We (family of 4 including 2 kids 10 and 11) spent one night at the Chateau Caribbean hotel in Belize City before departing Belize after a 10 day trip through Placencia and Cayo.

We made the reservation by calling the hotel directly from Belize City airport at the beginning of the trip. The hotel has recently been renovated. After somewhat unique accomodations in Placencia and Cayo, this hotel seemed like a US motel - bigger room, clean, 2 double beds, air con, TV, good and clean bathroom, good shower pressure.

There is a restaurant on the property. We had ridden the bus over from Cayo (San Ignacio), so we were tired and hungry. Food was excellent and plentiful, atmosphere nice, with open windows facing the Caribbean.

Everyone from the front desk staff, the cab drivers linked with the hotel, the guy who helped carry luggage and the restaurant staff was very accomodating, friendly and polite. Served us decent coffee in our room the following morning upon request -- a small luxury. We followed this with a delicious breakfast of Belizean fryjacks, johnnie cakes and eggs at the restaurant. Cabs are available in a minute as Mr. Bailey and Mr. Fisher work for the hotel and bring them around as soon as you tell the front desk.

If you're looking for 5-star luxury and expensive pampering, this might not be your place. If you're looking for a unique little place with a lot of character, this might not be that either (in fact, you might need to travel outside the city to see that). If, however, you are looking for a clean, comfortable room to spend a night or few nights en route to other activities, this is very appropriate.

We liked it very much and would go back in a heartbeat (although Belize City is probably not where you want to spend most of your time in Belize).

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.