I couldn't disagree with the previous posting more. My girlfriend and I stayed at Hemingway from Dec. 26th to Jan. 2nd and there wasn't a place in Tulum we'd rather have stayed. After a horrible experience traveling (our flight was delayed 3 hours, and we made two car reservations just in case something went wrong with one of them, and BOTH car rental locations: America Car Rental and Europcar gave our reservations away!) So we were expecting the worst when we arrived in Tulum after a $150 cab ride from Cancun Airport. Thank goodness we were wrong. Even though it was WAY after hours when we arrived, Paola had our sea front Cabana ready for us. We reserved through paypal and had no problems. (Quick side note: there really is no need to rent a car, cabs are SUPER cheap in Tulum).

First and foremost: We loved Hemingway because it was EXACTLY what we wanted when we decided we wanted to go to Tulum and stay in a Cabana on the beach. It's relatively small and the staff is small and they pay attention to what you need b/c they are never over crowded. If you want a hotel room on the beach that is basically a hotel room from Cancun as touristy as can be then stay at one of the (what we called) "fake" Tulum Cabanas: i.e. Mezzanine or La Zebra to name a few. In fact, if that's what you are looking for: stay in Cancun. But if you are going to Tulum to have a romantic, quiet, just relaxing on the beach, soaking in the sun, drinking and eating great food GETAWAY, then stay at Hemingway and take in what Tulum is meant to be.

The location was perfect compared to the rest of the Cabana resorts on the beach. Some were way to far from town and some were actually too close (for those looking for a quiet beach resort). Hemingway was right in the middle. It's also located close to some of the greatest places to eat in Tulum. Posada Margarita and Zamas are both under a 5 minute walk.

As far as the accommodations: we were in the Sea view cabana Tortuga (see pictures). There are 3 types of Cabanas, beach front (first row) sea front (2nd row) and garden view (3rd row). Our cabana got GREAT breezes from the ocean and was very private (being the furthest sea front cabana from the restaurant/reception). It was a great size as well. We had a king size bed and there was also a twin bed in the room. We had our own private bathroom with shower and toilet. And as opposed to what the previous reviewer said, we got hot water just fine. We also never had a problem getting a bed on the beach and there was usually at least one open everyday. And don't be confused, when we went it is by FAR the busiest time of the year in Tulum. We had electricity in our Cabana from 5pm to Midnight every night. Perfect for recharging our cameras/Ipods and having lights when it gets dark. If you're up after midnight they supply some romantic candles, and you should bring a flashlight (in addition for walking on the beach and on the beach road).

Security: feel safe at Hemingway. It's smaller then some of the mega/Americanized Cabana resorts and there is a security guard on all night after dark. As a traveler you should still be safe and lock anything important in your suitcase, but sleep easier at Hemingway.

The food: hands down the BEST seafood in Tulum. Paola actually buys the lobster/shrimp/fish/etc. right from fisherman who come directly out of the ocean. I tell you this because we saw a man with scuba gear come right out of the ocean before our eyes with 7 lobster on a metal rod, in which Paola bought and cooked that night. So there is never a menu, as Paola doesn't know what she is cooking until the day of (and I say that literally, she cooks everything herself, just another thing we loved about this place: the personal touch on everything). Every morning we got breakfast that is INCLUDED in your stay. Fresh fruit, fresh orange juice, amazing jam and bread, and perfect Mexican coffee.

The staff: Friendly as can be. We never caught his name, but a young guy pretty much waited on us hand and foot at breakfast and the rest of the day (for drinks and anything we needed). He was great. Two woman cleaned the rooms everyday and were in and out in less then 10 minutes, so don't feel like you have to disappear for an hour so your room gets cleaned. Paola even got us a cab back to the airport for 1/2 of what we paid to get to Tulum.

I can only think of 3 negative things. First, the owner of the Cabanas Resort next door to us insisted on doing construction at 8 am everyday. We spoke to Paola about it and she said she has been pleading with the owner not to be building during busy season You really can't blame Paola for what the neighboring resort is doing. Secondly, we asked for a beach chair for the front of our cabana the first day we got there, but we never got it. Funny thing was we totally forgot about it because we just laid in our own private hammock everyday. Lastly, Paola's English wasn't that great, so at times it could tricky to converse with her.

If we ever return to Tulum, it's easy to say we will be staying at the Hemingway again.

If you have any questions at all about your upcoming trip to Tulum, feel free to email me.

