An Honest Review of the Hilton Motto Tulum

If you’re looking wondering if the new Hilton Motto Tulum is as nice as it seems and are looking for a (very) HONEST review, then read on for helpful tips so you know what to expect.

I’ll start by saying this: the hotel advertises itself as a 4 star hotel. In my opinion (as someone who spent years staying 200+ nights/year at hotels around the world) – this is a 3 star hotel.

In this post, I’ll share my honest thoughts about staying at the Hilton Motto Tulum, covering everything from the rooms to the price, the pros and cons, and my bottom-line recommendation. Let’s dive in!

The Hilton Motto Rooms

The rooms at Hilton Motto Tulum are modern, brand new, and very comfortable… but COZY.

Translation: the rooms are SMALL (and the rooms are all the SAME size – more or less).

The property itself is newly built, and you can tell everything is fresh and contemporary. This is good news! Not only is it advertised as “new”, but it IS actually new (although it also means you’ll find lots of construction going on in the area).

Unlike another property I stayed (The Selina Tulum Downtown) which advertises itself as “new”, the Selina property is recently “rebranded” from another hotel, but the property itself is VERY, VERY OLD.

The Hilton Motto rooms are perfect for a single traveler; they have all the essentials, including a bit of desk space and a luggage rack (which you might need to request from the front desk).

There’s a quirky little closet setup between the bathroom and the shower, but it’s not a big deal.

Given the rooms are quite small. If you’re traveling with a partner, it might feel cramped. I was relieved to be staying here alone.

There’s also an option for bunk-style beds, but sharing such a small space might not be ideal for everyone.

On the bright side, the rooms are clean, with no unwanted bugs or other things like cockroaches or crabs (Coco Tulum had crabs. FML). I show them in the Coco Tulum video here. Although that place may have closed down, phew!

At The Hilton Motto, you’ve got air conditioning! It’s is fantastic and icy cold, which is a major plus in Tulum.

One crucial thing to note is that all the rooms are the same size. So, if you’re hoping to upgrade to a bigger room, you might be disappointed. But for a solo traveler, it’s got everything you need.

Is the Hilton Motto Tulum Expensive?

Relative to staying on Tulum Beach, staying at this property is a “steal”. However, in comparison to (older) places in Tulum Pueblo (town), this spot will feel “relatively expensive”.

I paid around $150 a night (with taxes and fees to stay here). While the rooms are reasonably priced, be prepared for higher costs when it comes to dining and other amenities.

When dining at the restaurant on property, a glass of wine is about $15, and a burrito can cost around $25. Although the hotel offers a modern and stylish atmosphere, it lacks the authentic Tulum vibe that many travelers seek.

If experiencing the true essence of Tulum is important to you, you might need to venture out to Tulum Beach for that.

Don’t forget a full video tour and the video version of this blog post is in the video below!

The hotel is situated next to a lot of construction, which can be a bit annoying.

Another thing – there isn’t much DIRECTLY next to the hotel. If you’re familiar with getting around Tulum, it might not be a big issue, but it’s something to be aware of.

The location itself is a bit sterile and quiet, not offering much of the vibrant Tulum experience. You are at the entrance to Aldea Zama, which is still very much under development.

Pros and Cons of the Hilton Motto Tulum

Let’s keep it real, not every place is perfect – below is a quick outline of pros and cons of The Motto Tulum…

Pros:

• Modern and Comfortable Rooms: Brand new and well-equipped for solo travelers.
• Cleanliness: No bugs, spiders, mosquitoes or scorpions (or crabs) to worry about.
• Air Conditioning: Icy cold and perfect for the Tulum heat.
• Convenient Location: Close to some cool restaurants and other spots.
• Safety: The property has good security features, requiring a key card for access to various areas.

Cons:

• Small Room Size: Not ideal for couples or those needing more space.
• High Dining Costs: Food and drinks are on the pricier side.
• Construction Noise: Ongoing construction nearby can be disruptive.
• Lacks Tulum Vibe: Misses the authentic feel that Tulum is known for.
• Inconsistent Staff Service: The service can be hit or miss, which can affect the overall experience.

Location and Amenities

The location of Hilton Motto Tulum can be a bit challenging. It’s not deep in Aldea Zama, which is good because that area can feel very sterile and empty.

However, it’s also not very close to the beach. If you have a car, there is a garage underneath the property, which is convenient. Riding a bike is another option, and there’s an e-bike store within the complex. The hotel advertises bikes as part of its daily fee, but that wasn’t my experience.

If you’re planning to visit the beach, the nearest accessible free Tulum Beach is about an 18-minute bike ride away. Taxis are another option, but be aware that negotiating your fare can be tricky, as the hotel’s taxi service doesn’t negotiate for you.

One thing that IS nice? The Motto partners with Beach Clubs where you can get some “discounts or deals”. Do those beach clubs necessarily abide by that? Sort of. I tried going to Bagatelle and had THE WORST EXPERIENCE. I talk about that very honest in the exclusive content.

Also, don’t miss more helpful content about Tulum Beach Clubs. You can find more info in this blog post or in this youtube video.

At the Hilton Motto, the pool area is nice but small, with two separate pools that are more for lounging than swimming.

The restaurant upstairs shares the same menu as the one downstairs, and your dining experience may vary based on the bug situation and your preference for air conditioning. Dining on-site is convenient, but exploring other dining options outside the plaza is recommended for a more authentic experience.

Safety and Staff

The staff service at Hilton Motto Tulum is hit or miss. While it’s great that it’s a Hilton property, don’t expect the same level of service you might find at other Hilton locations. Some staff members were fantastic, while others were less attentive.

Safety is generally good, with key card access required for various parts of the property. This can be a bit inconvenient if you tuck your card away, but it does provide a sense of security, especially for solo travelers.

However, be aware that not all staff might respond promptly to security concerns, as I experienced an issue with an unknown person knocking on my door and no immediate response from the front desk. Again, I talk about this honest story in the Tulum exclusive content.

Bottom Line

Would I recommend Hilton Motto Tulum? It depends on the type of traveler you are. If you’re visiting Tulum for the first time and prefer a more modern, US-like experience, this hotel might be a great option.

It offers many comforts that you’re used to, and the staff speaks English, which can make your stay easier. However, if you’re seeking the true Tulum experience with its unique charm and vibe, this might not be the place for you.

The location is not the best, as it’s next to a lot of construction, but it’s also not deep in the more remote parts of Tulum. It’s a good jumping-off point if you plan to be out and about, exploring and joining tours every day.

Make sure to check the latest rates to see if it’s the right fit for you.