We have just come back from 6 nights at Hemingway. Although we couldn't fault the setting or the food, don't come here expecting value for money (its the opposite), nor particularly attentive service. If you are in any way reticent about asking for what you want, whether that is a beer, breakfast or to be served some food, this isn't the place for you.

The rooms are simple cabanas, nicely done up, other than the two more expensive sea front cabanas, which are much older and not as nicely done up, and suffer from the perpetual damp that being on a windy beach by the sea will bring. We were in Boa for a couple of nights to start with, then moved to Delphin. We were really happy with the move as we were getting tired of the relentless sand that seemed to get blown in from the beach through one particular window when we were in Boa.

I had a look before I left and can recommend trying to get Arrancha or Tortoga - both are still sea view cabanas but are set back slightly and are better kitted out than the older front two cabanas.

Having travelled extensively around SE Asia, always staying in simple bungalow type operations, I thought that Hemingway is expensive for what you get. Having said that, it did not seem to be any more than the other places in Tulum. Comparatively, however, you can get much more for your money in other countries, although it was fairly priced from Tulum.

On the plus side, the beach is lovely, the food fantastic (if a bit pricey) and it is a really beautiful setting to chill out in. The other reviews refer to the breakfast as being adequete. Its included in the price and is no more than that - don't expect any more than a couple of bits of toast, some coffee and fruit. Which is fine, provided that you have managed your expectations about what you are going to be given!

Finally, just a couple of tips - the Tulum ruins close at 5pm, so get there before hand, taxi drivers will take you there even if they know it has already, or is just about to, close. Taxis into town should cost around 50 pesos, and from Hemingway to the ruins around 30-40.

ONE WORD OF WARNING - If you are divers or snorkellers and intend to go to the Cenotes one day, either don't take any money with you or make sure that the driver LOCKS THE VAN WHILE YOU ARE DIVING. We had about 3500 pesos taken from our wallet while it was left in the van when we were diving. We were assured that the wallet would be safe, and so I didn't insist that the van was locked. Its easy to kick yourself after the event for not making that request...we decided after the event that if the guide is reluctant to lock it up, just say that your travel insurance will be invalidated if the van isn't locked. Its a reasonable request and I'd recommend it - learn from our bad experience!

Hemingway is located in a beautiful beach, well equipped, with lovely double-sunbeds and hammocks. Beach is very quiet and never crowded.I'll never forget the incredible sun rises from my veranda with the beach completely deserted.
Paola cooks deliciously, specially pasta and fresh fish. It's the best restaurant we have eaten in all Tulum. Rooms are simple with a wonderful view. We had no problems with electricity limitations, as light is available till midnight. The place is very safe, all the staff is kind, smiley and ready to help you for any problem. Excellent experience, the only negative thing about Tulum is the sea: not as clear and calm as we expected

My wife and I just got back from 5 days/4 nights at Hemingway, and had a really wonderful experience. Paola was a delight, extremely helpful, and a wonderful host...as was her assistant Luca and the rest of the staff. Anyone who says otherwise, not sure where that is coming from...

We stayed in Tortuga, a great Sea View room with a commanding view of the ocean, huge screened gable to capture the sea breeze, and large king bed and single bed. The bathroom was large, with a shower with no shortage of hot water. Tortuga is very private, seems to have the best view and breeze capture of the sea view rooms.

The beach in front of Hemingway is great, as is the swimming. The surf was up a bit vs. what I hear is normally very calm, and we did some great bodysurfing. For that, I would recommend walking about 50-100 meters south where there is a very large sandy bar free of the rocks that dot the bottom directly in front of Hemingway.

Some logistical items, there are two outlets for a standard dual prong plug (US/Mexico) that can charge small devices like a phone, camera, etc... Power comes on about 6pm till 10 or 11.

Cell phone service - my iPhone with AT&T service got 4 bars in the room from Telcel GSM. Outgoing calls were problematic, check with AT&T before you leave. My wife's Verizon RAZR got great reception as well with no outgoing call issues

Food - Paola's food was really great. I recommend her mixed seafood with fresh pasta. Breakfast was included and was just fine: toast, jam, coffee, and fresh fruit and juice.

