My Stay at the Motto by Hilton Tulum Was a Sun Lover's Dream Come True
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If you’re anything like me, you might be prone to catching a case of The Winter Blues. And what do The Winter Blues call for? A quick getaway with beautiful weather, breathtaking views, and bomb drinks, of course! And lemme tell ya: Tulum is *the* place to go to make things seem sunny again.
When I got the opportunity to stay at the Motto by Hilton Tulum—a gorge tropical resort that opened in late 2022—this past November, I knew that the trip would lift my spirits and provide an opportunity to explore the city's amazing surroundings. (The cenotes! The jungles! The ruins!) And I was right: The Motto was right in the middle of all the action and had everything I could ever ask for on a solo trip, including fab on-site restaurants, Insta-worthy pools, and a lovely spa just steps away from my room.
Sound nice? Thought so. We all deserve an extra dose of Vitamin D and R&R from time to time, so let me take you through the ins and outs of my getaway so you can book your own ASAP!
QUICK HITS: MOTTO BY HILTON TULUM EDITION
Name: Motto by Hilton Tulum
Location: Tulum, Mexico
Cost Per Night: Starting at $100
Best For: Quick weekend getaways
While You’re Here, Check Out: Bagatelle Tulum, the ultimate beach club
One-Word Vibe Check: Unique
Most Iconic Photo Spot: The rooftop, especially during sunset
Don’t Leave Without: Treating yourself to a spa day at Quinto Elemento Spa
THE FIRST IMPRESSIONS!
First of all, the hotel is located in Hunab Lifestyle Center, a major shopping and dining destination in front of Jaguar National Park. This means the Motto is steps away from authentic food spots and beautiful views of the jungle, which is perfect for those looking for a little culture.
When I got to the hotel, I also couldn't help but be mesmerized by the decor. It's totally Tulumcore, with natural wood furniture and cool neutral color schemes. So chic!
THE ROOMS!
I didn't spend a whole lot of time in my room (there was too much to explore!), but when I did, it was so comfortable. The Motto's rooms are definitely "travel-sized," but they make sure the space is used efficiently. As a solo traveler, this was perfect, because I had everything I needed: a comfy queen-sized bed, ample table space, and an amazing shower! (You could also comfortably stay here with a plus one or S.O., FYI, it's totally big enough!) Just like the rest of the property, the design in my room was also on point—everything had that eco-forward Tulum flair.
THE AMENITIES!
I love a rooftop everywhere, but the one at Motto is EVERYTHING. With an eatery, indoor/outdoor gym, and two infinity pools with private cabanas, what’s not to love?
The Quinto Elemento Spa on-site is also a must-visit. They provided me with such a unique, holistic experience from the moment I walked in. All of their services are inspired by nature's elements: air, fire, water, and earth. I opted for the Fire Element Full Body Massage and it was exactly what I needed. I particularly appreciated how my therapist used soothing sound bowls throughout my session—it was simply heaven.
THE FOOD AND BEV!
There are several restaurants on the property, but my favorite was Hunab Rooftop, which has a bar too. Their loaded chicken nachos were the best I’ve had in my life, and I would eat their fried Baja tacos every day if I could. (And may or may not have eaten them every day of my trip.)
I'm also a huge fan of mezcal, so the tasting at the Ancestral Jungle Bar, which is also on the property, was quite the treat. I got to learn about the ideal snack pairings for different types of mezcal—like various citrus fruits, cocoa nibs, and fried grasshoppers. That’s right, I said FRIED GRASSHOPPERS. This is a regular bar snack in Tulum, and since I like to do what the locals do, I can now say I've eaten grasshoppers. And I didn't hate it...but maybe because I had a smooth glass of mezcal to wash 'em down.
Oh, and like I said earlier, the hotel is in walking distance of a lot of other great bars and food spots. I highly recommend checking out Bagatelle Tulum, a trendy French-Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and beach club. I spent the whole day basking in the sun, walking along the white sandy beach, and listening to the crashing waves while enjoying the music and food. It's a must for the Insta opps alone!
THE BOTTOM LINE!
If you're looking for an affordable weekend getaway and/or just a change of scenery, I highly recommend the Motto by Hilton. The hotel itself is spectacular, especially for the price, and it's in the perfect location if you want to explore the city as well as kick back and sunbathe (like me!).
I came back home feeling so relaxed and taken care of, and am already dreaming about going back one day. Winter Blues, who?!
(FYI: The writer received comped accommodations, meals, and spa experiences during this getaway.)
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