we were really sold on caribbean villas for our first visit to AC, but have noticed many of the regulars stay at banana beach. any recommendations and why?
-thanks

Snowrose,
I have never stayed at Caribbean Villas, so I cannot comment on that one or even compare. I stay a Bananas for many reasons:

the staff is the best and service is excellent

the rooms and suites are nice size and they are kept very clean

the beach and the grounds are very well maintained

close enough to town, but, yet not right on top of town

my "adopted" daughter lives close by

the new restaurant and lounge are pluses

a clean beach towel everyday

two pools-you could always find a lounge chair

So, those are some of my reasons for being a Banana Beach regular.I am sure there are more, but I dont want to ramble.
Jackie

I think most people stay at the same place over and over again for the same reason they keep going back to AC. If they enjoyed their stay at a particular location, meaning it met their requirements, it is a known quantity and they would rather enjoy it again than take a chance on somewhere else. Some people require a pool, others don't care. Some folks want cheap, others want more luxury. In my opinion, there are so many great places to stay that the less desirable places are hard pressed to compete.
Personally, we always stay at Paradise Villas. We find it pretty, close to town, quiet, with a nice pool and comfortable lodgings. No doubt there are other spots equally nice, but we know who to talk to and where to go, and it is just easier to retrace our steps. If you had a fabulous time, why take a chance?

Both are great places and have different personalities, so it probably comes down to what suits your lifestyle. Caribbean Villas is small and quiet: 10 rooms and suites on over 2 acres of land with a wooded bird sanctuary with lots of wildlife. Many of the staff have been there since the hotel opened and they are totally guests oriented. All rooms and suites are beachfront and the suites have kitchens. There is approximately 300 feet of beachfront and a 300+ foot pier with swimming and snorkeling area. Free bikes, grills, hammocks. Caribbean Villas does not accept commissions from guides or tour companies so you get an objective recommendation and booking and in some cases cheaper prices. They have an arrangement for diving with Amigos del Mar. The owners live on the property and are involved in day to day operation. Ask for 10% off listed rates if you book directly. We all have our preferences and I try to highlight the specifics of ours.

I love Banana Beach because of the views from the ocean view rooms. Incredible. Stayed there last year 3 times and I'm headed back on Saturday. The staff there is wonderful and I always feel safe and welcome there. Try it once and you too will keep coming back.

Bobber is correct. We do repeat our visits to the same hotel/resort many times. True the same connection as Belize for us. Our home away from home in Belize. Like going home, and the staff is our Belizean family, waiting for our arrival.

Caribbean Villas was designed for people who want a romantic honeymoon in the Caribbean. They purposely built only 7suites and 3 rooms on nearly 3 acres of botanical gardens so everyone would have lots of tropical beauty and privacy. Every room and suite faces the ocean for a fantastic view. Caribbean Villas is one of the main places on the island for weddings and wedding pictures because of their gardens and beautiful beach. You can turn off the light at the end of the pier and enjoy the stars from the hammock, take a midnight swim, or relax in one of the outdoor hot tubs and enjoy a cool drink. Moonlight sails can also be arranged. 24 hour security is provided for your privacy. Within a 5 minute walk you can choose from many restaurants such as an up scale restaurant like Rico's or patio dinning at nearby Moncada's or intimate dinning at Casa Picasso.

When I first went to Belize I was going to stay in Plaencia, but Hurricane Iris had other ideas. Then 9/11 happend. I was determined to still go to Belize and did alot of research on various areas. I finally narrowed it down to AC and then started on hotels. If I remember correctly I had narrowed it down to Caribbean Villas, Banana Beach and a couple others. I think I decided against Caribbean Villas because there was not a pool. I love the sea but sometimes fresh water is nice. Because of 9/11 and the Hurricane as well as it was looking like Hurricane Michelle was now headed to Belize I had a million questions. Tim, the owner at Banana Beach was wonderful in answering all my questions and he never once made me feel like I was being a nusiance. Then my flight got changed around so I was cutting it real close to making the connection to AC from Belize City. Tim was reassuring about Tropic Air and that they will wait as long as possible instead of another hotel answer that I received basically saying I could be just out of luck. That was the clincher. I happily paid a little more for the treatment I received only via email.
I have been back to Banana Beach twice since then and will happily pay a little more to be treated with respect as well as feel safe. They have a wonderful staff and are like my second family. Funny thing is the first time I went, I never did use the pool. Things happen for a reason I guess.