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Where to stay in Bacalar
When choosing accommodation in Bacalar, you’ll need to approach it a little differently than in a typical town.
The lagoon is the main reason to visit, but much of its shoreline isn’t freely accessible. A hotel with its own jetty or private access to the water can therefore significantly enhance your entire stay.
We stayed at the Makaaba Eco-Boutique Hotel. The atmosphere was pleasant, but our room was extremely small. Next time, I’d prefer to pay extra for a larger room, ideally right by the lagoon.
If the difference between a comparable hotel in the centre and one by the water is only 41 eur to 62 eur per night, I’d pay extra for direct access to the lagoon. You’ll get your own spot for swimming, the chance to jump into the water early in the morning, and often a jetty, sun loungers or kayaks as well.
Quick selection of accommodation in Bacalar
- Best value for money and central location – Casa Chukum
- Direct access to the lagoon at a reasonable price – Hotel Carolina Bacalar
- A waterside hotel with a swimming pool and restaurant – CasaBakal
- A luxurious stay where the hotel itself is the experience – Our Habitas Bacalar
- Affordable and sociable accommodation right by the water – The Yak Lake House
Where to stay in Bacalar?
In Bacalar, your main choice will be between the town centre and a hotel right by the lagoon. Quiet resorts a few kilometres outside the town are in a category of their own.
Bacalar town centre
Accommodation in the town centre is cheaper and more convenient. You can walk to restaurants, the fortress, the Zócalo square and the Ecoparque Bacalar.
For a nice double room, expect to pay between 75 eur and 145 eur per night. I’d choose the town centre for a shorter stay, on a limited budget, or if you want to spend most of the day on excursions.
The downside is the lack of private access to the lagoon. To go for a swim, you’ll need to head to the public jetties, Ecoparque or the paid-entry areas known as balnearios.
Hotels right by the lagoon
A hotel with its own jetty is more expensive, but in Bacalar it makes more sense than in many other destinations. In the morning, you can go for a swim before breakfast and return to the water in the afternoon without having to look for a public entrance.
For a good-quality hotel right by the lagoon, you’ll pay approximately 145 eur to 311 eur per room per night. Luxury resorts can cost more than 331 eur per night.
Be careful with the wording in accommodation listings. A view of the lagoon does not automatically mean direct access to the water. Look specifically for ‘private beach’, ‘jetty’ or ‘direct access to the lagoon’ in the description.
Having your own jetty is no substitute for a boat trip on the Lagoon of Seven Colours, but it will allow you to enjoy the water even outside of organised activities.
The northern and southern edges of the town
The quietest hotels are situated along the lagoon, a few kilometres north or south of the centre. You’ll get more privacy, larger grounds and often a restaurant on site.
However, you’ll need a taxi, an Uber or a hire car for an evening visit to the centre. Before booking, therefore, check that the hotel has a restaurant, a car park and an access road that remains passable even after rain.
Choose a hotel in Bacalar by location
Recommended hotels in Bacalar
I personally considered booking these hotels.
Casa Chukum – a comfortable base in the centre
Casa Chukum is situated near Ecoparque and within walking distance of the Zócalo. It offers larger rooms, a garden, a swimming pool and bicycles.
It doesn’t have its own access to the lagoon, but it’s a good choice for travellers who want to stay in the centre without compromising on comfort. Prices range from around 79 eur to 137 eur per room per night.
Hotel Carolina – a smaller hotel right by the lagoon
Hotel Carolina Bacalar is situated right on the shore and offers private access to the water as well as a swimming pool. It’s ideal for travellers who want to make the most of Bacalar’s main attraction but don’t need a large, luxury resort.
Expect to pay 137 eur to 228 eur per room per night. The hotel has a limited number of rooms, so the most popular dates may sell out early.
CasaBakal – a compromise between a hotel and a resort
CasaBakal is situated on the southern shore of the lagoon. It has its own access to the water, a swimming pool, a restaurant and more communal areas than the smaller hotels in the centre.
It is suitable for couples and travellers who want to spend part of their stay right at the hotel. Depending on the dates, you’ll pay between 124 eur and 240 eur per room per night.
Rancho Encantado – tranquillity away from the centre
The Rancho Encantado hotel is situated on the northern shore, just outside the centre of Bacalar. It offers bungalows, a garden, a restaurant and its own jetty.
It’s ideal for a quieter stay in the countryside, but you’ll need a car or a taxi to get to the town centre for dinner. Prices start at around 112 eur and typically reach 207 eur per room per night.
Amainah Bacalar – for couples and special occasions
Amainah Bacalar is a smaller adults-only hotel on the south coast. The rooms overlook the lagoon, and there is a restaurant, a swimming pool and relaxation areas by the water.
I’d choose this for a romantic getaway or if you’re looking for more privacy at the hotel. Prices range from 207 eur to 311 eur per room per night.
Our Habitas Bacalar – when the hotel is part of the experience
Our Habitas Bacalar is a luxury adults-only hotel situated just outside the town. It offers private access to the lagoon, a restaurant, a spa and organised activities.
I’d recommend this accommodation if you want to spend most of your stay at the resort. On the other hand, it doesn’t make much sense if you’re planning to be out on excursions from morning till night. Expect to pay between 186 eur and 373 eur per room per night.
The Yak Lake House – budget accommodation right by the water
The Yak Lake House is a sociable hostel right on the shore of the lagoon. It offers both shared and private rooms with views of the water.
A bed in a shared room costs around 19 eur to 27 eur per night, whilst a private room costs approximately 62 eur to 133 eur per night. The hostel is ideal for solo travellers and anyone looking to meet new people. If you’re seeking complete peace and quiet, I’d recommend choosing a different place to stay.
Our experience at Makaaba Eco-Boutique
We stayed at Makaaba Eco-Boutique during our time in Bacalar.
The hotel has a pleasant atmosphere, lovely communal areas and is within walking distance of the town centre.
The biggest problem was our extremely small room. Once we’d unpacked our bags, there was hardly any space left. It was fine for a night or two, but after a few nights we really started to miss having more space.
Makaaba is a good choice if you can find it for around 75 eur to 104 eur per room per night, are travelling with light luggage, and will mainly be using the room just for sleeping.
If the price is higher, I’d look for a more spacious hotel or accommodation with its own access to the lagoon.
Before booking, pay close attention to the specific room category and its size. Photographs of the communal areas don’t really give you much of an idea of the size of the room itself.
What should you look out for before booking?
When it comes to hotels in Bacalar, I recommend checking more than just the overall rating.
- Genuine direct access to the lagoon, not just a view of the water
- The room size stated in square metres
- Air conditioning, as a fan alone may not be enough in the heat
- An en-suite bathroom and whether it’s separate from the room
- Distance from the centre and evening transport options
How many nights should you book in Bacalar?
For a first visit, I recommend 2 to 3 nights. For a one-night stay, I’d opt for a cheaper hotel in the centre, as you’d hardly make use of the private access to the lagoon.
For a stay of two or three nights, the extra cost of a hotel by the water is well worth it. For four nights or more, a quieter resort outside the town might be a good option, ideally with a restaurant and the option to hire a kayak.
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