Top 10 Hotels in Belize: Island Resorts, Jungle Lodges & Mayan Adventures (2026)
Discover the 10 best hotels in Belize for 2026. Overwater bungalows on Ambergris Caye, jungle lodges near Mayan ruins, and eco-resorts in the rainforest. Complete guide with prices, pros and cons.
Contents
Belize is the only English-speaking country in Central America, and it packs an incredible diversity into a nation smaller than Massachusetts. The world's second-largest barrier reef, ancient Mayan cities lost in the jungle, and a laid-back Caribbean vibe make it unlike anywhere else in the region.
Whether you're seeking an overwater bungalow on Ambergris Caye, a jungle lodge near the Mayan ruins of Caracol, or an eco-resort in the rainforest of the Cayo District, this guide covers the 10 best hotels in Belize for 2026.
We selected these hotels based on location, service quality, amenities, value, and verified guest reviews.
Quick Comparison: Top 5 Hotels in Belize
| Hotel | Location | Stars | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cayo Espanto | Private Island | 5 | $$$$ | Ultimate luxury |
| Chaa Creek | San Ignacio | 5 | $$$ | Jungle & Mayan ruins |
| Victoria House | Ambergris Caye | 4 | $$$ | Beach & diving |
| The Lodge at Chaa Creek | Cayo | 4 | $$ | Eco-adventure |
| Matachica Resort | Ambergris Caye | 4 | $$$ | Romance & design |
Price range: $ = under $150/night | $$ = $150-$300 | $$$ = $300-$500 | $$$$ = over $500/night
Ambergris Caye: Caribbean Island Paradise
Ambergris Caye is Belize's largest island and tourism hub. San Pedro town offers restaurants, nightlife, and easy access to the Belize Barrier Reef—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's best diving and snorkeling destinations.
1. Cayo Espanto
A private island with just seven villas, each with its own private dock, pool, and dedicated "house man." Cayo Espanto delivers the kind of barefoot luxury that justifies its prices—this is consistently ranked among the best small hotels in the world.
- Stars: 5
- Price: $$$$ (from $1,500/night all-inclusive)
- Key amenities: Private island, all-inclusive, private villas with pools, personalized service, diving, fishing
- Best for: Ultimate luxury seekers, honeymooners, celebrities
Pros:
- Complete privacy on your own island
- Personalized service (dedicated staff per villa)
- All-inclusive dining customized to your preferences
- World-class diving and snorkeling access
- No children under 16
Contras:
- Extremely high prices
- Limited to 7 villas—books far in advance
- Remote location (boat transfer required)
- Too exclusive for social travelers
2. Victoria House Resort & Spa
A refined beachfront resort just south of San Pedro. Victoria House offers colonial-style casitas, beachfront suites, and plantation-style buildings spread across lush tropical gardens with multiple pools.
- Stars: 4
- Price: $$$ (from $350/night)
- Key amenities: Private beach, 2 pools, spa, restaurant, dive shop, kayaks and paddleboards
- Best for: Couples, families, divers, beach lovers
Pros:
- Excellent beach and pier for water activities
- Colonial charm with modern comfort
- On-site dive shop makes reef access easy
- Multiple room types for different budgets
- Excellent restaurant
Contras:
- 10-minute boat ride to San Pedro town
- Some rooms showing age
- Can feel quiet (good or bad depending on preference)
- Premium pricing
3. Matachica Resort & Spa
Colorful thatched-roof casitas on the beach, each painted a different Caribbean hue. Matachica combines bohemian design with genuine luxury, attracting couples seeking romance without pretension.
- Stars: 4
- Price: $$$ (from $395/night)
- Key amenities: Beachfront casitas, spa, restaurant, infinity pool, diving, adults-only
- Best for: Romantic getaways, honeymooners, design lovers
Pros:
- Distinctive colorful design
- Adults-only ensures romantic atmosphere
- Excellent beach and swimming
- Award-winning Mambo restaurant
- Authentic Belizean character
Contras:
- Remote location (45 mins from San Pedro)
- Limited nightlife options nearby
- Some casitas feel dated
- High prices for what you get
Cayo District: Jungle Adventures and Mayan Ruins
The Cayo District in western Belize is the adventure capital—ancient Mayan cities, cave systems, jungle rivers, and wildlife watching. San Ignacio is the gateway town, but the best lodges are nestled in the surrounding rainforest.
