Belize City

[tjmills]

Hi Guys,

We are flying in a day early and spending the night in Belize City before heading over to Ambergris for the week. Does anyone have any recommendations on where to stay in Belize City for the night? Some place not too far from the airport but still close enough we can check out the city or jungle?

We think it might be a good place to decompress before heading over.

 

[Hank49]

The jungle isn't really close enough to the city that you'll have time to see it unless you fly late the next day. You'd have to go up the Hummingbird or somewhere at least an hour or more from the city.
The hotels in the city near the domestic airport (with an airstrip probably as wide as your driveway but half price of the international going to San Pedro) are, the Princess, the Radisson, the Biltmore. These are all within 10 minutes of the domestic airport.

 

[avw]

My wife and I stayed a night at the Biltmore a few years ago. Was nice and clean, with a decent restaurant.

 

[Cap'n Ron]

Might suggest you just fly right over to the island - not much to see in Belize City.

 

[tjmills]

Cap'n Ron,

what does "not too much to see" really mean? We are somewhat off the beaten path people to a degree. Hanging out with locals having dinner or shopping for crafts would be good for us. On the other hand...if that is pretty weak please tell us.

 

[ewong]

I second the "not much to see" opinion. I stayed one night at the Radisson and it was even too much for me. There wasn't any attractions nor shopping areas. Plus I don't think it's very safe at night. To give you an idea, the casino at the Princess (one of the top hotels in town) has a metal detector.

You get a much better inviting environment near the several Mayan ruins (yeah it's more "touristy") ... I would skip Belize City altogether ...

 

[Darnold9999]

There really isn't much to see in Belize City.

Have only been a couple of times, but when the cruse ships are in there are street markets in the few blocks near the terminal and hords of tourists. When the cruse ships are not in - nothing.

Having said that, I am someone that will just start walking just to get the feel of a place. Spent five or six hours last trip just prowling around the "downtown area". Not the most interesting place, wouldn't do it again (and I will be there for a few hours next month on the way to a liveaboard. Planned it so I wouldn't have extra time in the city coming or going, something I never do.)

Rented a car the next day, much more interesting, went a direction we did not go in the previous trip. Drove up to the Mexican border and back and then did a side trip back to the Zoo - interesting drive and the zoo is a cool place to spend the afternoon.

If it were me and the connections worked, I would skip staying the night in Belize City - go down to the swing bridge, spend a couple hours wandering in the immediate neighbourhood of the swing bridge and then head off to Ambergrise via one of the passenger boats. Don't remember if there is a place to store luggage at the terminal. Fly back, but the boat ride out is an experience and very inexpensive.

My personal opinion is that Belize City is the least attractive part of Belize. Pretty much anywhere else in the country is better - much better. Liked Ambergrise, liked San Ignacio and the drive to Placencia (Hummingbird Hwy), liked Placencia. More things to do, more attractive.

YMMV

 

[tjmills]

You guys are killin me here. I was sure at some point I would find some adventurous soul who would take up for Belize City and give some back up that there are some really cool places there. Alright, you have convinced me. Perhaps we will just head over to Ambergris.

I really appreciate all the help guys.

 

[fdog]

<snip>My personal opinion is that Belize City is the least attractive part of Belize. Pretty much anywhere else in the country is better - much better. Liked Ambergrise, liked San Ignacio and the drive to Placencia (Hummingbird Hwy), liked Placencia. More things to do, more attractive.

YMMV

Exactly true. One look at all the bars on the windows in Belize City will convince you not to stray out after dark, either.

All the best, James

 

[Hank49]

You guys are killin me here. I was sure at some point I would find some adventurous soul who would take up for Belize City and give some back up that there are some really cool places there. Alright, you have convinced me. Perhaps we will just head over to Ambergris.

I really appreciate all the help guys.

Alright, I'll throw in a good word or two for Belize City. You could go to Old Belize just out of town on the Western Hwy. There's a museum there, a nice restaurant or two and it's where the "who's who" of Belize keep their boats in a nice marina. If you like boats you can walk around and see some nice ones.
I honestly haven't been to Belize City at night, other than a hospital a couple times, but I enjoy walking around up on Albert Street, the main market area, in the daytime. There are all the stores the locals shop in, and you'll see all the peoples of Belize there on any day. There'll be reggae or some Carib music blasting from a speaker...the smell of rice and beans and chicken cooking in some .....or actually just about every, restaurant.
I would say it's worth it. You get to see ALL of Belize this way. Passing it is like going to the US, landing in Miami and saying you've seen the US. Hank