The budget Mayan Princess Hotel is a condominium-style property with an excellent beachfront location in downtown San Pedro. Though its 23 rooms are dated, all have kitchenettes and separate living spaces, plus outdoor balconies with spectacular ocean vistas. The Mayan Princess doesn’t have a pool or on-site restaurant, nor does it serve breakfast in the mornings, and as such, it doesn't invite much lingering. Instead, it's best suited for independent travelers who plan to spend their days exploring the island. Travelers looking for a condo hotel with more of a resort feel might prefer SunBreeze Suites, which has a pool and a restaurant, though it tends to be a little pricier.
The budget Mayan Princess Hotel is a condominium-style property with an excellent beachfront location in downtown San Pedro. Though its 23 rooms are dated, all have kitchenettes and separate living spaces, plus outdoor balconies with spectacular ocean vistas. The Mayan Princess doesn’t have a pool or on-site restaurant, nor does it serve breakfast in the mornings, and as such, it doesn't invite much lingering. Instead, it's best suited for independent travelers who plan to spend their days exploring the island. Travelers looking for a condo hotel with more of a resort feel might prefer SunBreeze Suites, which has a pool and a restaurant, though it tends to be a little pricier.
Pedro's Hotel is a well-known destination in San Pedro for budget-minded, party-hearty travelers. If it feels like a hostel, that's because it partially is. The non-hostel half of the property is located across the street and offers 31 low-priced private rooms: two twins, or two twins pushed together to form a king. Rooms are as barebones as it gets, but many guests who stay here are just looking for a cheap crash pad after hitting the town. The staff -- mainly, Peter (a memorable British fellow who owns the joint) -- rents golf carts, bikes, and diving gear during the day, and tends bar by night. This is when the sports pub springs to life, and there's plenty of good pizza, drinks (ahem, Jagermeister), live music and conversation to be had before stumbling into bed.
Pedro's Hotel is a well-known destination in San Pedro for budget-minded, party-hearty travelers. If it feels like a hostel, that's because it partially is. The non-hostel half of the property is located across the street and offers 31 low-priced private rooms: two twins, or two twins pushed together to form a king. Rooms are as barebones as it gets, but many guests who stay here are just looking for a cheap crash pad after hitting the town. The staff -- mainly, Peter (a memorable British fellow who owns the joint) -- rents golf carts, bikes, and diving gear during the day, and tends bar by night. This is when the sports pub springs to life, and there's plenty of good pizza, drinks (ahem, Jagermeister), live music and conversation to be had before stumbling into bed.
Royal Caribbean Resort is a budget resort on the south shore of Ambergris Caye. Charm is pretty scarce here, and the 42 cabanas are set in rows like an Army boot camp. Cabanas have vaulted ceilings, kitchenettes, queen beds, flat-screen TVs with cable channels, and air-conditioning. Like much of the resort, they are looking worn. Amenities include a big pool that's seen better days, a restaurant serving greasy Belizean and international cuisines, and a beach-bowling lane. Lounge chairs line the sea-grass choked beach, but the sand is poorly maintained and a breaker wall in the sea obstructs the otherwise beautiful view. For a stay with nicer rooms that's closer to San Pedro, a giant waterslide and floating trampoline, and rustic, beachy atmosphere, Caribbean Villas Hotel might fit the bill.
Royal Caribbean Resort is a budget resort on the south shore of Ambergris Caye. Charm is pretty scarce here, and the 42 cabanas are set in rows like an Army boot camp. Cabanas have vaulted ceilings, kitchenettes, queen beds, flat-screen TVs with cable channels, and air-conditioning. Like much of the resort, they are looking worn. Amenities include a big pool that's seen better days, a restaurant serving greasy Belizean and international cuisines, and a beach-bowling lane. Lounge chairs line the sea-grass choked beach, but the sand is poorly maintained and a breaker wall in the sea obstructs the otherwise beautiful view. For a stay with nicer rooms that's closer to San Pedro, a giant waterslide and floating trampoline, and rustic, beachy atmosphere, Caribbean Villas Hotel might fit the bill.
The three-pearl White Sand’s Cove Resort is a laid-back, 14-condo seafront property that's a 15-minute drive from Ambergris Caye’s San Pedro Town. The spacious condos with homey, beach-inspired decor -- a handful have ocean views. The resort’s sleek, ocean-view pool is rarely crowded, and while the resort has a jetty to jump off for swimming, there's no proper beach. Guests usually spend their days diving or exploring the island and mainland tourist sites. White Sands Bar and Grill serves up a tasty international and Belizean menu -- but not breakfast -- with locally sourced and homegrown ingredients. Freebies include morning coffee, kayak and bicycle usage, and Wi-Fi. Travelers looking for somewhere a bit livelier with its own dive shop might prefer Captain Morgan’s Retreat.
