Imagine being surrounded by the most vibrant turquoise water you’ve ever seen, in a relaxed beach town that has yet to be discovered by hordes of tourists.
While this might sound like some far-off tropical island, Bacalar Lagoon is only a few-hour drive from the Cancun Airport!
With that said, the Pueblo Magico of Bacalar is becoming more well-known, and with that are coming more beautiful hotels to choose from in the area that still retain that laidback essence that Bacalar is known for.
That laidback vibe is exactly what I love about Bacalar so much—it has so much beauty to offer, plus fabulous restaurants and hotels, yet it still feels calm and secluded and also really affordable!
In this post, I’ll be sharing all the best hotels in Bacalar at different price ranges so you can make the best choice for your stay.
Something you should know about me though is I’m a sucker for cute design and a boutique-property feel.
Luckily, that’s pretty much everything in Bacalar as there are no big chain hotels here…yet. So let’s get to it! Here are the absolute best hotels in Bacalar.
Best Hotels in Bacalar Cheat Sheet!
Don’t have time to read the full post? Here are my absolute top picks.
▶️ #1 Hotel in Bacalar on the Lagoon: OurHabitas
▶️ #1 Bacalar Hotel in Town: Casa Hormiga
▶️ Best Budget Hotel on the Lagoon: Casa Shiva
▶️ Best Affordable Hotel in Town: Hotel Aires
Quick Tips for Choosing the Best Hotels in Bacalar
- Accommodation Style: The majority of accommodations you’ll find in Bacalar are pretty similar, in the way that they are laidback, a bit rustic and basic. This isn’t the type of area where you’re going to find huge resorts, chain hotels or super glam properties—but there are a few beautiful luxury boutique hotels that I’ve included below!
- Bacalar is a Great Place to Splurge: If you want to treat yourself to top-notch luxury, this is the place to do it because even the best hotels in Bacalar are more affordable than in other destinations around the world.
- Disregard the Marketing: Bacalar is still getting used to having a lot of international tourists, so some websites and marketing can be a little behind other more popular Mexico destinations. Don’t let their web presence fool you—it’s not necessarily an indicator of a bad stay.
- Book Early: If there’s a spot you know you want to stay at, definitely book it ASAP as the best of the best hotels in Bacalar can book up fast since there are fewer overall options.
- What to Look For: Like many tropical beach destinations, Bacalar can get very hot and humid. When looking for a spot to stay, prioritize features like air conditioning and access to a pool or the lagoon if you can.
- When to Visit: Hurricane season is from June to November, with most storms happening between August and October. You can definitely still enjoy Bacalar during this time, but note that storms bring lots of sand and dirt from the bottom of the lagoon up to the surface, making it look a bit murkier than usual.
Best Hotels in Bacalar on the Lagoon
OurHabitas Bacalar
If you’re looking for the absolute best of the best hotels in Bacalar featuring beautiful design, then you can just stop reading this post now, because OurHabitas is it.
This 5-star hotel is one of the newest additions to the area and provides top-notch services, amenities and design-centric accommodations—and you know that’s my thang.
If you’re at all familiar with Tulum beach hotels, then you know Habitas is a very popular choice along Tulum Beach and the new Bacalar location is no different.
There are only 24 A-frame tended bungalows on-site, giving it an exclusive and intimate vibe, and they have prime real estate directly on the lagoon while offering a wide range of spa and wellness packages.
For design lovers and wellness enthusiasts, you can’t go wrong with OurHabitas.
CasaBakal
Directly on the lagoon and with views to die for, CasaBakal is a dream come true. The decor is quite minimal, to keep the focus on the natural beauty of the area. And luckily, that can be enjoyed right from your bungalow’s private porch or a lounger by the pool.
The bungalow-style rooms offer peaceful privacy and some even have their own private plunge pools. Rooms in the main house can accommodate up to four, with some guests saying it feels more like a hostel environment, so keep that in mind when making your room selection.
If you’re interested in going out on the water in a kayak, paddle board, or sailboat, the hotel has plenty of water sports available. They also recently opened a new restaurant on site, making the property more full-service to guests.
