Frequently asked questions — Xela, Member of Design Hotels

What are the check-in and check-out times?
Our standard check-in time is at 3:00 pm, and check-out time is at 12:00 pm.
Can I check in early?
We will make every effort to accommodate you based on availability. Please inform us in advance of your arrival time. If early check-in isn't possible, we are happy to securely store your luggage while you explore our property.
Can I get a late check-out?
Depending on our occupancy, we can provide a complimentary late check-out until 1:00 pm. If you wish to stay beyond 1:00 pm, a late check-out between 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm is available for an additional charge of $100 USD + taxes, depending on availability.
Do I need an electric adaptor?
The electricity supply in Mexico is 115V at 60Hz, which is the same as in the United States and Canada. The wall plug type is also identical. If you're visiting from the US or Canada, you won't need a special adaptor for your electronic devices.
How do I stay connected in Tulum?
Before arriving, reach out to your cell phone carrier to explore international plan options and prevent unexpected charges. If you choose not to opt for an international plan, remember to disable cellular and data roaming, as well as push notifications on your device. In areas where cellphone service may be limited, WiFi is commonly available. We recommend using WhatsApp, which works well with WiFi connectivity.
How do I get to XELA from Cancun International Airport?
XELA Tulum is located 90 miles south of the city of Cancun. Embark on the 307 highway southbound from Cancun Airport, a wide 2-lane route leading through Playa del Carmen, taking approximately 90 minutes to reach Tulum. Upon entering Tulum town, at a four-way intersection with the "Super Aki" supermarket on your right, turn left (east) towards the beach road (signposted "To Boca Paila"). Travel south for about 6 km. Located a bit further down from the main strip, just past Lula Hotel Tulum, at Tulum Boca Paila KM 8.7, be on the lookout for the XELA Tulum sign.
How do I get to XELA from Tulum International Airport?
XELA Tulum is 30 miles from Tulum International Airport. Begin on Carretera Federal 307, the primary highway in the region, and continue until reaching Tulum Pueblo. Follow the signs for "Tulum Hotel Zone." Positioned a bit further down from the main strip, just past Sanara, at Tulum Boca Paila KM 8.7, look for the XELA Tulum sign.
Do you offer airport transfers?
If you prefer not to rent a car, we recommend pre-arranging an airport pick-up. XELA Tulum offers private transfers; ask your concierge to book yours between 30 days and 24 hours before your arrival. Airport shuttles are also available for online booking, and budget-conscious travelers can consider ADO buses.
How do I get around Tulum?
Enjoy the immediate surroundings by biking or walking; XELA Tulum provides shared bikes for your convenience. For longer distances, taking a taxi is advisable, especially at night. Taxis are readily available on Beach Road. Before starting your journey, inquire about the fare, or feel free to ask our staff for assistance.
Should I bring cash, and which cards do you accept?
Before you travel, call your bank and credit card company to inform them of your travel plans. Tulum predominantly operates on a cash basis, so having ample cash on hand is advisable. For cash, use ATMs affiliated with reputable banks such as Chedraui, HSBC, or Scotia Bank in the Pueblo; avoid ATMs on Beach Road. We accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, and American Express) at XELA Tulum. We do not accept checks. As a cash-free hotel, payments at our restaurant and during check-out can be made using credit or debit cards, or charges can be applied to your hotel room balance.
Can I drink the tap water?
The tap water on site is non-drinkable. In your room, you'll find small containers with drinkable water sourced from an on-site well. This water undergoes purification through filtering methods and UV treatment for your safety.
Is there a doctor or hospital nearby?
We have a reliable doctor available for personal appointments who can come to the hotel within 30 minutes (depending on traffic), or up to 1 hour during high season (December to January). The closest hospital, CostaMed, 307 Boca Paila Road, is approximately 13 km from the hotel and can be reached in 30 minutes depending on traffic, 1 hour during high season. The Centro de Atención Médica Amerimed Tulum is approximately 10 km from the hotel, at Interior Plaza Tuk, Neptuno Ote. Manzana 2, 77780 Tulum, Q.R.
When is the concierge available?
Our concierge services are available 24/7. If you need assistance, please inform us, and our team will be ready to help. In the absence of the concierge team, our security guards are always on hand to assist you.
What is the weather like in Tulum?