The three-pearl White Sand’s Cove Resort is a laid-back, 14-condo seafront property that's a 15-minute drive from Ambergris Caye’s San Pedro Town. The spacious condos with homey, beach-inspired decor -- a handful have ocean views. The resort’s sleek, ocean-view pool is rarely crowded, and while the resort has a jetty to jump off for swimming, there's no proper beach. Guests usually spend their days diving or exploring the island and mainland tourist sites. White Sands Bar and Grill serves up a tasty international and Belizean menu -- but not breakfast -- with locally sourced and homegrown ingredients. Freebies include morning coffee, kayak and bicycle usage, and Wi-Fi. Travelers looking for somewhere a bit livelier with its own dive shop might prefer Captain Morgan’s Retreat.
Banana Beach Resort is a 62-room two-and-a-half-pearl property on the southern end of Ambergris Caye that’s seen better days. Dated guest rooms are air-conditioned and decorated with bamboo and wicker furniture. While some rooms have flat-screen TVs, others have tube TVs and -- in suites with kitchens -- rusted appliances and cracked tile counters. The resort has two pools that are quite lovely, though the sea-walled beach frequently has heaps of sea grass on it that hinder swimming. El Divino, the resort’s moderately-priced restaurant, serves decent international cuisine and a simple, free breakfast is included in rates. Travelers looking for slightly nicer rooms with a tropical vibe might prefer Caribbean Villas Hotel, which has a great sandy beach, laid-back beach bar, and huge waterslide.
Banana Beach Resort is a 62-room two-and-a-half-pearl property on the southern end of Ambergris Caye that’s seen better days. Dated guest rooms are air-conditioned and decorated with bamboo and wicker furniture. While some rooms have flat-screen TVs, others have tube TVs and -- in suites with kitchens -- rusted appliances and cracked tile counters. The resort has two pools that are quite lovely, though the sea-walled beach frequently has heaps of sea grass on it that hinder swimming. El Divino, the resort’s moderately-priced restaurant, serves decent international cuisine and a simple, free breakfast is included in rates. Travelers looking for slightly nicer rooms with a tropical vibe might prefer Caribbean Villas Hotel, which has a great sandy beach, laid-back beach bar, and huge waterslide.
The 61-room Caribbean Villas Hotel is a two-and-a-half pearl waterfront property with a rustic tropical vibe, just a 15-minute beach walk from central San Pedro. Air-conditioned rooms and suites are slightly dated and have flat-screen TVs, fridges, and ocean or garden views. The two freshwater pools are a big plus and overlook a sandy beachfront that’s often overgrown with sea grass. The hotel restaurant serves three meals a day and has barbecue and live music on certain weekend days. El Diablo, the island’s biggest waterslide spills into a dedicated swimming area with a floating dock and trampoline at the end of the resort’s long pier. For a similarly priced hotel in the heart of San Pedro Town with simple rooms and a great restaurant, it’s worth considering Sun Breeze Hotel.
The 61-room Caribbean Villas Hotel is a two-and-a-half pearl waterfront property with a rustic tropical vibe, just a 15-minute beach walk from central San Pedro. Air-conditioned rooms and suites are slightly dated and have flat-screen TVs, fridges, and ocean or garden views. The two freshwater pools are a big plus and overlook a sandy beachfront that’s often overgrown with sea grass. The hotel restaurant serves three meals a day and has barbecue and live music on certain weekend days. El Diablo, the island’s biggest waterslide spills into a dedicated swimming area with a floating dock and trampoline at the end of the resort’s long pier. For a similarly priced hotel in the heart of San Pedro Town with simple rooms and a great restaurant, it’s worth considering Sun Breeze Hotel.
Arguably the swankiest resort on Ambergris Caye, the four-pearl Matachica Resort & Spa excels at combining Belizean charm with modern opulence. Its 27 individual thatched-roof casitas are painted in eye-popping hues and feature romantic elements like canopied beds and two-person hammocks. Grounds are meticulously kept, but still maintain a laid-back island vibe thanks to sandy pathways and open-air buildings. All-inclusive rates are available, and top-notch amenities include a stunning mosaic tile pool, a beautifully maintained beach, and an excellent on-site bar and restaurant, but the lackluster spa and tiny fitness center fall flat. Matachica is located five miles north of San Pedro town on Ambergris Caye, which is a bit far for travelers who anticipate spending a lot of time in town. As an alternative, Ramon’s Village Resort is located within walking distance of local shops, bars, and restaurants in San Pedro, but isn’t nearly as posh as Matachica.
