159 Best Hotels in Belize

As you sweep down Blancaneaux's hibiscus- and palm-lined drive, past the big main swimming pool, you may get a whiff of Beverly Hills, and indeed the lodge is owned by film director Francis Ford Coppola. Spread on a hillside above Privassion River, the villas with their soaring thatch ceilings, Japanese-style tile baths, plunge pools, and screened porches have appeared in Architectural Digest and dozens of other magazines. There is a sort of jungle-inspired turndown service, with candles lit in the evenings on your balcony, a \"newspaper\" about the weather and happenings, and freshly baked treats. The filmmaker's own villa, with private pool, is available when he isn't in residence. The main restaurant, Montagna, is one of the best in the Cayo, specializing in Italian dishes and serving wines from Coppola's wineries. A second restaurant serves Guatemalan food, so your taste buds are never bored. The lodge's organic farm supplies about 80% of the vegetables for Blancaneaux and its sister property, Turtle Inn in Placencia. The ceiling fans in the hotel bar appeared in Apocalypse Now, and the massive black slate bar top was carved by the Garcia sisters of San Antonio. You can swim off large boulders in the Privassion River, relax in a giant hot tub, swim in the infinity pool or, if you have a luxury villa, dunk in your private plunge pool. Blancaneaux offers a variety of tours and has a stable of horses for riding trips. There's also a gift shop with high-quality and wonderfully colorful Guatemalan blankets, dresses, blouses, and crafts.

Islanders will tell you that Cayo Espanto, a spectacular private island off Ambergris, is where movie stars stay, and they’re not wrong. Before arrival, you’re asked to detail favorite foods, music tastes, and your daily rhythm, so that staff can craft a highly customized paradise. Then, on arrival, you're met by the uniformed crew, a welcome bottle of champagne, and astonishing vistas of crystalline seas. Architecturally, the turquoise-and-white-tone villas blend in with the sand and sky as much as possible—during the day, the villas aren’t even walled (most have walls folded in at night). Between the architecture and details like alfresco showers and splash pools, you have intimate access to the natural stage around you. Meanwhile, a personal butler, or “houseman,” is on call to take care of every whim. The island chef creates a bespoke menu, while the day's meals are delivered to a waterside table or dock by your villa. A special experience is the private beachside dinner, lit with luminaries and a just-for-you bonfire. For all this intensely personal care, you'll pay a small (or large) fortune. The highly professional service can feel formal, which may discomfort those used to the casual interactions you'll have on Ambergris Caye.

Just a mile (1½ km) from downtown Punta Gorda, this delightful small lodge has bright, lovely Caribbean-style cottages with zinc roofs and private verandas; it's nestled in lush jungle foliage where you'll hear howler monkeys and see a wide variety of birds. The cottages are beautifully outfitted with locally made furniture and hardwood floors. There's a small splash pool and a botanical garden and nature area. A special treat: once a week you can go with the co-owner to visit the nearby Fallen Stones butterfly farm, which he manages.

This was the first true jungle lodge in the Cayo, and owners Mick and Lucy Fleming (he's from England, she's from the United States) have spent more than three decades polishing The Lodge at Chaa Creek to a fine, rich patina, while adding features like a gorgeous bi-level swimming pool. The gracefully landscaped grounds, surrounded by 365 acres of rolling hills above the Macal River, are magnificent. All on-site tours are included with your accommodations, including early-morning bird-watching with a naturalist, Belize Medicinal Plants Trail, Natural History Center, Blue Morpho Butterfly Farm, and canoeing or tubing on the river. For an additional charge, there are horse stables and one of the best spas in Belize. The whitewashed cottages with thatched roofs and custom-made furnishings as well as the suites and tree houses are elegantly stylish, but prices can be high. There are all new ultramodern suites at the highest price point. For cost-conscious travelers, there's the Macal River Camp, with small A-frame rooms on raised wooden platforms. At the lodge itself, dinner is a special event, starting with cocktails in the bar and perhaps ending with brandy and a Cuban cigar under the soaring thatched palapa. Chaa Creek's tours, although not cheap, are among the country's finest, and horseback riding is also available.

