History

Casa del Balam also known as the grandma of all hotels in Mérida, started operations since 1970. Officially making it one of the oldest and most distinguished hotels in Mérida and the Yucatán Peninsula
Don Fernando Barbachano pioneer of tourism in Mexico converted his home incorporating original details such as the ground floor and the back patio. His daughter, Ms Carmen Barbachano Gomez Rul who was also involved on the family business, decided to keep the beautiful façade and selected the name of “Casa del Balam” (Mayan words for house of the jaguar), to honor his father nickname “balam” for his visionary sharp business mind.
This family was very devoted of the colonial period they lived in and decorated the house accordingly. Big wooden furniture, rocking chairs and wrought iron accessories were part of their fine selection. Ms Carmen even designed the hand painted sinks still available in the baths. She involved herself in every single detail because she wanted a hotel that could feel like home to its visitors. She really wanted to create a place where every touch could softly spoke of the serene ambiance of the city and where friends could be made instead of mere clients.
The tranquil elegance of the building will welcome you as you enter our doors. Carrara marble floors, Moorish arches and a stone carved fountain surround our beautiful central patio making it a very special place to hang around. Ms Barbachano’s love for art permeates also all over the lobby, that’s why exceptional antiques and pre-Columbian artifacts can be found in every single of the house corners. The traditional atmosphere of the hotel radiates indeed a home-style feeling seldom found in this now busy city. So when looking at the amazing interior of this Casona and experiencing the warm specialized service of its staff, one can easily realize that Ms Barbachano did accomplish her desire of uniqueness and in a very exquisite way. Politicians, actors, musicians, singers and many other important people have heard and preferred this place.
Fernando Barbachano and his wife had Yucatan on his heart and so does her daughter; its history and traditions have always been essential to their lives and identities and they all did their most to preserve them.
Be part of this wonderful history and experience a unique lodging place in town, we are sure you’ll love it!s