The 6 Best Grutas de Tolantongo Hotels for a Comfortable Stay
Planning on staying at the Tolantongo Resort?
You’re in the right place because I’ve been to Tolantongo twice, and stayed at one of the Grutas de Tolantongo hotels.
You’re about to learn all my Tolantongo travel tips, so you can visit the famous Mexico hot springs like a pro.
One of the most confusing parts of planning your trip to Tolantongo Grutas is understanding the hotels.
There are off-site and on-site hotels at Tolantongo, some that only open on weekends, and you have to book them in person.
As one of the best Mexico hidden gems, planning a trip to Las Grutas de Tolantongo can prove tricky — but I’m here to help.
By the end of this article, you’ll know everything about the Grutas de Tolantongo hotels, so let’s dive in!
Quick Guide: The Best Grutas de Tolantongo Hotels
There are five onsite hotels at the Tolantongo resort complex, and one other hotel connected to it.
Note: Though it has “resort” in the name, think modest accommodations, not Grutas de Tolantongo all inclusive resorts!
Three hotels are open all week; La Gruta Hotel, Paraíso Hotel and Paraíso Escondido Hotel.
The other two, La Huerta Hotel and Molanguito Hotel, open on weekends only.
In total, there are about 350 hotel rooms at Tolantongo, with single rooms, double rooms and triple rooms available.
There is also the Tolantongo La Gloria Hotel, which is on the same grounds, but not part of the Tolantongo complex.
Personally, I like this section better because it’s more private and tranquil.
Keep reading, because we’ll do a deep dive into each of these 6 Best Grutas de Tolantongo Hotels.
I’ll also explain how to book your Tolantongo because you can only do it on-site — there are no online bookings for Tolantongo hotels.
1. Hotel La Gruta Tolantongo
- 📍 Location: Near the main Tolantongo entrance, and the center of the park
- #️⃣ Number of Rooms: 100
- 🏨 Room Types: Single, Single with balcony, Double, Double with balcony
- 🤑 Cost: $900-1,300 pesos (approx. $45-75 USD, though rates can vary)
For those who like to plan their trips, know that Tolantongo doesn’t have advance bookings at their Mexico resorts — only onsite, in person rentals (more on this later, or you can jump ahead now).
In fact, this is why I opted for a Tolantongo hot springs tour the first time I visited. I was too scared to risk not getting a room!
However, there are about 350 rooms at Las Grutas de Tolantongo, so it’s unlikely they’ll run out.
About Hotel La Gruta Tolantongo
The second time I visited Tolantongo, I stayed on-site at Hotel La Gruta.
It was a nice, quaint hotel, with basic but comfortable amenities. They provided a bar of soap, towel and bottle of water in the room, but little else.
Rooms don’t have air conditioning, but you shouldn’t need it anyway because the Tolantongo weather is pleasant year-round.
I opted for the slightly more expensive room that had a balcony and a nice view of the Tolantongo River.
For an extra $15 USD, it was worth the upgrade and I would absolutely upgrade again if a balcony room is available.
At Hotel La Gruta, you’re right near the main parking lot at Tolantongo, so it was easy to bring our stuff in.
You also have a restaurant and convenience store close by, and the hotel is only a few minute’s walk from the Tolantongo River.
2. Hotel Paraíso Escondido
- 📍 Location: Tolantongo property
- #️⃣ Number of Rooms: 97
- 🏨 Room Types: Single, Single with balcony, Double, Double with balcony, Double king, Triple king, Private cabin
- 🤑 Cost: $1,050-2,200 pesos (approx. $50-125 USD, though rates can vary)
Paraíso Escondido means “hidden paradise,” so if you want privacy, this is the best hotel in Tolantongo for you.
It is a favorite among visitors seeking a peaceful environment surrounded by beautiful views and lush nature.
If you need extra space, opt for the cabins — which are the largest hotel rooms at Tolantongo.
Like all the other options, Hotel Paraíso Escondido is cozy but very comfy. All rooms here have private bathrooms with showers.
3. Paraíso Hotel Tolantongo
- 📍 Location: Top of the Tolantongo site, near the infinity pools
- 🏨 Room Types: Single, Double, Double with balcony
- 🤑 Cost: $1,600-2,800 pesos (approx. $90-165 USD, though rates can vary)
This is the newest hotel on the property, and arguably the most luxurious of the Las Grutas Tolantongo hotels.
It is located on prime real estate, right next to the famous Tolantongo pools you’ve likely seen in social media photos.
Paraíso Hotel is situated at the highest point of any of the Tolantongo hotels, so you have great views from here.
For this reason, definitely opt for a balcony room if they have them available.
