Belize's Best Hotels: Your Guide

Belize is a small Central American nation that offers diverse natural beauty, from the barrier reef's turquoise and coral hues to the scattered Maya temples throughout its lush rainforests. The country's landscape, history, culture, and people are seamlessly blended, making it a fascinating destination for travellers seeking authentic experiences.

When it comes to finding the best hotel for your stay in Belize, the options are plentiful and cater to a variety of preferences. From luxurious beach resorts to intimate jungle lodges, here is an introduction to help you choose the perfect accommodation for your Belizean adventure:

Beach Resorts:

- Victoria House: This luxurious resort just outside San Pedro offers elegant rooms and easy access to the beach and reef.

- Turneffe Island Resort: Located on a secluded private island, this resort offers unrivalled diving and fishing with beachside rooms, villas, and a honeymoon villa.

- Matachica Resort & Spa: A collection of fantastic, palm-roofed huts on a white sandy beach, each with its own patio and hammock.

- Las Terrazas Resort and Residences: A plush 37-villa resort on its own private beach, complete with an onsite diving centre, cocktail bar, and fine dining.

- Xanadu Island Resort: Located just outside San Pedro, this resort offers palm-tree-lined beaches, a lagoon pool, and private beach for a tropical paradise experience.

Jungle Lodges:

- Hidden Valley Inn: Set within a 7000-acre private reserve, this 12-room property offers rainforest views, luxurious food, and a spa.

- Copal Tree Lodge: A 16-room resort in the heart of the rainforest with spacious rooms, a chic pool, cocktail bar, and elegant restaurant.

- Ka'ana Resort: A collection of 17 small cottages surrounded by lush tropical gardens and rainforest, offering a secluded and intimate escape.

- Pooks Hill Lodge: Rustic lodges set on 300 acres of private reserve in the jungle, featuring thatched roofs and terraces with direct access to the trees.

City Hotels:

- Fort George Hotel and Spa: A new hotel in the historic Fort George neighbourhood, offering modern and airy accommodations.

- Ramada by Wyndham Princess Belize City: Features an outdoor pool, spa, and wellness centre, with beautiful views and a convenient location.

- Best Western Plus Belize Biltmore Plaza: A modern hotel in a quiet area of Belize City with a fitness centre, outdoor pool, and well-reviewed restaurant.

These are just a few highlights of the diverse accommodation options available in Belize. Whether you're seeking beachfront luxury, a secluded jungle retreat, or a convenient city stay, Belize has something to offer for every traveller's taste and budget.

Belize's best beachfront hotels

Belize is a popular destination for beach holidays, with its vast barrier reef, rainforest, and pure white sand beaches. Here are some of the best beachfront hotels in Belize:

Pelican Reef Villas Resort, Ambergris Caye

Pelican Reef Villas Resort is located in South Ambergris Caye, about 20 minutes away from downtown San Pedro. It offers modern, well-equipped beachfront condos and is considered one of the best small hotels in Belize. The resort provides the perfect setting for families or groups of friends, with amenities such as an onsite restaurant, bar, and pool.

Ramon's Village Resort, Ambergris Caye

Inspired by Tahitian cottages, Ramon's Village Resort in San Pedro offers beachside thatched cabanas surrounded by tropical gardens and pools. It is one of the oldest and most popular resorts in the area and is named after one of its founders, a local who pioneered beach vacations in Belize. The resort is known for its excellent diving and snorkelling opportunities.

Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club, Ambergris Caye

Part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club is an exclusive village offering seclusion to guests while also being just 15 minutes by golf cart from downtown San Pedro. The resort features a private beach, a fancy restaurant, friendly staff, and beautifully decorated beach cottages and villas.

Naia Resort and Spa, Placencia Peninsula

Located between Maya Beach and Seine Bight on the Placencia Peninsula, Naia Resort and Spa spans across a 200-acre nature reserve with direct beach access. It offers 38 upscale beach houses with modern amenities, including outdoor showers and plunge pools, as well as a luxury spa, fitness centre, yoga studio, and two restaurants.

Chabil Mar Resort, Placencia Village

Chabil Mar Resort is known for its beachfront villa-style accommodations, offering beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea and over 400 feet of private beach. The resort is conveniently located within walking distance of downtown Placencia, allowing guests to easily access the nearby restaurants and nightlife.

Victoria House Resort, Ambergris Caye

Victoria House Resort is a beautiful British colonial-style resort located in South Ambergris Caye, a short distance from San Pedro. It is one of the oldest and most popular beach hotels in Belize, known for its luxurious accommodations and world-class service. The resort features a swimming pool and a highly-regarded restaurant.

