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Belize City has the country’s largest hotels, though size is relative in Belize. The Radisson, Princess, and Biltmore Plaza each have 75 or more rooms and strive, not always successfully, for an international standard. The city also has its share of small inns and B&Bs with character, such as the Great House, D’Nest Inn, and Villa Boscardi. Although easy on the pocketbook, the city’s budget hotels frequently have thin, inexpensive mattresses and scratchy sheets, and amenities such as room phones may be scarce. In Belize City safety is an issue, especially at the cheaper hotels, so be sure to check that doors and windows securely lock and that the entrance is well lighted. In the downtown areas, don’t walk around after dark, even in groups; always take a taxi.

Several of the city’s best hotels are in the Fort George area, but there are also good choices in the northern suburbs between downtown and the international airport. The Commercial District on the South Side (south of Swing Bridge) has a number of budget hotels.

Belcove Hotel.
HOTEL | Right in the middle of things, the Belcove is a popular budget hotel just south of Swing Bridge, literally at the edge of Haulover Creek. You can sit on one of the balconies of this three-story wood hotel, painted sunflower yellow, and watch the boats on the river. Some of the rooms are barely larger than the beds in them, but they’re clean, and the staff is helpful and friendly. “Deluxe” doubles are around BZ$105 - $125 including tax, with cheaper budget rooms available. Pros: good value; friendly staff; central downtown location. Cons: slightly funky atmosphere; you need to be very careful downtown after dark. | Rooms from: BZ$70 | 9 Regent St. West, just south of Swing Bridge, Commercial District | 227/3054 | www.belcove.com | 12 rooms, 4 with shared baths | No meals.

Bamboleo Inn.
B&B/INN | New in mid-2013, this small inn in a residential area of Ladyville is an appealing option for an overnight stay just five minutes from the international airport. The modern concrete two-story building houses seven attractive suites with tile floors, light-colored plaster walls, kitchenettes, and air-conditioning. The inn is on a canal with access to the sea. Owners Daniel and Cathy Wakelin are on hand to make sure your stay is a good one. Pros: new inn; attractive suites with kitchenettes; convenient to international airport; safer residential area on canal. Cons: not near good restaurants or other attractions. | Rooms from: BZ$180 | 724 Kingfish Rd., Vista Del Mar | Ladyville | 634/4429 | www.bamboleo-inn.com | 7 suites | No meals.

Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza.
HOTEL | This suburban motel, which mostly gets guests who don’t want to stay in the downtown area, has upgraded its pool, grounds, and rooms, though it’s still a little shy of luxurious. “Deluxe” rooms, with upgraded carpets and mattresses and ice-cold air-conditioning, are worth the extra cost - they can run over BZ$400 at busy periods in-season. The Victorian Room restaurant serves seafood and grilled steak. There is a guarded and fenced parking lot. Pros: comfortable, secure, motel-like suburban setting; bar has good happy hour deals; deluxe rooms worth extra cost. Cons: not much atmosphere; a few mosquitoes around pool; so-so restaurant. | Rooms from: BZ$260 | Mile 3, Goldson Hwy., Northern Suburbs | 223/2302 | www.belizebiltmore.com | 75 rooms.

Chateau Caribbean.
HOTEL | The breezy Fort George seaside location of this hotel is its strongest point, and some would say its only strong point. Behind the charming colonial-style exterior - it was formerly a hospital - some of the rooms and public areas badly need upgrading and refurbishing. With a complete make-over, this well-located hotel could be a prime property in Belize City. For the time being, however, there’s a lot that needs improving. Some scenes in the 1980 movie The Dogs of War were filmed here, and not too much has changed in the intervening years. Don’t expect everything to work perfectly - your room’s louvered windows might not close, defeating the air-conditioning, and you may share your room with a few six-legged friends. However, the second-floor restaurant has sea views, and a menu with an unusual combination of Chinese and Caribbean dishes: you can have grilled snapper with rice and beans while your dining companion tries the sweet-and-sour pork. Menu prices are reasonable. Pros: waterfront location; colonial atmosphere in public areas. Cons: shabby, worn rooms; you may see some bugs. | Rooms from: BZ$194 | 6 Marine Parade, Fort George | 223/0800 | www.chateaucaribbean.com | 20 rooms.