Queen Elizabeth II once stayed at this resort with well-appointed rooms that have verandas facing a nature reserve, making you feel like you're outside the city environs. Owned by four sisters from San Ignacio, the hotel and its Running W restaurant is a lovely lodging and dining choice at the edge of town. There's an iguana hatchery on the property, which you can tour as a guest. The hotel also has a tennis court and nice swimming pool. Birding and other excursions can be arranged by the friendly staff.

Directly on the bay just south of town, Almond Tree Hotel Resort raises the bar on Corozal Town lodging. In your air-conditioned room or suite, enjoy original artwork on the walls and high-thread-count cotton sheets on the beds. The high ceilings are beamed, and floors are acid-stained concrete finished with beautiful colors. From the first-floor deck and second-floor balconies, you have views of town and also the Cerros Maya site across the bay. There's an attractive pool and a small beach area. The choicest digs are the large suite with separate living room and panoramic views of the bay. The first-floor bar and restaurant, decorated with local artwork, have limited hours and require advance notice for dinner. Children under 12 are not allowed at the hotel.

Some 800 feet above limestone cliffs and the Macal River gorge, across from Elijio Panti National Park, Black Rock Lodge has one of the most beautiful settings of any lodge in the country. The well-shaded cabins have stone or tile floors, custom-made hardwood furniture, and stunning views of the Macal River. There's also a spring-fed swimming pool. Savvy, eco-conscious owner Cameron Boyd runs the lodge on hydro and solar power and keeps room rates low. However, because you're a 35-minute drive from San Ignacio (mostly on a narrow, single-lane trail), you'll need to take all your meals here (they don't come with the room rate) and do most tours with the lodge.

Hibiscus blooms greet you at the archway of this charming terra-cotta-capped inn, which offers affordable suites just a hop-skip from the bustle of town. Named for the brilliant surgeonfish, Blue Tang's rooms are accented with bright fabrics that recall the sea life you'll see while snorkeling. They also celebrate Belize's tropical hardwoods with features such as vaulted ceilings and sweeping arches. Even the most economical suite is equipped with a kitchenette and small living area. The continental breakfast is a nice touch, and the front desk can book all manner of trips and packages. Don't leave without relaxing on the gorgeous rooftop sundeck.

With private terraces and Belizean artworks, CayeReef is an older condotel gone boutique, right down to the handcrafted soaps. The nice two-bed, two-bath apartments are enlivened with colorful tile and on-trend furnishings. Among the more upmarket and spacious digs on the island, they make a good choice for families or two couples on vacation. A cozy swimming pool is hidden behind a tall wall, and the rooftop Jacuzzi is a great sunset venue. (Just be careful going down the rail-less stairs after cocktails.)

Abutting part of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, this incredible, one-of-a-kind fishing camp, with its wooden cabins that recall an earlier time, makes room for the real star of the show: outstanding flats fishing. \"The Farm\" gives a highly personal experience. Meals, which are brightened by the island's raised-bed crops, are prepared by a wonderful chef of local renown. All three cabanas, including the larger two-room Bote House, have en suite bathrooms (with standard plumbing), fans, and verandas---they're simple, but charming. Power is solar and the eco-footprint is gentle. Cayo Frances will arrange a fishing guide for you, but you might enjoy a DIY experience. Boat transfers are included. All told, it really doesn't get much better than Cayo Frances. 

Chabil Mar means \"beautiful sea\" in Kek'chi Mayan, and the sea and almost 400 feet of beach are indeed gorgeous at this gated luxury condo-style resort. The villas, inside a walled and gated compound, are tastefully designed and luxuriously furnished. Although each one is different, they're all upscale, with features such as marble floors, original art, and four-poster king beds. There's a great attention to detail here, from topiary figures created from shrubbery to daily scrubbing of the two swimming pools to washers and dryers in every unit. You can take any or all of your meals at Chabil Mar—on your veranda, in your suite, by the pool, or (with reservations) on the romantically lighted pier. If you'd rather sample local restaurants and bars, it's a moderate walk or a short taxi, bike, or golf-cart ride into Placencia Village. You'll find a large portfolio of dive, snorkeling, fishing, and soft adventure tours.

