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Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,054
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We've completed our 2002 ratings of Belize hotels, inns, lodges, resorts,

condotels and B&Bs. Belize First rates more than 200 hotels from one to five

stars. To our knowledge, this is the only comprehensive rating of Belize

hotels anywhere.



While the ratings are based on, in nearly all cases, repeat visits or stays

at these hotels, in the end such ratings are always subjective. Your mileage

may vary.



Below is our preliminary star ratings for hotels. A version of this in Adobe

Acrobat pdf format is available for downloading (just 102K) on our Web

edition of Belize First at www.belizefirst.com.



--Lan Sluder

Editor & Publisher
Belize First

>>



HOW BELIZE HOTELS STACK UP

More than 200 Lodgings Rated from One to Five Stars



By LAN SLUDER

Copyright 2002

All rights reserved



Here are the BELIZE FIRST 2002 ratings of hotels in Belize. The ratings are

based on a one- to five-star system, with five stars being best. Ratings in

nearly all cases are based on personal inspections by BELIZE FIRST Editor and

Publisher Lan Sluder (sometimes anonymously), supplemented by reports from

guests and from other travel writers. In a few cases, where we have not

visited the property recently, we depend on the reports of other

knowledgeable visitors to Belize. However, the responsibility for these

ratings and any errors rest entirely with us. Our opinions are not

influenced by advertising, as we accept none.



Not all hotels in Belize are rated, but included here are the vast majority

of hotels of interest to visitors. We believe this is the only comprehensive

rating of Belize hotels.


Descriptions of the specifications for all star categories are below. In the

end, all such ratings are subjective, especially when comparing hotels across

categories -- i.e. jungle lodges and beach resorts. Your mileage may vary.

We welcome feedback from guests whose experience differs from ours. If you

disagree with our ratings, we especially value your comments.



Within each category, hotels are listed alphabetically. Locations shown in

most cases reference the nearest town, village or island. Hotel ratings are

updated regularly and may vary from those published in our guidebooks.



Five Stars

One of the top hotels in the Caribbean. It is professionally run and

guest-focused with an unusually striking location, architectural design

and/or facilities. It likely has superior amenities and, while expensive,

offers value for the money.



Blancaneaux Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge

Inn at Robert's Grove, Seine Bight (Placencia)

Lodge at Chaa Creek, San Ignacio



Four Stars Plus

One of the very best hotels in Belize, with a dependably high level of

hospitality, an emphasis on service to guests and a superior location or

architectural design. It likely has amenities not available in lower-rated

hotels, such as a noteworthy restaurant or sophisticated decor.



Caye Chapel Golf Resort, Caye Chapel

Cayo Espanto, Ambergris Caye

Chan Chich Lodge, Gallon Jug

Ek 'Tun Lodge, San Ignacio

Hamanasi, Hopkins

Mata Chica, Ambergris Caye

Radisson Fort George, Belize City

Victoria House, Ambergris Caye

Villas at Banyan Bay, Ambergris Caye



Four Stars

One of the best hotels in Belize, with a dependably high level of

hospitality, an emphasis on service to guests and a superior location or

architectural design.



Banana Bank Lodge, Belmopan

Banana Beach, Ambergris Caye

duPlooy's, San Ignacio

The Great House, Belize City

Jaguar Paw, Belmopan

Jaguar Reef Lodge, Sittee Point/Hopkins

Kanantik Reef & Jungle Resort, Hopkins

Kitty's Place, Placencia

Lamanai Outpost Lodge, Indian Church

Luba Hati, Seine Bight (Plancencia)

Mopan River Resort, Benque Viejo del Carmen

The Palms, Ambergris Caye

Ramon's Village, Ambergris Caye

Rum Point Inn, Placencia



Three Stars Plus

Excellent accommodations, with above-average amenities, location,

architectural design and hospitality. It likely has some special attribute,

such as a superior location or a historical renovation.



