This is a campers paradise. The bungalows are very rustic and you cant be shy. Not a lot of privacy. There might as well not even have doors on the showers and shared toilets. But I didn't care about any of that. The location and beach were perfect. Loved the cabana chairs. It was so laid back and relaxing. The whole Tulum beach / yoga vibe enveloped the area. The beach was great for swimming. The next hotel down is clothing optional which you will discover if you go for a run. The morning yoga next door is very nice. I would recommend you bring your own blanket or sleeping bag. The small very thin blanket wasn't adequate. The sunset was stellar. I thought the staff was very helpful. They don't wait on you which I like. It is more of the leave you alone unless you need something vibe. I like this because it didn't feel like everyone had their hand out for $ like most places in mexico. If your not into camping you may feel its too rustic but if you like to be in the outdoors you'll find this place very comfortable. I would suggest they get foam pads for the beds.

After more than two weeks of traveling around Mexico, me and my boyfriend came to Tulum and taxi driver took us to Papaya playa. We did not know anything about the place before, but we loved it for the first sight. For 520 pesos, which is in my oppinion absolutely fine price for the ocean front accomodation, you get a romantic cabana, private beach with beds hang in front of the beautiful Caribean ocean, you can drink cocktails or eat sushi right on the beach or eat a fantastic food in the restaurant/bar - again, everything is right on the beach. Staff is very nice and friendly.
On the top of that there is a couple of nice places to see - Tulum ruins, reservation Sian´Kaan, cenotes where you can dive and for more exacting customers the Xel-ha lagoon.
I was surprised to read some bad reviews here. I have no idea how did the place look before but today it is absolutely gorgeous. Of course if you are looking for place with TV, swimming pool and well creased stuff and no adventure at all, this place is not for you, but we have really felt like leaving the paradise. Places in Cancun or Playa del Carmen could hardly win the competition with the Papaya playa resort in Tulum:-)

We ended up to Papaya Playa randomly and it was great !!!! BUT to love it you got to like camping, because the cabanas are small and your clothes and bed are humid.... We had the cabanas without the bathroom/shower, there is a 30$ difference if you want it with the bathroom/shower, wich I don't think is worth it because the one you can use are really clean.

We stayed for 3 nights, waking to the sound of the water, the constant wind, the beach the sun. WOW

The service was good. The food was ok but if you eat there 3 times a day it's a little expensive. The cost for a taxi to get downtown Tullum is about 400 pesos (3 $ USD).

Overall it was great, it is the place to relax and enjoy the beach and sun

This was a great pick for our vacations in couple! The place had a gorgeous view on the Carribean Sea near the ruins of Tulum. Also because of is outstanding location, we had chance to visit over five great sites in only seven days of vacations. Chitchen Itzà, Coba, Valladolid, Muyil and obviously Tulum.
Papaya Playa is tremendously peaceful! From the time we arrived until the time we left, everything was excellent.
The place was cozy for a couple (and could be perfect for families also), and it was perfect for our use. Very easy access to the downtown of Tulum pueblo (approx. 3-4 km) - far away enough to feel like you're not on top of someone else, but certainly not isolated so you feel connected to activities and nice places to eat and shop.
Staff were always helpful but never intruding. They definitely strike the right balance in customer service :-)
Don't forget the food quality of their restaurant-- we ordered many of their specials (food and drinks) and the're nothing less than delicious and fabulous. Overall, for the value, this place was more than top notch.
Hearing the breaking waves all night long, diping in the torquoise water sea before breakfast, this is the place. We'd certainly come again!