Untitled

The Best Hotels in Tulum

Tulum is located on the Caribbean coast of Quintana Roo, Mexico. Visitors can choose between staying in the charming town or at one of the many hotels and resorts on the beach. Most people only imagine beachfront cabanas when they picture vacationing in Tulum, however, the town itself is worth a visit and can also be an option for your hotel if beachfront isn’t in your budget. The town offers good lodging and you can always rent a bicycle to visit the beach.

There are many things to do in Tulum, so give yourself at least three days to explore.

Hotels in Tulum offer some of the most relaxing environments that are perfect if you’re looking for a peaceful and picturesque escape from the daily grind. No matter how tight your budget might be, there’s something in Tulum that you can afford. Almost all hotels offer free WIFI and a few even include a scrumptious breakfast in their rates.

Where to Dine: Kolobok

Initially, I thought Kolobok was a local place, serving traditional or regional Mexican food. But as it turns out, it’s actually a family restaurant run by Russians from Kazan, Russia. And they serve the most authentic Russian food in town, which, truth be told, you don’t really see often.

Found at the Santa Maria la Ribera section along Salvador Diaz Miron, Kolobok is usually very popular with the hipster crowd, and surprisingly little tourists. But what a great discovery if you happen to end up eating here as the restaurant offers one of the best tasting empanadas to sample in Mexico. Their other popular dish is the Kotlety meatballs, which is basically like traditional meatballs with grounded meat, bread crumbs and seasoning. Prices of the food are really so affordable but Admittedly, many of its food choices are nothing of the extra-ordinary but Kolobok prides itself in serving the most flavorful dishes.

Expect several fusion dishes as well, as its main clientele are Mexicans, hence a lot of the food have that distinct Mexican flair, with lots of peppers and spices, despite it being Russian in origin.

Since Kolobok is a business run by a family, don’t expect to get five star service. Sometimes the staff tend to work slow, but that’s not to say they are inefficient. However, they do welcome guests with warmth and a friendly, accommodating service, it feels like you’re dining at a friend’s house.

And speaking of which, the restaurant’s ambience do feel cozy and comfortable. The whole place is fits just enough number of people, and the mood here is always warm and lovely.

Where to Dine: La Bipolar

I don’t know how “La Bipolar” got its name, but I have to admit that it’s clever and catchy to name a restaurant this.

Located in Kaly Malitzin in Coyaocan, Mexico City, the restaurant is a nicely decorated cantina that is also famous for the the fact that one of its owners is celebrated Mexican movie star Diego Luna (from the film “Y Tu Mama Tambien”).

Entering the site, you’ll be pleased to see a mix of minimalist decorations infused with a laid-back and country style. The walls are specked with crates where special pieces are put on display. There are scribbles on the walls, as well, which makes it even more interesting.

The tables of the restaurant are long and wooden and the chairs are the same, which actually brings its old school and traditional feel. The lights are decorated with tin buckets, which I think is clever and ingenous. This is just like being on the back of the kitchen of a palace or a colonial house. Although many of the elements in the design are actually current and modern. In fact, the restaurant has actually won an international design competition

As for the food, La Bipolar delivers classic Mexican food fare, but adds its own twist to it. Don’t forget to try the tofu burritos, which you don’t usually find at other Mexican restaurants. Or you can also have the Marlin Tostaditas, which is utterly mouthwatering and flavorful.

With an ambiance this cool, food choices that’s filling and satisfying, plus celebrity diners who frequent the place, La Bipolar is one of Mexico City’s latest place to be.

Where to Dine: Ivoire

Looking for a date place in Mexico? Sitting in the heart of Polanco is Ivoire, this lovely French countryside inspired nook that offers a beautiful lounge with the view of the Parque del Reloj, as well as three terraces. Ivoire, is not only an ideal date place, tons of romantic, simple wedding and engagements have taken place here.

Take heed though, as this place is usually packed with diners and guests, including the rooftop, where most parties and other events are happening. The downstairs area is the actual dining place, well-decorated and is bigger than it actually is.

The restaurant has very accommodating waiters, dressed impeccably, which suits what this place is really about — classy, cozy, romantic and trendy.

Prepare to spend more than usual, however, since the place is for posh dining and celebrations. Do sample the Pavlova, which is perhaps one of its best-sellers. The Ivoire is also a fabulous breakfast place serving different kinds of croissants and cheeses. It’s so very French.

It stands out in a row of restaurants that usually serve traditional Mexican food and favorites, because it’s one of the very French plances in town. Ivoire is a fusion place, however. You can still feel a hint of Mexican in this restuarant, which is probably what makes it unique.

Where to Dine: Al Andar Restaurant

Located in Centro Historico, Al Andar is a cozy restaurant that is frequented by guests for its decent choices of beer and its intimate ambience. During a recent visit, the plae served an interesting selection, which included Morena beer, Guera beer, Green Card Barley Wine, some selections from Carlsberg and Tsing-tao, and Jack’s Chocolate Stout.

They also serve prime mezcal, which is a kind of alcoholic beverage derived from the Maguey plant that is native only to Mexico. The mezcal is not as favored as tequila, although it has similarities in taste and consistency, and it comes with such a strong flavor.

As a place for late night action and because the place is so small, this bar usually is filled throughout the streets, with people wanting to unwind and relax after a day’s work.

Aside from the beer, sample the place’s selection of snacks to go with the drinks, which includes Oaxacan cheese and a healthy serving of chapulines, otherwise known as grasshoppers. It’s really not bad to eat them, as they are crunchy and quite flavorful, and not to mention, also rich in nutrients. Guests don’t really have to go to Oaxaca to experience this, as there is chapulines in Al Andar.

The bar is very near the Zocalo mall, so it’s easy to get to and easy find rides for when you leave after the party. It belongs to a lively and friendly neighborhood, so guests will have a wonderful time here with the locals and other tourists.

Where To Dine: Fonda El Refugio

Fonda El Refugio is a sixty year old restaurant located between Florencia and Amberes streets in Mexico City. This place has seen through a lot of growth and changes over history and in spite its age, or maybe because of it, the restaurant continues to be packed with diners every night, especially Saturdays.

What started as a family restuarant became a Mexican landmark. The inside of the restaurant feels a lot like Grandma’s kitchen, in that its cozy and very much comfortable to dine in. Even to this day, it has stil retained its wooden floor, colonial structure and furniture, with a touch of Frida Callo-inspired art pieces.

The restaurant has a focal center, this large fireplace that is decored with copper pans and pots. It’s quite an informal setting, although, people who regularly dine here do not come from a rowdy crowd. In fact, the atmosphere is both refined, but really very welcoming.

The menu of Refugio boasts of authentic and truly classic Mexican favorites. There are special family secret recipes infused with traditional choices like the arroz con platanos and the highly recommended Huachinango a la Veracruzana, which comes with fresh tomatoes and olives. Those who enjoy spicy dishes should sample its Chiles Poblanos, which comes stuffed with high grade beef with cheese. Diners should also sample chicken breast, which comes with this minty and nutty jade colored sauce. The food not only tastes delicious, it also is wonderful to look at. Refugio’s tortilla alone is enough to keep coming back for more. The tortillas are handmade and always served fresh.

Fonda El Refugio has seen its worst times when its matriarch passed away. Fortunately, the family promised to uphold her legacy and continues to serve good food and great service to this day.