January to March, Tulum's high season: temperatures range between the high 60s and high 80s F (approx. 20 to 32°C), with a slight chance of rain. April to June: temperatures generally stay in the high 80s (27 to 32°C) with increased humidity. All our rooms have A/C. July to October: our rainy season. Strong rain is common but only lasts a few minutes a day. We have umbrellas to walk around, and the sun usually comes out for several hours of the day. November to December: temperatures fall to the low 80s F (approx. 26 to 28°C) as the hurricane season ends.
What dining options are there on property?
You can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner on property with multiple dining options. Our beach club serves light, locally inspired organic dishes throughout the day. XELA also features an innovative Asian-inspired Izakaya menu with international favorites. For your ultimate comfort, select items are available for in-room delivery to your room or terrace.
What is NÜ Tulum?
Experience our jungle-side restaurant, NÜ Tulum, for dinner. Recommended by the Michelin Guide, this unique dining venue offers a fusion of modern and traditional Mexican cuisine, showcasing fresh, locally sourced, and sustainable ingredients within a stunning jungle setting. NÜ Tulum has been recognized among the five best restaurants in Riviera Maya by Travel + Leisure.
Can you accommodate special dietary needs?
We happily accommodate various dietary requirements, including gluten and dairy-free options. Please inform us of any dietary preferences or restrictions when making your reservation so that we can ensure a tailored dining experience for you.
Are children welcome?
While we adore children, our small and intimate atmosphere is best suited for guests aged 12 and older.
Is the hotel pet friendly?
Yes. Pets are welcome, subject to our Pet Policy and availability of pet-friendly rooms.
Is there a pet fee?
Yes. A USD $90 fee applies per pet, per stay, covering additional cleaning and sanitization.
How many pets can I bring?
A maximum of two pets per room, weighing up to 25 kg each.
What do I need to bring for my pet?
Please bring a current vaccination record for each pet. You will also be required to sign our Pet Stay Waiver at check-in.
Do I need to let the hotel know in advance that I am bringing a pet?
Yes. Please inform the hotel when making your reservation that you will be traveling with a pet. Acceptance is subject to availability and the property's policies.
Is smoking allowed?
Smoking is not permitted on hotel premises. A designated smoking area is available in front of the hotel.
Is Tulum safe?
Safety is not a concern in Tulum. The area is under constant surveillance by local police and private security companies. Feel free to walk on the streets or the beach at night without worry. Our on-site security guards are vigilant in ensuring the safety of both the hotel and our guests. Taxis are readily available and safe to hail on the street; to avoid potential fare discrepancies, we are happy to coordinate your transportation.
How can I help keep the property environmentally friendly?
We are committed to maintaining an environmentally friendly property and appreciate our guests' mindfulness toward flora, fauna, and natural resources. We kindly ask you to dispose of toilet paper in the provided trash cans, and to turn off lights when not needed. While our A/C is available 24/7, we recommend using it from 6:00 pm to 9:00 am to support energy conservation.
Is there seaweed (sargasso) on the beach?
Sargasso seaweeds are a natural occurrence that can affect our Mexican Caribbean beaches, including Tulum. Their blooming, migration, and presence are unpredictable. We have a dedicated team working daily to remove and dispose of seaweed from the beach strand. During periods of high sargasso arrivals, we invite our guests to enjoy Tulum's perfect climate in our pools. Beyond the beaches, Tulum offers cenotes, ancient Mayan ruins in Tulum, Coba, and Chichen Itza, cave exploration, and swimming with whale sharks, plus acclaimed restaurants like Hartwood, Arca, Wild, and NÜ. We actively participate in a coast-wide initiative with academics, the government, and the private sector to find durable solutions, including sea recollection and offshore nets.
What taxes and fees apply to my booking?
All prices are quoted in U.S. dollars. Rates and fees are subject to a 21% hospitality tax, a destination fee of 30 USD per night, and an environmental fee of 3.2 USD per night, applied in addition to the nightly rate. A 16% sales tax will be added to all food and beverage charges, as well as to all other purchases made throughout the resort. Rates, taxes, and service charges are subject to change at any time without prior notice.
Is a deposit required when I book?
Depending on the selected rate during the booking process, a deposit fee may be collected in accordance with the conditions specified in the policies. By submitting a booking request, you confirm that you are the cardholder and authorize us to charge your credit card with the amount due at that time. For all non-refundable rates, the full amount will be collected upon booking and cannot be modified or canceled.
Is there a hold on my card at check-in?
