Can anyone give we information on Black Rock River Lodge in San Ignacio and/or Barnicle Bills in Placencia? We hope to be staying at both in mid June, personal testimony would be great. Thanks ML

Barnacle Bill's in Maya Beach has two nice cottages on stilts, close to the water. The cabins are attractive and the owners, the Taylors, are nice folks. Maya Beach is a little away from things, and if staying here I'd recommend having a car.

Black Rock Lodge has a beautiful setting above the Macal River. However, because of what happened there in December (the manager and one of his staff were murdered and guests terrorized, one raped) I am not recommending it at this time. Not that I am concerned so much about a similar event happening again, as it apparently was a personal matter involving a group of Guatemalans and the American manager, but one has to wonder why the situation was allowed to go on, and that gives me some concern about the situation.

--Lan Sluder
Belize books and publications by Lan Sluder:
Belize First Magazine (http://www.belizefirst.com)
Fodor's Belize & Guatemala Guide (new 4th edition coming this summer)
Adapter Kit: Belize (the first and only comprehensive guide to living, retiring, working and investing in Belize -- a best-seller on Amazon.com)
San Pedro Cool (the first and only visitor guide to Ambergris Caye)
Belize First Guide to Mainland Belize
UpClose Central America
Belize Book of Lists