Arguably the most memorable lodge in Belize and one of the top lodges in all of Central America, Chan Chich is set in a remote, beautiful area literally on top of a Maya ruin, with 12 rustic yet comfortable cabanas---the price of a vacation here is similar to a five-star hotel in New York, yet the high cost is worth it for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Just outside your door, you're likely to encounter legions of tropical birds and wild animals, even jaguars. The late Coca-Cola, Belikin, and shrimp-farming \"Belizeanaire\" Sir Barry Bowen built this lodge at his large private farm. The cottages have thatched roofs, rich hardwood floors and furnishings, and wraparound verandas. The lodge sits smack-dab in the middle of a Maya archaeological site, and regardless of how you feel about that, Chan Chich has a stunning setting. Expert guides lead wildlife excursions into the thousands of acres of surrounding bush and carefully maintained trails. Howler monkeys welcome you with reverberating bass calls. A gorgeous pool is screened to keep out insects. Delicious meals are served in the dining room in the main lodge building, adjoining the bar. The deluxe cabanas have king beds and huge bathrooms with marble, granite, glass, and even bidets. Standard cabanas are similar, except with less ambitious baths. For families or larger groups, there is a two-bedroom villa with air-conditioning.

One of Caye Caulker's most beloved and well-run spots, this nook offers quaint blue-and-yellow cabanas and a sense of semi-seclusion. The crowd-pleasing cabanas and suites, most raised on stilts, suit a range of budgets and make a good place to unwind after a marine adventure. All have amenities like a refrigerator, covered porches, and access to a communal grill. You're never much more than spitting distance from the water, and the hotel’s private pier features a nice palapa with plenty of loungers and hammocks. Town is a 10-minute walk away, or a pleasant ride on your complimentary bicycle. Sand fleas here can be mean—apply baby oil.

The luxury suites, impeccable service, and gorgeous spa here offer a level of indulgence not seen in this part of the country, and the lodge is committed to conservation and sustainability to boot. The lodge is set on a high hill above the Rio Grande, and you can ride a tram car to the bottom. The hilltop setting offers awesome views of the rainforest and, in the distance, the Gulf of Honduras. Howler monkeys troop by regularly. After a day exploring the rainforest, dive into the swimming pool, then dine on fish and fresh vegetables from the lodge's organic farm. Expect vaulted ceilings, tile floors, full baths, air-conditioning, and screened decks overlooking the jungle. The lodge has an agritourism component, with programs on chocolate, rum, coffee, and local foods. Copal Tree also offers fly-fishing, wedding, birding, and other all-inclusive packages.

A 1938 British colonial–era home painted coral serves as one of the most pleasant small guesthouses in the country, with breezy views of the Bay of Honduras and warm hospitality from owners and staff. The six guest rooms have tile floors, comfortable beds, air-conditioning, cable TV, and Wi-Fi. There's a swimming pool, honor bar, and complimentary bikes. A continental breakfast is included in the reasonable rates. Just in front of the inn is a historic small cemetery with the graves of ex-Confederates who moved to Toledo after the U.S. Civil War.

If you want something more private, inquire about the two-story house with two large self-catering suites. Families or groups can rent the entire house.

This jungle lodge is named after the silk cotton tree (also called the kapok or ceiba), and, fittingly, the lodge strives to provide a silky-smooth experience for guests. The lodge sits on 100 acres beside the Moho River about 15 miles (24 km) from Punta Gorda. Guests are usually brought in by boat (although you can also come by road) and stay in one of the thatch cabanas sitting among wild fig trees along the river's edge, or in a garden-view room. The property's walkways are raised; in the summer rainy season the river sometimes floods. Cotton Tree offers a fun, popular \"Jungle Survivor\" tour, a day of tips for negotiating the rainforest. The lodge is off the grid, and everything here is solar- or generator-powered. The lodge operates a small chocolate factory—and shop, of course—in downtown Punta Gorda and offers cacao tours and chocolate-making classes. Good meals are served in a huge thatch palapa. All-inclusive packages are also available. 

