Choosing where to stay in Belize is key to experiencing the best of Belize–whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, family vacation, or solo trip. The country is small but the number of top-rated attractions and amenities found in one location can vastly vary from the other.
Therefore, finding the ideal destination in Belize and place to stay is important. To help with this, here’s an easy-to-use accommodations guide showcasing 25 of the top beach and rainforest hotels in the top 5 destinations of Belize.
| Top-rated Hotels in Best Destinations in Belize |
|---|
| 1. Ambergris Caye |
| 2. Caye Caulker |
| 3. San Ignacio and Cayo |
| 4. Placencia |
| 5. Hopkins |
What is the best part of Belize to stay in?
The most popular spots in Belize are the Cayes: Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, to be specific. However, remote atolls such as Glover’s Reef and small cayes such as Tobacco Caye are also sought out by travelers who enjoy seclusion.
Placencia and Hopkins are the most visited coastal locations, both beach towns are located near each other in the Stann Creek District of Southern Belize.
As for popular jungle destinations, the Cayo District draws the most visitors, with its San Ignacio Town serving as the principal hub for ecotourism in Belize, while districts such as Orange Walk and Toledo draw a few visitors. Corozal is the least visited tourist locale but is popular with ex-pats.
1. Ambergris Caye
San Pedro, Ambergris Caye is Belize’s most popular destination since it offers easy access to major attractions such as the Barrier Reef, Blue Hole and Hol Chan Marine Reserve. The island is also renowned for its restaurants, bars & nightlife, and some of the top beach resorts in Belize. It’s a great place to stay in Belize for a tropical island vacation.
Best places to stay in Ambergris Caye
1. Ramon’s Village Resort
Ramon’s Village Resort brings some of the unique aesthetics of Bora Bora to the island of Ambergris Caye. The resort is located in downtown San Pedro but it’s beachfront thatched cabanas, which are surrounded by a tropical garden and swimming pools, provide a sanctuary for guests. Ramon’s Village is one of the oldest and most popular resorts in all of Belize and is named after one of its founders, a local San Pedrano who pioneered beach tourism in Belize.
2. Pelican Reef Villas
Pelican Reef Villas has several modern and well-equipped beachfront condos in southern Ambergris Caye. It is located 10 to 15 minutes away from the hustle and bustle of downtown San Pedro and offers the perfect setting for couples and families. Guests enjoy having the option of cooking their own meals or eating at the onsite restaurant and bar. A good day can be spent lounging by the private pool or soaking up the sun on their beach and dock that allows for relaxation, play, snorkeling or fishing.
3. Victoria House Resort
The beautiful British colonial-style resort is located a short distance south of downtown San Pedro. As one of the oldest hotels in Belize, Victoria House is known for its elegance, luxurious accommodations, world-class service, and one of the best restaurants in Ambergris Caye. If you are a fan of pop culture, you will know that Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed rekindled their love here.
4. The Phoenix Resort
The Phoenix Resort is an award-winning beachside resort located near the downtown core of Ambergris Caye. It’s central location is great for travelers seeking to spend a lot of time in downtown San Pedro yet have the satisfaction of being able to easily find refuge within their nearby hotel. Guests feel right at home with the deluxe condo-style accommodations and refreshing set of pools.
5. Mahogany Bay Resort and Beach Club
Last year, Mahogany Bay Resort became part of Curio – A Collection by Hilton Worldwide. Located in Ambergris Caye South, this resort is set up as an exclusive village that offers seclusion to guests but is only 15 minutes away by golf cart from the bustling downtown of San Pedro. The resort is the first international luxury hotel chain to enter Belize and since its inception, it has won the hearts of many. Guests rave about the chic restaurant, private beach, friendly staff, and gorgeously decorated beach cottages and villas that offer a modern take on Belize’s British colonial past.
2. Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker is not for travelers looking for fancy things and luxury hotels. Lodging options range from mostly backpacker hostels to a few boutique properties with modern amenities. Resisting major commercialization, the island is cool and relaxed and as a result, lodging options tend to be geared to travelers looking to spend most of their time outdoors.