Beaches & Dreams, Hopkins

Belizean Reef Suites, Ambergris Caye

Belizean Shores, Ambergris Caye

Belize Biltmore Plaza, Belize City

Belize Yacht Club, Ambergris Caye

Blue Tang Inn, Ambergris Caye

Captain Morgan's Retreat, Ambergris Caye

Caribbean Villas, Ambergris Caye

Caribe Island Resort, Ambergris Caye

Casablanca by the Sea, Consejo (Corozal)

Colton House, Belize City

Fountain Blue Suites, Ambergris Caye (closed)

Nautical Inn, Placencia

Playa Blanca Resort, Ambergris Caye

Portofino, Ambergris Caye

Sunset Beach, Ambergris Caye

Turneffe Island Lodge, Caye Bokel (Turneffe

Islands)

Villa Boscardi, Belize City

White Sands Cove, Ambergris Caye

Xanadu Island Resort, Ambergris Caye



Three Stars

Excellent accommodations, with above-average amenities, location,

architectural design and hospitality.



Blackbird Caye Resort, Blackbird Caye (Turneffe

Islands)

Blue Crab Resort, Seine Bight (Placencia)

Chau Hiix, Crooked Tree

Coconuts Caribbean, Ambergris Caye

Corona del Mar, Ambergris Caye

Coral Bay Villas, Ambergris Caye

Essene Way, Ambergris Caye

Exotic Caye Resort/Playador, Ambergris Caye

Fallen Stones Lodge, Punta Gorda

Five Sisters Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge

Green Heaven, San Ignacio

Green Parrot Beach Houses, Maya Beach (Placencia)

Hidden Valley Inn, Mountain Pine Ridge

Holiday Hotel, Ambergris Caye

Ian Anderson's Caves Branch Adventure Camp,

Belmopan

Iguana Reef Inn, Caye Caulker

Journey's End, Ambergris Caye

Lighthouse Reef Resort, Northern Caye (Lighthouse

Atoll)

Lillpat Sittee River Resort, Sittee River

Mariposa, Placencia

Maruba Spa Jungle Resort, Maskall Village

Mata Rocks, Ambergris Caye

Mayaland Villas, San Ignacio

Maya Mountain Lodge, San Ignacio

Mayan Princess, Ambergris Caye

Mountain Equestrian Trails, San Ignacio

Paradise Villas, Ambergris Caye

El Pescador, Ambergris Caye

Pook's Hill Lodge, Belmopan

Princess Hotel & Casino, Belize City

Royal Mayan Resort & Spa, Benque Viejo

Royal Palm Beach Club, Ambergris Caye

San Ignacio Resort Hotel, San Ignacio

Serenity, Placencia

Seven Seas Resort, Ambergris Caye

Singing Sands, Maya Beach (Placencia)

Steve & Becky's Cute Little Hotel, Ambergris Caye

St. George's Lodge, St. George's Caye

SunBreeze Beach Hotel, Ambergris Caye

SunDiver Beach Resort, Ambergris Caye

Tides Beach Resort, Ambergris Caye

Tony's Inn, Corozal Town

Tropica Beach Resort, Ambergris Caye

Turneffe Flats Lodge, Turneffe Islands

Warrie Head Lodge, Belmopan

White Ridge Inn, Gales Point

Windy Hill, San Ignacio



Two Stars Plus

Good accommodations, comfortable, and often a very good value, plus a little

something extra.



Aguada Hotel, Santa Elena (San Ignacio)

Barnacle Bill's, Maya Beach (Placencia)

Black Rock Lodge, San Ignacio

Blue Marlin, Southwater Caye

Capricorn, Ambergris Caye

Changes in Latitudes B&B, Ambergris Caye

Chateau Caribbean, Belize City

Hok'ol K'in Guesthouse, Corozal Town

International Cozy Corners, Corozal Town

Lazy Iguana B&B, Caye Caulker

Mama Noots Backabush Resort, Mayflower

Maya Breeze Inn, Maya Beach (Placencia)

Paradise Hotel, Ambergris Caye

Pelican Beach Cottages, Southwater Caye

Pleasure Cove Lodge, Sittee Point

Sea Front Inn, Punta Gorda

Smuggler's Den, Consejo (Corozal)

Spindrift Hotel, Ambergris Caye

Treetops, Caye Caulker



Two Stars

Good accommodations, comfortable, and often a very good value.