4. La Gloria Tolantongo Hotel
- 📍 Location: Connected to the Tolantongo property via a walkway bridge
- 🏨 Room Types: Single, Double, King
- 🤑 Cost: $800-1,200 pesos (approx. $45-70 USD, though rates can vary)
La Gloria Tolantongo is a separate section of Tolantongo, which has nice waterfalls and several natural pools.
They have cabins and camping, but the perk of staying here is that it will be far less crowded than Tolantongo.
Like the Tolantongo hotels, you have to book your hotel at La Gloria in person, and with cash.
You access Tolantongo by walking across a small bridge, which will put you near the Tolantongo Cave and Tunnel.
When you enter, you’ll need to pay the $180 pesos ($9 USD) Tolantongo entrance fee.
The Zipline at Tolantongo
Here in La Gloria, you’ll also find the Tolantongo Zipline.
It’s 2,625-feet-long (800 m), takes you over a few areas of the park, and is relatively inexpensive at $250 pesos ($12 USD).
You don’t need to be staying at the hotel to access it, but you will need to pay to enter La Gloria to access it, and then pay for the actual zipline ride.
5. La Huerta Hotel (Open Holidays & Weekends Only)
- 📍 Location: Tolantongo property
- #️⃣ Number of Rooms: 34
- 🏨 Room Types: Single, Single with balcony, Double, Deluxe double, Double with balcony, Triple with balcony
- 🤑 Cost: $1,050-1,450 pesos (approx. $50-80 USD, though rates can vary)
On weekends when the options listed above have filled up, they open La Huerta Hotel and Molanguito Hotel.
My advice: If you can, opt for one of the Tolantongo Hidalgo hotels listed above because they’re definitely nicer.
That’s not to say La Huerta isn’t nice, just that the others are nicer.
However, if you arrive Friday or Saturday afternoon, and it’s the only one available, grab it!
Unlike Molanguito Hotel (up next on the list), La Huerta Tolantongo is on the property, whereas Molanguito isn’t.
6. Molanguito Hotel (Open Holidays & Weekends Only)
- 📍 Location: 5 miles (8 km) from Tolantongo
- 🏨 Room Types: Single, Double, Double king
- 🤑 Cost: $800-1,150 pesos (approx. $45-65 USD, though rates can vary)
While we’re not talking luxury by any means, Molanguito Tolantongo hotel is a safe and inexpensive overnight option.
The rooms have beds, cable TV, a hot shower, and Wi-Fi, but no other amenities.
For Mexico budget travelers that don’t want to go camping at Tolantongo, this is a great option.
It is the cheapest Tolantongo hotel, though it’s located just off the property so you’ll have to drive your rental car to Tolantongo.
How to Book Grutas de Tolantongo Hotels
For those who like to plan their trips, this part can be a bit scary:
Tolantongo doesn’t have advance bookings at their Mexico resort.
You can only reserve your room onsite and in person.
You can request any of the hotels you liked from the list above, and they will tell you what’s available.
How many Las Grutas de Tolantongo hotel rooms are there?
There are about 350 available Las Grutas de Tolantongo cabañas-style hotel rooms, so it’s highly unlikely they’ll run out.
Now, if you’re not someone who likes to go camping, you don’t want to risk them running out of rooms — even if it is unlikely.
To be safe, make sure the first thing you do when you arrive is get your Tolantongo hotel rooms situated.
Otherwise, you might end up having to stay at the camping site.
Pro Tip: Get your room as soon as you arrive
On the day of your stay, head to the Tolantongo hotel rental booth as soon as you arrive. This way, you not only secure a room, you get your choice of room.
The cheaper hotel rooms at Tolantongo Resort tend to go first, so make renting a room your first priority when you arrive.
Arrive as early as you can to the Grutas Tolantongo resort rental booth. Las Grutas de Tolantongo opens at 7am, but it’s not necessary to get there right at 7am.
If you can, visit Tolantongo on a weekday when there are far less people, and hotel room rentals are easier.
⚠️ Tolantongo travel tips
If you want to take those people-free, Instagram worthy Grutas de Tolantongo photos, you’ll need to rent a hotel room.
When you stay at Tolantongo, you have access to the site before it opens to the public, which is the best time for photos.
This is how I was able to get the Instagrammable Tolantongo photo you see above.
Las Grutas de Tolantongo Camping
If you’d rather go camping at Tolantongo Grutas, you can do that instead of renting a hotel.
Below, you’ll find all the info you need to enjoy camping at Tolantongo.
When you arrive at the park, head to the campsite rental booth and reserve your site.
If you’re bringing your own equipment, you won’t have to pay anything for the campsite, but you still have to register.