A couple key selling points here: The rooms are all outfitted with air conditioning, and the pool bar is open all day offering cocktails, cold coconuts, soft drinks, and snacks—yes, please.
If you’re looking for one of the best hotels in Bacalar to truly unwind and exhale into a deep state of relaxation, this is it.
Hotel Carolina
With some of the most glowing reviews on the list, Hotel Carolina is definitely one of the best hotels in Bacalar. The cozy hotel offers spacious and rustic-chic rooms with views of the lagoon or jungle that utilize handcrafted, local materials in its design.
Perfectly located on the edge of town, it’s easy to walk from Hotel Carolina to any of Bacalar’s great restaurants. However, the hotel food is delicious and the service is great, so don’t be surprised if you find it hard to leave the property.
Hotel Carolina does a great job highlighting all of the incredible things to do around Bacalar. Plus, with its lagoon-side location, its easy to swim or launch a kayak right from the dock.
Rooms are outfitted with WiFi and air conditioning and the rate includes a continental breakfast.
Hotel Akalki Bacalar
More than just a hotel, Akalki is a holistic center described as a sanctuary of relaxation and healing. With the lagoon on one side and the jungle on the other, this hotel is a quiet place to unwind away in nature.
The lagoon-view rooms are a real treat, with private decks that literally hover over the water.
The restaurant at Hotel Akalki Bacalar is “garden to table” with much of the produce being grown on-site. However, the real standout is the spa. Treatments include cupping, hot stone massages, sound therapies, water massages, facials, and more.
Note that while luxurious, Akalki is a bit more rustic; not all rooms feature air conditioning, and they only guarantee WiFi in the common areas.
Rancho Encantado
Rancho Encantado has some of the largest rooms in Bacalar, with both jungle and lagoon views available. The decor is done in a traditional Mexican style with bright pops of color.
The overwater spa offers traditional treatments like massages, facials, and reflexology. Still, I’m most excited to try their Antioxidant Ritual next time I return, which involves an exfoliation, clay body mask, and moisturizing cream—all made with agave.
Their onsite restaurant is known for its modern Mexican cuisine with a focus on seafood, and they also boast a wine cellar with a wide range of Mexican wines.
The rooms are well-outfitted with air conditioning and a fan, a coffee maker, and a daily breakfast with plentiful options is included in the room rate.
Mía Bacalar
If you’re looking for another top luxury hotel in Bacalar, then Mía is not to be missed! This eco-luxe hotel focuses more on laid-back luxury than a traditional 5-star resort, but don’t worry—you’ll be totally pampered in this lagoon-side oasis.
The whole hotel is designed with the idea of creating spaces in harmony with nature, and they do a wonderful job highlighting both the lagoon and the jungle.
Mia pretty much has it all. There’s an on-site restaurant, a swim-up pool bar, a weekend bar, and room service, which is a rarity in the area.
Speaking of rarities, this hotel also offers a fitness center which is not so common in Bacalar either, so if you’re eager to get your sweat on during your trip, then this might be the place for you.
Glass bottom kayaks, cooking classes with their chef, and holistic spa treatments are a few of the additional incredible experiences offered by this property.
La Albarina
La Albarina offers one of the largest exclusive lagoon fronts, making it feel like you have the water all to yourself.
The spacious grounds here have many spots to relax, from the waterfront hammocks and loungers to shaded tables and couches. A couple things to note though are that the property does not have a pool and it is adults-only.
Each room at La Albarina has a lagoon view and private terrace. Suites also have air conditioning, WiFi, a coffee maker, and blackout curtains (key for late sleepers as the sun rises over the lagoon).
Best Hotels in Bacalar in Town
Casa Hormiga
If you prefer to stay in town versus on the lagoon and want to prioritize beautiful design, Casa Hormiga is your best bet. Given it’s thoughtful design and top-notch amenities, there’s no denying that Casa Hormiga is one of the best hotels in Bacalar, regardless of its location.
Especially for those who gravitate towards the spiritual wellness side of Tulum, Casa Hormiga has that same essence.
They offer a variety of spa experiences that they call rituals. Focused on highlighting different elements, each ritual is designed for maximum relaxation, heightened awareness, and grounding.