Anchorage, Caye Caulker

Belmopan Convention Hotel, Belmopan

Bird's Eye View Lodge, Crooked Tree

Bull Frog Inn, Belmopan

Caesar's Place, San Ignacio

Cahal Pech Village, San Ignacio

Clarissa Falls, San Ignacio

Corozal Bay Inn, Corozal Town

Costa Maya Beach Cabañas, Caye Caulker

Crystal Paradise, San Ignacio

Embassy Hotel, Belize City

Harry's Cozy Cabañas, Placencia

Hideaway Sports Lodge, Ambergris Caye

Hopkins Inn, Hopkins

Hotel Del Rio, Ambergris Caye

Hummingbird Hills, Bullet Tree Falls (Cayo)

Inn at Maya Beach, Maya Beach

Inn at Xunantunich, San José Succotz

Lili's Hotel, Ambergris Caye

Log Cab-Inns, San Ignacio

Macal River Camp at Chaa Creek, San Ignacio

Manatee Inn, Placencia

Manatee Lodge, Gales Point

Nabitunich, San Ignacio

Pelican Beach Resort, Dangriga

Pine Ridge Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge

Programme for Belize, La Milpa & Hill Bank Lodges, Orange Walk District

Ranguana Lodge, Placencia

Rubie's (Ruby's), Ambergris Caye

Seaside Cabañas, Caye Caulker

Seaspray Hotel, Placencia

Serenade Guesthouse, Placencia

Shirley's, Caye Caulker

St. Charles Inn, Punta Gorda

St. Christopher's, Orange Walk Town

TC's by the Sea, Punta Gorda

Tobacco Caye Lodge, Tobacco Caye

Tradewinds, Placencia

Trends Beachfront, Caye Caulker



One Star Plus

Functional accommodations, clean and safe, meeting all basic travel needs,

and usually a good value, with a little something extra.



Blue Creek Lodge, Punta Gorda

Conch Shell, Ambergris Caye

Coral Beach Hotel, Ambergris Caye

Mara's Place, Caye Caulker

Martha's Guesthouse, San Ignacio

Morning Star Guesthouse, Caye Caulker

Ocean's Edge Lodge, Tobacco Caye

Reef's End Lodge, Tobacco Caye

Seaview Hotel, Caye Caulker

Secret Garden, Placencia

Tipple Tree Beya Inn, Hopkins

Tom's Hotel, Caye Caulker

Toucan Sittee, Sittee River

Trek Stop, San José Succotz (Cayo)

Westwind Hotel, Placencia



One Star

Functional accommodations, clean and safe, meeting all basic travel needs,

and usually a good value.



Bluefield Lodge, Dangriga

Caribbean Village, Corozal Town

Central Guesthouse, Corozal Town

Chaleanor Hotel, Dangriga

Chechem Ha Cottages, San Ignacio

Cunche's Villas, Placencia

Deb and Dave's Last Resort, Placencia

D-Victoria, Orange Walk Town

Gaviota, Tobacco Caye

Glover's Atoll Resort, Northeast Caye (Glover's

Atoll)

Guacamallo Jungle Camp, San Ignacio

Hotel Maya, Corozal Town

JB's, Rural Belize District

Last Resort, Copper Bank (Corozal)

Leslie's Cabins, Southwater Caye

Lydia's Guesthouse, Placencia

Martha's, Ambergris Caye

Martz Farm, San Ignacio

Marvirton Guest House, Corozal Town

Mida's Tropical Resort, San Ignacio

Nature's Way Guesthouse, Punta Gorda

Nestor's, Corozal Town

New River Park Hotel, Orange Walk Town

Nuuk Che'il Cottages, Maya Centre

Paradise Inn, Crooked Tree

Parrot's Nest, San Ignacio

Piache Hotel, San Ignacio

Rainbow Hotel, Caye Caulker

Rose's Guesthouse, San Ignacio

Sandy Beach Lodge, Hopkins

San Pedrano, Ambergris Caye

Seaside Guesthouse, Belize City

1788 Hotel, Caye Caulker

Tate's Guesthouse, Punta Gorda

Tina's Bakapacker Hostel, Caye Caulker

Trends Guest House, Belize City

Venus Hotel, San Ignacio



....



