You all know we love you, so we value advice here. The Otters typically stay at Ruby's and enjoy the no-frills, low price, great location, and wonderful owners. We've decided to go up a small step this year as we'll be there a bit longer.

We're looking at Conch Shell for a 5-night package on the second floor. Don't need A/C in February. Looking forward to a few more creature comforts while remaining relatively cheap and close to town.

Good move? Bad Move? Better suggestions?

Good move Yes. Ken

I vote yes too...clean and wonderful view! Mel

Well if Ken and Mel say so, it must be great!

It depends on your tolerance to noise. There is a dive shop right there and I didn't like the clanging of tanks, etc. at 5 a.m.

They will just be getting in at 5am! No problemo!!

true, reaper, true. Can't be much more noisy than Ruby's

and Cholo's right next door to freshen up the Belikin intake.

being the soccer fan that you are, they ALWAYS have the games on with lots of amplitude!

I think anywhere you stay, there will be some degree of noise or something that is deemed "annoying". During my stays on the island, I just let it roll off my back. I think to myself... "I am fortunate to be on one of the most beautiful islands in Central America. I will not allow anything to disrupt that feeling." That usually works for me. When it doesn't, I just run to the nearest bar and order up a Belikin. (that always works :D)

We have the Conch Shell booked next month. This will be our second stay there. We are very happy with everything it has to offer. The noise has never been a problem for us as we are up early as well.

When I stayed there in Feb 2009 in an upstairs unit, (don't get the one on the end next to Cholos - you will for sure get no sleep), it was hot, but I kept the ceiling and standing fan going 24/7 and it helped. The best thing is it's so close to Estel's for breakfast Besides, the "AC" is a portable unit that looked more like an evaporater cooler that rolled around. Not sure how effective it would have been.

Friends of ours (who sometimes post on here, but haven't seen recently) moved from Ruby's to Conch Shell a couple years ago. They were very unhappy with the noise and the fumes from the outboards. Last year they moved back to Ruby's.....

I have stayed at both, MUCH prefer the conch shell. Actually found it much less noisy and friendlier staff. Also worth the extra bit of money by far!

My first post; We will be staying at the Conch Shell in Feb, and going to the Jerry Jeff Walker concert at Wet Willie's, this will be our first trip to A/C, I've been reading the TA reports and this forum, you guys are great, it sure makes traveling alot more fun knowing what to expect on many different aspects, and your insights are very helpful, and sometimes entertaining as well. Thanks!

Surprised they'd allow animals in the rooms...

Tiggers, Otters, Beavers? Whom could you mean

Well, they allowed a tiger at Cayo Espanto....