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