- Posada Margerita was about 200 meters south of Hemingway and also had great food...more Italian.

- Another guest recommended Oasis in Tulum Pueblo, and it was a great find...wonderful fresh seafood...the Octopus and Conch tacos were outstanding. Find it at the far west end of Polar...about 6 or so blocks off of the main drag.

There are 2 banks in town for changing money, Paola can give you directions and hours.

No major complaints, but remember...Tulum is no longer a super cheap gringo paradise, but it is free of the massive commercialization to the north. We are definitely going back, and would stay with Paola at Hemingway in a heartbeat.

We spent a long time looking at different places in Tulum before we settled on Hemingway, and we're very pleased we chose it. We didn't want to stay in some sterile air-conditioned faux cabana, but equally we didn't want to rough it. Hemingway was the perfect combination for us.

Its a small place, about 8 Cabanas which gives it a nice friendly feel. Initially we thought we wanted a beach-front cabana, but there were none available, so we stayed in 'Iguana' which was actually rated as a Garden cabana. In reality it was set back only slightly from the beach, still surrounded by sand, and you could see the sea from our porch, maybe 20m maximum from the water, and actually the surrounding gardens gave it a nice secluded feel, unlike the beach-front ones which seemed a bit more exposed.

The Cabana itself was completely detached, and has the perfect 'look' of the traditional cabana, using all of the natural materials. Inside, however, it was very comfortable and spacious, with two double beds, and a lovely big bathroom. Although the bathroom doesn't have a door, it still provides privacy, and there is a little screen should you wish. This is more than made up for however, by the little details such as a real conch shell as a soap dish, and a mini hammock to store toiletries. The cabana is simply, but nicely decorated, with lovely fabrics. The beds were comfortable, if a little short (Iguana is a twin cabana) and although all of the windows are screened with netting, the beds have thier own mosquito nets, which add to the romantic appeal! All of the cabanas have porches at the front , with a hammock and chairs, so its nice to sit if you fancy a break from the sun.

The beach is lovely, we had read that there were rocks directly in front of the property, but although there are a few rocks, literally a few paces to right takes you into a perfect blue sea with a sandy bottom. One of the nicest things about Hemingway is that instead of regular sun loungers, there are double size 'day beds' made out of wood, some hanging like hammocks, and some on the ground. Not only are they great for couples, but they're made up each day with proper sheets and thicker cushions so they are very comfy. There are hammocks in between the palm trees as well. The beach was never crowded, and we could always find a bed, and often we were the only people in the sea all along the beach!

A word about Paola (the owner), the staff, and the restaurant. Breakfast each morning was fine, toast, coffee, fresh orange juice and a fruit platter, and while the staff were friendly, we might have struggled if we hadn't spoken spanish, as only Paola and the barman (both only around in the evenings) speak english. Throughout the day you can get beers and soft drinks just by poking your head round the kitchen door, and they're reasonably priced. In the evenings however, there is a full bar and one night we had a nice, but quite expensive (by local standards) cocktail there. In the evenings the restaurant has 4 tables for dinner, and you have to book in advance, we ate there one night, and the food was excellent. However, there is no menu, Paola tells you 'what's on' as it were, and no prices are mentioned. When the bill came, we were shocked at how expensive it was, a starter and main course, with two glasses of (low end) wine were far more expensive than any other meal we had throughout our stay in Tulum (even Hechizo where we had 3 courses and a bottle of wine). Excellent food, great location, not so sure about the price.

The properties in Tulum are spread out along a long beach road, we thought Hemingway was great, as it was within walking distance of a few lively bars and shops, as well as being a short cab ride into the pueblo, but was still very quiet.

Overall we loved our time at Hemingway, and would recommend it to anyone. Sure, the service is 'laid back' to say the least, and you might get the odd insect in the cabana, but for us, the character and charm of the place, and the picture perfect location more than made up for it.