Best places to stay in Caye Caulker
1. Weezie’s Ocean Front Hotel and Garden Cottages
Weezie’s is one of the nicer beachfront hotels available on Caye Caulker. Its modern rooms have views of the Caribbean Sea and are equipped with many amenities including air conditioning, WiFi, and cable TV. The best thing, however, is the hotel’s short distance from the center of Caye Caulker, making it perfect for travelers wanting some peace and quiet while being close to the downtown core.
2. Colinda Cabanas
For a long time, I’ve recommended Colinda’s Cabanas on this blog since it is a nice affordable place to stay in Caye Caulker. Their beachfront cabanas are centrally located and provide basic, comfortable accommodations. Several amenities come with your stay, including the free use of bicycles, kayaks, and snorkel gear.
3. Jan’s Hotel
Located on Caye Caulker’s main street, across from a small public beach, Jan’s Hotel is known for its clean, modern rooms and friendly hospitality. It is a great spot to stay if you want to be centrally located, within walking distance of multiple restaurants, shops, and the famous “Split”. Complementary bikes and kayaks are offered to guests.
4. Sea Dream Hotel
Offering well-appointed rooms, apartments, and cabanas, Sea Dreams Hotel is a small boutique hotel in Caye Caulker that’s next to The Split. It’s the perfect location for anyone who wants to spend a lot of time at The Split/ Lazy Lizard but be mindful that this area can get busy and loud since it’s where everyone on the island eventually ends up.
5. Bella’s Backpackers
Bella’s Backpackers is one of the most popular hostels in Caye Caulker. Along with clean accommodations and a continental breakfast, features at Bella’s include a shared lounge, shared kitchen, garden, private beach, evening entertainment, and free bike rentals to explore Caye Caulker.
3. San Ignacio, Cayo
Hotels and resorts in Cayo are some of the most diverse in Belize and can appeal to every type of traveler, especially those that are looking to experience ancient Maya sites and jungle adventures. Most of the hotels are in or near San Ignacio Town, which serves as the principal hub for eco-tourism in Western Belize.
Best places to stay in San Ignacio and Cayo
1. The Lodge at Chaa Creek
Chaa Creek is the oldest jungle lodge in Belize and has won many international awards for its eco-friendly status. They are one of the pioneers of ecotourism and were “green” before it was trendy. This resort is perfect for nature lovers since its located in a 400-acre private nature reserve 1/2 hour away from San Ignacio.
2. Ka’ana Resort
Ka’ana is a fairly new resort in Cayo but it’s quickly gaining a reputation for hosting VIP clientele. They market themselves as a boutique hotel and promote adventure travel and healthy living. It is near San Ignacio and has easy access to the highway.
3. Blancaneaux Lodge
If you’re a fan of The Godfather movies you’re in luck because Blancaneaux is owned by Francis Ford Coppola. This upscale hotel is located in Mountain Pine Ridge and is surrounded by nature – rivers, waterfalls and wildlife. There aren’t any immediate communities nearby and getting there is a bit rough so I hear many people fly in with helicopters.
4. Cahal Pech Village Resort
This resort is perched on top of Cahal Pech hill and offers spectacular views of the town of San Ignacio which is only a few minutes away. It is one of the largest Belizean-owned hotels and serves as the perfect place to stay in Cayo for adventure travelers looking to explore all the eco-tours that Western Belize has to offer.
5. San Ignacio Hotel Resort
Founded in 1976, this is one of the oldest hotels in Belize. Matter of fact, it was the only “upscale” hotel available in San Ignacio Town when Queen Elizabeth II visited Belize in 1994. The hotel markets itself as having the only jungle in town since it has a private 17-acre estate filled with birds and other wildlife. Most notably, there’s a green iguana hatchery on-site.
