Any recommendations for lodging in or around Belize City? Spending the majority of our trip on Ambergris, but want to spend one night in the big city! Thanks in advance.

The Great House (moderate, around US$90) a night, is a fine choice in the Fort George area, which is safe. Twelve rooms in an old three-story colonial house. Good restaurant on the first floor.

In the international category (expensive --US$150-$200), the best is the Radisson Fort George. The tower rooms are raw, as my son says.

In the low-moderate category (US$60 or so), I'd highly recommend Colton House. It's in a safe area, right across from the Radisson and next door to the Great House. It's run by a wonderful couple, Alan and Ondina Colton. He's a former Brit soldier, she's Belizean, from Caye Caulker I think.

If you want to stay outside the city centre, Villa Boscardi is a wonderful B&B about half way between downtown and the international airport. About US$65 including breakfast and shuttle to the airport. In that same area the Biltmore Plaza is a motel that's fine if you get one of the newly remodeled rooms (US$75-95).

--Lan Sluder
Belize First http://www.belizefirst.com/

If you're just staying one night to see what BC is like, stay at the Ft. George Hotel. Its a nice area to walk around, and there are always taxi's available should you want to go somewhere in the evening.

We stayed at the Great House, and it was very nice. The AC worked well. The room was HUGE and the bathtub was big, the bed was very comfy. It was our "rest stop" between our AC stint and our journey to the Cayo district. The Colton House looked very cute and cozy. We would have stayed there if we had known about it. There isn't a ton to do/see in Belize City, but it is nice to spend a day there to see the other side of the country. You MUST visit a shop called Special Affects. We walked there from the Great House. They have wonderful souveniers, artwork, handicrafts, etc. Very reasonable prices, too. The owner was a lovely American woman. Highly recommend you stop in.
Have fun! I am dying to go back!
Turnbun

I've stayed at a couple of places in Belize City. In the extreme budget category, Seaside Guesthouse, 2 twin beds and a fan with shared bath, about $20 U.S. In the moderate category, Chateau Caribbean, about $65 U.S., and has a fabulous chinese restaurant. I've also stayed at the Fort George, really nice, but also the most expensive in Belize City. The food at the restaurant was o.k., but nothing to write home about. If you want really good food, try 3 Amigos Restaurant, 1 block from Seaside Guesthouse, they serve caribbean cuisine. Also, Smoky Mermaid is wonderful.
--Silk http://www.caribbean-colors.com

I vote for the Colton House. I stayed there twice on my trip and it's a great place.

Believe Three Amigos has closed.

--Lan Sluder