Do they rent tents at Tolantongo?
Yes — If you don’t have camping equipment, Tolantongo has tent rentals, and rentals for everything else you’d need, from camping chairs to padlocks.
The best part about camping at Tolantongo?
Grutas de Tolantongo staff will set everything up for you after you rent it.
Tolantongo rents everything — tents (doubles and singles for those who want their own tent), inflatable mattresses, blankets, and a grill for cooking your food.
Tent rentals range from $120-$300 pesos ($6-$15 USD), a ground pad is $150 ($7 USD), an air mattress is $350 pesos ($17 USD), and lockers for your personal belongings are $150 pesos ($7.50 USD).
Camping at Tolantongo is not only budget-friendly, it’s also peaceful because you get to fall asleep to the sounds of the water flow at this natural wonder.
You’re also right next to the warm river waters for an early swim.
While you may hear loud music played during the day, there is a no noise policy after 10pm.
However, the bathrooms, dressing rooms and showers in the camping areas are open 24 hours a day.
Grutas de Tolantongo Hotels FAQ
What’s the best hotel at Tolantongo?
In my opinion as someone who has stayed onsite, the best Tolantongo hotel is Hotel Paraiso.
It is located at the top of the site, near the famous Tolantongo pools you’ve seen in all the Instagram photos.
There’s also the Tolantongo La Gloria Hotel, with double and single cabins.
La Gloria is a smaller area within the Tolantongo resort complex, but it’s on the same property.
It’s less crowded than Tolantongo itself, so La Gloria feels more exclusive.
The next time I visit Tolantongo Mexico, I plan to stay at La Gloria to be away from the large crowds and near all the lush greenery at La Gloria.
Now, it’s not terrible, but don’t plan for fast WiFi at Tolantongo Grutas.
A Mexico SIM card from Telcel will come in handy here because Telcel is Mexico’s largest cell provider, so you’ll have the best signal with them.
How much do hotels at Tolantongo cost?
Las Grutas de Tolantongo resort price rates range from $800-$2,800 pesos per room ($45-165 USD).
As you might imagine, the cheaper rooms often get rented first.
Tolantongo hotel rooms have one, two, and three bed options, and the ones with three beds cost the most.
Some rooms have balconies, which is a nice upgrade for only about $250 pesos ($12 USD) more — I highly recommend this!
You have to pay in pesos, as Tolantongo is cash only.
Room rates vary from $700-$2,000 pesos ($35-$100 USD), so keep that in mind when figuring out how much cash to bring to Tolantongo.
▶︎ Head here for more info on what to bring to Tolantongo Grutas.
Can you book Tolantongo hotels online?
No — You must book Grutas de Tolantongo hotels in person. Click the link if you need some tips on how to book a Tolantongo hotel.
If you’ve Googled “Grutas de Tolantongo booking,” and no results turned up, now you know why.
All hotels and Grutas de Tolantongo resorts have to be booked in person, and paid for in cash.
Can you pay for a Tolantongo hotel with a credit card?
No — Las Grutas de Tolantongo hotel rooms have to be booked on-site, and in cash.
In fact, everything at Tolantongo is cash only, and they only take pesos.
Are there pet friendly Tolantongo hotels?
No — Pets and animals are not allowed at Tolantongo. This includes within the park itself, and the Tolantongo hotels.
Do Grutas de Tolantongo hotels include park admission?
No — The cost of the room doesn’t include tickets to Grutas Tolantongo Park.
Admission to Tolantongo is $180 pesos (about $9 USD) per person, per day.
What time is check-in for Grutas de Tolantongo hotels?
You can check-in to your Grutas de Tolantongo hotel at 3pm, or a bit earlier if the room is available.
What time is check-out for Grutas de Tolantongo hotels?
You must check-out of your Grutas de Tolantongo hotel by 12pm, but you can always try to request a late check out time.
Grutas de Tolantongo Travel Guide
How do you pronounce Tolantongo?
The correct Tolantongo pronunciation is toe-lon-tawn-go.
Where is Tolantongo Grutas?
Tolantongo Grutas is in Hidalgo state, in Central Mexico. It is located about 4 hours from Mexico City by car.
For a visual, check out this Grutas Tolantongo Mexico map.
What’s the best way to get from Mexico City to Tolantongo?
You basically only have three options on how to get to Tolantongo from Mexico City — 1) Take a group tour, 2) Rent a car and drive, and 3) Go via public transport.
How far is Tolantongo from Mexico City?
In normal traffic, the Mexico City to Tolantongo drive time is about four hours.
The Mexico City to Tolantongo distance is 126 miles (202 km).
