Casa Shiva Bacalar by Mij

If you're looking for an easy and enjoyable way to access the fantastic Laguna de Bacalar, Casa Shiva is a great choice. For 400 pesos, you get a Daypass that includes access to a nice sunbed right by the water, a hammock, towel, changing facilities, kayak rental, and, not to forget, a refund of 200 pesos with a purchase in the restaurant. We spent much of a day swimming in the incredible water with its many shades of color and chilling in our sunbeds on the covered pier. Most of the time, we just couldn't help but smile happily.

For the price we paid ($250 per night) I was totally disappointed by the room, facilities and the service provided. The members of reception staff spoke very little English which made any communication challenging. The room is one of the most basic I’ve seen in my life. No blankets, only bed sheets (we froze on the first night and I came to reception twice to ask for blankets to eventually be given only 3 when there were 4 of us staying in the room) Nowhere to dry our clothes on apart from chairs or bannisters at the balcony Not a single glass in the room No toilet brush!!!!! I had to go to reception to ask for a toilet paper as we had only 1 roll and no one was checking if we had enough No cleaning for 3 nights (but the bathroom bin was emptied once!) Extremely limited breakfast options - only eggs, toasts (no jam or butter), tea and coffee (no black tea offered although I pointed out twice that it’s really weird not to offer the most basic morning drink), small fruit bowl was offered on the last day. Kayaks free of charge available but paddle board had a hole and no paddle available Wooden sun loungers on the grass had no cushions Overall impression was that the staff was totally not interested in making their guests experience memorable or even nice, we felt like they just let us stay there for free so we should expect anyone to take care of us. Extremely disappointing. Good things I’d mention were - beautiful view, lovely pontoon with a hammock and sun loungers, good WiFi.

Casa Shiva combines a beautiful and convenient location with affordable accommodation. We found the standard double room to be functional, but basic and a bit gloomy. Bathroom and swim towels were provided, but guests must supply their own drinking water (refills as mentioned in earlier reviews are no longer available; bottled water may be purchased at the restaurant). Although the room had a safe for valuables, we were told it was out of order. For those considering a stay in one of the glamping domes, be aware that these are located in the car park gardens. Kayaks no longer seemed to be available onsite, but can be rented a short walk away. Breakfast was served on the attractive outdoor terrace, and consisted of fresh fruit, eggs made to order, and coffee; fresh juice was available at an extra cost. A limited lunch menu was on offer until 2 p.m. However it is the outdoor areas where Casa Shiva shines, from the moment one steps foot outside the room: most rooms have lake views, and the waterfront gardens with lily pads, palapas and loungers are just as beautiful as shown. While the prime palapa beds were sometimes taken by guests with day passes, or early risers staking their claim via swim towels, other loungers were always free. The reception staff were very helpful in arranging a lake tour, with a departure point just a few minutes walk away. Other staff were all welcoming, but basic hotel skills were a bit variable. Several restaurants and a small convenience store are a short walk north along the coastal road, with many more choices in town (2.5 km, walkable even after dark, or a short taxi ride away). All in all, a very pleasant and relaxing stay!