excursion. On arrival, we were upgraded to a beachfront room with a great view. It was very clean, the bed was SUPER comfy, and the beach was just steps away. The staff were friendly and accommodating, and there were beach activities like snorkeling, kayaks, and beach games. We enjoyed the food too, especially the fish tacos, apple pizza, avocado toast with salmon, and French toast. A couple of things that might help with planning: breakfast was included, and we brought groceries to cook some lunches. There’s only one other restaurant on the beach, and it’s quite expensive. We happened to visit during unseasonably cold weather, so we didn't use the plunge pool.

The bay was a highlight: the reef keeps strong currents away, so we could wade comfortably quite far, and this stretch seemed to have less sargassum or seaweed than nearby spots. The Mantaray team rakes the beach every day, and we loved kayaking and snorkeling around the bay. We spent six days here in March, and the lovely staff, especially Matias, were really helpful. Soliman Bay and Mantaray feel very private, with only a few rooms, and it's a quiet place away from the party areas. We had a lower beachfront villa, with a balcony that opened straight onto the sand. It felt surreal. The room and bed were comfortable, with a coffee grinder, American-style drip coffee, an electric kettle, a two-burner electric stove, and a mini-fridge. Housekeeping left fresh drinking water daily. The Samsung smart TV had Netflix and other streaming services. Wi-Fi could be spotty, so keep that in mind if you need to work. We tried most of the restaurant menu and were impressed with the food, though it can get pricey, so groceries make sense for a longer stay. The complimentary continental breakfast was nice but light, around 350 calories, and the bread was delicious. The bar and cocktails were standard, but didn't stand out much for the price.

Soliman Bay is beautiful, calm, quiet, and crystal clear, and the beach frontage is exquisite. Still, the hotel didn't meet my expectations given the price and strong reviews. It's a small property with a few rooms, a guest pool, and a shared beach and restaurant area open to visitors. Our room was small, especially the bathroom, though the bed was comfortable. Amenities felt sparse, and some things didn't work properly: we needed a hairpin to operate the coffee grinder, two staff members to help with the TV remote, the kitchenette sink had very low pressure, and the plunge-pool light was out. The plunge pool had no heat and got no direct sun because of a roof overhang, so it was too cold to use. Guests also seemed to leave the shared pool alone because the water was cool, even though daytime temperatures were in the low 80s. The beach furniture was stained and uncomfortable, and there wasn't enough of it for long lounging or enough shade. Breakfast was complimentary, juice, toast, fruit, yogurt, and one coffee. The food was fine but limited, and after a few days we wished we'd brought groceries. Kayaks, snorkel gear, and a paddleboard were a nice extra, but some equipment needed attention, and using the paddleboard without a rudder was a challenge. The staff were kind and meant well, though service could be uneven when busy. Music played later than I expected each night and bothered me. It may have been because of where our room was, but it was surprising in such a tranquil place. The setting is lovely, but for me the rooms, amenities, and experience didn't justify the cost. I'd choose the other property nearby or rent a home next time.

MantaRay was one of my favorite places I've ever stayed. I loved the relaxed feel of this beautiful oasis and didn't want to leave the grounds. Between kayaking, the comfortable beach puffs, and the food and drink options, there was plenty to enjoy. The staff were attentive, kind, and helpful, and the concierge service was excellent. Someone even picked up groceries for us. I loved every minute and can't wait to return. It felt like paradise.