I am just wondering what food prices are like in AC??? I've heard that the prices for food are VERY expensive and the food prices don't reflect good food...

We're thinking of staying at the Exotic Caye Resort Playador and was wondering if anyone has and feedback on this???

Also - we want to get married on AC - any feedback you have on this would be greatly appreciated...

I don't know where you heard that about the food prices. Restaurants vary in pricing of course, but by and large you eat very well indeed in San Pedro for far less than you could at any US mainland resort. (Or most Caribbean places for that matter). As far as the quality, you might want to spend some time reading old posts on this board. We are pretty serious about our dining out wherever we are at, and San Pedro is one of our favorites for quality, price and value.

The grocery store items do reflect the cost of transportation, and are definitely more expensive then you are accustomed to.

Nothing mean spirited here, the Playador 1s in a beautiful grove of palms with a large sandy front area, it however would not be my choice for a stay in San Pedro.

Thanks a lot for the info...Since you don't suggest Playador - is there any other you'd recommend??? What about Caribbean Villas or Mata Rocks??? I'm looking for something NICE but not TOO expensive (we are planning to get married there and bring some friends along - we don't want to "break their banks"...)

Caribbean Villas would get my vote hands down. We have a part of our group (two couples) staying there in late March. If you have some companions for this event who are looking for something close by but a little less send them to Coconuts. Two properties away, great rooms (but just rooms) and terrific management. You CANNOT go wrong at Caibbean Villas, and I'm sure that they can help arrange the nuptials.

CC

Lots of grocery prices listed at: //AmbergrisCaye.com/help/

restaurant prices are comparable with the US.

I agree with CHOOCHOO about Caribbean Villas, but I think he shortchanged Coconuts Hotel with the phrase "(but just rooms)".

I don't think he meant to as he has been at Coconuts in the past and enjoyed the free home-cooked breakfasts from 7am on with buns and breads, fresh fruit, fruit juices, cereals, fresh coffee and tea. I'm sure he could have enjoyed the use of their free bicycles to guests if he wished, and I know from his posts that he really enjoyed the great little beach bar run by Margie and Ada which is about 25 feet from the Caribbean Sea.

He could have enjoyed lying in one of the hammocks that are strung between posts on the white sand beach or just relaxed under the trees up near the hotel.

I just know he misses the free entertainment put on by the supply barge, which in my opinion, can be a real hoot when things start happening a la "Murphy's law".

In any case, he is dead on about the great management team of David and Karina. There is none better or friendlier.

Have met many honeymooners there on my stays and never heard a negative word from any of them.

Just my thoughts. Hope they help to give you a fuller picture.

**Jim

OK, so I got in a hurry with the "only a room" wording...several times over the years we have certainly enjoyed all the amenities available at Coconuts, and everything you have mentioned is absolutely factual. However, even though their rooms are all very large by island standards, we are more comfortable with the kitchen, refrigerator, seperate bedroom, private veranda, etc. that we have at a nearby property.

Caribbean Villas also has several units that fit that criteria, and I've always felt that as a honeymoon hideaway it would be perfect.

Plus the always entertaining barge is quite visible from Will's dock as well as our veranda, which is probably closer than Coconuts. (By the way heard some very encouraging info about that at Christmas from a source not given to hyperbole. Might go to the back side sooner than anybody might think. But, as in so many things San Pedroean...we'll see about that.)

At any rate I'm covered...got friends stashed in both places the end of the month, 2 couples at Coconuts and two at CV.

On your question about food prices the truth is that they vary wildly. It depends on where you shop. Island Supermarket is high, but they do have almost everything you see in a US grocery store. Prices are better at the family run small markets, Marinas south of town is great. The meat markets are reasonable too. Chico's, or Linos both sell quality meats. My wife says Linos is cleaner. Bargains can be had at the small produce stands around town as well. Just be picky and you'll find what you want.

I fail to understand why folks are seemilgly negative on Playador. We spent a wonderful week there last June/July as well as some time at Coconuts. We have to thank both places for the vacation of a lifetime!! David at Coconuts included us in his family/ friends activity for the Caye Caulker lobster fest and included the folks from Playador! It would be hard to make a bad choice for any stay in SP! We desparately want to go back , and will soon.
Richard

Hi,
I just finalized reservations for a couple who are getting married in Belize and she chose Caribbean Villas- it is so nice for a wedding site. They have several rooms that are quite reasonable along with suites. So, there is a bit of a variety to choose from. Nice grounds for the wedding.