My husband and I are just about to book our first trip to the area and I am soooo nervous to pick the right place and get all the right info. I want it to be perfect of course. We are debating between the Belizean Shores, Coco Beach Resort, and Xanadu Resort. Belizean is much cheaper but I dont want to sacrifice too much. We want a good location! Any advice?
Is there a gym on the island?
Any info is really appreciated!

They are all excellent choices. Belizean Shores has a bar, restaurant and dive shop, more rooms, so probably a little busier than the other 2 resorts. Coco Beach is more tranquil, less amenities. Xanadu is 1 mile south of town, easier road access if you like to wine and dine and then enjoy the nightlife - although the boat ferrys are available to get you home if you choose to go up north.

There are a few gyms on the island - the newest is the Train Station which is in town close to the bakery. Oscar's is closest to the bridge and the San Pedro Fitness Club is about 1/2 mile south of town.

Belizean Shores has a most amazing pool but Xanadu's units, layout and ambiance are hard to beat. It is a much smaller property than the other two.

I haven't been out to Coco Beach since it was being built, so can't say too much about it, except that the pool area looked like it was going to be pretty fabulous. The one unit I was in, was a super large, so probably pretty expensive in the scheme of things.

I can ony speak for myself, but I like to be closer to town for ease of access to restaurants and nightlife. At Xanadu, you will find both tranquility, intimacy and the ease of access.

Thank you so much! So far.. very helpful. I think we want to be closer to town too. I am open to other hotel options too. I have looked at so many but trying to stick with the top ones.

The other "top" one close to town that is more of a hotel (rather than condo) caribbean resort property would be Victoria House.

We would definitely prefer to be closer to town but I love the way the Coco Beach looks more plush.. and it would be a little less.

Victoria House looked great but nothing available. Same with the Cayo Espanto, which I would love to stay at.

Would anyone think it would be worth while staying in Belize City a night? I love to experience everything possible.

Geez, I wouldn't bother with that . . .how much time have you got?

If you like the looks of Coco Beach go for it and get an umlimited pass for one of the ferry's and go to town whenever you choose!

9 nights total. Our flight gets into Belize City at 4pm and we just rather fly in daylight.
I am leaning towards Coco Beach. You know now days every penny counts and right now Belizean Shores would be around 1100 less than Coco Beach.. and most others. Any thoughts on if its worth spending the extra?

How about Las Terrazas Resort?

:-) great Dive Shop :-0
email Carolyn Stone <dos@lasterrazasbelize.com>; and tell her to make you a deal

I prefer closer to town town too and think it's wise, but our first trip to Belize was to Belizean Shores. The water taxi runs very very frequently and is inexpensive. You are far enough out to be relaxed and quiet yet close enough to town. We had our groceries waiting for us in our room and opened a beer and sat on the pier our first evening -- it was wonderful. The Mrs. and I didn't find it hampered our night life -- though we find stumbling distance to be an advantage these days.

Regardless, for 9 days I would consider 2-3 nights in the jungle and do some Mayan Ruins and cave tubing. Then, finish up in San Pedro. Just my two cents. Don't overthink it -- you'll have a blast.

I am soooo over thinking it. I appreciate the feedback so much though. We have had a few really bad experiences so I get nervous now. I have found if something is a little cheaper.. there is usually a reason. So I dont mind springing the extra if need be. The last thing is bothering me about BSR is the salt water pool. I am not big on salt water unless I am in the ocean... ouch.

Have done the ruins in Tulum but all about the caves and fishing.
Thanks

HeadyM . . . sometimes a bad experience is all about how you handle it.

If you are expecting a Hawaiian All-inclusive 5 star experience, you aren't going to find that, whether at BSR or any of your other choices.

My recommendation, is to change your mindset. Be ready to accept that some things are going to be different, slower, DIFFERENT . . .after all, isn't that why we go out to explore other places when we go on vacation. It's all an adventure. Set yourself free, let things unfold however they do. If you don't get uptight about it, you could find yourself having the best time of your life, regardless of getting a little salt on ya.

Hi HeadyM - just sent you a PM : )

Wish we were going, maybe next year. sighhhhhh

My daughter just connected with a group of 12. Four of them went with the flow and had some unexpected adventures following her. Two went separate ways from all. Six had rigid schedules, stuck to them and were clock watcher and seemed to squabble a lot.

This is a place to “LET IT HAPPEN”. The fewer things you have on your MUST DO list the more open you will be to new and unexpected delights. Meet up with people who live here instead of spending the day in a gringo bar.

Excellent points!
I know we are more of the beachcomber types so I dont know why I worry so much. We do own a business that we are married to so when we get to go we want to make sure we get the most out of it. I am not one to keep a schedule at all and I looooove local people and places.

The pool at Belizean Shores IS fresh water. It uses a salt water purification system (instead chlorine) to keep the pool clean and clear.