Chateau Caribbean is pretty shabby. As someone else wrote, it is in dire need of a make-over. We stayed on the top floor and everything was damp, damp, damp despite the window air conditioner. The best part is that the Radisson is right next door. You can pay less and stay at the so-called Chateau, and walk next door to use the facilities at the Radisson.

This hotel is a refreshing change from the sterile resorts favored by my fellow Americans. You know you are experiencing a part of Belize City, not another contrived designer's view of a tropical paradise. The rooms are comfortable and clean, not posh, with sheets changed daily. You'll want to spend a few hours on the front porch overlooking the sea feeling the cooling trade winds. The food is excellent, served in a quiet dining room above the front porches with table cloths and politely attentive service. The location is convenient for taking day trips snorkling on Caulker Caye or climbing Mayan temples in the rain forest. While Belize City certainly isn't Rodeo Drive, it offers an interesting exploring oportunity with pleasant locals especially on days when cruise ships are NOT in port. You shouldn't miss the museums at Government House or the old prison. There is also a wonderful old Anglican Cathedral and cemetary near Government House. Introduce yourself to the owners, Mr. & Mrs. Lo, and your experience shouldl be as satisfying as mine.

The Chateau had a beautiful view of the Caribbean and a great staff that catered to your every need, from room service to clothes service. The food was very good. They were all very friendly and helpful. The rooms are very clean with newly remodeled bathrooms with hot water, although it only lasts for about five minutes. It is near the tourist village where cruise ships come and you can get to see a different side of Belize City. A very pretty side without the delapidated buildings on the other side of the City. If you don't like Belize City, don't let it ruin your ideas on the rest of Belize. The whole country is beautiful. I will definitely stay here again when I go back.

Hi- spent 2 nights in Belize City at Chateau Caribbean in January. It is in the nicer Marine Parade District of the city, right on the sea- nice views. The hotel has a nice front porch, and rooms were adequate, but what a huge dissapointment after spending the week in Placencia and Cayo. Belize City is sketchy and gross. The souvienr shops are overpriced- get out into the countryside for deals!

We had great food at the nearby Smoky Mermaid. We did not feel especially safe walking around at night, and when you are advised to not get caught on the wrong side of the swing bridge at night, take that piece of advice!

We did not have any meals at the Chateau Caribbean, the dining room and bar looked so emptly and lonley that we ate elsewhere. The staff was not especially accomodating in cashing traveler's checks (easily done next door and the much nicer Raddison), or setting up tours. They did call us to see if we wanted to arrange a tour, and made several suggestions, but it didn't work out- by the time we had been in Belize for a week, we decided against another tour and took a water taxi to Caye Caulker and walked around the island- highly recommended!!

Belize City is OK for a quick overnight on your way in or out from the airport, but don't plan to spend any amount of time there. Pick either a jungle lodge, beach resort or Caye to go to and don't spend any more time in Belize City than absoloutely necessary.

Good Luck!