In a safe, middle-class suburb between the international airport and downtown, D'Nest Inn is run by a couple who impart their charm on their hotel. The four guest rooms, all with air-conditioning, cable TV, and free Wi-Fi, are furnished with antiques such as a four-poster bed. With a private entrance and your own key, you can come and go as you like. The two-story house is on a canal near the Belize River. Gardens around the house are filled with hibiscus, frangipani, roses, and other blossoming plants. All rooms are no-smoking. Because of the owners, this is one of our favorite places to stay in Belize City.

El Ben Cabañas offers the far-from-it-all atmosphere that many seek in their Belizean adventure, but that most new resorts fall short of—at this boutique resort, you can wander the verdant grounds, lounge by the mangrove-lined sea, take a kayak out, and spend the night in a thatched cabana filled with local hardwoods. Such features make El Ben feel remote, but Caye Caulker village is a short jaunt away (by free boat ride or, if you’re adventurous, by bike and ferry). Still, staying north of the Split means dining options are less immediately accessible. Fortunately, the fabulous restaurant T&T (named for the co-owner’s home of Trinidad and Tobago) is at your doorstep. It has swiftly earned acclaim for dishes like homemade pasta, T-bone steak, and crème brûlée flambéed at the table. A special feature of El Ben are the beautiful mangroves preserved during construction. 

The El Gran Mestizo, now the top place to stay in the Orange Walk, is known for its riverfront location and intimate setting and has both standard and premium cabins---the premium cabins are more spacious with kitchens and riverside views---with comfortable beds and lots of native wood, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and cable TV, all just steps from the New River. It also has a separate hostel dorm. The on-site restaurant, Maracas Bar and Grill, has a local following serving a range of comfort foods.

An exception to the general rule that “there are only budget lodging options in the village” is this snazzy beachfront retreat, smack-dab in the center of Placencia, set off enough to maintain an air of luxurious privacy. Minimalist decor reigns in the studios, one-bedroom suites, and expansive penthouse, with blindingly white walls set off by cool primary-color accents, and huge baths. An on-site spa, rooftop restaurant, and pool round out the offerings.

After an extensive remodeling, the former Radisson has gone from worn chain to independent hotel and once again claims its spot as the city's top accommodation, complete with panoramic views of the sea from its more expensive rooms. Dominating the historic Fort George district, the large international-style hotel's best rooms are in the modern glass-fronted six-story tower with sea views. Dining options include the Tree House, which bustles in the morning and becomes more subdued as the day progresses. Opt for drinks and appetizers at the SeaViche Bar, or pastries at Le Petit Café. Unwind with a full range of spa treatments. Remodeling continues at this writing but is not inconvenient or obtrusive if you stay here. The Fort George is a popular first-night, last-night choice before heading out to the hinterlands. Reservations are always advised. 

Grand Caribe's superluxury condos, an unmissable landmark on the North Ambergris shore, are renowned for their seamless glamour: the terra-cotta will put you in mind of a Spanish palace (or of South Florida), and indeed you'll feel like royalty. The suites (one- to five bedrooms) have Brazilian floor tiles, spacious Jacuzzis, and kitchens that will make you want to cook with every appliance. The a/c is famously cold, and sunken ceilings lend every suite a dynamic depth. Six pools and a swim-up bar provide hours of relaxation (though the bunker-like bar is an aesthetic miss). If you can live without views, the studio apartments are by far the best deal. Across the street on the lagoon side, the new Sunset Caribe development offers comfortable but less dynamic condos with sunset views. Two high-profile restaurants, Rain and Aqua, are on-site plus the small grocery Bread Basket and an impeccable spa. 

