Black Orchid Resort

That front desk gentleman was such a warm, helpful doll. He really made us feel welcome. The setting is lovely and peaceful, with a little family of howler monkeys living on the property. Seeing and hearing them was a memorable bonus. The resort is very secluded, which is great for switching off, though getting anywhere takes planning and transportation can get expensive. Our bed was uncomfortable and made quite a bit of noise when we moved. The exposed logs on the headboard also seem like a safety issue, since it’s easy to bump your head when sitting up or shifting around. We had several frustrating menu mix-ups. Some dishes were described as coming with vegetables and chef-selected rice or potatoes, but arrived without them. Staff said the menu had a typo, so it would help if servers explained that when people order. Pancakes listed as chocolate came plain, and when we asked, our concern was brushed aside and we were told they were correct. Extra ingredients like onions were also added without being mentioned.

You might get to see monkeys around the property if you’re lucky. The rooms have the basic amenities you’d expect for this area and price. Jay, Ashley, and Braxton were especially helpful, always smiling, and the staff were just wonderful.

Dinner and breakfast were delicious, and the prices felt very reasonable for resort food. They had vegan choices at every meal and were happy to leave things out or make substitutions. The veggie paella and soursop ice cream were especially yummy. Azael (sp) at the restaurant and bar was one of the friendliest servers we met in Belize, fun to talk with and full of useful tips for the rest of our trip. I also made friends right away with the property's very friendly cat. Kaleb greeted us at the front desk when we arrived for our first night in Belize. The drive from the airport in our rental was easy, and he made sure we had a great one-night stay. He answered my husband's questions about the wildlife and arranged for us to take a canoe up the river even though we arrived late in the afternoon. The property overlooks the river and is mostly surrounded by nature. We could hear howler monkeys in the distance, but they didn't come by while we were there. The shower head was a little wonky, but it didn't affect our stay. Next time, we'd stay for a few nights.

The location is great, and the staff were excellent. Food was good and the rooms were good enough. The standards may not match what we're used to in the US, but I’d guess they’re quite in line with this part of the world.