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Most people coming to Belize City are just passing through, looking for a place to crash before they head inland or to the islands. But if you are looking to stay for a day or two, where you stay matters! There aren’t a huge number of options of places to stay in Belize City, but picking the right one will make your trip better.
When deciding where to stay, first consider what you want to do.
If you have no interest in exploring Belize City and just want a place to relax and spend the night, you’ll probably want to stay in the waterfront area of Belize City—but you are going to pay a bit more. The waterfront hotels are also more convenient to the airport.
If you want to explore Belize City a little and be in walking distance to attractions, consider the downtown options. These options have a little more character and will give you a better feel for Belize City life. But Belize City can feel a bit gritty, so just know these options probably aren’t for the “all-inclusive” types.
Read on to discover the best places to stay in Belize City for any taste or budget.
I didn’t stay at all these places (your girl doesn’t have that kind of time or budget!), but I did explore all around town and do some serious research for you.
Waterfront
If you want to stay by the waterfront for those Caribbean views and cool breezes, you have a few popular options. Just know that if you stay by the waterfront, you won’t get a real feel for Belize City (and that might be just fine with you).
There aren’t really any budget options by the waterfront.
Harbour View Boutique Hotel & Wellness Retreat (Expensive / Luxury)
Harbour View Boutique Hotel & Wellness Retreat is probably the best hotel in Belize City. It’s a quiet oasis right on the tip of the waterfront, near the Belize sign.
They have well-appointed guest rooms, cottages, and suites with kitchenettes. You’ll also have access to a swimming pool and garden, and reportedly strong wifi. They also have a variety of wellness offerings (as the name implies). Martha’s Café, which I highly recommend, is part of this hotel, though not on the same property.
Rooms here will run you US$150-350 per night.
Golden Bay Hotel (Mid-range / Expensive)
The Golden Bay Hotel is on the waterfront, super close to the Museum of Belize. They have a rooftop restaurant that really takes advantage of those sea views. Rooms are modern, clean, and spacious with all the amenities.
Rooms here will run you around US$120-150 per night.
Ramada by Wyndham Princess Belize City (Mid-range)
The Ramada by Wyndham Princess Belize City is a little further away from the action, so if you stay here, plan to take some taxis or get your steps in. It’s a little closer (by 1om minutes) to the airport, so might be a good option if you need to get to the aiport faster.
The Ramada is pretty self-contained, with a pool, spa, casino, cinema, gift shop, and two restaurants. You may never leave!
But it’s a bit tired. It sounds like a lot of things don’t work as they should and it might not be the best value for money. I’d only recommend staying here if you are paying with points, or just need a one-night stopover close to the airport.
Rooms at the Ramada will run you about US$125 per night.
Pickwick Park View Hotel (Expensive / Luxury)
The Pickwick Park View Hotel is just up the road from the Ramada, also on the waterfront. It has spacious, modern rooms, but the restaurants don’t get rave reviews. The main problem people have with this place is that it is hard to find the entrance! Probably a good idea to note down those instructions before you head out.
Rooms here will run you around US$150-600 per night, depending on whether you opt for a non-sea view room or the luxury suite.
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Downtown
Staying in the downtown area of Belize City will have you closer to the action. It’s easy to walk around downtown and see all the sites (limited as they are). Honestly, I didn’t find a lot of great restaurants in the downtown area but there are a lot of quick snack options and a very cute café (Bricks & Books).
Case de Shangri-La (Budget / Mid-range)
I, of course, am not quite so spendy, so I stayed in the dodgier section near the bus station (the area was fine for me, but might make some people feel uncomfortable).
The Casa de Shangri-La is a great option for the budget traveler. I liked it so much, I stayed there twice!
They have shared rooms (tiny rooms but comfortable beds) with shared bathrooms and private rooms. They also have a small but well-equipped and tidy kitchen and sitting area—as well as some outdoor areas for chillaxing (hello hammocks!). The wifi is respectable. The staff is super-friendly and helpful. And you can do laundry—every budget traveler’s dream!
Dorm rooms are around US$25, private rooms are around US$80 per night.
Coningsby Inn (Mid-range)
The Coningsby Inn is a popular option located in the quiet area between the Supreme Court building and Government House. People like the homey feel and the pleasant staff. They have a good breakfast as well (for an extra fee).
The standard room is around US$90 per night.
One South Place (Mid-range / Expensive)
If you are looking for something a little fancier downtown, look no further than One South Place. It’s about halfway between the Supreme Court building and Government House, which is a nice quiet area. People love the sea views, friendly staff, and breakfast.
Rooms run around US$150 per night (more for a sea view).
Key Takeaways on the Best Places to Stay in Belize City
Belize City isn’t a hot spot on the Belize tourist circuit, but it still offers visitors some great options for a few nights in town.
Stay by the waterfront to catch those cool sea breezes. Harbour View Boutique Hotel & Wellness Retreat will be your best bet here, and is probably the nicest place to stay in all of Belize City.
Or stay downtown for a little more history and culture. One South Place is the top choice here if it fits in your budget.
Wherever you decide to stay, make sure to book ahead to get the hotel and room that you want. It’s especially important to book ahead during high season, weekends, and holidays. Some of these places are small and book up fast.
Once you’ve picked a spot, head out and explore all Belize City has to offer or take a day trip out to see some ruins or caves!