With beautifully landscaped grounds, top-notch accommodations, and an excellent scuba program, Hamanasi (Garifuna for \"almond\") is among Belize's very best beach and resorts and synonymous with diving here on the Southern Coast. Upon your arrival, you'll notice that the grounds are manicured and the lobby is filled with local artwork, including paintings by the late folklore artist Benjamin Nicholas. The \"zero effect\" pool seems to stretch to infinity. Choose from regular rooms, gorgeous suites with king-size four-poster beds of barba jolote wood, and regular and deluxe \"tree houses,\" which are the most popular accommodations (and the most expensive). These units are not actually built in trees but are set among mangroves and other seaside trees and raised on stilts. Many people come here for the diving opportunities, but you won't feel out of place if you want to snorkel or just laze around the pool. The on-site Singanga restaurant has a romantic outdoor dining area with sea views and serves excellent seafood and other dishes, but dinner can be pricey.

An oasis in the middle of an often-sweltering city, Harbour View positions rooms and cottages around a lush, shaded garden, just up the street from the BELIZE sign and the Baron Bliss Lighthouse. (If you need more cooling-off than relaxing in one of the seats the garden provides, there's always a dip in one of the two pools here.) Rooms, with wood floors, are decorated in a riot of tropical colors. We recommend opting for the similarly furnished and more spacious cottages; they run only BZ$50 more than the rooms. Many of your fellow guests are here to partake of the daily yoga and meditation classes and spa treatments, but that is not a prerequisite for staying here. Under the same ownership, the vegan/vegetarian Martha’s Café sits right across the street. The entire property is no-smoking.

Sitting on 7,200 acres, Hidden Valley has more than a dozen waterfalls, at least two private caves, and 90 miles (150 km) of hiking and mountain biking trails. The entire lodge has an old-school colonial feel, and the estate grounds, including the waterfalls, are exclusively for guests and not open to the public. All the cottages have mahogany furnishings, tile floors, and brick fireplaces. Meals and drinks are served in the lodge's main house, which has vaulted ceilings and four fireplaces. After dinner, sip coffee grown on the premises. There's a full meal plan and all-inclusive packages (three-night minimum) with lodging, meals, drinks, tours, and transfers from Belize City available.

This cozy beachfront cottage keeps the guests returning. In the heart of the village, this cottage colony features tile floors, ceilings paneled in local hardwoods, refrigerators, fans, and porches with sea views. A continental breakfast with fruit and locally baked bread is brought to your cabin each morning. Sundays offer the option of a more ample breakfast with fry jacks and burritos for an extra cost.

This family-owned place is a step up from other hotels in central Orange Walk Town, and the low rates for the standard rooms with air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, cable TV, and continental breakfast put it among the best values in northern Belize. Nicely furnished premium rooms have queen beds and flat-screen TVs. The hotel arranges trips to Lamanai as well as tours that include cave tubing, the Baboon Sanctuary, Belize Zoo, and Altun Ha. The owners, Orlando and Cindy de la Fuente, also own El Gran Mestizo and Maracas Bar & Grill.

A collection of sturdy, sand-color buildings fanned by mature palms, Iguana Reef Inn is one of Caye Caulker's most upscale lodgings. Tropical-toned paintings animate the well-appointed rooms, and outside the footbridged pool is a peaceful place to cool off. Across from main buildings is the hotel's lively beach bar, which sits right on the lagoon. Its lounge chairs and small walk-in beach attract scores of tourists all day.  Travelers aren't the only ones drawn here: pelicans frequent the dock; a tiny seahorse \"reserve\" lies below it; and southern stingrays gather in the shallows in late afternoon. Because the inn is on the island's lee (west) side, you'll enjoy sunset views from your veranda, but you won't get the Caribbean Sea vista. But you may find you prefer the lagoon side.

These 12 bright and airy wooden cabanas connected by a boardwalk are a true haven nestled within 700 acres of jungle. Wake up to the sounds of the birds, relax in the hammocks, sample some Belizean cuisine at the restaurant, or take advantage of the nature trails to see wildlife. There is plenty for everyone to do, from unplugging and relaxing to hiking and adventuring. The charming bungalows are tastefully decorated, have very comfortable beds that can be hard to find in the rainforest, and nice en suite bathrooms with lots of hot water.