Jim, yes I stayed in unit D8. It was great with amazing views. I liked the unique cozy curvy design of the kitchen/living room area.
I have not stayed at The Phoenix (yet ) but I have toured it and sent clients there. It is also very nice with high quality construction and furnishings, and well run. But yes, it is not as secluded and quiet an area as Gr Caribe. Plus it would have way more boat traffic if you plan to swim in the sea right out front. For me personally, I like to be right in town or close because I am usually running around like a crazy person when I am on the island - seeing people and places, having meetings, etc. so the Phoenix would be very convenient for that aspect. But staying at Gr Caribe made me feel like I was actually on vacation for a change and in some ways forced me to stay put and enjoy the surroundings more than I usually would! A "normal" tourist would have a great experience at either place
Like every hotel in Belize, it depends on what you are looking for. These days there is something for everyone!

My only concern about the Phoenix would be that it might be a little noisy on the weekend nights....don't know that for sure, just guessing. Like you said, Barbara, Grand Caribe was nice and quiet...we slept very well there at night...I think the constant (but subtle) security presence was also comforting, especially at night....

Jim

We didn't find that to be the case. All the windows in the Phoenix units opened to the courtyard/pool area, not to the street, so it was very quiet in the evenings. The only time it was noisy is if a rowdy bunch were drinking at the pool, but that was an afternoon phenomenon and never went past dinnertime when we were there (two weeks in May 2010). Grand Caribe is also very quiet, as you say.

Cheers,
Emily

Thanks for the info, Emily....Actually, you hit the nail right on the head in reagards to what I was referring to. I wasn't so much worried about crowds on the streets as I was the pool area because it's in the courtyard and so close to the units. But, you've stayed there and I haven't so I appreciate the post...

Jim

Yeah, once it started getting to be dinnertime, the rowdies cleared out of the pool and headed to restaurants in town. My husband and I spent many evenings there sitting by the pool in the dark after dinner, and it was very quiet. I guess the parties just moved elsewhere!

Emily