I'm new to this board and first off wanted to say *THANK YOU!!!* to everyone, reading through all the posts has provided a wealth of information for our upcoming March trip!
Now, a favor: I wanted to see if anyone could recommend their favorite hotel in AC -- my husband and I are looking for one that's away from town, mid-priced, and (most importantly!) has a nice beach you can walk right out to and go swimming in. When it comes to decor, A/C, and other superficial stuff, we don't care, as long as it's comfortable!
Our last trip to Central America was a vigorous trek across Western Costa Rica, and while it was the most wonderful and breathtaking place I've ever visited... I'm ready to just relax on the beach, snorkel, and swim this time.
Thanks tremendously in advance for the recommendations.

Gaelen
Concord, CA USA

As you have probably gathered from reading other posts, Belize is not famous for beautiful beaches. Most are very small and very few have water you can just wade into and swim. That being said, I would highly recommend Banana Beach. We stayed there in May and loved it. Of all the beaches we saw, Bananas had one of the nicest. We didn't swim right off the beach, but they do have a very nice pool. The staff there is absolutely amazing. When you go out snorkeling, have the front desk book you with Capt. Alfonse. He was a wonderful guide and you can really tell that he loves his job. I hope you have a great trip.

Hi,
I really can't help you with a hotel because we stayed in a home North of the cut. (Paradise Palace... though I would not recommend staying there lol) Banana Beach looked good, Banyon Bay very nice, Victoria House beautiful, The Palms condos, close to town, and nice pool though in the back.
I'm sure other will jump in soon to help you out.
Sincerely,
Hope

In the price range you mentioned I would recommend Banana Beach Resort and Tropica Beach Resort located about 1½ miles south of town on Mar de Tumbo Beach.

Both have pools and are on one of the best beaches on AC. Bananas has more luxurious accommodation and is highly recommended.

Tropica has nice palapa style units, and a very good restaurant on site.

If you wish to spend a little more, Villas at Banyan Bay on the same beach with pool, 2 bedroom condo units, and jacuzzi baths are pure luxury.

**Jim


[This message has been edited by Sandcrab (edited 07-03-2001).]

Banana Beach is a good choice.
My favorite is Sunbreeze, then I walk a tad to the south by Ramon's to walk into the sea.
Beaches......are narrow on Ambergris with white sand, but once in the water deep enough to swim, it is much better than most sea/ocean swimming, due to the reef blocking the huge surf, that knocks you around. Best to walk out on the docks and then swim.
Costa Rica is beautiful the beaches on the east side are rocky, and west side the black sand is beautiful, but the surf is strong.
South Padre Island, Tx. where I live has wide beige beaches, but the surf is so strong, you cannot swim for very long.
Actually, with all the snorkeling one does off Ambergris, you truly get in enough swimming in the sea, to satisfy you, plus seeing all those beautiful fish rays and starks. Just BELIZE IT.
Once there you will not be concerned with the narrow beach, because all beach front hotel properties are sand, and the streets too.
Not too worry, when you get home you will find a ton of sand in your luggage, LOL.

My vote is for Caribe Island Resort. South of town, nice beach, pool and quietness. Plus they have a shuttle to town every night if you need to get your ya ya's out in town.

They have a dive shop right there that is great to book all excursions and you can kayak right at their beach for free to the reef to snorkel.

ditto on Banana Beach, people make you feel welcome there and you get the best service. Also, great pool.

You couldn't have asked a more confusing question...there are abundant choices, and everybody seems to have a different favorite. They all have something to offer. Try the following link: http://www.belizefirst.com/bfhotrec.html
also...the lodging link is quite helpful and informative. Good luck...it took me forever to make up my mind!!!
Hope...REALLY?? You wouldn't recommend it? I can't imagine why??? HAHAHAHA...you crack me up girl!

I'd echo the recommendation of Banana Beach. It fits your specs to a tee.

I've visited and toured almost every hotel on the island, and stayed at quite a few of them, and for value, good management, pleasant suite-style accommodations (especially the seafront units), it's hard to beat.

As an old Costa Rica hand myself -- I first visited Costa Rica in 1982 and have been back a number of times -- I'd say that it would be a shame to visit Belize and not see more than just a single resort island. Costa Rica is grand, and far more scenic than Belize (on land, anyway) but Belize offers things that Costa Rica doesn't -- like Maya ruins, the barrier reef, remote islands and atolls and a multi-cultural society.

--Lan Sluder
Belize First magazine http://www.belizefirst.com/

Gaelen...When are you going? We are going to stay at Banana Beach starting July 15th. I can let you know what we think about going right into the water. That is one of the things we like to do also. Read under a tree on the beach; get up and walk out to get cooled off and sun some more. From the sounds of things B.B. is suppose to be really nice, I'm looking forward to it. The people sound just realy nice. Some of the Caribbean places we have been to the people aren't that friendly.