traveler8888

I've noticed there are some active commenters in this forum, so I'm hoping someone here can help me make a decision. (My husband is tired of me talking to him about options). This is a lengthy note, so I appreciate you taking the time to read it. We are traveling in late March and availability of lodges is not great for my dates.

I'm trying to decide between these places: 1) Caves Branch, 2) Blacaneaux, 3) duPlooy's, 4) Hidden Valley Inn or 5) combo of Mystic River Resort AND San Ignacio Resort.

I was planning to stay in the Cayo for 4 nights before going to Ambergris Caye, because I would like to do an ATM trip, visit to Tikal and cave tubing OR Xutananich. (Can you even do cave tubing in late March)?

My husband and I are in are late 20s, looking for adventure, like the idea of staying in a jungle lodge but nothing seems to fit perfectly, or I would have already booked it.

Here are my options:
1) Mystic River Resort for 2 nights in river suite AND San Ignacio Resort Hotel for 2 nights (I might be leaning towards this option but am hesitant because I don't know if this is too much moving around before going to the Caye, and I don't know if we'll lose too much time and not be able to do the activities we want).
2) Blacaneaux for 3 nights in garden casita (not ideal 4), but can we do what we want in 3 nights/3 days?
3) Caves Branch for 4 nights in Jungle Suite (not the ideal treehouse that I wanted); some tripadvisor reviews have me less excited about this place, but this might work out best logistically. I would have booked this without a problem, but the jungle suite issue is throwing me off.
4) Bungalow at Duplooy's - shows as available through bookit.com
5) estate room at Hidden Valley Inn - shows as available for my dates

Any thoughts or advice?

Thanks!

traveler8888

And by Caves Creek, I mean Caves Branch Lodge

hopefulist

We loved Caves Branch and would - frankly - prefer a jungle suite to the treehouse. We stayed there in 2003 before it changed hands and became fancier. We visited in 2009 when my brother-in-law's family was staying in the treehouse and it seemed too fancy and resortish for my taste.

Duplooy's would be a great choice. My personal favorite jungle lodge is Macal River Camp - let me know if you'd like more information:
www.belizecamp.com

I wouldn't split your 4 days in Cayo - transition days take time and energy. Just my 2 cents' worth...

traveler8888

Thanks, hopefulist! I think you just helped me to eliminate the option of splitting our time at two places. Would you prefer Caves Branch or Duplooy's?

hopefulist

They're really different but both have good reputations and settings - I don't think you can go wrong. The locations and settings are different and - I'm quite sure - the costs. If those things don't illuminate your preference, just go "eeny meeny miney mo" and when you end with "you are not the ONE" and experience a brief flash of relief or disappointment you'll know which you want.

SiteC_er

NOt trying to add confusion, but Chaa Creek is very nice

volcanogirl

We stayed at Chaa Creek too and thought it was great. Also always hear good things about DuPlooy's.

joan95448

I agree--do not split your trip in the Cayo--too much hassle. We have stayed at DuPlooys twice and going again in June. The bungalows are very nice and you are IN the jungle. It is a very special place. Another nice place to day trip is Clarissa Falls for food and tubing down the river.

traveler8888

Thanks, everyone. We've decided not to split the 4 nights. Chaa Creek only has availability in their most expensive room for two of our nights, making that not a valid option for us. I'm now trying to decide between Caves Branch and DuPlooy's. After a little more thought, we like the adventures offered at Caves Branch, but DuPlooy's seems a little nicer. They seem to cost about the same. Does anyone know if one resort is "nicer" than the other? It's tough to find people who have been to both.

brmsimmons

A few more recommendations to add to the confusion. If yo u are looking to stay in a jungle lodge you may want to take a look at Table Rock Lodge or Black Rock lodge. Both are well reviewed on TA and more affordable than Chaa Creek or Blancaneaux. I'm considering Black Rock Lodge myself since I found out National Geographic Expeditions uses them for one of thier Belize lodgings.