Hotel Rancho Encantado

Hotel Rancho Encantado is a wonderful place through and through, from the location, to the staff, food, and amenities. On top of that it is affordably priced and located only 10 minutes drive from the cool little town of Bacalar. Everything was up to or exceeded our expectations, except that perhaps the dinner at their restaurant was a little overpriced. I would come back and stay here again in a heartbeat. Their section of shoreline on the lagoon is incredible, the pool and hot tub are great, and the room we stayed in was spacious, comfortable, and had filtered water and a mini fridge. They have kayaks and paddle boards for rent, which they are super chill about. We both did yoga with a local instructor twice, which I think was like $270 MXP a person or $15 USD (very affordable), and my wife had an hour long massage for about $1500 MXP or $80 USD (also affordable).

The only minor complaint that I have is that the dinner was somewhat overpriced for what we got.

The staff and facility were top notch. We got a room with a lake view and it was well worth it. This is a very relaxing peaceful place to stay. The restaurant was very nice and the food was really good. We couldn't have asked for a better place to stay and relax. I highly recommend the tour around the lake. It is truly beautiful. I could have been a little longer, as we wanted to stay in the beautiful canal swimming for just a little longer.

The facility is a little bit of a hike from the small town. Like I said, the town of Bacalar is small and minimal options for shopping, which is what my wife likes most about traveling ;).

I had breakfast in the hotel as it was included and it was delicious. Customer service was exceptional all over the hotel. The room was very comfortable and just steps from the water and it was beautiful and a very private area. The sunrise was amazing from the room! As a solo traveler I felt very safe there. The pool was nice and clean and hammocks are everywhere. Paddle boards and kayaks are available for free which is a nice touch. The hotel is in a beautiful spot. Santos did a good job with the lagoon tour. Alex (concierge) got everything set up for me in advance and he was very responsive. I would recommend this hotel and the tour and the massage.

Prices are going up in this entire region so I felt that many of the hotels here are overpriced. The deep tissue massage was great but the prices are on the high side for this hotel.

We loved our cabana, which had a private dock with direct access to the laguna. It was so spacious, quiet, and comfortable. The entire hotel is so serene and blends in with its natural surroundings. There were kayaks and stand up paddle boards available for use free of charge. The pool was a decent size and next to the jacuzzi. We also enjoyed a lovely boat tour of the laguna with Santos - we highly recommend this as it was a highlight of our stay! We were sad to leave when it was time to check out.

The breakfast formula included in our reservation seemed a little rigid. For example, the free coffee that came with it was only American filter coffee (no espresso, which came at an additional cost). If you wanted neither the included juice nor the fruit cup, the fruit bowl with yogurt on the menu also came at an additional cost. That said, this was more than offset by the variety in the menu options outside of breakfast, as well as the attentiveness and kindness of the staff throughout our stay.

Breakfast was included, and the menu had plenty of options to chose from so that you didn't have the eat the same thing everyday. The toast with the jam spread was a great before breakfast treat too. My kids enjoyed the pancakes, the yogurt, the fruit, and granola. I tried several of the breakfast dishes and all were tasty. My wife stuck with the same omelette every day, because it was just that good for her.

Not a huge issue by any means, but the lagoon can be quite rocky. Maybe in a perfect world the bigger rocks could be pushed a little further out. The road down to the hotel can be a little bumpy, maybe in the future they could pave it to make it a less bumpy ride for smaller cars.

Quiet area of the lagoon. Easy 7-10 minute drive into town. Very friendly and helpful staff. Easy communication with staff via WhatsApp. Great sunrise viewing from the dock. Our room was spacious and the bed was very comfortable. The rainhead shower was a perfect temperature and my husband and I never wanted to get out.

Toilet wasn't 100% clean when we arrived but everything else inside was perfectly clean. Balcony could have been maintained better even just with sweeping and removing mushroom growth from banister but you're in the jungle so imagine it's difficult. Large keychain for room and safe. It would be great if doors and safe had key pad entry.

Excellent rooms that are clean, bright, and spacious. The room is very private with a private entrance into the lake so you can watch the sunrise, lounge on the deck, or take a dip without seeing another person. There is a restaurant that serves delicious food and drinks. Nice pool and jacuzzi. Kayaks and standup paddle boards for all to use. Most importantly, the staff are super friendly and helpful with tours and tips in town. Bacalar is a short 5 minute drive away. We had a car which was helpful, but we also saw people waiting for taxis so I think it is possible without a car rental.

The premises are beautiful and well-maintained. Great views of the lagoon and free access to kayaks and paddleboards with life jackets. Certain breakfast items are free of charge/included. Peaceful vibe. The reception staff was accommodating and friendly. They promptly helped with booking massages and tours even for our short stay. They allowed charges to the room which would then be paid at check out. Room itself has a mini fridge, A/C, shampoo, body wash, and conditioner provided. Only Shower no tub. You have a private patio with two chairs and a hammock. Overall would definitely consider coming back. Great for some R and R time.

Food was average not anything incredible but not bad either(we only stayed 2 nights). It is also on the more expensive price range than other places in Mexico we have visited but still less than USA prices, closer to prices in Tulum. The location of the premises itself is removed/a bit secluded from the center of town and thus harder to access from here but if you have a car its not bad, I think other guests had taxis arranged as well. Reception estimated 80 pesos for each trip to the Centro. Wasn't an issue for us but there was no TV in our room.

The lagoon view is beautiful, all the hotel is beautiful.

The road in the entrance to get at the hotel and the parking is just ground, for the price, it could be much better, is ugly. The trees in front of the bungalows are very big, don't let enjoy the lagoon view from the rooms. There's not TV in the rooms and there is not bath 😒. The breakfast is good but the dinner menu is very poor, extremely expensive and bad taste. I don't think is 5 stars, is 3 stars.

The locations was excellent, the place was beautiful, and staff was friendly and provided us with great service when we needed it. We stayed in a lake accessed room and loved it. Breakfast included was amazing with fresh baked bread and delicious food. The kayak free use were perfect to enjoy the Lake, and the Hotel staff helped us arrange for a private boat experience to visit all the Lake has to offer. I definitely would like to go back to Rancho Encantado!

Nothing that I can think of.