Is it safe to drive to Tolantongo?
For the majority of travelers, renting a car in Mexico and driving in Mexico are safe — and that includes the drive from Mexico City to Tolantongo.
However, there’s the obvious caveat to that…
Since you’ll be driving in another country, you should take the time to familiarize yourself with Mexico driving laws and customs.
Make sure to check out these 10 Mexico Driving Tips on how to drive in Mexico City and Central Mexico before traveling to Tolantongo Caves.
Looking for a Mexico City rental car?
When I rent a car in Mexico City, I always use and recommend Discover Cars.
I’ve used them in cities throughout Mexico, and always had a positive experience.
Is there parking at Tolantongo?
Yes — It costs $30 pesos ($2 USD) per day to park at Tolantongo.
The parking lot is located right off the main road as you enter Las Grutas Tolantongo.
Is there a Tolantongo Airport?
No — If you’re wondering, Are there Grutas de Tolantongo flights?, sorry to bear bad news, but no, there aren’t.
What airport do you fly into for Grutas de Tolantongo?
The best Tolantongo airport is Mexico City International Airport (code: MEX).
However, the closest airport to Grutas de Tolantongo is Queretaro International Airport (code: QRO).
Do you need water shoes for Tolantongo?
Yes — While water shoes sometimes seem optional, they are necessary at Las Grutas Tolantongo because the ground is not paved.
I have been to Tolantongo a few times, and never saw anyone without shoes on.
You will really mess up your feet if you don’t have water shoes like these, as the entire Grutas de Tolantongo complex is unpaved and rocky.
You’ll also want a waterproof phone holder to carry your phone and some cash around.
💸 Note: Tolantongo is cash only, so all your food, drinks, souvenirs and incidentals will have to be paid for in cash (pesos, not USD or Euros).
These waterproof fanny pack pouches are another great option, if you need to carry around more than just your phone.
Also, sunscreen, a sun hat and sunglasses will really come in handy.
Need more info on what to wear to Tolantongo and what to bring to Tolantongo?
Head here for an in-depth Tolantongo packing list so that you don’t forget anything important when you visit.
How much are Tolantongo tickets?
A Grutas Tolantongo entry ticket is $180 pesos ($9 USD) for the day, which includes access to everything in the park.
Do note this cost covers only your admission to Tolantongo Grutas.
🚨 Staying overnight? You must pay for a second day
Your $180 pesos ($9 USD) Tolantongo tickets cover one day’s admission for the park’s regular hours of 7am-8pm.
If you stay past 8pm, you’ll be charged for the next full day admission — an additional $180 pesos.
This means that for anyone staying overnight, the Grutas de Tolantongo price will be $360 pesos ($18 USD), not $180 pesos.
The good news?
You have access to the park for the entire second day until they close at 8pm.
What are the best things to do at Grutas Tolantongo?
There are actually several things to check out, including the famous Tolantongo Pools you’ve probably seem photos of.
Besides those, don’t miss the Tolantongo River and Tolantongo Cave. For the adventurous, there’s also a zipline at Tolantongo.
What’s the best time to visit Tolantongo Grutas?
Weekdays — As a year-round destination, and one of the best overnight and day trips from Mexico City, Tolantongo is VERY crowded on weekends.
My best advice is to try to visit during the week, when it’s much more pleasant and relaxed.
What is the best month to visit Grutas de Tolantongo?
March to June — The Spring months are lovely, but do avoid Semana Santa (Holy Week).
This is the week before Easter, and known as the worst week to travel anywhere in Mexico.
What’s the Tolantongo weather like?
The Tolantongo climate is moderate, and usually humid but cool.
🌡️ Average Tolantongo Weather Chart
It is a year-round destination, so this is what you can expect pretty much all year.
How hot is the water at Grutas Tolantongo?
The water temperature at Tolantongo hot springs ranges from about 75-95°F (24-35°C), depending on where you are in the park.
Need additional Tolantongo information?
The official Grutas de Tolantongo website provides a lot of great information, like this map of Tolantongo.
If there was anything not covered in this article, I’m sure you’ll find it on their site.
My Final Thoughts on the Best Grutas de Tolantongo Hotels
As you can see, there are quite a few hotels at Tolantongo Hidalgo Mexico. While they are modest, they get the job done for an overnight trip to Tolantongo.
If you love being in nature, enjoy venturing off the beaten path, and want to visit one of the most beautiful places in Mexico, then you’ll love Tolantongo Grutas — regardless of if you’re in a 5 Star hotel with room service or not.
I hope this complete guide to Tolantongo answered all your questions about visiting, and thoroughly explained all your different hotel options.