Our big mistake was expecting our reservation at Hemingway Eco Resort was secured. We booked for two nights, but we were told to move to another spot because someone else was to stay in our cabana. I'll never give up my room again!
The manager Paola was less than charming in her aggressive tone informing us that we made a mistake. I had the paperwork to prove that indeed we had confirmed those two nights. They don't accept credit cards, so we couldn't book the place in advance. Through PayPal we reserved the time.
Without offering any compromise or consolation for the inconvenience, Paola insisted we take the what I call a "hovel" of a room above the cantina. It was dark and dingy and in no way compared with the ocean front views we had reserved.
Not only were we paying top dollar for barely any accommodations -- other than mosquito netting -- we were being treated horribly. They insisted there was hot water when there was none and there was insufficient beach furniture.
The term resort does not suit Hemingway; it is more akin to camping.
If you want a real romantic getaway on the beach try Ana y Jose or Maya Tulum or Azulik, or any of the dozens of other choices along that stretch.

We stayed at Hemingway in mid-June 2007, and we loved it. We were at a big name hotel in Cancun for two days prior, so, when we arrived at Hemingway, we wondered what we had gotten into. However, once our feet hit that powdery soft, white sand, we knew all would be well.

Paola (the owner), Walter (her assistant), and all the staff (of about 4) were very nice to us. They provided when asked and were never intrusive on our space. We ate dinner there on our first night, and Paola made an amazing lobster spaghetti that was the best we've ever tasted. Breakfasts (included) consist of breads, jam, fruits, juice and coffee, which was enough to start the day (we ate lunch/dinner at other hotels or in town for variety). Note - If you want to eat lunch or dinner at Hemmingway, you have to make a reservation with Paola early in the day so she can prepare.

Our room, Jaguar, was right on the beach, so there was plenty of ocean breeze all day and night. It's a bit rustic in style, but, if you can handle that type of lodging, it was very comfortable. Two beds in the room (1-king, 1-double) and both had mosquito netting. Concrete slab floor. The shower and toilet were behind rock walls inside the room (no doors). There was a small sink and mirror, as well as some shelving to put suitcases on. Other reviewers have mentioned the gaps in the wood & cememt walls, but we never felt uncomfortable with that. Electricity is only available from about 7-11pm, but that was never an inconvenience.

There is a nice, big porch with palapa roof and chairs, which made for a wonderful spot to get out of the sun and sip some cool drinks. There are also two-person beach beds available as well as hammocks. There's nothing like laying on a beach-bed at night with an amazing display of stars overhead and the ocean rolling in at your feet. Simply wonderful.

The beach is fairly deep with soft, white sand. There was a little bit of seaweed that had washed up, but other than that it was kept clean. For swimming, you might want to walk down the beach a short way for nicer entry points. June is off-season, so when we walked down the beach one morning we only saw 4-5 other people.

We ate at Posada Margherita one evening (which lots of TripAdvisor reviewers recommend), and we felt their food was no where near as good as Paola's home cooking at Hemingway. We also had lunch at Mezzanine, and they had outstanding shrimp tacos. Also, the beach at Mezzanine (going north) is a great place for swimming (clear, blue water with soft, sandy sea floor). We had evening appetizers and drinks at Zamas (so-so), and we also ate at both Don Cafetos and Charlie's in Tulum (both had outstanding food in a laid back setting).

As other Hemingway reviewers have mentioned, there are some necessities you should bring (or buy at the Super San Francisco de Asisi supermarket at the edge of town):
Beach Towels, Flashlights (w/extra batteries), a collapsable cooler for beverages, Bug Spray (w/DEET), bottled water, sunscreen.

It's also good to rent a car, which you can pick-up at the Cancun airport. Tulum is about a 1 1/2 hour drive south, and the drive is easy. Just watch out for the speed bumps (topes). They're wicked!!!

For us, Hemingway was a wonderful spot. Rustic in style, and very slow and laid back. You will not get the total hands-on service that comes with some of the pricier places in Tulum, but you will get an amazing view, comfortable lodging, spectacular sunrises, and no stress!

My wife and I stayed at the Hemingway in late December 2006, and had a wonderful, relaxing time. The cabanas are cute, clean, and nice - and they are located on a tremendous stretch of beach. They had great beds to lay in on the beach, and just listen to the waves. And for dinner, Paola serves up the most delicious seafood and pasta dishes. I would definitely stay there again and again.