What can I say. . . . La Via Laktea is in our hearts!! and it seems we have trouble travelling anywhere else . . . . we seriously do love it! . . . this time we booked a week and were there from Dec.24 - Dec.31 2010! La Via Laktea has definately become our home away from home! Roberto and Bambu, THANK YOU!! :)

La Via Laktea sits high on the sand looking down over a magnificent beach. It is surrounded by palm trees and white sand. We stayed in an upper king room for 10 days. The room was spacious & well thought out, with a beautiful huge balcony c/w two hammocks. Looking out from the balcony was like looking at a postcard, it was that pretty! We loved the beach, loved the constant sound of the ocean & the cool breezes at night. We also loved the immense palapa roof. The local staff was very nice to us. There was never much hot water, but that's just part of the deal of being in Tulum, and we accept that.

What was bothersome wasn't the hotel itself. The place only provides 2 beach palapas for shade. We were always at the beach early in the morn, and people would come down to the beach to "claim" their beach loungers (under one of the shade palapas) by throwing towels on them and then disappearing... sometimes for hours, or even for most of the day. It was so unfair to other guests who, out of politeness, dare not take over those spots. Perhaps the staff should stay on top of this annoying behavior.

We have stayed in Tulum many times over the years and have sadly watched it get discovered and grow. (We used to walk from Cabanas Tulum to Zamas, and pass by only one other hotel). We have come to the realization that we are just not "hip" enough for it anymore. Some prices in the restaurants along the beach road are outrageous. Who would want to pay 360 pesos for a steak? Just the steak.. no rice, no beans, no trimmings; or 240 pesos for a plate of very simple homemade linguine? We chose to eat in the pueblo.

We found new Tulum has become way too trendy, and upscale for us. Being "Eco_Chic" has it's price I guess. Thank goodness they cannot ruin the beach. It is as beautiful as ever.

We recently stayed at La Via Laktea for 5 nights and had an incredible time. If you are looking for a very quiet, relaxing and amazing time, I would suggest staying in one of these cabanas. Bambu and Roberto were welcoming, non intrusive and very very helpful if you needed them to be. When we woke up each morning, and went to sleep each night the last sound we heard was that of the ocean waves. There were restaurants within walking distance and Roberto made some great recommendations for us in the town of Tulum as well. The continental breakfast of homemade toasted bread with a BIG bowl of fruit with yogurt and granola was great, as well as the pressed coffee. We were not disappointed, and will return one day.

Of all the options in Tulum do not choose this hotel, rooms are full with mosquitos, no breeze coming in and the Owner couple just do not care.

There a lot of nicer and CHEAPER hotels in the area...dont waste your money there!