We stayed in the Tunich cabin which is the cheapest option at Zahra. It suited us really well as we are two sisters (not a honeymooning couple like most of the people we encountered) and we wanted to spend our money on exploring rather than holed up in a luxury cabin. The room was really basic - no glass in the windows, a curtain that covered half the window, padlock on the door, no wardrobe - basically a bed with a mosquito and a very basic bathroom. It really did suit us fine as it was clean and we felt pretty secure (it is right next to the reception). Tulum is crazily overpriced and we were happy to get such a good deal but in comparison to other places we stayed in the Yucatan you don't get a lot for your money.

My husband and I spent 3 nights at Zahra in Cabana #3 (a Tunich cabana with a private bath and king size bed). After spending 2 nights at a hostel in Cozumel and 2 nights at a much more rustic cabana at Papaya Playa, it was a welcome relief to see a place this night at a price of $45 a night. The room was big and contained a large shelving unit, 2 chairs, a small table and a drinking water dispenser. It does not a have a sea view, but it is close enough to hear the waves at night as you fall asleep and is just a few steps away from a 2 cove like beaches (both shared with other small hotels). We did not eat at the restaurant but it had a wonderful atmostphere in the evenings as they had live music 2 of the nights we were there (one African tribal drum group and a reggae band). It is part of EcoTulum which also owns and operates Akulik and Copal (both within .5 kilometers) and has a Mayan Spa with an excellent selection of massages and various holistic treatments. We both has massages there and they were wonderful and reasonably priced.

Right! Let's get this straight from the start. If you are expecting ****star european/american accommodation don't even think about it. Described as rustic/basic at various places on the web and it is just that. If you get the chance and it's in your price range take one of their cabanas on the beach, it's worth it.
It is an experience. No TV (great), elctricity goes off about 11 at night (so what). The beach is great, the restaurant is great and the people are great. Once we accepted where we were and the little quirks we loved it.

The website indicates that Zahra is less rustic than the two sister hotels, Copal and Azulik, which may be true, but the level of "rustic" isn't really conveyed all that well on the website. I love the idea of having a non-western experience (like in Cancun) on the Maya Riviara, however, I didn't really sleep much at Zahra due to the incredible lack of air flow in my room. There are no windows to open, rather doors, in all the rooms, which makes for a nervous traveler in the middle of the night who has no means of locking out strangers and iguanas. My bed was absolutely soaked with humidity, sweat, and rain the entire stay, with no hopes of ever drying out in the stale environment. Needless to say, I was a little grumpy without my zzzz's.

However, amid the humidity and heat, EDGAR (whose parents are from Merida) smiles and makes everything alright. I lost my wallet temporarily and this amazing man dropped everything to assist me, even calling my credit card service for me while I hunted around for other numbers I needed to call. Edgar speaks beautiful English (learned in the U.S as a child), which was welcomed during my time of need. He even crossed the street to inquire about my wallet at the grocery (because he remembered seeing me there the day before).

Again, some of the rooms are stagnant boxes of humidity, while others are easy, breezy, beautiful during the day, allowing them to dry out. Speaking of rooms, the "Nohoch" do not actually exist. We booked them and on arrival, the staff at Zahra didn't know what they were, and informed us that Zahra doesn't actually have rooms with two king size (or queen size) beds.

Due to this SNAFU, we ended up changing rooms 3 times during our week long stay to find an acceptable arrangement. Bummer. My friend and I ended up in the "family suite" which does NOT, by the way, have ceiling fans in "both living areas". There is no fan downstairs, which is where 3 of four beds are situated. It is incredibly hot and muggy downstairs with little to no airflow.
Our friend stayed in the Kanab cabana, which was awesome in comparison, with an outstanding view of the beach.

Additionally, Zahra doesn't have any beach chairs actually on a beach, nor do they offer any palapas for shade. This is a major error on the part of the hotel, as the two neighboring hotels do not allow for you to use their chairs or shade. Again, Rustic is right. Zahra has potential, but is truly lacking some major elements that make for a pleasant stay. And by the way, Edgar is also lacking in attendance, as he took a job at an all-inclusive resort elsewhere the day we left. Whoever hired him is in for a pleasant surprise, as his service was the highlight of my stay in Tulum.