Budget very doable. Truth in advertising -- the beach at AC is very different from a tourist-typical caribbean beach. The coral reef just off shore breaks most wave circulation at the coast. No less beautiful, just different. If you like clubs, bar-hoping and/or sampling many great restaurants, stay in town. If you plan on sampling town/inland 2-3 times but want seclusion and more beach, stay north of town (Belizean Shores is my fav).

I will have a Belikin -- put it on klcman's tab.