bchbetha

We are planning a trip to Belize in May and are down to these 2 hotels. We plan to use them as a home base while we go to Tikal, ATM and maybe another excursion- about a 4 night stay is all we have time for.

We have been reading reviews of both hotels and we have a concern about the Black Rock Lodge and the logistics of taking tours from there. It sounds like it might cost more to take tours from that hotel. So while Hidden Valley costs more per night they both might even out when you factor in the increased tour costs. Is this accurate or did we just stumble across some misleading information?

If they are going to wind up being the same in cost when all is said and done, it seems that Hidden Valley is nicer but I would be interested to hear general feedback about both, even if you can't comment on the tour cost differences.

Thanks so much!
Beth

hopefulist

I haven't stayed at either but I think you'll get more opinions if you go to the Belize Forum; be sure to search 1st, then ask.
www.belizeforum.com

Here's a link to my photos, blogs, and travelogues. There are Tikal sets in the Belize 2003, Guatemala 2007, and Guatemala 2009 collections and ATM photos in the Belize 2009 collection.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections

Happy trails! I hope you'll post a travelogue for us!

Patty

According to the Black Rock and Hidden Valley websites, both Tikal and ATM are slightly cheaper from Black Rock. If you're looking at tours through a local operator, I wouldn't think the pick up charge from Black Rock would be higher than from Hidden Valley but I could be wrong.

hopefulist

For what it's worth, you really don't need a tour for Tikal and Pacz Tours will pick you up at most lodging places; we paid $70/pp for our ATM tour last summer: http://www.pacztours.net/pages/tours/ATM.html

If you haven't traveled around CA much then the tours might be less stressful.

Katie_Valk

Everything will cost less from BRL, including the two tours you listed. Both are good choices. BRL is very good value for the money, beautiful spot in tropical foliage on the Macal River, geared towards moderate budgets, meals served family style. HVI is a unique property on 7200 acres with private waterfalls, much more upscale cottages with firesplaces, enclosed dining room, meals more elaborate, much more personal attention, geared towards higher budgets, in the Mtn Pine Ridge with mixed tropical hardwood forest.

bchbetha

Hmm, I suppose I need to call and verify the cost differences between the 2. Reviews I read were pretty convincing that because of BRL's more remote location the tour operators charged more to get to you. It almost seemed like things could even out. Thank you for the reviews and thoughts! They are much appreciated!

Patty

Maybe the reviewers meant in comparison to lodgings close to San Ignacio. Hidden Valley is just as or maybe even more remote than Black Rock but in a different area.