I haven't seen the new Turtle Inn since it opened in December -- I did see while it was under construction; feedback I've gotten about it so far is mixed:
* Some people who have stayed there or visited since it opened raved about it; others complained about the construction not being completed (as of about three weeks ago) and about the bareness of the grounds (many trees in that area were blown away by Iris.)
* Most everybody notes the high cost of the restaurant -- by far the priciest place on the peninsula. Good but not great most people say.
* Everybody, including some travel agents and locals, complain that the reservation system hasn't been working well. Getting e-mail response has been frustrating, several people have told me.
Until Turtle Inn gets the kinks out and proves itself, I will have to say that Inn at Robert's Grove is still the class act on the peninsula -- the condo suites in particular are fantastic, two pools, two restaurants, marina, on-site diving operation, tennis, workout room, hot tubs, free use of kayaks, small sailboats, etc. Very well run.
Robert's Grove does charge for young kids, whereas I think Turtle Inn does not.
--Lan Sluder
www.belizefirst.com