Staying in Belize before & after Nekton cruise

[Gtoph]

Hey all,

I've been thinking about staying an extra day or two before and after the week we're on the Nekton Pilot just to check out some of Belize while we're down there. I know they recommend the Princess Hotel & Casino, but from the majority of reviews I've read, it seem to be a less than ideal place to stay at.

Has anyone stayed there recently? Is it pretty much a dump like the reviews say?

What would be a better place to stay that is close to wherever the Nekton docks?

Thanks.

 

[Damselfish]

here's a recent thread -
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/ge...200882-belize-city-hotel-recommendations.html

 

[Footslogger]

We stayed in Belize after both of our Nekton trips. Just went ahead and booked a room at the Princess. Not cheap but convenient and the Nekton van will drop you off there.

 

[reeldive]

Hey all,
I've been thinking about staying an extra day or two before and after the week we're on the Nekton Pilot just to check out some of Belize while we're down there. I know they recommend the Princess Hotel & Casino, but from the majority of reviews I've read, it seem to be a less than ideal place to stay at.

Has anyone stayed there recently? Is it pretty much a dump like the reviews say?

What would be a better place to stay that is close to wherever the Nekton docks?

Thanks.

Talked with the Nekton folks and all though the princess is still on thier website, they do NOT recomend it as a place to stay. We're staying at the Radison for a few days on or return SI. Never tried it befor but some of the crew said it was a good bet.

 

[Gtoph]

Talked with the Nekton folks and all though the princess is still on thier website, they do NOT recomend it as a place to stay. We're staying at the Radison for a few days on or return SI. Never tried it befor but some of the crew said it was a good bet.

Good to know.

I have no idea where the boat actually docks, which is why I was considering just staying at the princess just for the convenience of it all, but I assume it's just a matter of catching a taxi or something Saturday evening to either the princess or the actual dock.

 

[DiveMaven]

The boat docks at the commercial dock and you cannot take a taxi there due to security (they won't let you in).

 

[reeldive]

When r you going Gtoph? We're going Jan19-26

Give Pam a call and see what they'll do for you on transport to and from the hotel. She is always helpful

 

[Darnold9999]

I like the Great House across the street from the Raddison. A little more $, just as comfortable and much more atmosphere. Used to be someone's mansion many many years ago as I understand it - something a little different. Slightly more convenient to "downtown" Belize City than the Princess. You will need to take a taxi to the Princess to get picked up by Nekton but that is a very very short drive. I have walked it several times. As DiveMaven said you can't get in to the Nekton docks easily, it is possible, but easier to just go to the Princess.

You may be able to get picked up at the Great House, but while the head office and staff on the boat for Nekton are really great I wouldn't say the same for the on shore Belize staff. There is a lot going on in the changeover day and a special trip could easily slip someones mind. Ultimately they will deal with it and you will be on the boat, but who needs the stress.

 

[Benthic]

I'll second the recommendation for the Great House in Belize City. We stayed there a few years ago before a live-aboard trip. Well worth the cost. You can walk over the heart of down town, and the restaurant was great as was the atmostphere.

Brian

 

[jasondcrawford]

Me and my wife did the exact same thing you're talking about in January of this year. We had a great time seeing the ruins and the zip line tours, and I'm sure you'll really enjoy it.

Now, about the hotel. The princess wasn't terrible, but wasn't great by any means. If you'll only be there for a day or two, it might be worth the convenience to stay there. Belize city in general isn't the best place to stay... there are many nicer places in Belize. I'd suggest instead of staying a few days before and after, pile them up and stay 3-4 days before OR after... this way you can get out of Belize city for your lodgings and really see a good chunk of what Belize has to offer.

One of the guys in our group stayed at the Best Western, and seemed to really like it. A very Americanized hotel.