Belize's best hotels for divers

Belize is a renowned scuba diving destination, with warm and calm waters that allow divers to explore beautiful coral reefs and marine life all year round. Here are some of the best hotels in Belize for divers:

Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort

Often featured on 'best in the world' lists, Hamanasi is one of the most popular beach resorts in Belize. Located in the coastal village of Hopkins, this boutique eco-hotel is near the southern part of Belize's Barrier Reef, which boasts many amazing dive sites. The South Water Caye Marine Reserve, for example, is only 30 minutes away by boat and is known for its pristine reefs, coral and marine life. Hamanasi also has big dive boats that are fast for trips to atolls further offshore.

Ramon's Village Resort

Located in downtown San Pedro, Ramon's Village is one of the best dive resorts in Ambergris Caye. It has specialised in diving since 1982 and has an on-site dive shop that leads trips daily. The beach resort is named after Ramon Nunez, a local San Pedrano who helped pioneer scuba diving in Belize. In 1972, as the only native Belizean diver, Ramon guided Jacques Cousteau during his visit to the world-famous Great Blue Hole.

Off The Wall Dive Center & Resort

Off The Wall is located on Glover's Reef, the southernmost atoll of Belize, which acts as a critical nursery and feeding ground for sea turtles, sharks, rays and numerous fish species. The private island resort caters to individuals who want to experience a simple, secluded island lifestyle, with rustic accommodations that are powered by solar and wind. It is ideal for eco-tourism enthusiasts interested in a low-key diving trip.

Belize Dive Haven Resort and Marina

The Belize Dive Haven is located on Turneffe, Belize's largest and most-developed atoll. Resort guests tend to be individuals who want to indulge in three to four dives per day and don't mind the remoteness of staying on an atoll. Top dive sites in Belize such as Lighthouse Reef and the Great Blue Hole are just 30 minutes away by boat.

Costa Blu Beach Resort

Costa Blu Beach Resort is an adults-only resort located in North Ambergris Caye. The resort doesn't have its own diving centre but Tuff E Nuff Tours, a top-rated dive operator, is based on its dock. Costa Blu is ideal if you want a quiet location that's only 30 minutes away from bustling San Pedro.

Belize's best hotels for families

Belizes's Best Hotels for Families

Belize is a great destination for families, with a range of resorts offering family-friendly amenities and activities. Here are some of the best options:

Grand Caribe Belize

Grand Caribe Belize is a family-friendly resort located in Ambergris Caye. It offers a range of family-friendly condos with one to four bedrooms, five pools, a large shallow area for toddlers, and a beach with a pier for swimming and exploring marine life. The resort also provides family-size golf carts for rent and a variety of kid-friendly activities such as fishing, snorkelling, rainforest exploration, and Mayan ruin tours.

Pelican Reef Villas Resort

Pelican Reef Villas Resort is highly recommended for families, offering a range of amenities and activities. The resort features paddleboards, kayaks, and games for families to enjoy. It is located on Ambergris Caye, providing easy access to the beach and marine activities.

Mystic River Resort

Mystic River Resort is an eco-lodge with eight cabins, surrounded by walking trails and the Macal River. While there is no air conditioning or television, the resort offers spacious studios and one-bedroom lodges with private balconies, mahogany furnishings, and river views. The on-site Jasmine Spa provides a range of massage and beauty treatments.

Ramon's Village Resort

Ramon's Village Resort in San Pedro is a great choice for families, offering a range of beachfront rooms and jungle cabanas. The resort is family-friendly and provides suites with kitchenettes, making it convenient for families with young children.

Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club

Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, is a family-friendly resort with spacious rooms that can accommodate families of four. The resort offers a range of amenities, including a private beach, multiple pools, and a variety of dining options.

Coco Beach Resort

Coco Beach Resort is a family-friendly resort with multiple pools, a jacuzzi, and a swim-up bar. The resort provides comfortable rooms and is located near San Pedro, making it a convenient base for exploring the area. The on-site dive centre and excursions are great for families looking for adventure.

Hopkins Bay, a Muy'Ono Resort

Hopkins Bay, a Muy'Ono Resort, offers villa-style rooms with full kitchens and living spaces, making it ideal for families. The resort is family-friendly and provides a range of amenities and activities, including a beach, pool, and nearby restaurants.

Naia Resort and Spa

Naia Resort and Spa is a highly-rated family-friendly resort with a range of accommodation options, including a three-storey Treetop Villa that can accommodate a family of four. The resort offers a spa, a private beach, and a variety of activities for families to enjoy.

Victoria House Resort & Spa

Victoria House Resort & Spa is a beachfront property located on Ambergris Caye. It offers elegant rooms with four-poster beds, white linen, and terracotta floors. The resort has a stunning infinity pool and easy access to the Belize Barrier Reef for diving and snorkelling.

