My husband and I are traveling to Belize in july and are having a tough time choosing a hotel in Ambergris Caye. We are trying to decide between Ramons, RCR, Mata Rocks, and Xanadu. We are looking for nice accomidations with a nice beach,resturant would be nice but not a must,close enough to town for dining, and a dock(important for snorkeling??). We are also traveling to Caye Caulker and are staying at Seaside Cabanas (Thanks Lan). Which place should we visit first Caulker or Ambergris? Thanks in advance for advice for us first timers...

I'm just guessing here, but is RCR, Royal Caribbean? If it is, I'd eliminate that one. I understand the units are nice inside, but they truly do look like military barracks from the outside. Why they built them in rows like that is beyond me.

Ramon's is right on the edge of town, great location. Nice snorkeling off the dock. I'd be happy in one of their beach front units, the ones towards the back would be too dark for my taste. I also think it's pretty expensive for what you get.

I've always liked the looks of Mata Rocks. Great little beach bar. A relatively long walk into town, certainly not a make or break issue.

I think all the units at Xanadu are condo type units. It's a nice looking place, decent snorkeling next door at Caribbean Villas dock. I don't know how the snorkeling is at the Xanadu dock, but it's a very short walk to Caribbean Villas.

Of the ones you've listed, Ramon's has by far the nicest stretch of beach.

Just to add to your decision, I'd suggest taking a look at the Palms and Belizean Reef. Both very close to Ramon's. Both have very nice condos. The Palms has a small, but nice pool. Belizean Reef doesn't have a pool.

Thank you so much for your speedy response. We will look into The Palms.

Thanks Jean, we looked intoo the Palms and it looks reall nice. Great location! So now we are between The Palms and Mata Rocks.

Also we are flying into Belize City. Which area should we visit first AC or Caulker? Does it matter logistically?? Thanks a lot.

I really like having a separate bedroom and living area when we travel. I'm not sure if there are true one bedroom suites at Mata Rocks. I know the larger, beach front unit looks wonderful from the beach.

I really like the beach bar at Mata Rocks. It's a friendly, fun place to hang out. That said, BC's beach bar is very, very close to the Palms, so that evens things out there too.

Personally, I'd go with the Palms, but I like being very close to town. Easy to wander over to Ruby's and grab cinnamon rolls to take back to the condo.

As for which caye to go to first, I don't thing it makes much difference. Are you going to fly or take the water taxi? If you're going by water, I'd probably go to Caulker first, just because it's closer.

Ambergris owns my heart, we go other places first, then end up 'home' on Ambergris. Others would say it's nice to leave the hustle and bustle of Ambergris behind and head to Caulker.

Thanks Jean! Well we booked the Palms...6 nights there and then on to Caulker for 4 nights for some serious R&R. I may be posting soon for advice on do not miss tours so any reccomendations you may have please share. Thanks again.

Good for you. I think you'll like the place. The first time we were on Ambergris and walked by I remember thinking it would probably be way out of our budget to stay there. I was pleasantly surprised. The verandas are huge.

Have a great trip. I like the midwest in the summer, but I'm stil homesick for San Pedro.....