Hotel Xa'an Bacalar

We liked it so much that we extended our stay. The place is simple, stylish, and comfortable, with a lovely rooftop shared space. Breakfast there is basic, just coffee, bananas, and cereal, and is available until 11. The pool was great and everything was clean. We were there with our one-year-old, and the location worked well: outside the center, but only a 10-15 minute walk to the main square. There are also a few small shops and taco places nearby.

The little pool was great for an evening dip, and for a budget hotel this is good value. It's about a 10-minute walk from the town center and lake. We did have a full day and night without water. Maybe that was a wider Bacalar problem, so I can't say it was the hotel's fault. We also tried their 'beach club' Tropic Monkey because entry was free, but it hardly felt like a beach club, and the kayaks cost more than anywhere else. I'd skip it.

A lovely, peaceful place with good prices. The room was spacious and clean, and the front desk was really helpful. There's a beautiful pool and lounging area, plus a rooftop terrace. It's small, but we still had a chance to make friends with other guests. Recommended!

The bed was comfortable and the patio was nice, but the room felt bare, with hardly any table space or anywhere to put our things. The rooms also look unfinished, as if the work or decorating stopped halfway through. It's about a 12-minute walk to town along a dark street with dogs. Our check-in experience may have been worse because we were greeted by a new staff member instead of Ana, the hostess other reviewers mentioned. They couldn't answer some very basic questions, so the staff training needs work. They are new, though, and hopefully things improve.