Casa Hormiga was a fantastic stay and easily one of the most beautiful hotels in the town of Bacalar. It’s just a minutes’ walk to the lagoon and the historic stone fort San Felipe Bacalar. You’ll love your family stay at this 5-star hotel Casa Hormiga Bacalar gem!

Things to see at Hotel Casa Hormiga

Located in one of Mexico’s most beautiful towns, the hotel exudes a jungle-like atmosphere. The  fabulous hotel design features cabana-style bungalows with authentic palapa roofs, perfectly blending with the tropical surroundings.

The property is home to two ancient trees that have stood the test of time for centuries. These trees provide almost all of the shade across the grounds, including the pool areas, making for a peaceful, shaded retreat.

This boutique hotel stands out with unique features like hammocks on the room balconies, a temazcal for physical and spiritual relief, and an overall calming atmosphere that truly sets it apart.

Places Close by Casa Hormiga Bacalar You Must See 

Fort of San Felipe

The Fort of San Felipe is nearby and definitely a must-see if you’re in the area. There’s a dead guy inside and a ton of info on the history of the pirates who once lived

Bacalar Lagoon of 7 Colors

Bacalar has many options to experience the lake. You can head to several free public docks or head over to some pretty beautiful clubs. Many locations offer direct access with included water activities like kayaking or paddle boarding. You’re also able to pick from many of excursions that take you our by sailboat or on a pontoon cruise. But if you can only go to one spot on the lake it has to be Los Rápidos. Check out our favorites and recommendations here.

Mayan Temples and Pyramids

There’s so many in this area and they’re pretty cool to check out. If you’re considering a day trip to see one of these mesoamerican pyramids. The Kohunlich and Becan, Chacchoben and Chichén-Itza ones are some of the most popular ones to do nearby.

If you’re searching for more things to do in the Bacalar area, check out our blog post where we’ve listed all the top sights and activities. Click here for all the details!

Balneario Ecologico Public Beach

This spot is just a short 1,000-foot walk down the street from this Bacalar hotel. The park charges a small fee of 20 pesos to maintain the park and dock, while there’s also a free dock at the end of the road. Both are great options for accessing and enjoying Lake Bacalar.

This location is just down the street, about a 1000 foot walk. The park has a small fee of 20 pesos to upkeep the park and dock. Next to this dock is a free dock at the end fo the road. Both options are great for getting into the lagoon and experiencing lake Bacalar. 

Room Type Selection

They offer three room types to choose from. As a family, we stayed in the Tree Top Loft. The other options include a king-sized bed in the Jungle Double Room and twin beds in the Jungle Twin Room. Both have the same size, just different bed layouts.

All rooms offer beautiful views of the garden and are just steps away from the common spaces and pools, making it easy to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Tree Top Loft

The rooms are minimal but have all the essentials you’d expect, offering plenty of amenities. The air-conditioned rooms were a lifesaver, especially since we visited during the hottest and most humid month, making it a comfortable stay. 

The room amenities included a a desk with a Nespresso machine, a cozy sitting area, and a safety deposit box. We were excited to have it since that morning caffeine boost is essential for us!

The private bathroom was unique, lacking a traditional door. The walk-in shower and separate toilet shared one door. Everything in the bathroom was from organic materials, from the handmade soaps to the bath sheets. However, we didn’t notice a clothes iron or hair dryer—maybe we missed them.

The loft features a queen bed situated above the bathroom, creating a cozy space with a small wardrobe and end tables, similar to those by the king bed. It’s a great setup, making it perfect for a family of four.

Hotel Casa Hormiga Reviews and Amenity Specifications  

• Free Wi-Fi Speed: We never saw speeds over 8 mbps on the free WiFi, but hey, you’re on vacation, right? 2 out of 5 stars.
• Early Check-in & Baggage Holding Available: We didn’t use this service, but it is available.
• Wall Sockets for Charging: There are plenty of American style sockets in the room. 
• Bed, Sheets, and Furniture Comfort Level: Bed sheets and pillows were great, but the stiffness of both the king and queen mattresses was a bit too much for our liking at this luxury hotel. 3 out of 5 stars.
• Level of Noise Inside and Outside During Day Time and Night Time While Sleeping: This location does have a barking dog neighbor, which led us to switch rooms because of the noise. They do provide ear plugs in the bathroom, though. I’d give it 2 out of 5 stars if you’re on the kitchen side of the property, but 3.5 out of 5 stars if you’re on the other side.
• Water Pressure & Water Temp: The water temperature and pressure were normal. I’d rate it 3 out of 5 stars.
• Shuttle Service: Unfortunately, they do not offer transportation from Chetumal International Airport. 
• Customer Service: The front desk provided a higher level of customer service than usual. When we raised the barking dog issue, they moved us to a different room the same day. I’d give them 4 out of 5 stars for that!
• Bell & Maid service: The maid service did a fantastic job tidying up our room while we were at breakfast. They also made sure to replenish our drinking water and Nespresso pods. I’d rate them 4 out of 5 stars! 
• Customer Complaint Resolution Experience: The way they handled the barking dog issue was impressive. They expedited our request, and luckily, there was availability for us to move to another room. I’d give them 4 out of 5 stars for their quick response!

