Xcabal Hotel Boutique

The restaurant, Itzel, had plenty of options and a great view at breakfast, though the ceiling fans weren’t working during our visit, so the heat lingered. The service elsewhere was friendly and attentive. This affordable, clean, natural-feeling hotel sits by the water outside downtown Bacalar, and it worked for us since we spent most of our days exploring. There are lots of steps down the hillside to the water. Not having a TV or phone in the room felt like a welcome break from society, though it was inconvenient when we needed towels or toilet paper. Our room had a water balcony, but the screen door wouldn’t lock, and there were lots of mosquitoes. The room was also beside the septic tank, so we had bugs and smells outside the door.

We came to celebrate my boyfriend’s birthday, and I was also planning to propose during the stay. Raul Meza and the Xcabal staff went above and beyond to make the proposal special for me and my now fiancé. Their knowledge of the property, weather, and space helped make it a perfect moment. The facilities and scenery are amazing, and the restaurant food was really good too. Spend a little extra for the sea view, it’s worth it, trust me. Thank you, Raul and Xcabal staff! 🧡❤️♥️

The lagoon view from the room, restaurant, and pontoon was beautiful, and the water was lovely and warm. It could be calm at times. But I wouldn’t stay here again. The room was dirty, with smudged glass, old food stains on the table, and a generally grubby common area. I had to wipe the aircon remote before using it. The doors and windows didn’t seal, so mosquitoes got in, and there was no net, despite dengue being common here. The shower flooded the bathroom after just five minutes, leaving a damp smell and ants. There was also a sewer smell outside the room, and the stairs into the water were dangerously slippery. The atmosphere felt flat, with staff often sitting around on their phones watching videos. Service felt like you had to ask for every little thing. The restaurant service was very average, and I nearly paid a 15% tip on every order without noticing. When I got sick and had to cancel a kayak tour, I had to ask twice for a refund. I was travelling alone and couldn’t get to a supermarket, but nobody checked if I had food or water. They brought it when I asked, but the response felt heartless. Bright outside lights came through the white curtains and made the room feel like daytime at night. I texted the first evening to ask for them to be turned off and got no reply. The next day there was no apology until I asked in person. Loud music kept me awake one night too. I’ve stayed in jungle lodges with no hot water for five euros and still given them five stars, so I don’t think my expectations are unreasonable. For this price, the place was pretty crap.

Our upgraded room had a great lagoon view, and the room itself was beautiful and clean. The kayak area was lovely too. I was disappointed by the staff, though, especially the breakfast waiter, who wasn’t very nice. I’d still recommend it for the view.