Hotel y Eco-Cabañas Azul María Bacalar

It's close to both Bacalar Lagoon and the city center, which is convenient. But our room was very damp, and it wasn't cleaned while we were staying there.

The location is great and the place is affordable, with a nice view, a heated pool, and cheap beer. The staff are very friendly, though they seem inexperienced with customer service. Even when the place looked empty, people would arrive and be told there was no room. Maybe they only handle online reservations, I don't know. There isn't a restaurant, and bed linen isn't changed. You have to ask for everything. The pool's long with a slab in it, which is an odd design and seems dangerous for children. Maintenance is needed too: the water goes out and the shower doesn't work. I get the feeling the owners are abroad and have left everything for the staff to figure out.

We booked months ahead because we'd arrive early in the morning. I'd accepted the terms expecting our room to be held, but that didn't happen. My wife and I were put in a different room, while our children got a teepee. The rooms were dirty and lacked amenities. The next day I was moved to the room I'd originally reserved. My wife also left behind a pair of pants and a jacket, which the cleaning staff never returned. It was rainy season and cool to cold, but the shower never got hot despite our request. The card terminal wasn't working, so we couldn't pay by card. We chose the hotel because we loved the place, but it fell far short of what we expected, despite its nice location.

Waking up early to watch the sunrise over the water from the room or shared area was unforgettable. The colors of the sky and lagoon were otherworldly. We stayed at Azul María and had a wonderful time. It's right on the lagoon and feels peaceful, a good spot to relax and disconnect. The room was comfortable, clean, and well kept, with simple but welcoming touches. The staff were friendly and attentive throughout, always bringing positive energy.