I am going to Belize the second week of June for 10 days with my partner. We are planning to stay on Amergris Caye/ San Pedro. Does anyone have suggestions of where we should stay? We want somewhere that is private, quiet and beachfront (or seaview)....but not too expensive! How is Ruby's or the Coconut's Caribbean Hotel? Any suggestions for other great places? Thanks! <BR>Elle Martini

Both Ruby's and Coconut's are great choices. However, for a little more (US$65 or so offseason at Coconut's versus US$45 or so for the A/C units at Ruby's) Coconuts gives you a LOT more, including much larger and nicer rooms, even friendlier management, complimentary breakfasts, much better beach, use of bikes, etc.) It's not quite as convenient to town as Ruby's, but it's only a pleasant short walk away. I'd say go Coconut's. <BR> <BR>The Hideaway is a pretty good budget place, and it has a pool, though it's not on the water. Still, for value and comfort off season Coconut's is the way to go. <BR> <BR>--Lan Sluder <BR>Belize First Magazine

We stayed at Ruby's a few years back. I don't think any of the rooms were air conditioned at the time. We had probably the best room - windows on 2 walls, so we were able to get a cross breeze (when the wind actually blew - boy was it hot!!). At that time, Ruby's was about $25 USD / night and it was February (high season). We were really pleased with our choice. It is definitely a budget hotel, but the place was very friendly and clean. We also took a couple of snorkling excursions with the fellow who worked out of the hotel. (I think he was a brother-in-law and his name might have been Manuel?) They were excellent value. <BR> <BR>In June, I would definitely want A/C!

Susan, <BR> <BR>Ruby's expanded about three years ago, adding A/C rooms on the sea side. Those are now around US$45-$50, while the old rooms are still in the US$25 range. A bargain for Ambergris Caye, but not the value that Coconut's is. <BR> <BR>--Lan Sluder <BR>

Thanks for the repsonses! We will see about Coconut's, most likely. WE are thinking of booking a room there for the first night, and then walking around the next day or two to find out where we want to stay for the week..(if not Cocnonut's)...any chance this is a bad idea?

No, in June you should be able to find a place to stay after the first night with no problem. On any given night, any hotel (including Coconuts, which is pretty popular) could be fully booked, but you can find something else. Walk-up rates can be a good deal, even better than direct-booked Internet rates. <BR> <BR>--Lan Sluder <BR>(did the update to the new Fodor's)