Where to Stay in Belize: Lodging Tips You Need to Know

When deciding where to stay in Belize, many travelers choose to split their time in this beautiful country between the jungles of the interior and the sunny Caribbean coast. This means that you could spend the first half of your vacation staying at an ecolodge deep in the rainforest, and the second half overnighting at a laid-back beach resort. Other lodging alternatives in Belize include small hotels and guesthouses, spacious vacation homes, and affordable hostels. Which one is right for you? Read on.

Staying in an ecolodge is the best way to immerse yourself in the lush Belize jungle. The best of the bunch offer upscale amenities such as spas, pools, fine dining restaurants, and air-conditioned guestrooms, while others are decidedly more rustic. Most jungle lodges can help you arrange a variety of nature activities including hikes, birding or wildlife excursions, canoe trips, and visits to nearby caves or Mayan ruins.

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Keep in mind that no matter how luxurious a property you choose, being in the heart of the rainforest means that nature might intrude on your stay, so expect to see a few bugs here and there. It might also take effort to get to some of the more remote lodges. Chan Chich Lodge, for example, is located on a private wildlife reserve in northwestern Belize, and can only be reached by charter plane or 4×4 vehicle.

Rates at jungle lodges can be high, but in many cases, they include at least some meals and activities. Double-check what’s included—and whether the rates are per person or per room—before booking. Note also that many lodges do not offer television or Wi-Fi. For some travelers, this is part of the charm; if that’s not the case for you, be sure to check ahead.

If sustainability is important to you, read up on the lodge’s conservation practices. Does it employ locals from the community, incorporate solar power, have a recycling program, minimize water consumption, or take other steps to reduce its impact on the environment? Lodges that do these things will often highlight these green practices on their websites. You can also check Green Globe, which has recognized several Belize properties for their eco-friendly practices, as well as Slickrock Adventures’ map of Belize jungle lodges.

Belize has numerous beach resorts catering to honeymooners, sun worshipers and those who simply want to switch gears after a few days in the jungle. Many of these resorts are on Ambergris Caye, the country’s largest island, which is popular with honeymooners and snorkelers; others are on southern Belize’s Placencia peninsula.

The beach resorts here are not the massive all-inclusive complexes you may have seen elsewhere in the Caribbean; most have fewer than 25 rooms. This intimate size lends itself to more personal service and a casual, laid-back vibe. Most resorts offer dive packages for those looking to explore Belize’s famous reefs.

Chabil Mar is one of the more luxurious options, located on a patch of private beachfront at the end of the Placencia peninsula. Accommodations include 19 villas and a honeymoon suite, all with sea views. Guests can relax in one of two infinity pools or dine alfresco anywhere on the property—including on their own personal veranda.

On Ambergris Caye, Xanadu Island Resort is a well-appointed and eco-friendly resort south of San Pedro. With 20 suites ranging in size from studios to three bedrooms, the property offers complimentary kayaks and bicycles for guest use, as well as a nature walk and waterfall.

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International chain hotels are extremely rare in Belize. Instead, many visitors will find themselves staying at one of the country’s numerous small hotels and guesthouses. Most are simply furnished and affordable by Western standards. Breakfast is sometimes included.

Wi-Fi is an increasingly common amenity at properties across Belize, though the connection can be iffy and you may have to pay an extra fee. Read reviews of the property ahead of time to learn more about the internet connectivity there, if that’s important to you.

Many less expensive hotels and guesthouses are not air-conditioned. While opening windows and turning on ceiling fans may be more than enough to keep you comfortable, it’s worth checking ahead, especially if the hotel is overlooking a road where traffic noise might be an issue. For more information about accommodations in Belize, you can check the Belize Tourism Board’s official website, as well as TripAdvisor’s Belize page. (TripAdvisor is SmarterTravel’s parent company.)

You’ll find the majority of Belize’s rental homes along the coast, particularly in the beach towns of Placencia and Hopkins and on the offshore islands of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. Websites such as Airbnb, HomeAway, and VRBO can help you find everything from a small spare room in someone’s home to an airy villa overlooking the sea.

Vacation rentals are most appropriate for families, groups, or anyone looking for a little more space than a typical hotel room. A rental could save you money over the cost of an equivalent local hotel, especially if you plan to use the kitchen to cook instead of eating out every night—but the most luxurious properties are priced accordingly.

Amenities can vary widely, so you’ll want to check the property listing for Wi-Fi, air conditioning, linens, television, dishwashers, and laundry machines. If your rental is part of a resort community, you might be able to use on-site facilities such as pools, fitness centers, or tennis courts.

Reach out to the host beforehand with any questions, such as, “Where is the nearest supermarket, restaurant, and bank?” and “How can I contact you if I have any problems during my stay?”

Affordable hostels are scattered around Belize in the most popular tourist spots including Caye Caulker, Ambergris Caye, San Ignacio, Belize City, and Placencia. Travelers can choose between dorms and private rooms, and between shared and ensuite baths. In addition to saving you money, hostels often have communal kitchens and lounges where you can meet other travelers from around the world. Check ahead to see whether Wi-Fi, breakfast, linens, and towels are included in your nightly rate. Your bext bets for finding hostels in Belize are sites like HostelWorld and Hostels.com.

More from SmarterTravel:

• Getting Around Belize: Transportation Tips
• The Best Places in San Ignacio, Belize
• 11 International Foods to Try Before You Die

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Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.