I recommend Tita Tulum or Nueva Vida de Ramiro. They both have beach front cabanas in your price range and they both have a restaurant which serves alcohol. (But NV's restaurant isn't close to the beach, it's out at the road.)

I loved both places and would recommend cabana Amor Eterno (formally #1) at NV. Cabanas #1 & 2 at Tita.

Both places are further south on the road though, you should probably only stay at these places if you have a car.

We are styaying at Hemmingways this year for four out of 9 nights. The rest at Piedra Escondida. We checked them out last year. 150.00 US including breakfast and right on the beach. Only a year old. Tile floors, separate bathrooms with shower. Great beach right out front, with beach loungers and hammocks. Up the beach from Anna Y Jose for drinks or the other way to Zamas or my personal favourite Piedra Escondida with the best bar right on the beach.

Will give full report mid Feb when we return.

Tita Tulum. 9 cabanas muy Intimas .

Tita

Thanks for the suggestions. I have been emailing/calling places are these seem to be my options, as of tonight:

Hamaca Loca

- Three nights on the beach, cheap, have seen nice pics on other forums, but have seen no reviews

Hemingway

- Three nights in a garden suite, also seen nice pictures, but no reviews, seems ideally located, walking distance to good beach restaurants

Nueva Ramiro

- Two nights in a beachfront cabana, a little further down the beach, but we will have a car, so not a real issue

Posada Lamar

-Two nights in the Marfil room/cabana, also seems ideally situated

Still waiting to hear from Tita.

Among these, what are the best options -- we're looking for a nice beach, near other restaurants/bars, and on the nice end of 'rustic'. Has anyone been to Hamaca Loca or Hemingways lately?

Thanks again!

I ve been in Hamaca Loca in february.

I have heard a lot of good things about La Conchita. There price is right. I have not stayed there, however. Why don't you check out their website?