Best Hotels in Bacalar: Hotel Makaaba
Lately I’ve had Bacalar on the brain. I’m sure you’ve noticed from the flurry of Instagram stories, posts, and my latest Bacalar guide up on the blog. I thought it would be a good time to bring back my hotel reviews to start to beef them up again, so let’s start with one of the best hotels in Bacalar.
Perhaps one of my most favorite hotels that I’ve stayed at in a while is the Hotel Makaaba, a small boutique hotel located right across from the lagoon. It may not be one of the Bacalar hotels on the water, but it is close enough that you can still have your perfect lagoon experience, all the while staying at a fabulous boutique hotel.
Hotel Makaaba exudes that backpacker hotel vibe that I fell in love with in my 20s, but has elevated the experience to make it much more palatable and comfortable to travelers in their 30s and 40s. It is still extremely affordable (roughly $85 a night with breakfast included), but the design touches and comfortable accommodations means it’s geared toward a more sophisticated traveler.
I'm just back from Bacalar and have broken Hotel Makaaba down into my own patented rating system. Take a look to see my likes and dislikes and then determine whether or not you'd like to check it out for yourself.
Note: If you do book the hotel through my blog I will earn a small commission.
Hotel Makaaba Overall Score: Above Average
Hotels in Bacalar: The Vibe of Hotel Makaaba
Overall Score: Above Average
Based on my ranking system, the numbers work out to rank Hotel Makaaba as "Above Average." But I need to interject. The only reason the hotel isn't ranked higher overall is because Bacalar itself is a low-key, budget-friendly destination. You are not coming to Bacalar for over-the-top luxury, nor are you coming for ridiculously lavish amenities. I still firmly believe that Hotel Makaaba is one of the best hotels in Bacalar, thanks to its lovely staff, cleanliness, location, design, and food. Plus, the other guests are extremely friendly and social, and I love when a hotel can attract groups of likeminded people who traveling to explore, discover, and meet other travelers to learn from them.
Best Bacalar Hotels: The Amenities at Hotel Makaaba
Overall Score: Extremely Memorable
The amenities are not over the top here. You won't find a beach club or a concierge. But what you fill find is a gorgeously designed pool and bar area with open-plan restaurant. All flow together to create one giant lounge space, complete with beautiful local art.
The location can't be beat, either. While Hotel Makaaba is not one of the Bacalar hotels on the water, it is located directly across from the lagoon. Plenty of beach clubs line the lakefront, so you'll be able to get your fix of the lagoon, all within walking distance to the hotel.
Hotels in Bacalar: The Rooms at Hotel Makaaba
Overall Score: Pretty Standard
The rooms at Hotel Makaaba are clean and come with a cool, compact design. They have A/C and functioning WiFi, as well as a clean bathroom. And that's pretty much it. You get what you need and the aesthetic is really cool. If you're looking for lavish bath products and a plush, pillow-strewn bed, this is not the place for that.
When you come to Bacalar you're there to spend the majority of time outside of your room, anyway. The minimalist vibe (in the truest sense) is what Bacalar is all about, so I'd say these rooms are giving you what you are looking for when you come to the destination.
Best Bacalar Hotels: The Dining at Hotel Makaaba
Overall Score: Extremely Memorable
The dining at Hotel Makaaba is next level. I cannot stress this enough. Breakfast is included in your room rate. But included breakfasts are rarely as decadent as these. Included in the room rate is a choice of regional specialties, eggs anyway you want, chilaquiles, fruit, pastries — you will not go hungry with the included breakfast at Hotel Makaaba.
Lunch and dinner are equally decadent, and nothing on the menu appeared to cost more than $11. Cocktails is where you'll start to rack up a bill but, again, the most expensive cocktail is around $7.
For lunch and dinner I highly recommend the cochinita pibil tacos, served on handmade blue corn tortillas. The turkey with the yellow mole is also exquisite and so beautifully plated. Again, it's only about $11.
Hotels in Bacalar: The Wellness at Hotel Makaaba
Overall Score: Above Average
While the hotel does not have a fitness center, it does have plenty of open space for those who want to practice yoga or stretch. A small outdoor hut is available for those who want to book massages. I didn’t get around to booking any treatments, but I can confirm that it is possible to do so.
Book Hotel Makaaba
Are you ready to get to Bacalar? You can book Hotel Makaaba here. Note that I do make a small commission if you book through my blog.