Planning a December trip to the Yucatan, specifically Tulum/Quintana Roo. Any suggestions -- especially for reasonably priced, laid back, clean & comfortable beachside accommodation -- greatly appreciated.

I have never stayed in the Tulum beach hotel area, but I have read good things about Zazil Kin or http://www.hotelstulum.com/Zazilkin/

If you can afford a bit more, http://www.cabanascopal.com would be worth looking at.

A friend and I did stay in the village on a bike trip, but I would never recommend that place to anyone. Just beware of any accommodations there with the misleading term, tranqilo, in the title.

By the way, in Tulum pueblo you can find some delightful barbecue chicken Sinaloa Style. Standing in front of the ADO bus station and facing the street, it is about one block to the left and on the other side. It is just a take away place with a few places to sit, but the food is great!