We recently returned from a short and sweet weekend trip to Tulum where we stayed at the beautiful Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort. This Hilton property has multiple pools, beach access, kids club, teen area, and various dining options – and yes, it’s all included in your stay. This trip was really about using our free night certificates that were expiring soon, that my husband had from his Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card. (I mean, I booked it about a month and a half out!) This hotel also has a gorgeous sister property, Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya, which I initially was looking to stay at. When I noticed that the Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya was all-inclusive, I decided to book there so we wouldn’t have to worry about food and dining expenses (as this was an unexpected trip to begin with).
All-Inclusive
I think this perk is sometimes just enough for people, especially families. This particular trip, we had just our 2-year old with us. Not having to worry about food for any of us was wonderful – especially also as our time there was so short. There were even other restaurants serving Italian, Mexican, and Asian cuisine as well. We were able to try Italian one night, and Mexican the other. Again, these fine dining options are included in your stay. You just need to be mindful of meal timings, as not all restaurants are open for each meal – and make reservations ahead of time for fine dining options. You can see the full array of all-inclusive benefits here.
Family-Friendly
There’s something for everyone at this beautiful resort. There’s a family zone with dedicated areas for kids, teens, and yes, adults. There’s an outdoor playground and splash pool for kids, a dedicated kids club with daily activities, and also a teens club with space and activities geared for older kids. There are nine resort pools, each with its own vibe. Unfortunately, the water was a little cold when we went – even then, that didn’t stop our little one from wanting to be in the water. Did I mention that there was an ice cream and churro shop near the family zone? Yum, yum!
Azulinda Cafe
This cafe was located in the main lobby area – which is stunning in itself – and I loved the fact that it was open 24-7. Not that we had any late nights with a toddler as our third wheel, but I did my morning coffee runs here, and was often picking up the occasional snacks and cookies. We all know that little ones can be picky eaters so I was definitely stopping here to get her favorite fruit – bananas! (That’s what she had for dinner one night!) This eatery serves soups, sandwiches, light snacks, fruits, and drinks – and yes, it’s all free.
Shuttle Service
There are six separate “Casas” or buildings where hotel rooms are located. You can walk the trail to each Casa from the main entrance and lobby area, or catch a ride on one of the trolleys. This was also very helpful with a toddler, and for those times when we just didn’t feel like walking. I saw multiple individuals jogging the trail that led you to the entrances to each Casa. In between the Casas, there were entrances to the various pools, beach access points, and also dining areas. Our hotel room was in Casa 6, right next to a dining venue, making it a short, convenient walk to breakfast our first morning – and what a stunning view it was overlooking the beach! (There’s a total of 13 dining venues at this resort.)
Other Amenities
There’s a fitness center on property, as well as options for group classes on the beach. There’s also activities and experiences you can participate in with focuses on culture, sustainability, mindfulness, and just overall – relaxing and having fun! While we didn’t get a chance to partake in any, we did see a big corporate group around the resort during our stay – so there’s definitely something for everyone to experience.
I should add that we got a complimentary room upgrade from a “Nature View Family Room (with a king bed that sleeps 3) to an Ocean View Room (with a king bed that sleeps 3) – without us asking! This was simply because my husband is a Hilton Honors member. I do wish we had had more time to enjoy the resort, as well as get out and explore Tulum. We definitely found it hard to sit still and relax – we love exploring any new place we visit, engaging in local culture, activities, and excursions. I can see myself making a trip out in the future with the entire family this time – on points of course, I’d never pay those cash rates 😉 For now, adios amigos!
Picture: Tulum, Mexico – February 2023