The Chill Inn, Tulum, Mexico – Review

After my experiences in Playa Del Carmen with Bed Bugs I was in dire need of some comfort and safety. I just wanted a place to feel at home. The Chill Inn in Tulum hit those requirements perfectly for me. I loved this gem of a hostel. It was a very relaxing place with friendly staff and an open atmosphere which helped me make some great friends who I then travelled with for a while. The thing that blew me away though, the main reason I fell madly in love with this place was the breakfast. Every morning the owners cook you something new and different – it was like being at home and having breakfast with a family. I loved that.

The cons were definitely the space and the bathrooms but with a few adjustments I am sure they can tweak the bathrooms to make them more user-friendly. As for the space issue – well it keeps it homely and friendly I think. It isn’t a party hostel, it’s a place you go to chill and relax!

The Details

• Where: Tulum, Mexico
• How Long: 2 Nights
• Number of persons: 1 Female
• Cost: $11 US Dollars per night
• Link: http://www.chillinn.mx/#!about/mainPage

Location

Everywhere in Tulum is in walking distance as the place is nice and small… except for the beach, the beach is a good half hour walk away. The best thing about Chill Inn was that it was back off the main street and so therefore a little quieter. It was also closer to the beaches than other hostels… you still had to hire a bike though

Accommodation/Rooms

Room Size: The rooms were small and the beds huge and private – so combined it was a little cramped. There wasn’t much room to store luggage in the dorm rooms so that meant that it was a bit like stepping through an obstacle course

Comfort: The beds had curtains to create privacy which I liked and a personal fan and power socket.

Cleanliness: Very clean and well-kept, no clutter.

Noise: It was super quiet the nights I was there with a lights out policy of 11pm.

Security: The place is very small and the owners are always around which makes you feel safe. The front door is also like a fortress, and there was small security lockers which was good for when you wanted to hit the beach.

Bathrooms

Size/amount: Very small. It was like showering in a small boat bathroom. Each room had its own bathroom and then there was some over spill ones in the common area which was good

Water pressure/temperature: Water pressure wasn’t great… and I wasn’t able to get hot water, though others did.

Useability: There were no hooks or shelves really. In dire need of some hanging and shelving in there

Cleanliness: It was very clean, but the whole thing was cement so maintaining it may be a little hard in the future

Kitchen

Equipment:  This kitchen gets a lot of use so is very well equipped which was great.

Size: It is actually one of the largest rooms in the whole place, most people sit outside in the evenings so there is plenty of room in the kitchen

Cleanliness: Very clean

Staff

I loved the staff at Chill Inn. The owner is just starting out and is still learning the ropes. She was incredibly helpful and nice. Her brother who minds the place over night doesn’t know much English and was also super helpful and friendly. It isn’t the most professionally run place but it is very welcoming. They also gave me some great recommendations for where to eat – including an amazing delicious ceviche place near the beach

Facilities

Internet: Was patchy which was annoying, but when it was up and working it was a good speed

Tour Desk: I was able to book a cenote diving tour through Chill Inn which was one of the best experiences of my trip

Breakfast: OH MY GOSH – this was the best part! Every day they make something new for you. It was by far the best and most delicious breakfast I have ever had in a hostel. If you don’t stay here for the atmosphere… stay here for the breakfast, you won’t regret it!

Extra’s: You can rent bikes and snorkels for cheap which is great as that is one of the main attractions around Tulum. And did I mention how amazing the breakfasts are?