Critique for the hotel and recommendations

Dog Barking Noise

One of the major critiques is the dog barking all night, which really needs to be addressed with the owner next door. On the night the dog barked, we only managed about 4 hours of sleep. This is unacceptable, especially at a boutique hotel where you expect a peaceful environment.

Cash Only for Spa Services

I booked a spa service with a strict cancellation policy, but on the day of the appointment, I was informed that they only accepted cash to pay their massage therapists. They suggested I withdraw cash from the on-site ATM, but we avoid using ATMs and wouldn’t have booked the service if this had been disclosed upfront. This felt misleading and created an awkward tone during our stay. It’s surprising that a hotel of this caliber, especially one associated with Mr. and Mrs. Smith and World of Hyatt where earning points is standard, would only accept cash for spa services. We strongly recommend offering electronic payment options or allowing guests to charge services to their room, similar to how room payments are handled. I received a massage but had planned to book additional services, which I couldn’t due to this inconvenience. Additionally, the ATM on the property was faulty, and we’re glad we didn’t rely on it.

Where to Eat at Hotel Casa Hormiga

They offered a free buffet breakfast during our stay, featuring fresh juices and fruit, along with a variety of other options. The menu included delicious chilaquiles, as well as classic sides like eggs and bacon. It was a great way to start our mornings!

We enjoyed using the dining area to play Uno and chess, thanks to the large table and some interesting books available. Plus, being in that lounge area made it super easy to pop over to the bar area for a cocktail or mocktail whenever we wanted to relax!

Nearby Dining Options Close by to Casa Hormiga

La Playita

If the hotel restaurant isn’t open, don’t worry! You can easily head over to La Playita for a fantastic meal right by the shores of Lake Bacalar. This beach club has an extensive menu, and as a Casa Hormiga guest, you’ll enjoy exclusive seating. If you want to check out our restaurant reviews in Bacalar, click here!

The Best Time to Visit & Things to Know About Visiting Hotel Casa Hormiga

The ideal time to visit the Bacalar area is in the spring, although this also means more crowds. We went during hurricane season, and I want to highlight that Hotel Casa Hormiga recently won a Michelin key this year, making it a fantastic luxury option for your family getaway!

Spa and Special Offerings at Casa Hormiga

On Demand Yoga Classes

The spa here features an extensive menu of treatments, but one of the best freebies is the yoga sessions in the yoga nest. They offered classes a few days a week during our stay since it was the slow season, making it a perfect way to unwind and connect with nature. you can schedule a session every morning from 8:30 am to 9:30 am with prior reservation.

Spa and wellness at Casa Ritual

The spa offers a variety of treatments, including deep tissue massages and the lymphatic massage that Amanda enjoyed. While they did offer the temazcal ceremony here, we were feeling a bit under the weather and couldn’t partake in the three-hour experience. We’ve previously done this ceremony at Agua Blanca Hotel in Michoacán, and it was an incredible cultural experience!

Exclusive Bicycle Use

The hotel offers around six bicycles for guests, which are a fantastic way to explore the town. Just a heads up: before you partake in the free bicycle usage, you’ll need to check in at the front desk and sign a liability form in case of any damage or theft. It’s a great way to enjoy the area while getting some exercise!

Should I stay at Casa Hormiga during a trip to Bacalar Mexico with my family?

Casa Hormiga is a wonderful place to put in your plans for a Bacalar adventure. The outdoor swimming pool and spa therapy offer a luxurious touch to your vacation. Plus, it’s conveniently located within walking distance of great restaurants, and the San Felipe Fort is just a 5-minute walk away. You’ll love your stay here!

This was our first time staying at a Mr. and Mrs. Smith property, and it was such a lovely experience! The exceptional service and the jungle sanctuary vibe left us wanting more. We’re already exploring more of their hotels for our future travels!