First time in Belize
 

Hi. My Boyfriend and I are planning a trip to Belize (1st time!). We could use some help deciding on places to stay and adventures of the area. We will be there 9 days ( 7 if you include travel dates). Any tips? Advice on what to eat in the area and getting around are welcome as well! Thank you!

If you stay on Ambergris, you can just walk, bike, use taxis, or rent a golf cart. People don't rent cars there. We stayed outside town, and cab fare was only five bucks one way. Lots of good restaurants in town. Wild Mangoes was our favorite - good food and right on the beach. I posted on your other thread, but our favorite jungle activity was Tikal and favorite water activity was Hol Chan. I found tours to be pretty expensive in Belize, more so than what we've paid in Costa Rica at least. The San Ignacio/Cayo area is popular for jungle activities and going to Tikal.

Because of everything we want to pack into the trip, we feel we would have ended up spending more traveling to CR due to all the commuting. (san jose- Monteverde- arenal- beaches was just too much) Belize seems like it incorporates everything (jungle, beach, ruins) into a concentrated area.

So far, it seems that the San Ignacio and Ambergris are the top areas to divide our time.

I'd consider three nights inland. We did two, really only gives you one full day for touring. Of course, depends on what you want to do.

The above mentioned two days are my only experience with the San Ignacio area, so will leave lodging recommendations to others.

As for Ambergris, you can stay on the beach for as little as US$50.00 a night, at Ruby's. Budget place, people say it can be noisy, but I know literally dozens of people who have stayed there and been happy. Another budget place that I just looked at is Hotel del Rio. Once again right on the beach. The little cabanas are just cute. But, no a/c, might be too hot in July. Their air condtioned rooms were very clean, just didn't have the 'character' of the cabanas.

Out of budget, into more midrange. Mayan Princess, I don't know much about it, seems ok. Blue Tang, we stayed here our first visit, decent enough room, nice little pool. Paradise Villas, nice pool area, I understand the units vary quite a bit as to how nice they are.

South of town, there's Corona del Mar, another place people really seem to like. Exotic Caye, doesn't thrill me, but does have a fun bar and a restaurant on site. Coral Bay Villas (I own a unit here), we have a very nice new pool, Caribbean Villas, nice grounds, cute beach bar. Mata Rocks, Banana Beach.

More expensive, in town the Phoenix. Really pretty condos.
Ramon's, full service resort with thatch roof cabanas. Xanadu, nice condos. Victoria House, really pretty hotel/resort, with lots of different room options. Where I've always said I'd stay if I was going to 'splurge'.

Many others, especially north of the bridge. Too far from town for me, so I don't know much about the properties.

Victoria House is great if you wanted to splurge for one night. Very pretty, good bar too.

Where should we stay if we want a younger atmosphere for night-time, and on a budget. Around $100-$150 range.

Younger as in 20s-40s.

Have you thought about Caye Caulker instead of Ambergris Caye? It is more laid back, less expensive, and there seemed to be lots of 20s-40s there.

We're in that age range and loved VH, but it's more of a romantic spot. Sounds like you'd like to be closer to town. Definitely heed the advice to get someplace with AC; July can be hot. Good luck!