Hostel but Make It Cute: My Stay at Mayan Monkey Tulum - Mexico Tulum travel stay tips

When we booked this trip to Tulum for Zamna Festival, I wasn’t 100% sure about staying at Mayan Monkey. I’d heard it was a bit of a party hostel, and I wasn’t sure what the vibe would be. But honestly? I’m so glad we stayed there.

Almost everyone staying at the hostel was in town for Zamna, which made it so easy to connect. We ended up meeting some really great people. People we actually went to the festival with. Those connections made the whole week even better.

🛏️ Dorm Life Over Private Rooms?

We chose to stay in one of the shared multi-bed rooms instead of getting a private, and that turned out to be a great decision. It gave us a chance to meet a bunch of interesting people from all over. I actually think if we had gotten our own room, we probably wouldn’t have talked to anyone. I remember in London we booked a private room at a hostel and didn’t connect with anyone. This was the total opposite.

🍸 Drinks, Vibes, and Karaoke (Yes, I Did It)

The hostel itself had a super fun bar where we could grab drinks before heading to the festival each night. The hostel also had a shuttle we could pay for to take us to the festival each night. They had karaoke, daily events, and a great energy overall. I even did karaoke at one point — though by then I’d already lost my voice from screaming lyrics and dancing all week. Still worth it.

🌴 Poolside & Perks

Mayan Monkey wasn’t just fun — it was also really cute. The pool and lounge area gave the whole place a laid-back, tropical feel. Breakfast was included, which was a lifesaver after long nights at Zamna. It honestly felt like a boutique hostel. Social, clean, cute, and functional.

💫 Would I Stay Again?

Absolutely. Everyone was so friendly, and it was fun meeting people from all kinds of places. If you’re looking to meet other travelers, especially if you’re a solo traveler or in a small group, this is a great spot to connect and experience things together.

👯‍♀️ Who Is This For?

I’d recommend it for festival goers, solo travelers, and friend groups. The environment is social, supportive, and lively — perfect if you want to mix fun with affordability.

📸 Visual Recap

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💭 Final Thoughts

If you’re heading to Tulum — especially for a festival like Zamna — Mayan Monkey is definitely worth checking out. It’s affordable, vibey, and full of people who are just as ready to dance, connect, and live as you are.