Casa del Balam sits at Calle 60 number 488 in the Colonia Centro area, close to the university and a few minutes from the heart of the old city. Mérida Cathedral and the Plaza Grande are roughly a five-minute walk away, and Paseo de Montejo is about ten minutes on foot, which makes it one of the most convenient bases in the centre. The hotel is a traditional property with a garden, a terrace and an outdoor pool with sun loungers, plus a restaurant called Bistrola 57 that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Rooms range from deluxe rooms with a king bed to larger deluxe doubles that sleep four and premium rooms, so couples and small families can both find a fit. Guests rate it very good, and it suits travellers who want location and value rather than luxury.
Location and getting around: staying on Calle 60 puts you near the cafes, restaurants, cantinas and evening activity of the centre, and you can walk to the cathedral, Plaza Grande, the Teatro Peón Contreras and many museums. The airport is about 20 minutes away by car, and tour pickups are simple to arrange. Because the street is busy, ask for a room away from the road if you are a light sleeper, and expect some evening noise in the lively centre.
Rooms and facilities: the deluxe rooms are about the size of a standard hotel room, with larger double rooms for families, and the premium rooms add a little space. The outdoor pool is a welcome refuge after a day of ruins in the heat. Breakfast is available daily at an extra charge, and the on-site restaurant also serves other meals. Offsite parking is available nearby for a small daily fee, with limited accessible spaces on site, so plan ahead if you have a hire car.
Who it suits: first-time visitors who want to walk to the main sights, couples looking for a comfortable mid-range stay, and families who need rooms for four. It is a practical, traditional hotel rather than a boutique, so choose it for location, the pool and value, and look elsewhere for designer interiors. In the high season from December to April it can fill, so book early, and check the hotel for rates that include breakfast. It is a good partner for walking tours, market breakfasts and evenings on the plazas.
Why stay here
- ✓Outdoor pool with sun loungers
- ✓Garden and terrace
- ✓Bistrola 57 restaurant
- ✓Breakfast served daily
- ✓Walk to the cathedral and Plaza Grande
- ✓Family rooms for four
- ✓Nearby offsite parking
- ✓Airport about 20 minutes away
Good questions
How close is Casa del Balam to Plaza Grande?+
About a five-minute walk, with the cathedral nearby and Paseo de Montejo around ten minutes on foot.
Does it have a pool?+
Yes, an outdoor pool with sun loungers, plus a garden and terrace.
Is parking available?+
Offsite parking is available for a small daily fee close to the hotel, and the property has a couple of accessible spaces on site.
