Where is the most ideal place in (1)Placencia, (2) Cayo (with a six-year old CHILD)that offers cabanas, thatch roofs, & mosquito nets for the best deal? Any advice based on experience would be highly appreciated!

Check bananabank.com - they have the accomodations you mentioned - not sure if it's the price you want.

In Cayo try Crystal Paradise and/or Clarissa Falls. In Cayo there are usually no biting-bug problems.

thatched roofs look cool but ain't

Explain Toad....

Yah..Toad, what aren't so great about them?

Here is a partial quote from a reply I wrote concerning building thatch roof as opposed to concrete.

Hope this helps to answer the "why nots?"

Jim

They also do a very good job of keeping the heat in! Not too cool in the summer. I spent a few nights in a loft and it was uncomfortable before about midnite and after 8:00 am. This was right on the beach with the breeze blowing all the time.
We did spend one nite in the cabana at JB's though that was a pleasant experience. Rained a little that nite and the view of the mountians beyond the orange groves was a great view in the morning.
Cheap too, think we only paid $60us for three of us.
Richard :p

in a quiet orchard surrounded garden atmosphere, smith's family farm has a choice of 5 cabins, some with thatch roofs. the one facing the orange grove has thatch roof w/bathroom & fridge indoors & cooking stove & sink on the porch. there's a double bed & roy can add a cot for your kid if you like, tho that makes it a bit tight. it's about 10 minutes walk just outside san ignacio town & is beautiful w/ enclosed private grounds to check out. the owner cooks vegetarian food & has 2 kids & charged $20/night last summer. i stayed there a week & dug it. totally the bargain of my trip.

cheers---
gogo

You might also look at Pook's Hill, just a little beyond Belmopan -- turn at Teakettle, Mile 58. Very pleasant thatch cabanas with a Maya ruin on site. It has a great jungle atmosphere and it's not far from the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave. Run by a very nice family.

--Lan Sluder

I second Lan's opinion about Pook's Hill. We stayed there last week for 4 nights with our 7 and 10 year old. It was very nice, and the kids had a great time. The owners, Ray and Vicky Snaddon, were extremely gracious and helpful. One thing to consider - everything (with the exception of horseback riding) you do on the property is free. You can go river tubing, swimming in the river, take guided jungle hikes, explore the Mayan ruins.

I thought the cabanas were very nice, and the grounds were beautiful.

I don't have a lot of experience, but The Singing Sands Inn on Maya Beach is terrific. Cabanas on the beach and the usual activities. 7 miles North of Placencia. Several resorts in walking distance, including my favorite beach bar, Mangos.

I second Big Frank's recommendation of Singing Sands. While there's no netting, there's no need because of the winds off the beach. They have beautiful grounds with lovingly cared for plants and take good care of guests. Their prices are most reasonable. They have a lovely pool and sunrises can't be beat.

i agree about smith family ranch. he's great guy and it's walking distance to town, also has laundry facilities and he maintains his beautiful grounds every day. it's on savannah st. everyon e in town knows him.

I would suggest Barnicle Bills, great rooms and with only two units, plenty of privacy. Also the management is great!