Upon check-in, a pre-authorization amount of $100 USD per night will be held on your credit card as a guarantee for any incidentals during your stay. This amount will be released within 24 hours after check-out. You must present the physical credit card used to pay for the reservation at check-in, together with a valid ID matching the card. If the original card is unavailable, you will need to provide a new card for payment, and the previous charge will be canceled.
What is your cancellation policy?
As a small, privately-owned referral-driven hotel, we maintain a strict cancellation policy. Depending on the selected rate during the booking process, a penalty fee will be applied as specified in the policies. All cancellation requests must be submitted via email to reservations@xelatulum.com; we do not accept cancellation requests by phone, SMS, WhatsApp, or any other method. In the event of an early departure or a no-show, the total amount of your stay will be charged, and no refund or credit will be offered. If you make changes after the cancellation period or shorten your stay, we will charge the number of nights originally booked.
Are there fees on refunds?
A credit card fee of 10% will be retained from any refund. For refunds via bank transfers, there will be a 5% credit card merchant fee plus $50 USD for bank charges.
I booked through another website. How do I change my reservation?
If you booked through a third-party website, please contact the booking agent/website for reservation changes. Only bookings made through our official website www.xelatulum.com and our official OTA profiles are valid. We reserve the right to refuse reservations from unauthorized sources.
Do you recommend travel insurance?
We are not responsible for changes or cancellations arising from events beyond our control, such as fire, epidemics, health risks, technical transport problems, flight delays, closed airports, or any unforeseeable events. We recommend purchasing travel insurance for any potential inconvenience or emergencies.
What is the Rainy Day Refund Guarantee?
We have teamed up with Sensible Weather to provide a rainy-day guarantee for your stay. Sensible Weather tracks the forecast for your travel dates. If the morning forecast predicts rain during daytime (usually from 8 AM to 8 PM) and the forecast confirms it rained, you automatically receive a refund for up to your full room night cost, depending on the severity of the weather, in less than 3 days through PayPal, Venmo, or bank transfer, without needing to file a claim. Book your stay with us, then add the Sensible Weather Guarantee through the link in your email booking confirmation. Terms and conditions apply: www.sensibleweather.com. If the forecast already predicts poor conditions at the time of booking, an offer may not be available.
Will I encounter wildlife at the hotel?
Our hotel is located in a protected natural area of Tulum, where wildlife is part of the surrounding ecosystem and the experience we offer. You may occasionally encounter animals around the property. Please admire them from a safe distance and refrain from feeding or approaching them. The hotel is not responsible for any accidents, injuries, or damages that may result from interactions with wildlife.
What is the minimum age to check in?
Guests must be 18 years or older with a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a passport, and a corresponding credit card to check in.
Can I fly a drone at the hotel?
Operation of drones, radio controlled aircraft, or unmanned aerial systems is prohibited within the boundaries of the hotel, unless conducted for authorized events.
What counts as a group booking?
Our standard reservation and cancellation policy applies to bookings of up to 4 rooms. If a single group reserves more than 4 rooms, our group deposit and cancellation policies apply. A reservation of 12 rooms is considered a buyout and requires a special contract. Contact events@namronhospitality.com.
What are the SPA attention hours?
Our attention hours are from Monday to Sunday, 9 AM to 7 PM.
Do you have male and female therapists at the SPA?
Yes, we have a highly trained team of both male and female therapists who are dedicated to providing quality treatments in holistic and traditional medicine.
Is the SPA product line natural or organic?
At La Valise SPA, we are committed to the environment and the health of our clients. We use only 100% natural, sustainable, and nature-friendly products. Our treatments preserve the tradition of local Mexican medicine and are free from harmful chemicals.
Is parking available for SPA clients?
Yes, we offer our clients free parking during the duration of their treatment.
Does the SPA have a sauna or pool?
At the moment, we do not offer sauna or pool services at our SPA. However, we provide hot and cold tub treatments for a unique relaxation experience tailored to the treatment you choose.
Can two people have SPA treatments at the same time?
We have a private, air-conditioned space within the SPA that accommodates treatments for two people simultaneously, providing a calm and relaxing environment.
Does the SPA offer packages for special events?
At La Valise SPA, we offer various special packages designed for every occasion, including Birthday, Family, Bride, Wedding, and Honeymoon Packages.
What payment methods does the SPA accept?
We accept cash, credit, or debit cards. We also offer gift cards: https://namronhospitality.egiftify.com/landingpage