4. Placencia
Placencia is a peninsula in southern Belize that cuts right into the Caribbean Sea, making it the perfect destination for water activities such as snorkeling, kayaking and even diving with Whale Sharks! The village primarily has luxury beachfront hotels and resorts set on beautiful beaches but there are a few affordable budget options worth checking out.
Best places to stay in Placencia
1. Chabil Mar Villas
If you’re looking for villa-style all-inclusive accommodations on the beach, Chabil Mar is your place. Aside from having beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea, the resort has many amenities and a gorgeous garden surrounding it. The resort is very private and it is only a short bike ride away from downtown Placencia, where there’s tons of action happening.
2. Turtle Inn
Another of Francis Ford Coppola’s esteemed resorts, this sister property of Blancanaeux boasts luxury accommodations and a beautiful beach setting. Many famous celebrities frequent this resort, as invited guests of the director or regular vacationers. Turtle Inn sits sandwiched between the sea and the Placencia lagoon.
3. Robert’s Grove
As one the oldest beach resorts in Belize, the good people at Roberts Grove have mastered the art of providing a tranquil and serene environment. They are situated only minutes away from Placencia but it seems as if they are miles away from any town. I love their pool and their gardens are landscaped amazingly. This is a great place to come on a honeymoon or family vacation.
4. Belizean Nirvana
Belizean Nirvana is a small affordable boutique hotel offering simple, elegant and comfortable accommodations on the beach in the heart of Placencia. Visitors are only a stone-throw away from the all the amenities of downtown Placencia. In fact, Belizean Nirvana is often rated as one of the best-located hotels in Placencia.
5. Naia Resort & Spa
Located at Mile 17.5 on the Placencia Peninsula, Naia Resort & Spa offers a range of luxurious accommodations in Seine Bight Village. Their newest addition is a stunning 5-bedroom beach house complete with an elevator and wheelchair accessibility. There are smaller beach bungalows and villas if that’s more your speed, but the service and amenities remain the same.
5. Hopkins
The charming seaside village of Hopkins is home to the Garifuna culture and it’s the perfect place to stay in Belize for beach and jungle experiences. It’s central location on the coast provides access to the beach activities while allowing easy access to top mainland attractions. As for where to stay in Hopkins, the village has a number of great lodging options–from backpacker-style digs to sprawling luxurious beach resorts.
Best places to stay in Hopkins
1. Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort
The award-winning Hamanasi Resort is the perfect base for travelers seeking an eco-friendly adventure outpost with rustic chic elegance. Although it’s primarily a Belize Dive Resort, its prime location on the southeastern coast makes jungle day trips to Maya ruins and caves easy. Of course, the main highlight of Hopkins is the unique Garinagu culture.
2. Coconut Row
Coconut Row is a wonderful place to stay in Hopkins, offering guests beachfront accommodations right in the center of downtown Hopkins. Options include stand-alone beachfront cabins and two-bedroom apartments with beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea.
3. Jaguar Reef Lodge
Set on a beautifully manicured beach, the Lodge at Jaguar Reef offers luxurious accommodations in Hopkins Village. Guests have the option of staying in bungalows or villa suites with gorgeous views of the Caribbean Sea. Other amenities include a beachfront pool, restaurant, and bar.
4. Buttonwood Guest House
Buttonwood Guest House is located near the center of Hopkins and offers clean and elegant beachfront accommodations with views of the Caribbean Sea. Along with private outdoor space, guests have condo-style amenities such as a dining room, living room, and kitchen with a micro-wave, refrigerator, and coffee machine.
5. White Horse Guest House
White Horse Guest House is one of the newest additions to beachfront accommodations in Hopkins Village. The hotel offers guests comfortable rooms, suites and bungalows equipped with air conditioning, cable TV, a microwave, a coffee machine, and a private shower. White Horse is considered one of the best value for accommodations in Hopkins.
I always recommend that visitors spend a minimum of one week in Belize, with the optimal way being to stay half of your time in mainland Belize and the rest of your vacation on the Cayes and/ or the Coast. This way you can experience the best of both worlds.