Fodor’s Choice | D’Nest Inn.
HOTEL | In Belama Phase 2, a safe, middle-class suburb between the international airport and downtown, D’Nest Inn is run by a charming couple, Gaby and Oty Ake. Gaby is a retired Belize City banker, and Oty is originally from Chetumal, Mexico. 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. Because of the owners, this is our favorite place to stay in Belize City. Pros: delightful B&B; charming and helpful hosts; delicious breakfasts included. Cons: only a few restaurant choices nearby. | Rooms from: BZ$179 | 475 Cedar St., Northern Suburbs | From Goldson Hwy., turn west on Chetumal St. (newly resurfaced and now a divided boulevard), go about 300 yards, turn right at police station, go 1 short block and turn left, then turn right on Cedar St. | 223/5416 | www.dnestinn.com | 4 rooms | Breakfast.

Global Village Hotel.
HOTEL | This Chinese-owned motel has no atmosphere and no frills, but it’s clean, with modern furniture and fixtures, and a good value at around BZ$100 plus tax for a double. On the Goldson Highway near the turnoff to the international airport, the hotel has free transportation to and from the airport, and usually also to nearby restaurants, and a fenced parking lot with 24-hour security. The included breakfast is a fried egg with toast and coffee or juice. Pros: clean, barebones motel; free airport pickup and drop-off; secure parking. Cons: no atmosphere; mainly for an overnight en route to other locations. | Rooms from: BZ$109 | Mile 8½, Goldson Hwy., just south of turnoff to international airport, Ladyville | 225/2555 | www.globalvillage-bz.com | 40 rooms | Breakfast.

The Great House.
B&B/INN | Among Fort George’s most appealing sights is the colonial facade of this large wooden house, across the street from the Radisson. Pros: lovely old inn; good location in Fort George. Cons: rooms are all upstairs and there’s no elevator. Owner Steve Maestre converted this 1927 home into a fine inn. The large rooms have polished antique-pine floors, with modern conveniences such as Wi-Fi. However, you’ll have to climb some stairs to get to your room, as there is no elevator. Tiers of wrap-around veranda allow you to relax while taking in the sea breeze. On the ground floor you’ll find shops and a restaurant, Smoky Mermaid. Pros: Lovely old inn; good location in the Fort George area. Cons: Rooms are all upstairs on second and third floors with no elevator. | Rooms from: BZ$399 | 13 Cork St., Fort George | 223/3400 | www.greathousebelize.com | 16 rooms | Breakfast.

Fodor’s Choice | Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina.
HOTEL | This is the best international-style large hotel in the city, located in the historic Fort George section with panoramic views of the sea from rooms in the main six-story tower. Opened in 1953, and since totally redone, it was one of the country’s first modern hotels. Rooms in the villa wing across the street, formerly a Holiday Inn, overlook the river and one of the hotel’s two pools. Dining options include the expensive St. George’s Dining Room, the poolside Stonegrill Restaurant, where food is grilled on heated volcanic stones, or the expanded coffee shop, Le Petit Café. The Baymen’s Tavern is one of the city’s upscale watering holes. Pros: Belize City’s best large hotel, but don’t expect San Francisco–level facilities; waterfront location in historic Fort George area, with marina. Cons: some rooms are small and could use updating. | Rooms from: BZ$375 | 2 Marine Parade, in Fort George area, Fort George | 223/3333, 800/967–9033 in U.S. and Canada | www.radissonbelize.com | 102 rooms.

Renaissance Tower.
RENTAL | An alternative to staying in a downtown hotel is this condominium tower, with some units available on a nightly basis; the rates (around BZ$318 including tax) make it an attractive option. All apartments are nicely furnished, with two bedrooms and fully equipped kitchens. Most have either verandas or balconies with sea views, and some have whirlpool tubs. You’re a short walk from several restaurants and the Princess Casino. Secure, free parking is available for guests. Pros: spacious, 1,064-square-foot suites with kitchens at rates the same as or lower than the better hotels. Cons: lacks some hotel amenities such as restaurant and pool. | Rooms from: BZ$318 | 8 Newtown Barracks, Marine Parade Harbor Front | 223/2614 | www.renaissancetower.bz | 27 2-bedroom suites | No meals.

Fodor’s Choice | Villa Boscardi.
B&B/INN | If you’re anxious about downtown Belize City, this appealing B&B in the northern suburbs might be your cup of herbal tea. You’ll stay in the quiet Buttonwood Bay residential area only a block from the sea. Its rooms are bright, sunny, and stylish, with hints of both Europe and Belize in their decor. An excellent full breakfast is included. Pros: the Belgian-born owner is very helpful; cheerful B&B in safe area; attractive rooms. Cons: only a few restaurants nearby. | Rooms from: BZ$203 | 6043 Manatee Dr., Northern Suburbs | Turn toward sea off Goldson Hwy. at Golding Ave., then left on 2nd lane to fifth house on right | 223/1691 | www.villaboscardi.com | 7 rooms | Breakfast.

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