They also offer daily yoga classes, sound healings, massages, film nights and more.
Rooms are designed in a rustic and bohemian vibe, creating an authentic ambiance that blends well with the natural surroundings. The design is based on the Japanese concept of Wabi-Sabi, and no two rooms are exactly alike. You will, however, find air conditioning in all of them.
Blue Palm Bacalar
Blue Palm is one of the best hotels in Bacalar if you’re looking to stay in town. The pristine pool, bright murals, and abundant hammocks make it an ideal oasis for relaxing after a long day of exploring the lagoon and surrounding area.
Its subtle minimalist design is refreshing and clean and the hotel also offers daily yoga, spa services, and a restaurant and bar.
All rooms have WiFi and air conditioning and the prices here give you great value for what you pay.
Hotel Makaabá Eco Boutique Hotel
More modern and industrial than the rest, Hotel Makaabá is a contrast from the thatched roof palapas and natural vibes at most hotels in Bacalar. This rectangular property has clean lines and sharp angles and punchy accent colors throughout.
You can also find really great prices at this hotel, depending on the time of your visit.
Since it is not on the lagoon, the energy at Hotel Makaabá centers around its pool, and the whole property is built more like a traditional hotel, meaning there aren’t private cabanas.
However, there are plenty of traditional amenities including air conditioning, room service, WiFi, and a highly-rated breakfast included.
Best Budget Hotels on Bacalar Lagoon
Casa Shiva
One of the most affordable of the group, Casa Shiva is located directly on the lagoon and regularly offers prices under $100 if you travel on the right dates.
While this Bacalar hotel doesn’t have the amenities that some of the other luxury hotels offer, the wide range of room options here means there’s something for everyone.
From regular double rooms to family suites that can sleep up to six people, Casa Shiva is great for larger groups visiting Bacalar. They even have glamping domes for those looking to get even closer to nature.
Breakfast is included in the room rate as well.
Yak Lake House
If you’re OK with hostel accommodations or are traveling solo down to Bacalar, then you should definitely consider Yak Lake House, which offers the cheapest lagoon front accommodations you can find in the area.
With dorm and private room options that sit right on the lake, you’re guaranteed to meet new friends at this social hotspot on the lagoon.
Amenities here are pretty basic, but they do offer activities like bike rentals, canoeing and other water sports (for an additional charge), plus they often bring in live music and DJs for evening events.
Best Budget Hotels in Bacalar Town
Hotel Sur Bacalar
Don’t let the small size of Hotel Sur fool you…it has all the charm! Personalized headboards and wall decals decorate each room, creating a fun and unique vibe.
While this hotel is not located on the water, it’s only one block away from the lagoon, and Sur Bacalar makes up for its lack of lagoon views with a small pool on site and central location in town.
This is one of the most solid hotel options in Bacalar town for those on a budget.
Plus, breakfast, air conditioning, and WiFi are included in each room.
Want more planning tips for Bacalar? Check out this post on the 15 best restaurants in Bacalar, Mexico
Hotel Aires
During my first trip to Bacalar, Hotel Aires was where I stayed and I absolutely loved it! The vibe is that of a jungle tree house, complete with a hammock for enjoying the view on your private balcony (each room has one).
The location here is ideal since it is within walking distance to a ton of great restaurants, but it isn’t on the lagoon. To make up for it, Hotel Aires has lots of rooftop spots to soak up the sun and enjoy the beautiful views.
Maybe the best part was the unique art located throughout the space. I can say with certainty that Hotel Aires has a very unique vibe that isn’t replicated anywhere else in town, plus their free breakfast is the icing on the cake.
Rooms are air-conditioned, comfortable, and clean. I’d definitely go back!
Don’t miss my complete Bacalar Lagoon Travel Guide to continue planning your adventures.
Planning a trip right now? Don’t miss my go-to websites for booking everything from flights and tours, to accommodation and more:
- Booking.com for the best hotel deals
- World Nomads for flexible travel insurance
- VRBO for awesome rentals
- Skyscanner for finding the best flight deals
- Hostelworld for budget accommodation
- Rentalcars.com for easy car rentals
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