Itz'ana Belize Resort & Residences

Itz'ana Belize Resort & Residences is a luxury beachfront resort in Placencia, offering a range of family-friendly accommodation options, including beachfront suites and private villas. The resort has a kids' club, a private 40-foot catamaran, and a range of activities such as paddleboarding and zip-lining.

Belize's best budget hotels

Belizes's Best Budget Hotels

Belize is not a cheap destination, but there are still some great budget-friendly options for accommodation. Here are some of the best budget hotels in Belize:

Tobacco Caye Paradise, Tobacco Caye

Tobacco Caye Paradise offers rustic over-the-water bungalows painted in bright Caribbean colours. This hotel provides seclusion and is located on a small island with a population of about 25 people.

Blue Tang Inn, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye

Blue Tang Inn is one of the cheapest beach hotels in Ambergris Caye. It is located near many excellent dive shops and popular beach bars. The hotel has comfortable suites with modern amenities, as well as a private beach and pool.

Belize Rainforest Retreat, San Ignacio, Cayo

Belize Rainforest Retreat offers an affordable glamping experience in the Belizean jungle while providing access to Chaa Creek Resort's luxury resort amenities. Lodging options include 10 Eco-Pods located within a secluded area of the 400-acre Chaa Creek Nature Reserve.

Colinda Cabanas, Caye Caulker

Colinda Cabanas offers affordable, comfortable, and centrally located beachfront cabanas in Caye Caulker. Several amenities are included with your stay, such as free use of bicycles, kayaks, and snorkel gear.

Belizean Nirvana, Placencia Village

Belizean Nirvana offers affordable, simple, elegant, and comfortable beachfront accommodations in the heart of Placencia. It is rated as one of the best-located cheap hotels in Placencia, with easy access to all the amenities of downtown Placencia.

Mystic River Resort, San Ignacio

Mystic River Resort offers luxury at an affordable price in the jungle near San Ignacio. It features comfortable accommodations, a variety of excursions, and a relaxing atmosphere.

Barefoot Beach Belize

Barefoot Beach Belize is an affordable, clean, and cute beachfront property. It offers comfortable cabins and is located right on the beach.

Caribbean Villas Hotel, San Pedro

Caribbean Villas Hotel is a great affordable stay in San Pedro. While it is not cheap, the prices are reasonable considering San Pedro is generally pricey. It is a bit out of town but still within walking distance to the centre.

Banana's On The Beach

Banana's On The Beach is a lovely hotel about a 30-minute walk from downtown along the beach. It is also a 15-minute walk from many restaurants. Golf cart rentals are available for exploring the area.

Belize's best hotels in Belize City

Belize City is a popular entry point for travellers arriving in Belize by land, air or sea. The city has a good variety of modern and boutique accommodations, from large hotel chains to small guesthouses and villas. Here are some of the best hotels in Belize City:

Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina

This hotel is located near the Caribbean Sea and is minutes away from iconic locations such as the Baron Bliss Lighthouse, the Museum of Belize and the 17th-century Battlefield Park. It offers oceanfront rooms and two amazing restaurants. The boat to Ambergris Caye, the biggest island in Belize, departs from the marina across the street.

Seaside Chateau Resort

The Seaside Chateau is a small resort near the outskirts of Belize City. It is located close to the airport and features cosy seaside cabanas, an infinity pool and free kayaks. The on-site restaurant offers delightful meals, and the staff ensures a homely ambiance.

Harbour View Boutique Hotel & Yoga Retreat

This simple and intimate hotel is situated at the eastern edge of Belize City, next to the Baron Bliss Lighthouse and near the Great House Inn and The Radisson Hotel. It promises a rejuvenating escape, blending a serene ambiance with unique yoga experiences.

Golden Bay Belize Hotel

The Golden Bay Belize Hotel is situated in a central yet quiet location. It features friendly staff, spacious rooms and a rooftop restaurant with sea views. The hotel is also less than a 5-minute drive from the Baron Bliss Lighthouse.

Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel

The Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel is located in a quiet area of North Belize City. It has 75 rooms and offers a full-service spa, a 24-hour gym, a pool and a restaurant. It also has first-class amenities for business travellers.

Villa Boscardi Bed & Breakfast

Villa Boscardi is a quaint 8-bedroom villa located in the quiet residential neighbourhood of Buttonwood Bay. It is a safe and comfortable bed-and-breakfast that is one block from Seashore Drive, which runs along the Caribbean Sea.

The Great House Inn

The Great House Inn is an authentic Belizean hotel located in the heart of Belize City, in the renowned Fort George neighbourhood. It is a 10-minute walk from the city centre and a block from the Caribbean Sea.

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