Arguably the swankiest resort on Ambergris Caye, the four-pearl Matachica Resort & Spa excels at combining Belizean charm with modern opulence. Its 27 individual thatched-roof casitas are painted in eye-popping hues and feature romantic elements like canopied beds and two-person hammocks. Grounds are meticulously kept, but still maintain a laid-back island vibe thanks to sandy pathways and open-air buildings. All-inclusive rates are available, and top-notch amenities include a stunning mosaic tile pool, a beautifully maintained beach, and an excellent on-site bar and restaurant, but the lackluster spa and tiny fitness center fall flat. Matachica is located five miles north of San Pedro town on Ambergris Caye, which is a bit far for travelers who anticipate spending a lot of time in town. As an alternative, Ramon’s Village Resort is located within walking distance of local shops, bars, and restaurants in San Pedro, but isn’t nearly as posh as Matachica.
With its tropical seaside grounds, sophisticated vibe, and colonial styling, the three-and-a half pearl Victoria House is one of Ambergris Caye’s more romantic options. Its 42 rooms and villas mix traditional details with modern touches like flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and glass-brick showers. However, it's worth noting that State Rooms can be loud and small, and some rooms lack TVs. There are two pools, including a sleek infinity option, which is helpful as the sea here is unswimmable with sea grass, a common problem in the region. The bar's happy hours are a big plus, and the hotel's freebies include kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and bicycles. Alternatively, Las Terrazas Resort is a little more a swish and has a South Beach vibe, though its beach is also underwhelming.
With its tropical seaside grounds, sophisticated vibe, and colonial styling, the three-and-a half pearl Victoria House is one of Ambergris Caye’s more romantic options. Its 42 rooms and villas mix traditional details with modern touches like flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and glass-brick showers. However, it's worth noting that State Rooms can be loud and small, and some rooms lack TVs. There are two pools, including a sleek infinity option, which is helpful as the sea here is unswimmable with sea grass, a common problem in the region. The bar's happy hours are a big plus, and the hotel's freebies include kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and bicycles. Alternatively, Las Terrazas Resort is a little more a swish and has a South Beach vibe, though its beach is also underwhelming.
Mata Rocks Resort is a mid-range property located on the southern end of Ambergris Caye, about a 10-minute golf cart ride from San Pedro Town. The hotel has 17 rooms with simple, beachy decor and a tiny pool that overlooks the ocean. Its beach is marred by the piles of seaweed that wash up on shore, though travelers will notice this everywhere on the island. Mata Rocks offers free continental breakfast, free bikes, and free Wi-Fi, but there isn’t much to see or do in the immediate area surrounding the hotel. Travelers who’d prefer to be in San Pedro Town should check out Caye Casa, a more sophisticated property with nicer rooms and slightly pricier nightly rates.
Mata Rocks Resort is a mid-range property located on the southern end of Ambergris Caye, about a 10-minute golf cart ride from San Pedro Town. The hotel has 17 rooms with simple, beachy decor and a tiny pool that overlooks the ocean. Its beach is marred by the piles of seaweed that wash up on shore, though travelers will notice this everywhere on the island. Mata Rocks offers free continental breakfast, free bikes, and free Wi-Fi, but there isn’t much to see or do in the immediate area surrounding the hotel. Travelers who’d prefer to be in San Pedro Town should check out Caye Casa, a more sophisticated property with nicer rooms and slightly pricier nightly rates.
Owners Jan and Sandra opened this romantic hideaway in 2001, and today it has 16 rooms (many cabana-style units with thatched roofs) and one mansion for families and groups. The room decor is a mix of Belizean and Guatemalan textiles and furnishings, and the ambiance is unpretentious (the owners call the vibe "barefoot elegance"). The property is surrounded by palms and located six miles north of San Pedro, so guests will need to take boats to and from town. The pool has ocean views, the restaurant and bar has both indoor and outdoor sections, and beach has firmly packed white sand and a swimming pier. Active types can take advantage of the free kayaks and snorkel gear, or the professional dive shop on-site. Wi-Fi is free.
Owners Jan and Sandra opened this romantic hideaway in 2001, and today it has 16 rooms (many cabana-style units with thatched roofs) and one mansion for families and groups. The room decor is a mix of Belizean and Guatemalan textiles and furnishings, and the ambiance is unpretentious (the owners call the vibe "barefoot elegance"). The property is surrounded by palms and located six miles north of San Pedro, so guests will need to take boats to and from town. The pool has ocean views, the restaurant and bar has both indoor and outdoor sections, and beach has firmly packed white sand and a swimming pier. Active types can take advantage of the free kayaks and snorkel gear, or the professional dive shop on-site. Wi-Fi is free.