We're thinking of staying in Placencia and AC. Can anyone suggest hotels and transportation there. (Placencia) I understand car rentals are expensive. Is the bus service reliable? How are the beaches down there? Thanks

Buses to Placencia are very reliable. They
run pretty close to schedule but the occasional breakdown happens like any where else. In this case they usually have another bus in the area that can take it's place.

Placencia and its residents have brought the village back from near total destruction and things are beginning to perk up. Groceries are open, restuarasnts are operating, tour guide services and diving are back to full swing, bus service is operating, airport is fully operational, New trees have been planted by the thousands to replace lost foliage and best of all...The riendly people
of Placencia are as friendly and hospitable as ever and are working hard to make the village better than before the storm.

YOU WILL ENJOY this friendly layed back use to be fishing village on the end of the beautiful Placencia peninsula.

There are a wide range of accomodations available in the village proper and to the North of the village to Seign Bight.

If you can swing it, I recommend taking the Maya Air or Tropic Air puddle jumper flights from Belize City International to Placencia. It's a lot quicker than the bus, but a lot more expensive. I can't remember how much; you should check their websites. It takes about 45 minutes by plane. On the bus, you'll get to see the countryside more than on the plane, but we always found the transfer at Dangriga bus station extremely confusing. Anyway, as far as accomodations, what type are you looking for? Do you like full service resort type place, or more of a basic hotel/guest house? As far as the beach, Placencia had the best beach in Belize, in my opinion. But that was pre-hurricane. Not sure what the status is....you should check this website..there are recent photos somewhere that I've seen.

[This message has been edited by trina (edited 03-25-2002).]

Thanks for the great info, we are seeking reasonable accommadations, dosent' have to be full service. Also, what about car rentals from Belize to Placencia? Expensive?
Thanks - J-Out

Car rental are expensive. Not advisable.

Tropic or Maya airlines fly from Belize International or Belize Municipal Airports

BI to Placencia....US$75
MA ....US$55

Approx.

The bus does take a lot longer but for a first timer you get a lot of bang for your buck. You get to see things that you would never see flying.

Try Serenade Guest House in the village for low / medium cost accomodations.

They are on the sidewalk overlooking the caribbean and are very hospitable.

Good Luck

Our favorite place in Placenia is Seaspray Hotel...right on the water near center of village. Family owned and operated.E-mail is seaspray@btl.net. We got a decent second floor room with bath, for about $25 US per night. Clean, comfy rooms, the sound of waves lulls you to sleep, friendly folks, beach chairs...hammocks...I can see it now!! Ah! PS. WE dont' recommend driving...roads are "iffy" (main road from Dangriga to Placencia was undergoing some serious construction)...it's more fun to take tours, buses and mix with the locals. But I'm sure others have different opinions.

[This message has been edited by trina (edited 03-25-2002).]

Car rental is expensive but my husband & I have done it 3 times. The second time we drove there, it got dark before we arrived. We ended up in the banana plantation. Was an exciting experience! My husband finally talked to a group of men along the road. I would recommend that you enjoy adventures if you plan to drive. At least be sure you have plenty of time to arrive during daylight. Even then you have to look hard for the road signs.But you notice we did it the next year anyway.
Stella

Thanks for all the great tips. If all goes as planned, maybe flying would be a good option, and use (rental)$$$ for diving and tours. Thanks to all, see you all soon on the board seeking for more great travel tips.
J-Out

I think I've driven virtually every road in Belize and many dirt trails as well, and in my opinion driving is a great way to see the country. Having a car gives you the freedom to go when and where you want and, while not cheap (rentals start at around US$350 a week), it can actually save you money since in many cases you can avoid paying expensive tour prices. The trip to Placencia, via the Hummingbird, is one of the most scenic drives in Belize, and the roads are excellent (except for the last 25 miles to Placencia village).

--Lan Sluder

Hi: some accommodations in Placencia Village that we have worked with and are good values:

Sea Spray: $45 USD per night, double occupancy, beachfront, private bath (hot and cold water), small fridge and coffeemaker, fans

Easy Living Apartments: $75 USD per night (double occupancy), $93 USD per night (triple occupancy), two-bedroom seaside apartments with 2 bedrooms (one queen and one two twins), full kitchen, bath, air conditioning, private verandahs

Manatee Inn: $35-$40 USD per night, double occupany, comfortable double rooms near the northern end of the Sidewalk

As everyone has indicated, car rental IS expensive, and if you're in the Village, you don't really need a car unless you plan to do a lot of exploration north on the Peninsula or in other parts of Belize.

Let us know if you need any help with reservations (air or hotel).

Mary www.kevinmodera.com