An old world mansion turned hotel. A must-stay place

The hotel is located in the historic district of Merida. The rooms are clean but not great. The bed is not comfortable at all, and you will expirience noise due to thin walls and windows. My check in was accurate and staff is professional. My rate included free parking around the corner, free mini bar snacks included beer, and sodas. Free continental breakfast was good, fresh fruits,breads and great coffee. The lobby is attractive and clean with nice gardens. Lobby also offers internet access. Shops and restaurants are within walking distance. I was very disappointed with most of the shops in that district. Vendors do practice price Gouging, it was pathetic how high they start pricing. You will encounter individuals on the streets trying to lure you into shops and promising great deals. I recommend please keeping walking and shop safely. Another tip if you engage with a vendor try offering 40 percent less from the first asking price, that will bring it to a reasonable buy.

Casa del Balam Hotel is a lovely hotel in downtown Merida. The location is central to most anything you would want to do in Centro, like strolling 2 blocks to the Main Plaza or dining out at the numerous restaurants within walking distance. The staff is truly professional, polite and not nosey. The hotel is kept neat as a pin, bed covers are all cotton and of good quality, and pillows and mattresses are more than comfortable. The bathroom is spacious and shower pressure is good. There are around 6 floors of rooms and a small elevator, each landing has two rocking chairs in case you ever need to sit while waiting for the elevator. They seem to think like this in every way at Casa del Balam, expecting what a guest's needs may be. The windows were thick enough to keep out traffic noise. The pool is fairly private and hardly anyone there, and it has around 6 nice lounge chairs around the pool. Nex to the pool (and just outside of the tiny private bar that has 2 tables) is another nice seating patio where one can enjoy a cocktail. The breakfast is served in the traditional art-deco-colonial courtyard, surrounded by tropical trees, flowers and a lovely fountain. The continental breakfast comes with your room and consists of a basket of homemade banana bread, other breads and a big plate of fruit, coffee and orange juice. A nice breakfast... They have a restaurant, however, I did not eat there. All in all, Casa del Balam is the best deal for a hotel in Merida, in my opinion. I stayed at this hotel around 3 years ago and must say it still makes one feel pampered and is a special getaway in downtown Merida.

A friend and I stayed at the Casa del Balam for two nights in early March. We stayed in a "junior suite" that had two double beds. It was spacious, clean, and quiet. The bathroom was large, included amenities such as a hair dryer, shampoo and conditioner, large, soft towels, and there was plenty of hot water both days. We were understandably happy with the accommodations, and we were THRILLED with the service. This is not a five-star hotel; however, every member of the staff, from the bellboy to the desk clerk and the waiters at the restaurant, was cheerful and helpful. We even wrote down their names: Manuel in the restaurant, Gloria at the bar, Jorge and Alejandro at the front desk, Rodolfo at the door. They were patient with us as we practiced our Spanish with them (although most of them speak English!) and spent a good deal of time telling us about M?rida and the places we should be sure to visit during out short stay. My friend and I are Spanish teachers, and the staff even let my students interview them via Skype! And the second night, when a small gecko made it into our room and up onto our ceiling from the lovely courtyard outside, the staff that came to remove it was cheerful and patient with our requests that they not kill the cute little lizard. Not only did the warmth and professionalism of the staff make us want to return to Casa del Balam, it also made us want to return to M?rida, which is such a safe, pleasant place to visit. Notes: Don't miss breakfast in the hotel restaurant, which is in the lush, green courtyard. The fresh-squeezed orange juice was delicious, and the homemade papaya preserves were not to be missed. I highly recommend the huevos rancheros. The hotel has wireless throughout, but it worked best from the courtyard. Skype worked beautifully there.