4. Chaa Creek Jungle Lodge
The pioneer of eco-luxury in Belize. Chaa Creek has been welcoming guests since 1981, evolving from a farmhouse into a 400-acre nature reserve with cottages overlooking the Macal River, a natural history museum, and endless activities.
- Stars: 5
- Price: $$$ (from $395/night)
- Key amenities: Jungle setting, spa, natural history center, butterfly farm, canoeing, horseback riding, Mayan ruins tours
- Best for: Nature lovers, families, adventure seekers, birders
Pros:
- Pioneer eco-lodge with decades of experience
- Incredible biodiversity on property
- Full range of adventures available
- Educational experiences (butterfly farm, museum)
- Strong conservation commitment
Contras:
- Remote jungle location
- No beach access
- Premium pricing
- Some cottages are older
5. San Ignacio Resort Hotel
The most comfortable hotel in San Ignacio town itself. The resort sits on a hillside above the Macal River with easy access to town, a pool, iguana conservation project, and organized tours to all major attractions.
- Stars: 4
- Price: $$ (from $195/night)
- Key amenities: Pool, restaurant, iguana project, tours desk, river views, fitness center
- Best for: First-time visitors, families, those wanting town access
Pros:
- Walking distance to San Ignacio town
- Green Iguana Conservation Project on-site
- Pool for relaxation after adventures
- Excellent tour organization
- Good value for comfort level
Contras:
- Less immersive than jungle lodges
- Standard hotel feel vs. boutique charm
- Some rooms need updating
- Can feel commercial
6. Blancaneaux Lodge
Francis Ford Coppola's personal retreat in the Mountain Pine Ridge. Blancaneaux offers Italian-influenced luxury in a jungle setting with waterfalls, horseback riding, and genuine exclusivity.
- Stars: 5
- Price: $$$ (from $450/night)
- Key amenities: Waterfall access, Italian restaurant, horseback riding, spa, private villa options
- Best for: Luxury seekers, romantics, film buffs, honeymooners
Pros:
- Stunning mountain and waterfall setting
- Celebrity pedigree adds mystique
- Excellent Italian-Belizean cuisine
- Very private atmosphere
- Beautiful design throughout
Contras:
- Remote and isolated
- Far from Mayan ruins
- High prices
- Rough road access
Placencia: Southern Beach Paradise
Placencia is Belize's beach alternative to Ambergris Caye—a long peninsula with sandy beaches, fishing villages, and access to both reef and jungle adventures.
7. Turtle Inn
The second Coppola property in Belize, Turtle Inn sits beachfront in Placencia with Balinese-inspired design, seafood-focused dining, and a more relaxed vibe than Blancaneaux.
- Stars: 5
- Price: $$$ (from $425/night)
- Key amenities: Private beach, Balinese villas, dive shop, spa, two restaurants, kids' camp
- Best for: Families, beach lovers, divers, design enthusiasts
Pros:
- Beautiful Balinese design on the beach
- Family-friendly with kids' programs
- Direct beach and diving access
- Two excellent restaurants
- Lower-key than island resorts
Contras:
- Beach can have seaweed issues
- Far from San Pedro action
- Premium Coppola pricing
- Some maintenance issues reported
8. Chabil Mar Villas
A condominium-style resort with generous suites featuring full kitchens, living areas, and private verandas. Chabil Mar offers more space and independence than traditional hotels.
- Stars: 4
- Price: $$ (from $250/night)
- Key amenities: Full-kitchen villas, 2 pools, private pier, kayaks, bicycles, spa services
- Best for: Extended stays, families, independent travelers, self-caterers
Pros:
- Spacious villas with full kitchens
- Excellent for longer stays
- Two pools and private pier
- Good value for space provided
- Quiet, relaxed atmosphere
Contras:
- Condo feel vs. boutique hotel
- Outside town (bicycle or taxi needed)
- No on-site restaurant (kitchens available)
- Some units dated
Belize City & Hopkins: Alternatives
While most travelers skip Belize City, Hopkins village on the coast offers a more authentic Garifuna cultural experience.
9. Hopkins Bay Resort
Beachfront resort in the heart of Hopkins, combining Belizean hospitality with comfortable accommodations and direct reef access.
