Dear Vacationlover, Knotborde, danb, Barb, RMT, BLUE_48_98 & others,
I'd like to thank you all for your comments on Victoria House. You've brought up some good points - and we appreciate the constructive criticism as much as we do the compliments!
I apologize to both Vacationlover and knotborde for the water problems you encountered. Each room's hot and cold water flow is individually controlled, and our maintenance crew is able to adjust the valve system should it be out of balance for any reason. During periods of heavy demand we've experienced temporary problems and are working on a solution to this problem. Water temperature or any other concerns will be promptly addressed by the appropriate department once we are aware of the situation.
We lease our golf carts thru a local San Pedro cart rental company and are obliged to pass on their charges to our guests. Because of numerous requests for newer, more reliable carts we've switched from our previous battery powered vehicles. One downside is, as you mentioned, the need to fill up the fuel tanks on return - similar to an auto rental. Our front desk staff should definitely have informed you of this requirement as should our dive shop staff of the rental rates for snorkel and SCUBA equipment.
You are correct about the rotating menus in our dining room.
There are three menus which are changed each night, if for example menu #1 is served on the first day of your stay, different menus will be offered on days 2 and three, and menu #1 will be offered again on day 4. Three of the four appetizers, one of the five soups and salads and seven of the eight entrees change each night - the six desserts are however consistent on each nights menus.
While the meal plans work very well for a lot of our guests, obviously they're not for everyone. There are a number of excellent restaurants and cafes on Ambergris Caye - our front desk and activities staff will be happy to make recommendations based on personal experience and reviews from other guests.
As Barb pointed out, if you have any questions about excursions or pricing, please don't hesitate to enquire, either prior to your arrival or while here. We book the majority of our guests' excursions through the VH activities department and, as is usual in the trade, mark up excursions slightly to cover the costs of staffing this department etc. This service is mainly geared towards making our guests stay easier and more relaxing - guests simply discuss their needs with our knowledgeable activities staff and the trip is arranged with reliable and professional guides. It works well for the guides as well, as they receive bookings from different resorts throughout the year in much the same manner.
Due to the inevitability of taxes (even in paradise), in addition to posted prices we charge an additional 9% sales tax. Other than that there are additional or hidden charges. This may be where the question of charges in addition to the posted rate arose. The posted rate for the fishing trip mentioned is $225.00, and tax on that is $20.25 which would have been added on to the bill.
We truly appreciate feedback on the services and amenities offered at Victoria House. As always, we shall give serious consideration to these and any other concerns.
For more detailed information on services available at Victoria House, please feel free to email us at:
[email protected]Brent Kirkman
AmbergrisCaye.com 
Want to try to get together in Marshall's Creek? I'll bring the One Barrel!