About Lan Sluder

Lan Sluder has been banging around Belize for about a dozen years. He has

visited every part of the country, inspecting hundreds of hotels and staying

in scores of them. A former newspaper editor in New Orleans, Sluder is the

founder, editor and publisher of BELIZE FIRST magazine. He has authored or

co-authored eight books, including six on Belize. His Belize books include

Adapter Kit: Belize, San Pedro Cool, Belize First Guide to Mainland Belize

and Fodor's Belize &Guatemala Guide. A member of the Society of American

Travel Writers, Sluder has contributed to many magazines and newspapers

around the world, including The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Caribbean

Travel & Life, Globe & Mail, Bangkok Post and Where to Retire.


Lan Sluder/Belize First
http://www.belizefirst.com
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 717
Offline
Lan, stayed at the bus terminal in Punta Gorda in 2000. I didn't see it on your list.
They have a nice restaurant and bar too!
The Guatamalan ladie that kept the bar open till midnite also got up at "o-dark thirty"
to fix breakfast.
I can't remember the official name of the place, that's where you come in!
Also spent one nite at the "Pelican Resort" on the mainland at Dangriga. Nice place with AC, and another good bar.
Thanks in advance for the info......Richard

[This message has been edited by Richard Chambers (edited 03-08-2002).]

Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,054
OP Offline
Traveller's Inn is the place at the bus station in PG. Last time I was there it was closed. If open I would give it two stars. We do list Pelican Beach in Dangriga and give it two stars.

--Lan Sluder


Lan Sluder/Belize First
http://www.belizefirst.com
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 8,880
Offline
Why can't I find the Manta Resort on Glover's in this listing?


A fish and a bird can fall in love, but where will they build their nest?

Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,054
OP Offline
Manta Resort was badly damaged by Iris and is still closed. That's why we don't list them. They say they will reopen in May and, if they do, they will be rated then. There was also a legal/insurance wrangle between the Feinsteins and the operator -- don't know how that has shaken out.

--Lan Sluder

Belize books and publications by Lan Sluder:
Belize First Magazine (http://www.belizefirst.com)
Fodor's Belize & Guatemala Guide
Belize First Guide to Mainland Belize
Adapter Kit: Belize (the first and only comprehensive guide to living, retiring, working and investing in Belize -- a best-seller on Amazon.com)
UpClose Central America
San Pedro Cool (coming soon)


Lan Sluder/Belize First
http://www.belizefirst.com
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 8,880
Offline
Thank you.

BTW, can you give me a little more detail on your opinion on the Paradise Resort? I've heard good and bad about it. I know Marty likes it. I like the grounds but have never been inside a room. I've been looking into it as an alternative to the places I usually stay that are starting to affect my pocketbook. I'm particularly interested in the rooms with kitchenettes.

I look forward to hearing from you in this regard.TIA


[This message has been edited by seashell (edited 03-13-2002).]


A fish and a bird can fall in love, but where will they build their nest?

Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,054
OP Offline
Seashell,

I think I already gave you my opinion (such as it is) on Paradise Resort -- via e-mail in response to an e-mail question from you.

--Lan Sluder


Lan Sluder/Belize First
http://www.belizefirst.com
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 8,880
Offline
Sorry Lan. I didn't think I got that email, that's why I asked again. I was surprised because it seemed so unlike you not to respond.

So I've just gone and done a search on my emails, did indeed find yours and so I owe you a large apology. I'm very sorry.

And thanks so much for your reply.

That trip I had been planning in Feb was cancelled anyway but there's always next time.

[This message has been edited by seashell (edited 03-14-2002).]


A fish and a bird can fall in love, but where will they build their nest?


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