- Stars: 3.5
- Price: $$ (from $185/night)
- Key amenities: Beachfront, pool, restaurant, dive center, cultural tours, fishing
- Best for: Cultural travelers, divers, families, budget-conscious visitors
Pros:
- Authentic Garifuna village experience
- Good diving and snorkeling access
- More affordable than cayes
- Cultural activities available
- Friendly local atmosphere
Contras:
- Beach not as pristine as cayes
- Limited facilities compared to larger resorts
- Hopkins is small/quiet
- Mosquitoes can be an issue
10. Radisson Fort George Hotel
The most reliable option in Belize City for business travelers or those catching early flights. Located in the Fort George area with pool, restaurant, and secure parking.
- Stars: 4
- Price: $$ (from $175/night)
- Key amenities: Pool, restaurant, business facilities, secure parking, marina
- Best for: Business travelers, transit stays, cruise port access
Pros:
- Best option in Belize City
- Reliable international standards
- Good for early departures
- Pool and restaurant on-site
- Secure compound
Contras:
- Belize City not a tourist destination
- Corporate atmosphere
- Far from beaches and jungle
- Better options elsewhere in Belize
Best Hotels by Region: Quick Guide
Ambergris Caye (3 hotels)
| Hotel | Stars | Price | Best Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cayo Espanto | 5 | $$$$ | Private island |
| Victoria House | 4 | $$$ | Beach & diving |
| Matachica | 4 | $$$ | Design & romance |
Cayo District (3 hotels)
| Hotel | Stars | Price | Best Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chaa Creek | 5 | $$$ | Jungle pioneer |
| San Ignacio Resort | 4 | $$ | Town access |
| Blancaneaux | 5 | $$$ | Coppola luxury |
Placencia (2 hotels)
| Hotel | Stars | Price | Best Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turtle Inn | 5 | $$$ | Beach & design |
| Chabil Mar | 4 | $$ | Space & value |
Hopkins & Belize City (2 hotels)
| Hotel | Stars | Price | Best Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hopkins Bay | 3.5 | $$ | Cultural experience |
| Radisson Fort George | 4 | $$ | City convenience |
Choose Based on Your Travel Style
Diving and snorkeling: Ambergris Caye puts you on the reef. Victoria House offers excellent dive services, or Cayo Espanto for luxury reef access.
Mayan ruins and jungle: Cayo District lodges like Chaa Creek and San Ignacio Resort provide easy access to Caracol, Xunantunich, and Actun Tunichil Muknal cave.
Romance and luxury: Cayo Espanto for ultimate privacy, Blancaneaux for mountain seclusion, Matachica for colorful beach romance.
Family travel: Victoria House and Turtle Inn both welcome families with kid-friendly activities and spacious accommodations.
Budget-conscious: San Ignacio Resort and Hopkins Bay deliver solid experiences at more accessible prices.
Best Time to Visit Belize
Belize has a subtropical climate with wet and dry seasons:
-
Dry season (February to May): Best weather with clear skies and calm seas. Peak season for tourism—book ahead.
-
Wet season (June to November): Afternoon showers, lower prices, fewer crowds. Diving is still excellent. Hurricane risk peaks August-October.
-
Shoulder months (December-January): Good weather but some rain possible. Holiday season brings higher prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hotel in Belize?
For ultimate luxury, Cayo Espanto is world-renowned. For jungle adventure with comfort, Chaa Creek pioneered eco-luxury. For beach and diving, Victoria House balances quality and value.
Is Belize expensive?
Belize is mid-range for Central America—more expensive than Nicaragua or Honduras, similar to Costa Rica. Expect $150-$400/night for good hotels. Cayo Espanto and Coppola properties reach $500-$1,500+.
Do I need a car in Belize?
For the cayes (islands), no—boats and golf carts are transport. For Cayo District, a car helps but tours with transport are available. Roads are generally good on main routes.
What is the best area to stay in Belize?
- Ambergris Caye for beaches, diving, and island life
- Cayo District for jungle, adventure, and Mayan ruins
- Placencia for quieter beaches and fishing
- Hopkins for Garifuna culture and budget beach
How safe is Belize for tourists?
Tourist areas (Ambergris Caye, San Ignacio, Placencia) are generally safe. Belize City has higher crime—most visitors transit through quickly. Use standard precautions.
Conclusion
Belize delivers a unique Central American experience—English-speaking, Caribbean-influenced, and packed with world-class diving, ancient ruins, and jungle adventures in a compact country.
Our recommendation for first-time visitors: Split your time between Ambergris Caye (3 nights for reef and beach) and San Ignacio area (2-3 nights for jungle and ruins). If time allows, add Placencia for a more relaxed beach finale.
Belize is ready to welcome you.
