We will be taking a family vacation in October and would love to get suggestions on where to stay. We will have 2 sets of parents (ages 60ish) who like nice, clean, safe, pretty full service accomodations. And 6 siblings (ages 29-35, 2 girls and 4 boys) who enjoy a nice accomodations but would also like activities. Something on a clean, easy to access beachfront, 1 or 2 bedrooms w/ AC would be great. Should we stay close or in San Padro or is it better to be a bit away. Are things too hectic for parents type people or is it fine to get something "in-town". The parents are cool, enjoy a good time and puts a few back in the evenings but after so many years of being alive doesn't like "cheesy" tourist things. Thanks for all your replys!

Siri,

I think one of the island's many condotels would make a great choice for your party. These places typically offer one and two bedroom units, nicely furnished, often with a pool and almost always on the water. Among those that I like are The Palms, Villas at Banyan Bay, Banana Beach, Paradise Villas, Coral Bay, Belizean Reef Suites. That's not a complete list by any means.

As to WHERE to stay, it's a toss-up. If you like to go out frequently and be near everything, you might be better off in or near town -- places like The Palms, Belizean Reef, Mayan Princess, Paradise Villas. But if you want a bit more peace and quiet, places like Banyan Bay, Banana Beach, Sunset Beach are nice and just a $5 cab ride from town.

My Fun, Free & Easy Guide to Ambergris Caye gives all the pros and cons of each area (with no advertising, so the info is candid) plus rating of hotels, restaurants, etc.
Click on http://www.turq.com/belizefirst/amcay/amberg.html

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

Siri: May I suggest that you go to my Web Site at http://oldgatorsnest.addr.com then scroll up to parts 2 and 3 AMBERGRIS CAYE AND PLACENCIA click the links for Journeys End and SunBreeze on the AC part 2 and the link for the Inn at Robert's Grove on part 3 Placencia. Any of those 3 places will provide what you are looking for. You can link to them through the site and request a firm price for the time period you wish to stay.

Siri,

I think Lan has given you excellent advice.

You might want to consider the area south of town called Mar de Tumbo Beach. This is one of the best beaches on Ambergris Caye and does not have a seagrass problem (turtle grass) as the wave action there tends to lessen the growth. Just walk in and go for a swim.

Located on this beach are several good resorts, but I suggest, as Lan did, that a condotel is probably the most appropriate type of accommodation.

Banana Beach with one bedroom suites is a great choice, and Villas At Banyan Bay with two bedroom suites is also an excellent choice. Each resort has a swimming pool, and air conditioning. They are near to very good eating places and beach bars.

The price of the suites will probably determine your choice as both are very nice. You can check them out at:

<A href="mailto:bananas@btl.net">E-mail: Banana Beach</A>

<A href="mailto:info@banyanbay.com">E-mail: Banyan Bay</A>

Enjoy and if I can be of further help, please feel free to contact me direct.

**Jim
sandcrab@bigfoot.com



[This message has been edited by Sandcrab (edited 05-01-2000).]

I went down there with some elder family members, and stayed at Banyan Bay. They loved it. It sounds like an ideal place for you and your family.