Hotel Carolina Bacalar is on the southern Costera, one minute on foot from the lagoon, and it is a four-class hotel rated 9.4 out of 10 by about 375 guests. It has an outdoor pool with a separate children's pool, a private beach, a spa offering Swedish massage, a restaurant and bar, a terrace and a garden. Rooms include a lagoon-view king, a garden-view king and a garden-view double with two queen beds that sleeps four. Reviewers mention complimentary kayaks and paddleboards, although these are not part of the hotel's own description, so confirm when you arrive. The children's pool and the room for four make it one of the easier lagoon hotels for a family stay.
Location and getting around
The Fort of San Felipe is about four minutes by car and the Ecological Park about six, while the town square is a short drive or a longer walk of around a mile and a half. Many guests value being able to walk or cycle along the Costera for restaurants and the municipal spa. Chetumal airport is about 37 minutes away. You are not next to the cenotes, but a taxi covers them quickly.
Rooms
The lagoon-view deluxe room is about 290 square feet, while the garden-view rooms are smaller at about 129 square feet, so choose the lagoon room if you want space and a view. The garden double is the family option, and the smaller king rooms suit couples who plan to spend most of the day outdoors.
Rooms have air conditioning, a safe, a ceiling fan and free toiletries, and WiFi is free, although some guests found it weak. The hotel offers a free manager's reception in the evening, and an English breakfast is available for an additional charge.
Good to know
Guests praise the friendly staff, including the property manager, the cleanliness, the lakefront setting and the breakfast and bar area. Complaints are minor, and include weak WiFi, a firm mattress, worn sheets and ordinary lunch and dinner menus. Pool access is described with morning hours, so check the schedule if you plan an afternoon swim. Pets are not allowed. Check-in is from 3 pm until midnight, with check-out at noon. Free self-parking is available, and rates change with the season, so book early for holiday weeks.
Who it suits
Families and groups who want a good-value lagoon stay with a children's pool and a short drive to the fort and the town. Request a lagoon-view room if you can, since the garden rooms are small, and ask about the pier and pool hours before you plan the day. The manager's evening reception is a friendly touch that guests often mention.
Why stay here
- ✓Lagoon-side location with private beach
- ✓Outdoor pool
- ✓Children's pool
- ✓Spa with Swedish massage
- ✓On-site restaurant and bar
- ✓Terrace and garden
- ✓Free parking
- ✓Free WiFi
Good questions
Does it have a children's pool?+
Yes, there is an outdoor pool and a separate children's pool. Check the pool hours before planning an afternoon swim.
Can I walk to the town centre?+
The square is a short drive or a longer walk, about a mile and a half. Many guests walk or cycle along the Costera instead.
Are kayaks included?+
Reviewers mention complimentary kayaks and paddle boards. They are not in the hotel's own description, so confirm on arrival.
